cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-C-141-07: A Mass-Conserving 4D XCAT Phantom Enabling Normal Tissue Deformable Dose Accumulation

Purpose: The XCAT phantom is a realistic 4D digital torso phantom that is widely used in imaging and therapy research. However, lung mass is not conserved between respiratory phases of the phantom, making detailed dosimetric simulations unphysical. A framework is presented for enforcing local mass conservation in the XCAT lung and is combined with a dose calculation algorithm to create a tool for dose accumulation studies. As an application of this technique, the impact of irregular breathing on 4DCT-based predictions of accumulated lung dose is assessed. Methods: A displacement vector field (DVF) between a respiratory state and a reference image is directly determined from the XCAT motion model and its divergence is used to correct the lung density. A series of phantoms with regular and irregular breathing (based on patient data) are generated and corrected. Monte Carlo simulations of conventional and SBRT treatments are performed, and the dose is deformed and accumulated. A 4DCT is simulated for the irregular breathing patient, and the 4DCT dose calculation is compared with the full accumulated delivered dose. Results: The presented framework successfully conserves mass in the XCAT lung. The spatial distribution of the lung dose was qualitatively changed by the use of mass conservation; however the DVH does not change significantly. The comparison of the delivered dose with the 4DCT-based prediction shows similar lung metric results, however dose differences of 10% can be seen in different regions of the lung. Conclusion: The XCAT phantom has been successfully modified so that it conserves lung mass during respiration, enabling it to be used as a tool to perform dose accumulation studies in the lung without relying on deformable image registration. These studies can reveal potentially significant differences between the predicted dose and the actual delivered dose. The software is freely available from the authors. The project described was supported, in part, by an RSNA Research Scholar Grant and Award Number R21CA156068 from the National Cancer Institute. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the RSNA, National Cancer Institute or the National Institutes of Health.
Structural elements within the methylation loop (residues 112–117) and EF hands III and IV of calmodulin are required for Lys115 trimethylation

Calmodulin is trimethylated by a specific methyltransferase on Lys115, a residue located in a six amino acid loop (LGEKLT) between EF hands III and IV. To investigate the structural requirements for methylation, domain exchange mutants as well as single point mutations of conserved methylation loop residues (E114A, Glu114-->Ala; L116T, Leu116-->Thr) were generated. E114A and L116T activated cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) and NAD+ kinase (NADK) similar to wild-type calmodulin, but lost their ability to be methylated. Domain exchange mutants in which EF hand III or IV was replaced by EF hand I or II respectively (CaM1214 and CaM1232 respectively) showed a modest effect on PDE and NADK activation (50 to 100% of wild-type), but calmodulin methylation was abolished. A third domain exchange mutant, CaMEKL, has the methylation loop sequence placed at a symmetrical position between EF hands I and II in the N-terminal lobe [residues QNP(41-43) replaced by EKL]. CaMEKL activated PDE normally, but did not activate NADK. However, CaMEKL retained the ability to bind to NADK and inhibited activation by wild-type calmodulin. Site-directed mutagenesis of single residues showed that Gln41 and Pro43 substitutions had the strongest effect on NADK activation. Additionally, CaMEKL was not methylated, suggesting that the introduction of the methylation loop between EF hands I and II is not adequate for methyltransferase recognition. Overall the data indicate that residues in the methylation loop are essential but not sufficient for methyltransferase recognition, and that additional residues unique to EF hands III and IV are required. Secondly, the QNP sequence in the loop between EF hands I and II is necessary for NADK activation.
Cellular senescence induced by CD158d reprograms natural killer cells to promote vascular remodeling

Natural killer (NK) cells, which have an essential role in immune defense, also contribute to reproductive success. NK cells are abundant at the maternal–fetal interface, where soluble HLA-G is produced by fetal trophoblast cells during early pregnancy. Soluble HLA-G induces a proinflammatory response in primary, resting NK cells on endocytosis into early endosomes where its receptor, CD158d, resides. CD158d initiates signaling through DNA-PKcs, Akt, and NF-κB for a proinflammatory and proangiogenic response. The physiological relevance of this endosomal signaling pathway, and how activation of CD158d through soluble ligands regulates NK cell fate and function is unknown. We show here that CD158d agonists trigger a DNA damage response signaling pathway involving cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 expression and heterochromatin protein HP1-γ phosphorylation. Sustained activation through CD158d induced morphological changes in NK cell shape and size, and survival in the absence of cell-cycle entry, all hallmarks of senescence, and a transcriptional signature of a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). SASP is a program that can be induced by oncogenes or DNA damage, and promotes growth arrest and tissue repair. The secretome of CD158d-stimulated senescent NK cells promoted vascular remodeling and angiogenesis as assessed by functional readouts of vascular permeability and endothelial cell tube formation. Retrospective analysis of the decidual NK cell transcriptome revealed a strong senescence signature. We propose that a positive function of senescence in healthy tissue is to favor reproduction through the sustained activation of NK cells to remodel maternal vasculature in early pregnancy.
The electronic structure of and conformational energy barrier to rotation around the CN glycosidic linkage in adenosine-3′, 5′-cyclicmonophosphate (cyclic AMP) and its phosphonate analog

