cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of item familiarity on the neural correlates of successful associative memory encoding

Associative memory is considered to be resource-demanding, requiring individuals to learn individual items and the specific relationships between those items. Previous research has shown that prior studying of items aids in associative memory for pairs composed of those same items, as compared to pairs of items that have not been prelearned (e.g., Kilb & Naveh-Benjamin, 2011). In the present study, we sought to elucidate the neural correlates mediating this memory facilitation. After being trained on individual items, participants were scanned while encoding item pairs composed of items from the pretrained phase (familiarized-item pairs) and pairs whose items had not been previously learned (unfamiliarized-item pairs). Consistent with previous findings, the overall subsequent recollection showed the engagement of bilateral parahippocampal gyrus (PHG) and hippocampus, when compared to subsequent forgetting. However, a direct comparison between familiarized- and unfamiliarized-item pairs showed that subsequently recollected familiarized-item pairs were associated with decreased activity across much of the encoding network, including bilateral PHG, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and regions associated with item-specific processing within occipital cortex. Increased activity for familiarized-item pairs was found in a more limited set of regions, including bilateral parietal cortex, which has been associated with the formation of novel associations. Additionally, activity in the right parietal cortex correlated with associative memory success in the familiarized condition. Taken together, these results suggest that prior exposure to items can reduce the demands incurred on neural processing throughout the associative encoding network and can enhance associative memory performance by focusing resources within regions supporting the formation of associative links.
Promoting Reuse with Active Reuse Repository Systems

Software component-based reuse is difficult for software developers to adopt because first they must know what components exist in a reuse repository and then they must know how to retrieve them easily. This paper describes the concept and implementation of active reuse repository systems that address the above two issues. Active reuse repository systems employ active information delivery mechanisms to deliver potentially reusable components that are relevant to the current development task. They can help software developers reuse components they did not even know existed. They can also greatly reduce the cost of component location because software developers need neither to specify reuse queries explicitly, nor to switch working contexts back and forth between development environments and reuse repository systems.
Abstract 2434: The anticancer activity of Japonicone A is mediated by inhibiting NFAT1-MDM2 pathway

NFAT1 plays a crucial role in cancer development and progression and has been suggested as a novel target for cancer therapy. We recently report NFAT1 promotes the expression of the MDM2 oncogene, independent of p53. The present study was designed to elucidate the mechanisms of action for a newly identified NFAT1 inhibitor, Japonicone A (JapA), and demonstrate the value of targeting NFAT1-MDM2 signaling in cancer therapy. JapA was identified as a novel NFAT1 inhibitor from our initial screening of a natural product library. Its effects on NFAT1 expression and stability were analyzed in several human breast cancer cell lines with different genetic background, including MCF-7 (estrogen receptor (ER) positive and p53 wild-type), MCF-7 p53−/− (ER positive and p53 knockout), MDA-MB-231 (triple negative and p53 mutant), and MDA-MB-468 (triple negative and p53 mutant) cell lines. The effects of JapA on NFAT1 expression were also determined in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 xenograft tumors in vivo. To further demonstrate the specificity of JapA in targeting NFAT1-MDM2 pathway and the importance of NFAT1-MDM2 inhibition in JapA9s anticancer activity, MCF7 NFAT1 overexpression (OE) and knockdown (KD) cell lines, as well as pharmacological activators and inhibitors of NFAT1 signaling were used in this study. Our results indicated that JapA showed a significant, specific inhibition of NFAT1 in breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. It induced NFAT1 protein ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, and inhibited NFAT1 nuclear translocation. JapA also disrupted the binding of NFAT1 to the MDM2 P2 promoter, leading to the inhibition of MDM2 transcription. Furthermore, the inhibition of NFAT1 and the NFAT1-MDM2 signaling are critical for JapA9s anticancer activity, as shown in NFAT1 OE and KD cell lines. In conclusion, JapA represents a new class of NFAT1 inhibitor. It exerts its anticancer activity through inhibiting NFAT1 and the NFAT1-MDM2 pathway, providing evidence for the value of NFAT1 as a novel target in developing effective targeted therapy for cancers. (Supported by NIH R01 CA112029, R01 CA121211, and R01 CA186662) Citation Format: Sukesh Voruganti, Jiang-Jiang Qin, Wei Wang, Ruiwen Zhang. The anticancer activity of Japonicone A is mediated by inhibiting NFAT1-MDM2 pathway. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 2434. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-2434
Effects of elevated intracellular calcium levels on the cytoskeleton and tau in cultured human cortical neurons.

Considerable evidence suggests that altered neuronal calcium homeostasis plays a role in the neuronal degeneration that occurs in an array of neurological disorders. A reduction in microtubules, the accumulation of 8–15 nm straight filaments, and altered antigenicity toward antibodies to the microtubule-associated protein tau and ubiquitin, as well as granulovacuolar degeneration, are observed in many human neurodegenerative disorders. Progress toward understanding how and why human neurons degenerate has been hindered by the inability to examine living human neurons under controlled conditions. We used cultured human fetal cerebral cortical neurons to examine ultrastructural and antigenic changes resulting from elevations in intracellular calcium levels. Elevation of intracellular calcium by exposure to a calcium ionophore or a reduced level of extracellular Na+ for periods of hours to days caused a loss of microtubules, an increase in 8–15 nm straight filaments, and increased immunostaining with Alz-50 and 5E2 (tau antibodies) and ubiquitin antibodies. Granulovacuolar degeneration was also observed. Antigenic changes in tau were sensitive to phosphatases, and the electrophoretic mobility of tau was altered in cells exposed to calcium ionophore, indicating that tau was excessively phosphorylated as the result of elevated intracellular calcium levels. Colchicine also caused an accumulation of straight filaments and altered tau immunoreactivity, suggesting that a disruption of microtubules secondary to altered calcium homeostasis may be a key event leading to altered tau disposition and neuronal degeneration. These data demonstrate that aberrant rises in intraneuronal calcium levels can result in changes in the neuronal cytoskeleton similar to those seen in neurodegenerative disorders, and suggest that this experimental system will be useful in furthering our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of human neurological disorders.
A deterrence study of the death penalty in Illinois, 1933–1980

Abstract The study analyzes the effect of executions and the death penalty on homicides in Illinois. A forty-eight year time series (1933–1980 inclusive) is used as the basis for this analysis. The first series of results are presented in a graph of executions and homicides by year. A second portion of the analysis compares the mean homicide rates for three time periods—years with executions, years when the death penalty was allowed but no executions were performed, and years in which the death penalty was abolished by the U.S. Supreme Court. No notable differences in homicide rates were observed for these three eras. Finally, a regression analysis was performed which included a lag structure and several relevant controls. The deterrence measure (executions) made no contribution to the variation in homicide rates. Thus, the authors conclude that there is no deterrent effect for the death penalty on homicides in Illinois.
Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welding Process Optimization for Joining Aluminum 5754 Sheet Material Using OTC/Daihen Equipment

The development of lightweight vehicles, in particular aluminum intensive vehicles, require significant manufacturing process development for joining and assembling aluminum structures. Currently, 5xxx and 6xxx aluminum alloys are being used in various structural applications in a number of lightweight vehicles worldwide. Various joining methods, such as MIG, Laser and adhesive bonding have been investigated as technology enables for high volume joining of 5xxx, and 6xxx series alloys. In this study, metal inert gas (MIG) welding is used to join 5754 non-heat-treatable alloy sheet products. The objective of this study is to develop optimum weld process parameters for non-heat-treatable 5754 aluminum alloys. The MIG welding equipment used in this study is an OTC/Daihen CPD-350 welding systems and DR-4000 pulse power supply. The factors selected to understand the influence of weld process parameters on the mechanical properties and metallurgy (weld penetration) include power input (torch speed, voltage, current, wire feed), pulse frequency, and gas flow rate. Test coupons used in this study were based on a single lap configuration. A full factorial design of experiment (DOE) was conducted to understand the main and interaction effects on joint failure and weld penetration. The joint strengths and weld penetrations are measured for various operating ranges of weld factors. Post weld analysis indicates, power input and gas flow rate are the two signficant factors (statistically) based on lap shear load to failure and weld penentration data. There were no 2-way or 3-way interaction effects observed in ths weld study. Based on the joint strength and weld penetration, optimum weld process factors were determined.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Higher haemoglobin levels and dedicated trauma admission are associated with survival after severe traumatic brain injury