Abstract Extended Huckel molecular orbital calculations are reported on cyclic AMP and its phosphonate analog. A parallel Lennard-Jones potential and molecular orbital study on the barrier to rotation of the adenine base around the sugar phosphate moiety indicates a rather low barrier for both molecules studied (6.6 kcal/mole and less than 6 kcal/mole for the cyclic phosphate and cyclic phosphonate, respectively) with most favorable syn and anti forms possessing similar energies. According to the calculations this low barrier may be the most distinguishable property when compared to the molecule's precursor ATP and enzymically derived product 5′-AMP.
Siting restrictions and proximity of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations to surface water

Abstract Proximity and connections to surface waters may play significant roles in determining impacts of manure spills. As occurred in many U.S. states, Minnesota adopted in 2000 more stringent regulations on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) including restrictions on siting new facilities near surface waters. The objectives of this study were to determine whether CAFO proximity to surface waters decreased following the siting restrictions and to evaluate implications of siting restrictions. Permit dates, locations, and distances to nearest surface water bodies for 111 west central Minnesota CAFOs were determined based on satellite imagery, historical records, and correspondence with regulatory officials. Average distance between surface waters and facilities permitted after 2000 was greater than for facilities permitted before 2000. The increase in average distance between CAFOs and public surface waters was significant for open water (1790 m, p = 0.03), but not for streams (280 m, p = 0.47). Decreased CAFO proximity to surface waters should benefit water quality, but after 2000 facilities continued to be permitted close to hydraulic connections not covered by the siting restriction. Comprehensive manure spill tracking and long term targeted water quality monitoring are needed to evaluate effectiveness of siting restrictions and other strategies for protecting surface waters from manure spills.
Begging the question: a reply to Lycan

There are two competing types of account of state consciousness on the philosophical market: higher-order representational (HOR) accounts and first-order representational (FOR) accounts.1 HOR accounts attempt to explain state consciousness in terms of a mental state's relation to higherorder mental states. FOR accounts, on the other hand, attempt to explain state consciousness in terms of a mental state's relations to environmental
On the Risk of Dealing with Safe Contamination: An Issue in Development

Infrastructure development is critical in helping the people of underdeveloped nations attain a higher standard of living. Unfortunately, in many cases, development has proceeded at the expense of human health and environmental quality. Pollution prevention, risk communication, and risk management provide avenues in dealing with contamination without legislation. Consistent with ASCE's Code of Ethics, engineers have the duty to present all the environmental consequences of engineering projects. The affected community decides the fate of any project based on the accepted environmental risks associated with it.
Abstract 5163: Differential effects of IGF-2 on epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) in African- American and Caucasian breast cancer cell lines

Breast cancer is a multifactorial disease that disproportionately affects women. Breast cancer patients with the worst prognosis tend to be premenopausal, African-American (AA) and present with aggressive, estrogen-independent tumors unresponsive to standard endocrine therapy. Because of these factors, it is important to discover unique biomarkers for screening and treatment of breast cancer. One potential candidate is the insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-2). Studies indicate that tumors that express high levels of IGF-2 are more aggressive, exhibit a basal-like phenotype and tend to metastasize. Suggesting that enhanced or altered IGF-2-mediated cell signaling pathways may be involved in the pathogenesis and disease progression of metastatic, ER-null breast cancer. We hypothesize that this may be due to the ability of IGF-2 to affect the mesenchymal epithelial transition (EMT) of these cells. To assess the potential effect(s) of proIGF-2 on EMT, we have over-expressed pro- and mature- forms of IGF-2 in human breast cancer cell lines: MCF-7, T47D, Hs578T, CRL-2329, CRL-2335 and Z75D-30. There are phenotypic changes that are characteristic of EMT, cellular morphology was evaluated by phase-contrast and confocal microscopy on days 5, 15, 20, and 30 post-transfection. In cells overexpressing proIGF-2 and mIGF-2, qRT-PCR and Western immunoblot analysis were used to assess expression and activation of E-cadherin, PI3K/AKT, SNAI1/2, RelB, Bcl-2, ERα and ERβ. This project will evaluate proIGF-2 as an initator of EMT and cancer metastisis. [Research support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy] Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5163. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5163
Loop-Antenna Coupling-Transformer Design

The low-impedance loop coupling-transformer circuit is analyzed, expressing the transformer parameters in terms of the circuit and transformer coupling coefficients. Equations are developed which yield optimum design values for the transformer. It is shown that an ideal transformer-coupled loop has 38.4 per cent of the gain realizable from a direct-connected loop of the same area, assuming the same Q in the transformer secondary as in the direct-connected loop.
Empirical Bayes testing for a normal mean: variance unknown case