AbstractBackground: Prevention of secondary brain injury is a key component of acute management of patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Haemoglobin concentration may have an impact on optimization of cerebral oxygenation. Patients with TBI may best be served by an organized trauma service. The objective is to determine if haemoglobin concentration or dedicated trauma admission has an impact on outcomes after severe TBI.Methods: This study retrospectively analysed consecutive patients with severe TBI admitted to a level-I trauma centre over 3 years. Patients <16 years-old and with length of stay (LOS) <24 hours were excluded. Data were collected on demographics; injury severity; LOS; admission service; survival to discharge; and haemoglobin levels from hospital days 1–7. Data were also collected on number of transfusions of packed red blood cells. The sample was stratified based on admission service and survival to discharge.Results: Of 147 patients (age = 54.1 ± 3.7 years), overall mortality...
Color center laser pumped by a flashlamp-pumped dye laser

Abstract A reliable, pulsed, color center laser is described which provides a pulse energy up to 0.4 mJ in a wavelength range from 2.4 μm to 3.3 μm at a bandwidth below 20 GHz. A simple, broadband, flashlamp-pumped dye laser is used as the pump source. A new transverse pumping scheme of F-centers is described using hydrogenated color center crystal which allows to pump color center lasers with high energy pump pulses.
Muscle adaptation prior to recovery following eccentric exercise.

The effects of performing a second eccentric exercise bout prior to and after recovery from the first bout were compared. Twenty subjects performed 70 eccentric actions with the forearm flexors. Group A (n = 9) and group B (n = 11) repeated the same exercise 5 and 14 days after the initial bout, respectively. Dependent variables included muscle soreness, elbow joint angles, isometric strength, and serum creatine kinase (SCK). Subjects were tested pre-exercise and up to day 5 following each bout. The first bout produced significant changes in all measures for both groups (P < 0.01). Values remained significantly different from baseline on day 5 when group A repeated the exercise (P < 0.01) but were back to normal when group B performed bout 2. For both groups an adaptation occurred; significantly smaller changes in dependent variables were produced by the second bout, and recovery time was faster whether or not muscles were fully restored (P < 0.01). The repeated bout did not exacerbate soreness, performance decrements, and elevation of SCK when performed by affected muscles that had not fully recovered from the first bout. Thus, the results suggest that an adaptation response had taken place prior to full recovery and restoration of muscle function following the initial eccentric exercise bout.
Medical and Financial Risks Associated with Surgery in the Elderly Obese

OBJECTIVE To study the medical and financial outcomes associated with surgery in the elderly obese patient and ask if obesity itself influences outcomes above and beyond effects from comorbidities known to be associated with obesity.
THE PHOTODYNAMIC INACTIVATION OF PHAGE PRECURSOR BY METHYLENE BLUE

Methylene blue added to suspensions of activated staphylococci in amounts sufficient to furnish 1 x 105 molecules of dye/bacterium inactivates the phage precursor content of the cells without causing cell death when the mixtures are exposed to strong light of 4000–8000 A. There is a lag phase of approximately 15 minutes in the photodynamic inactivation of phage precursor by methylene blue. This delay seems to be due to a primary reaction between the cell and methylene blue after the completion of which exposure to light brings about the inactivation of precursor quite promptly.
Protective behavioral strategies as a mediator of the generalized anxiety and alcohol use relationship among lesbian and bisexual women.

Objective:Alcohol use disorders and anxiety disorders often co-occur; moreover, lesbian and bisexual women appear at higher risk for both alcohol and anxiety disorders. Although research among college student samples has found direct effects of increased use of protective behavioral strategies on decreasing alcohol use and alcoholrelated negative consequences, this has yet to be demonstrated among lesbian and bisexual women. Furthermore, it is unclear whether generalized anxiety influences the use of such strategies, which in turn predict alcohol consumption and related negative consequences. The primary objective of the present study was to examine the mediating role of protective behavioral strategies on the relationships between generalized anxiety and alcohol consumption and related negative consequences among a young adult sample of lesbian and bisexual women.Method:A national sample of 1,083 lesbian and bisexual women between the ages of 18 and 25 years completed an online survey that assessed the c...
Study on the potential anti-cancer activity of phosphonium and ammonium-based ionic liquids

The anti-cancer activity and cytotoxicity of phosphonium and ammonium-based ionic liquids (ILs) have been determined for the first time via NCI's in vitro 60 human tumor cell lines. The preliminary SAR showed that the chain length of alkyl substitution on the cations plays crucial role towards anti-tumor activity and cytotoxicity of these ionic liquids. In general, phosphonium-based ILs were found to be more active and less cytotoxic as compared to ammonium ILs. Cell line data and hollow fiber study has demonstrated the potential of ILs to be developed as therapeutic agent.
Survey of the Steinhaus Tiling Problem