Abstract This paper deals with the empirical Bayes testing for the mean θ of a N ( θ , σ 2 ) distribution using a linear error loss where it is assumed that θ follows an unknown prior distribution G and variance σ 2 is fixed but unknown. An empirical Bayes test δ ˜ n is constructed. Under very mild conditions that E G [ | θ | ] ∞ and the critical point of a Bayes test is finite, δ ˜ n is shown to be asymptotically optimal, and the associated regret converges to zero at a rate O ( n - 1 ( ln n ) 1.5 ) where n is the number of past experiences available when the current component decision problem is considered. This rate achieves the optimal rate which was established by Gupta and Li (Optimal rate of convergence of monotone empirical Bayes tests for a normal mean. Technical Report 01-03, Department of Statistics, Purdue University.) for variance σ 2 known case.
Quasiparticle propagation in aluminum fins and tungsten TES dynamics in the CDMS ZIP detector

Abstract With the aim of improving the rejection of surface beta contamination on the CDMS ZIP detector, we have studied the effectiveness of our phonon pulse-shape discrimination by matching a Monte Carlo calculation to data from a 350 μ m long Al fin with W TESs (Transition-Edge Sensors) at both ends. From this fit, we determined the Al film diffusivity to be D Al = 0.010 ± 0.001 m 2 / s , the quasiparticle trapping length in the Al fin to be l trap = 180 ± 10 μ m , and the Al to W TES transmission to be f Al / W = 0.002 ± 0.001 .
Synthesis and self-assembly of a triphenylene-containing amphiphilic conjugated macrocycle

Abstract A new amphiphilic π-conjugated system containing a shape-persistent conjugated macrocycle with two triphenylene chromophores as the anchoring units has been successfully synthesized. The amphiphilic macrocycle has been found to self-assemble into robust and uniform microspheres, presumably due to the strong π−π stacking interaction between triphenylene chromophores.
Studies of tetrasubstituted tetrahydrofurans

Abstract Unambiguous stereochemical assignments, detailing the course of iodine-induced cyclizations of the γ,δ-olefinic benzyl ethers 3ab , are available from X-ray studies. Pure samples of all four diastereomeric tetrahydrofuran alcohols 8 , 9 , 12 , and 15 have been produced for direct spectroscopic comparison.
Some Implications of Interactive Graphic Computer Systems for Data Analysis and Statistics

“Current facilities for computing, display, and real time interaction have developed substantially beyond our understanding of how to use them effectively in data analysis. Current limitations in data analysis technology are mainly in explicating and organizing the science of data analysis and of defining and implementing the necessary associated computer software. “From the statistical side of the discipline must come: broader, more permissive, empirically oriented concepts and theories; more inclusive and realistic classifications of objectives; more effective and coherent classifications of useful techniques; research toward more empirically informative techniques that will provide both exposure and summarization; more understanding and research on techniques of reforming and re-expressing variables; deeper insight into the psychology of graphs, pictures and output formats in general, both for interaction and for communication; progress toward standardized data structures of great flexibility and compr...
The importance of the amino acid in position 27 of cholecystokinin in determining its biological activity on pancreatic acini

Abstract We tested the synthetic C-terminal heptapeptide of cholecystokinin, which has the same biologic activity as cholecystokinin, and various synthetic analogs of the C-terminal heptapeptide for their abilities to increase amylase secretion from dispersed acini prepared from guinea-pig pancreas. We found that altering the chemical character of the amino acid in position 27 altered the potency with which the peptide stimulated amylase secretion but did not alter the efficacy of the peptide. We also found that, in the amino acid in position 27, the major function of the side-chain seems to be to position the sulfate ester group at a proper distance from the backbone of the peptide chain, whereas the chemical structure of the side-chain per se seems to be of relatively minor importance.
Evaluation of the North Carolina "Baby Think It Over" project.

ABSTRACT: The North Carolina “Baby Think It Over” (BTIO) evaluation was conducted during spring semester 2000. Data were collected from participating teachers, students, and parents. Twenty-five teachers were selected randomly from different counties in North Carolina. Each randomly selected teacher coordinated the evaluation in conjunction with the intervention. Student surveys determined whether using the BTIO doll changed perceptions and attitudes toward teen parenting. Information also was collected on the veracity of each student's participation based on data provided from the computer in the baby. Surveys were sent home to the parents of participating students so information on communication, disruption of the household, and parenting perceptions could be obtained. Each teacher completed a survey that sought information on topics discussed throughout the intervention, hours of the program, and perceptions of program effectiveness. Parents and teachers were offered participation incentives. Overall, support existed for the BTIO intervention by parents and teachers. Most teachers and parents felt the program was effective at increasing communication about parenting and changing teen's attitudes in a desired direction. Most teachers reported that the intervention was not disruptive to their classes. However, results from student surveys did not reveal the same support. Student changes in attitudes and beliefs about parenting after the intervention were minimal. (J Sch Health. 2002;72(5): 178–183)
The effect of zinc oxide additions on the performance of calcined sodium montmorillonite and illite shale supplementary cementitious materials

Abstract The objectives of this study were to use activation treatments on sodium montmorillonite and illite shale, to alter early hydration or later pozzolanic reactivity when used as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). For comparison purposes, treatment methods were also applied to the highly reactive pozzolan, metakaolin, and the inert filler, quartz. Activation treatment strategies included the addition of 0.15 wt% zinc oxide and the use of thermal treatments to the SCMs at temperatures of 650 °C, 830 °C and 930 °C. The use of zinc oxide additions increased the early hydration rate of SCM-containing pastes, yet introduced a chemical retardation and negatively impacted early compressive strengths. Moreover, the results suggest that retardation was inversely correlated with the pozzolanic reactivity of the SCM used. Thermal treatment methods were effective at influencing the SCM pozzolanic reactivity, with montmorillonite calcined at 830 °C and illite calcined at 930 °C behaving as late-reacting pozzolans. SCMs calcined at these temperatures resulted in higher 90 day compressive strengths compared to mortars containing the quartz filler. Overall, this study provides insight into different strategies that maybe used to enhance the reactivity of impure calcined clays in order to facilitate their acceptance into the concrete industry.
Parent use of touchscreen computer kiosks for child health promotion in community settings.

OBJECTIVES. The goals were to evaluate the use of touchscreen computer kiosks, containing only child health–promoting information, in urban, low-income, community settings and to characterize the users of these kiosks. METHODS. Three user-driven touchscreen computer kiosks were placed in low-income urban locations in Seattle, Washington, from March 2005 to October 2005. The locations included a public library, a Department of Motor Vehicles office, and a McDonald9s restaurant. Users selected age-appropriate modules with prevention information and screening tools. Users entered the age of the child and were presented with age-appropriate modules. On exiting, users were asked to rate their experience and to provide basic demographic data. RESULTS. In total, there were 1846 kiosk sessions. Almost one half occurred at McDonald9s. Seventy-eight percent of users identified themselves as first-time users. Users sought information for children of all ages. Sixty-one percent of first-time users explored 1 module. First-time users were most interested in television/media use (16%), smoke exposure (14%), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder screening (12%), and asthma assessment (11%). At-risk children were identified in 52% of sessions. Eighty-seven percent of first-time users who completed the asthma assessment had children whose asthma was uncontrolled. Twenty-eight percent of users responded to ≥1 question on the exit survey. Of those, 48% had less than a high school education, and 26% had never used the Internet. Approximately one half found the kiosk easy to use (57%) and the information easy to understand (55%); 66% said there was at least some new information. Fifty-five percent planned to try some of the things they had learned, and 49% intended to talk to their child9s doctor about what they had learned. CONCLUSIONS. User-driven computer kiosks were used in community settings to obtain child health information. Users found the kiosks easy to use. Additional study on improving use and understanding the impact is needed.
Improvement of chemical resistance of apatite/titanium composite coatings deposited by RF plasma-spraying: surface modification by chemical vapor deposition

Abstract The chemical resistance of plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings on titanium substrates was successfully improved by fluoroalkylsilane (FAS), that is, 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane (FAS17) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) formed through chemical vapor deposition. FAS17-SAMs were formed on the topmost HA layer of HA/Ti composite coatings prepared with rf input powers of 12, 17 or 27 kW. Each sample was immersed in a pH 6 buffer solution and its solubility investigated by an ion chromatography. All of the FAS17-coated samples became very hydrophobic with contact angles of more than 130°. The total amount of Ca2+ ions released from the FAS17-coated HA surface decreased in comparison with the samples not coated with FAS17. In addition, the amount of Ca2+ ions released was significantly influenced by the base HA coatings. Scanning electron microscopic observation showed less damage on the FAS17-coated surfaces even after 12 weeks’ immersion in the acidic solution, demonstrating that the effectively protected the underlying HA layer.
Japan's Pre-Perry Preparation for Economic Growth

Of all the nations that inhabit the three largest parts of the globe, the Japanese deserve to rank the first, and to be compared with the Europeans—C. P. Thukberg [Travels, 1796, vol. Ill, p. vi.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INTRON INVOLVEMENT IN THE MITOGEN-INDUCED EXPRESSION OF ZFP-36