� AND R. DANIELMAULDIN † Abstract. WesurveysomeresultsandproblemsarisingfromaclassicproblemofSteinhaus: IsthereasubsetSof R 2 suchthateachisometriccopyof Z 2 (thelatticepointsintheplane) meetsSinexactlyonepoint. §1. Introduction. We survey in this paper some of the known results, methods, and open questions concerningSteinhaus sets. Although this is primarilyasurveyarticle,weincludeafewnewresultssuchastheexistence of Steinhaus sets for certain other rectangular lattices, e.g., theorem 2.11. ThenotionofaSteinhaussetcanbeintroducedatvariouslevelsofgenerality. SteinhausaskedinthelatefiftiesiftherecouldbeasetS ⊆ R 2 suchthatS meetseveryisometriccopyoftheintegerlattice Z × Zinexactlyonepoint. WeareaskingthisquestioninthecontextofZFC,thatis,assumingchoice, but the question remains interesting in the context of ZF as well. Also, the question can be immediately extended to higher dimensionsand other lattices. Thus, ifL ⊆ R m is a lattice andn ≥m, we can ask if there is a setS ⊆ R n whichmeetseveryð(L)isexactlyonepoint,whereð: R n → R n is an isometry (and we view R m ⊆ R n in the usual way). This will be the contextformostofthediscussionofthispaper,andwewillinfactgenerally havem=n. Inthiscase,werefertosuchasetS,ifitexists,asaSteinhaus setforthelatticeL. LetuscommentthatSteinhaus'questionconcernsthe existence of a "simultaneous tiling" of the plane. To say a setE tiles the plane means the translates ofE by the lattice points in Z 2 partitions the plane. So,SisaSteinhaussetifandonlyifeachrotatedcopyofStiles R 2 . Wecangeneralizethebasicnotionsconsiderably. Given(X, A,f),where X is a set, A ⊆ P(X) is a family of subsets ofX, andf: A →CARD is
Thickness of sets of cross strata and planar strata as a function of formative bed-wave geometry and migration, and aggradation rate

Cross strata and planar strata (formed by the migration of ripples and dunes or low-relief bed waves on upper-stage plane beds, respectively) are the most common internal structures in fluvial sands and sandstones. The thickness of cross sets or planar laminae at a given location is controlled by (1) aggradation rate relative to downstream migration rate of bed waves and (2) the succession of bed waves of varying height passing the location. A quantitative understanding of this relationship is now appearing, based on new theory and experimental studies with ripples, dunes, and upper-stage plane beds. In many cases, the effects of control 1 can be ignored. In such cases, only the largest bed waves in a population form cross sets or planar laminae; the ratio of mean cross-set thickness/mean height of formative bed waves is less than 0.4, and the ratio of mean cross-set thickness/mean height of all bed waves is less than 0.5. A simple quantitative model (a modified form of the Paola-Borgman model) is presented for predicting the height distributions of bed waves (ripples, dunes, low-relief bed waves) from the thickness distributions of cross sets or planar laminae. If the aggradation rate is appreciable, more of the smaller bed waves in a population can form cross sets or planar laminae, and the preservation ratios increase (to 1 in the case of supercritical climbing-ripple cross strata). In this case, it is necessary to determine the angle of climb and length of the bed waves in order to use the model to predict bed-wave height distributions.
Planetary Ring Systems

It is pointed out that in the last several years planetary ring studies have evolved from observations of a single example, related to Saturn, to studies of a class of objects. The rings of Uranus were discovered in 1977 by their unexpected occultations of a star. Observations of planetary rings during the time from 1979 to 1982 are largely related to space missions involving the Pioneer 11 Saturn encounter (1979), and Voyager Jupiter (1979) and Saturn (1980-81) encounters. However, ground-based observations he also played and will continue to play a major role. The rings of Saturn are discussed, taking into account structural details, particle properties, and questions concerning an existence of embedded moonlets. Details regarding Jupiter's ring and Uranus' rings are also investigated. Theoretical developments of general interest are considered, giving attention to gravitational torques, internal collective effects, and electromagnetic and erosive processes acting on ring particles.
Significance of good process control