Zfp-36, the gene encoding the putative zinc finger protein tristetraprolin (TTP), is rapidly induced in fibroblasts by a variety of growth factors. Recent gene knockout experiments have shown that TTP-deficient mice developed arthritis, cachexia, and autoimmunity, all apparently mediated by an excess of tumor necrosis factor alpha. We recently showed that full serum inducibility of Zfp-36 requires elements in the promoter; in addition, removal of the single intron strikingly inhibited serum-induced TTP expression. We show here that replacement of the intron with unrelated sequences, or removal of 95% of the intron but retention of the splice sites, each resulted in the maintenance of approximately 45 and 19%, respectively, of full serum-induced expression. In addition, deletion of intron sequences base pairs 601-655 decreased the serum-induced expression of TTP by 65%. Sequence base pairs 618-626 bound specifically to the transcription factor Sp1; mutation of this binding motif decreased TTP expression by 70%, suggesting that Sp1 binding to this motif contributes to serum induction of Zfp-36. We conclude that full serum-induced expression of Zfp-36 depends on the activation of conventional promoter elements as well as elements in the single intron, and that the presence per se of the intron in its natural location also contributes significantly to the regulated expression of this gene.
Chromogranin A, an “On/Off” Switch Controlling Dense-Core Secretory Granule Biogenesis

We present evidence that regulation of dense-core secretory granule biogenesis and hormone secretion in endocrine cells is dependent on chromogranin A (CGA). Downregulation of CGA expression in a neuroendocrine cell line, PC12, by antisense RNAs led to profound loss of dense-core secretory granules, impairment of regulated secretion of a transfected prohormone, and reduction of secretory granule proteins. Transfection of bovine CGA into a CGA-deficient PC12 clone rescued the regulated secretory phenotype. Stable transfection of CGA into a CGA-deficient pituitary cell line, 6T3, lacking a regulated secretory pathway, restored regulated secretion. Overexpression of CGA induced dense-core granules, immunoreactive for CGA, in nonendocrine fibroblast CV-1 cells. We conclude that CGA is an "on/off" switch that alone is sufficient to drive dense-core secretory granule biogenesis and hormone sequestration in endocrine cells.
CORONARY SINUS RHYTHM IN SINUS VENOSUS DEFECT AND PERSISTENT LEFT SUPERIOR VENA CAVA.

Abstract The frontal P wave axis was +15 ° or less (inverted P wave in lead III) in 8 of 10 patients with secundum atrial septal defect of the sinus venosus type or with left superior vena cava. A similar leftward P wave axis was present in 14 of 20 patients with left superior vena cava associated with other congenital heart lesions but was present in only 3 of 62 patients with uncomplicated atrial septal defect and in only 20 of 150 unselected children. The leftward P waves are thought to arise from an accessory pacemaker in the coronary sinus region of the A-V node, persisting from embryonic life when the left superior vena cava persists, or assuming pacemaker function when the S-A node is deficient in association with sinus venosus defect or is damaged by surgery. The association of sinus venosus defect with left superior vena cava is pointed out.
Comprehensive studies of light emission from GaN/InGaN/AlGaN single-quantum-well structures

Results of our comprehensive studies of Nichia blue and green SQW LEDs are presented. These include measurements of the emission spectra over a wide range of currents, temperatures, and pressures. The observed anomalous blue shift with temperature and rapid current-induced blue shift at low excitation levels can be explained using a simple model of recombination between Gaussian band-tail states.
Platelet-derived growth factor-BB, insulin-like growth factor-I, and phorbol ester activate different signaling pathways for stimulation of vascular smooth muscle cell migration

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration is an important process in the development of vascular occlusive disease. To investigate mitogen regulation of VSMC migration, a cell-layer-scrape assay was used to measure migration 20 h after stimulation of VSMC with platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). The contributions of cell proliferation were eliminated by treatment of VSMC with hydroxyurea, which suppressed DNA synthesis.PDGF-BB stimulated VSMC migration 2.5-fold, while PMA and IGF-I stimulated migration 1.7- and 1.5-fold, respectively. The importance of protein kinase C (PKC), ERK, and phosphoinositide-3' kinase (PI3 kinase) in mitogen-stimulated migration was investigated, using specific inhibitors of these signaling molecules. PDGF-BB-stimulated migration was inhibited by the general PKC inhibitor RO 31-8220 (40%), the MEK inhibitor PD98059 (31%), and the PI3 kinase inhibitor wortmannin (22%) but not by PMA-induced downregulation of conventional and novel PKC isoforms. IGF-I-stimulated migration was inhibited by RO 31-8220 (34%) and wortmannin (37%) but was much less affected by PD98059 (19%) or PKC downregulation (10%). PMA-stimulated migration was inhibited by RO 31-8220 (53%), PD98059 (50%), wortmannin (45%), and PKC downregulation (47%). Western analysis confirmed that ERK was strongly activated by PDGF-BB and PMA but not by IGF-I. To examine potential in vivo negative regulators of VSMC migration, we analyzed the ability of heparin, an analogue of heparan sulfate, and TGFbeta to attenuate mitogen-stimulated migration. Heparin but not TGFbeta inhibited VSMC migration stimulated by all three mitogens. Delayed-addition experiments showed that RO 31-8220 retained substantial inhibitory activity even if added 3 h after PMA or IGF-I stimulation and 5 h after PDGF-BB addition, suggesting that sustained PKC activation is important for migration. The MEK inhibitor retained some effectiveness for 5 h after PDGF-BB stimulation but only 1 h after PMA addition. Western analysis showed ERK activation was transient after PMA treatment but sustained for 6 h after PDGF-BB treatment. Heparin strongly inhibited migration even if added 5-7 h after mitogen stimulation, suggesting that heparin may inhibit both short- and long-term signals necessary for migration. The present studies indicate that PMA and IGF-I activate a limited number of second messengers resulting in moderate stimulation of migration; in contrast PDGF-BB stimulates multiple signaling pathways resulting in strong stimulation of migration and lessened sensitivity to inhibitory signals.
Knowledge-based computer-aided design of materials handling systems

A knowledge-based system called MAHDE (materials handing design) is described that was devised to assist facility designers in the selection and configuration of materials handling equipment. The system implements techniques for representing and acquiring the preferences of the facility designer. This preferential knowledge is incorporated into a knowledge-based system utilizing heuristics to update the operational knowledge about the individual design. The system utilizes preference-directed search to capture improved designs by dynamically acquiring preferences throughout the design process. An example of the application of the system to a design problem is presented. >
Expression of antioxidant enzymes in rat kidney during ischemia-reperfusion injury

The effect of ischemia-reperfusion on activity, protein and m-RNA levels of catalase, copper-zinc and manganese containing superoxide dismutases and glutathione peroxidase, the enzymes that are involved in free radical detoxification was studied in rat kidney. Ischemia alone did not alter either the activities or protein levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. However, catalase activity was found to be inhibited to 82% of control. The inhibition of catalase was due to the inactivation of the enzyme as there was no significant change in enzyme protein level. Reperfusion following ischemia, however, led to a significant decrease in both the activities as well as the protein levels of all the antioxidant enzymes. The observed overall decrease in total superoxide dismutase activity was the net effect of a decrease in copper-zinc superoxide dismutase while manganese superoxide dismutase activity was found to be increased following reperfusion. This observed increased manganese superoxide dismutase activity was the result of its increased protein level. The mRNA levels for catalase, superoxide dismutases, and glutathione peroxidase were observed to be increased (100–145% of controls) following ischemia; reperfusion of ischemic kidneys, however, resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of mRNAs coding for all the enzymes except manganese superoxide dismutase which remained high. These results suggest that in tissue, the down regulation of the antioxidant enzyme system could be responsible for the pathophysiology of ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Silurian-Niagaran Reef Belt Around the Michigan Basin -- A Synergistic Review

The Silurian-Niagaran pinnacle reefs occur on a belt which encircles the entire Michigan Basin including areas presently covered by the Great Lakes. The annual production from these reefs in Michigan has reached 30 million barrels of oil and 150 billion cubic feet of natural gas. Two different structural settings existed in the Michigan Basin during the Silurian Period, which resulted in formation of the pinnacle reefs with somewhat different characteristics in different parts of the basin. The pinnacles of the northern trend occur at depths of 4000-7000 feet, are up to 700 feet thick, and average about 100 acres in area. The southern pinnacles occur at depths of 2000-3000 feet, are shorter, about 300 feet thick, and attain larger areas. The pinnacle reefs underwent several diagenetic changes, which resulted in concentration of the majority of the hydrocarbon reserves of the northern trend in pinnacles which occur on a band 3-4 miles wide inside the middle of the trend. There exists a regional partitioning of oil and gas in the northern pinnacle reefs, which can best be explained by Gussow Theory of migration and differential entrapment. Such a reserve concentration or hydrocarbon differentiation has not been observed in the southern trend.more » A probabilistic model for exploration in a play was found applicable in mature areas of the northern trend and the results were extended to other parts. The results suggest that the effectiveness of exploration, based on seismic surveys, is 8 to 10 times better than random drilling. The reserves of the reef belt are in excess of 7 billion barrels of oil and 15 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in place.« less
Two studies of verbal learning by adult aphasics.

Summary Two experiments using modifications of the serial anticipation method were used to explore the verbal learning of adult aphasics. Ten aphasics and 10 nonaphasics participated in experiment I and 30 aphasics and 30 nonaphasics in experiment II. For both experiments S s had to learn the same 10 word list in two orders. One order had the words arranged so that adjacent items were highly associated with each other, and for the other order words were arranged so as to minimize associative links between items. All S s were given 10 trials on four consecutive days. S s were divided into two groups, one learned the high associates lists on days 1 and 2 and low associates on days 3 and 4; the order of presentation was reversed for the other group. In experiment I, S s received no prior exposure to the lists before the learning trials were initiated nor were they informed that word order changed on day 3. In experiment II, the list to be learned was exposed twice on days 1 and 3 before the learning trials were begun. S s in both experiments responded by saying the word they thought would be next in order of presentation. Results of both experiments show that nonaphasics perform considerably better than aphasics. However, the aphasics generate learning curves similar to those of the nonaphasics. Aphasics also demonstrate fairly good retention of the material learned over days. Initial experience with high associates list has a deleterious effect on learning the low associates lists, while initial experience with the low associates list enhances performance on the high associates list. The most frequent errors in experiment I for aphasics were forward and out of list errors, while in experiment II the proportion of out of list errors was greatly reduced, with forward errors remaining high. Spearman rank correlations indicated that the aphasics maintained the same rank over days and experimental conditions. The results of these pilot experiments are interpreted as supportive of the assertion that aphasics as a group demonstrate performance characteristics which reflect a reduction in both the rate and amount of material that can be acquired in a given verbal learning task. Also of interest is the fact that while aphasics performed at level well below that of the nonaphasics, their performance patterns were quite similar.
Evaluation: An opportunity to raise the standing of PR