The important place that adhesive bonding of structural and nonstructural parts has reached is largely due to the recognition and the practice of adequate and exacting processes necessary to produce acceptable parts. The procedures necessary for adhesive bonding are not common for all adhesives, adherends, or parts being bonded. During any process many variables occur that must be satisfied by the results of tests before production is started. This must be followed by quality control tests to continuously assure that high quality parts are being produced. Closely connected with processes are the temperament and capabilities of personnel doing the bonding. It is recommended that a detailed procedure be established in order to develop methods for bonding any specific end item. The purpose of this paper is to examine some processes in relation to their effect on the finished item and to recommend a pattern to follow in establishing good bonding processes.
A stochastic bargaining process and solution concept in the discrete case

This paper introduces a new stochastic bargaining process with offer-dependent break-down probabilities for the case of discrete Pareto frontiers. Under realistic conditions the existence of the solution is proved and it is shown that the number of solutions is at most two. An example of two competing sets of jobs on a single machine illustrates the methodology.
Vascular patterning: xylem or phloem?

Xylem and phloem are the major conduits for the transport of water and solutes throughout the plant. Recent work has helped to elucidate the mechanisms that determine the identity and arrangement of these two tissues.
Initial Validation of the Open Adoption Scale: Measuring the Influence of Adoption Myths on Attitudes Toward Open Adoption

ABSTRACT All adoptions, including those facilitated by public agencies, should be evaluated for openness. Although there are no national figures related to openness in public welfare, there are indications that it is not considered in all cases. Adoption myths may be one of the reasons that adoption workers do not always assess a family's ability to maintain a more open adoption arrangement. The following study is the initial validation of a multidimensional psychometric instrument developed to measure myths as they relate to open adoption. Based on a sample of 547 university students, the results indicate very good reliability and acceptable factorial and construct validity. The instrument was designed as a training and research tool to inform child welfare personnel and policy makers of the influence of adoption-related myths on child welfare adoption practice.
Role of HSP70 in cellular thermotolerance.

Background and Objective Thermal pretreatment has been shown to condition tissue to a more severe secondary heat stress. In this research we examined the particular contribution of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in thermal preconditioning. Study Design/Materials and Methods For optimization of preshock exposures, a bioluminescent Hsp70-luciferase reporter system in NIH3T3 cells tracked the activation of the Hsp70 gene. Cells in 96-well plates were pretreated in a 43°C water bath for 30 minutes, followed 4 hours later with a severe heat shock at 45°C for 50 minutes. Bioluminescence was measured at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 hours after preshock only (PS) and at 4 hours after preshock with heatshock (PS+HS). Viability was assessed 48 hours later with a fluorescent viability dye. Preshock induced thermotolerance was then evaluated in hsp70-containing Murine Embryo Fibroblast (+/+) cells and Hsp70-deficient MEF cells (−/−) through an Arrhenius damage model across varying temperatures (44.5–46°C). Results A time gap of 4 hours between preconditioning and the thermal insult was shown to be the most effective for thermotolerance with statistical confidence of P<0.05. The benefit of preshocking was largely abrogated in Hsp70-deficient cells. The Arrhenius data showed that preshocking leads to increases in the activation energies, Ea, and increases in frequency factors, A. The frequency factor increase was significantly greater in Hsp70-deficient cells. Conclusion The data shows that HSP70 contributes significantly to cellular thermotolerance but there are other pathways that provide residual thermotolerance in cells deficient in Hsp70. Lasers Surg. Med. 40:704–715, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Differential Effect of Endothelial Cell Factors on In Vitro Motility of Malignant and Non-malignant Cells

Motility of cancer cells plays a critical role in tumor metastasis, and as such is a target for intervention. The motility of malignant Calu-1 human lung epithelial carcinoma cells is up-regulated when placed on a human umbilical vein endothelial cell monolayer, while that of non-malignant L132 human lung epithelial cells is not. To dissect the factor(s) causing such differential behaviors, the motile responses of both cell lines to endothelial cell factors – secreted to the media, on the endothelial cell surface, and secreted to the extracellular matrix – and to individual extracellular matrix proteins were compared. Cell motility was quantified by tracking the cell movement on a surface with time-lapse video microscopy, which was analyzed with the persistent random walk model of motility. None of the factors tested had a remarkable effect on L132 cell motility, but the Calu-1 cell motility was significantly up-regulated by endothelial cell extracellular matrix and by laminin, fibronectin, collagen I and collagen VI individually. Flow cytometry analysis revealed significantly higher expression levels of integrin subunits β1, α2, α3 and α6, which are known receptors for these extracellular matrix proteins, on the Calu-1 than L132 cells, implicating a role of these integrins in the observed motile behaviors of these cell lines.
4:21 Gene delivery of the catabolic inhibitor tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase–1 increases proteoglycan synthesis in human intervertebral disc cells