Theory and exhortation about planning, research and evaluation (PRE) in PR still outweighs best practice. The tools exist to enable PRE to be used as a means of demonstrating PR effectiveness. Yet research continues to demonstrate that PR is either not validated or the methodologies used are considered suspect. Behind the lack of PRE usage are weaknesses in PR training and reluctance to do the obvious, such as tap into existing sources of research. While it is important to prove the effectiveness of PR through PRE, there is a bigger prize: to demonstrate the strategic role that PR can play in organisations and to raise the standing of PR. With growing recessionary pressure and the threat of competition from other service providers such as management consultants, the PR profession should seize on PRE as a means of putting PR on to a higher plane.
Variations In County-Level Costs Between Traditional Medicare And Medicare Advantage Have Implications For Premium Support

Concern about the future growth of Medicare spending has led some in Congress and elsewhere to promote converting Medicare to a “premium support” system. Under premium support, Medicare would provi...
Factors Related to Adolescent Computer Use and Electronic Game Use

The goal of the research was to determine the association between a variety of factors and amount of time per week on the computer and electronic games. Participants (aged 13–17 years and residing in the United States) were recruited via the Internet to complete an anonymous survey on line using a survey tool. The target sample of 200 participants who completed the survey was achieved. The sample's average age was 16 predominantly female (63% girls). A series of regressions with computer use and electronic games hours per week as dependent variables were run. Based on the results, boys engaged in many of the computer and electronic game activities more hours per week than girls. Neck and shoulder pain were implicated in greater use of computers and the Internet. Reading level was positively associated with computer use while math level had a negative association with computer use. These findings seem to suggest that greater computer and electronic use are associated with a number of negative factors and some positive.
Psychiatric comorbidity in binge-eating disorder as a function of smoking history.

Objective: To examine the comorbidity of psychiatric disorders in obese women with binge-eating disorder (BED) as a function of smoking history. Method: A consecutive series of 103 obese treatment-seeking women with current DSM-IV diagnoses of BED were administered structured diagnostic interviews to assess all DSM-IV Axis I psychiatric disorders. Participants were classified as "never" or "daily" smokers, and lifetime rates of comorbid psychopathology were compared across smoking groups using logistic regression. The study was conducted from February 2003 to March 2005. Results: Smokers were significantly more likely to meet criteria for co-occurring diagnoses of major depressive disorder (p = .03), panic disorder (p = .01), posttraumatic stress disorder (p <.05), and substance abuse or dependence (p =.01). Even after excluding participants with substance use disorders, significant differences remained, with lifetime smokers having significantly higher rates of co-occurring anxiety disorders. Conclusions: It is possible that for some obese women with BED, binge eating and cigarette smoking share common functions, i.e., both behaviors may serve to modulate negative affect and/or anxiety. Although the current findings are consistent with a view of a common diathesis for the development of impulsive eating, cigarette or other substance use, and additional Axis I psychopathology, prospective longitudinal studies are needed to elucidate the nature of potential pathways.
An improved parameterization of thermal electron heating by photoelectrons, with application to an X17 flare

[1] Global ionospheric models typically rely on parameterizations to account for heating of the plasma by photoelectrons. We compare the most commonly used parameterization to a rigorous photoelectron model and find the parameterization under-predicts the thermal electron volume heating rate by 20-30% under nominal solar conditions. When applied to a large solar flare, the parameterized heating rate is more than an order of magnitude smaller than the peak rate calculated with the physical model. To remedy this, we develop a new parameterization of electron heating that eliminates these differences; the resulting heating rates are within 5-15% of the physical model for nominal and solar flare conditions. The new algorithm is incorporated into a 1-D Global Average Ionosphere/Thermosphere (GAIT) model and used to investigate the response to the X17 flare of 28 October 2003. Electron temperatures calculated with the new parameterization are up to 10% higher prior to the flare, and 15% higher at the flare peak. The revised parameterization also leads to a 2% increase in neutral exospheric temperatures in the coupled model. The flare response of the global-average thermosphere is described and found to be similar to the satellite drag results reported by Sutton et al.
New crystal structural families of lanthanide chloride – Alcohol/water complexes

Abstract The exploration of lanthanide chloride compounds as possible scintillation materials for γ-ray and neutron detection has led to the discovery of several new families of crystal structures with the general formula LnCl3(CH3OH)x(H2O)y. The specific crystal structure depends on the water/methanol content and lanthanide ion. The coordination number of the light (large) lanthanides is the typical value of 8 and reduces to 7 for the heavier (small) lanthanides. The binding energy of water versus alcohol ligands is greater, so that if water is present in the system, it is typically incorporated as a ligand in the crystal. In these crystals, the molecular adducts occur as monomers, dimers, and dichloro-bridged chains. These, in turn, form 3D frameworks through H-bonds to the Cl anions. Other distinct crystal structures are predicted, given the volume changes due to the lanthanide contraction, the water content of the crystal growth solutions, and the specific halide.
Menno Simons—Sixteenth Century Reformer*

Historical anniversaries, like birthdays, must come at the appropriate time in order to be properly appreciated. The quadricentennial of the death of Menno Simons, in 1961, coming as it did at a period of marked and indeed exuberant vitality of Left Wing studies, fulfilled happily enough, this requirement.1 For Menno this was especially important, since he has been, during the past four hundred years, a man with a “bad press”—criticized not only by all of his foes outside his tradition, but also by many of his friends within.2 An appraisal of his place in the Reformation of the sixteenth century appears necessary and—in light of the state of Left Wing studies— also possible, though this must not lead to an undue postulate of profundity or relevance.
Quality Changes of Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) Muscle during Thermal Processing

The objective of this study was to investigate quality changes of salmon fillet muscle during thermal sterilization processes. Small samples (D 30 mm × H 6 mm) from the central dorsal region were heated in an oil bath at 121.1 ◦ C for periods varying from 5 to 120 min. The quality variations along the longitudinal axis of salmon fillets (raw and heated) were examined. The quality properties studied included shear force, color, cook loss, and shrinkage. To minimize the influence of the heterogeneity of the salmon muscle, a multiple thin blade texture device was developed for shear force measurement and a computer vision system was used to facilitate accurate measurements of color and shrinkage. The red muscle was firmer than the white muscle in the raw but not in heated samples. Muscle from the central dorsal region had a lower cook loss and less shrinkage than samples from either the anterior or posterior region following heating. The greatest change in quality occurred within the 1st 10 min of heating at 121.1 ◦ C. Shear force measurements following heating indicated 2 peaks, one corresponding to 5 min and the second for 60 min processing at 121.1 ◦ C. Possible mechanisms were discussed.
The Interactive Effects of Personal Traits and Experienced States on Intraindividual Patterns of Citizenship Behavior

An experience-sampling study investigating the dynamic process through which personal traits and affective and attitudinal states experienced at work influence intraindividual patterns of organizational citizenship behavior over time generally supported hypotheses. First, at the intraindividual level, experience-sampled positive affect and job satisfaction predicted experience-sampled reports of organizational citizenship behaviors over time. Second, cross-level interaction between agreeableness and positive affect predicted organizational citizenship behavior. Compared to less agreeable employees, agreeable employees reported both engaging more often in organizational citizenship behavior and more consistent patterns of such behavior; their engagement in these behaviors was less dependent on their momentary positive affect.
MALAYSIAN PRAWN CULTURE IN BRACKISH WATER PONDS IN LOUISIANA

Beginning on May 13, 1980, prawns were cultured at the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge for 140 days from postlarvae and fed. Production in ponds receiving Ralston Purina Experimental Marine Ration #25 averaged 408 kg/ha, 619 kg/ha and 510 kg/ha for the respective replicated stocking densities of 2.5/m2, 4.9/m2 and 7.4/m2. Average feed conversion factors were 1.0, 1.0 and 1.5. Average prawn weights at harvest decreased with increased stocking density and were 21 g, 17 g and 12 g, respectively. Production per pond ranged from 390 kg/ha to 832 kg/ha. An average of 77% of prawns stocked at 2.5/m2 exceeded 115 mm TL whereas the stocking densities of 4.9/m2 and 7.4/m2 yielded only 32% and 31% over 115 mm. Extra postlarvae remaining after the stocking requirements for the feeding study were met permitting additional tests. Stocking rates selected for these additional studies were 1.2/m2, 2.5/m2 and 3.7/m2. Prawns in these ponds received no supplemental feed and yielded harvests of 124 kg/ha, 224 kg/ha and 292 kg/ha, respectively. These treatments, the first two of which were not replicated, resulted in production similar to that of an earlier study of prawn production on natural forage in brackish ponds at this facility. Average prawn sizes at harvest were 18 g, 15 g and 12 g, and were inversely related to stocking densities.
Examining the influence of Matza's principles of justice and their impact on reverse waiver decisions: has kadi-(in)justice survived?

During the last decade, a number of studies have presented a mixed picture regarding the efficacy of transfer to adult court. A focus on legal and secondary legal factors have shed a considerable a...