Abstract Purpose of study: Intervertebral disc degeneration is characterized by a progressive loss of proteoglycan content and subsequent disc dehydration. Previous studies demonstrate increased matrix metalloproteinases in degenerated discs compared with controls and propose an intimate role of these catabolic proteins in the degenerative process. Gene therapy has been investigated as a method to induce endogenous synthesis of therapeutic growth factors to stimulate proteoglycan synthesis. Although many anabolic growth factors increase matrix synthesis, the use of catabolic inhibitors has yet to be explored. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of adenoviral-mediated delivery of the catabolic inhibitor tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase–1 (TIMP–1), as well as the anabolic potential of bone morphogenic protein–2 (BMP–2), on proteoglycan synthesis. Methods used: Human nucleus pulposus cells were isolated by means of enzymatic digestion and cultured in monolayer. Patient samples were pooled and experimental groups normalized for cell number before transduction with either Ad-TIMP-1 or Ad-BMP-2 at 50, 75, 100 or 150 multiplicity of infection (MOI). After 48 hours of incubation, cells were incorporated into a three-dimensional “pellet” culture system. After an additional 48 hours of incubation, active proteoglycan synthesis was assessed with 35S radioactive sulfate incorporation using chromatography and scintillation count. of findings: Both Ad-TIMP-1 and Ad-BMP-2 increase proteoglycan synthesis compared with controls (p Relationship between findings and existing knowledge: Although anabolic factors have previously been shown to increase proteoglycan synthesis in cultured disc cells, this is the first report demonstrating a similar upregulating capacity with the use of catabolic inhibitors. Overall significance of findings: This study demonstrates that both catabolic inhibitors (TIMP–1) and anabolic growth factors (BMP-2) are successful at increasing measured proteoglycan synthesis in cultured human intervertebral disc cells. The optimal regulation of matrix synthesis may be achievable with gene therapy using a combination of both anabolic factors and catabolic inhibitors. Further studies are warranted to assess the potential of combination therapy with these growth factors to upregulate proteoglycan synthesis, as well as to determine if such combinations can minimize the total vector load required to elicit a beneficial, and potentially therapeutic, response (Table 1) Table 1 . Stimulatory effect on proteoglycan synthesis 50 MOI 75 MOI 100 MOI 150 MOI TIMP–1 65% 289% 378% 249% BMP–2 190% 212% 310% 466% . Disclosures: No disclosures. Conflict of interest: No conflict.
Secure lossless compression with side information

Secure data compression in the presence of side information at both a legitimate receiver and an eavesdropper is explored. A noise-free, limited rate link between the source and the receiver, whose output can be perfectly observed by the eavesdropper, is assumed. As opposed to the wiretap channel model, in which secure communication can be established by exploiting the noise in the channel, here the existence of side information at the receiver is used. Both coded and uncoded side information are considered. In the coded side information scenario, inner and outer bounds on the compression-equivocation rate region are given. In the uncoded side information scenario, the availability of the legitimate receiverpsilas and the eavesdropperpsilas side information at the encoder is considered, and the compression-equivocation rate region is characterized for these cases. It is shown that the side information at the encoder can increase the equivocation rate at the eavesdropper. Hence, the side information at the encoder is shown to be useful in terms of security; this is in contrast with the pure lossless data compression case where side information at the encoder would not help.
A two-scale PBM for modeling turbulent flocculation in water treatment processes

Abstract A population balance model (PBM) that incorporates two scales of turbulent motion in the breakup frequency function has been presented. The breakup frequency function is designed such that particles smaller than the impeller-region Kolmogoroff microscale will erode according to a critical velocity related to the local energy dissipation rate. Particles larger than the impeller-region Kolmogoroff microscale will fracture according to a critical velocity related to the impeller tip speed. The two-scale model was found to better predict the experimental steady-state particle size distribution in 5, 28, and 560 l tank sizes and with a Rushton turbine and A310 fluid foil impellers. The two-scale PBM was also used to investigate the most appropriate scale-up law for drinking water flocculation processes. In addition, the impact of higher tank average energy dissipation rate, primary particle concentration, and coagulant concentration on the volume mean particle size with increasing tank size and different impeller types was also presented.
Flue gas monitoring: an early application of mechanized analysis

Abstract Mechanized chemical analysis is by no means new. The monitoring of the CO2 content of flue gases opened the way to more efficient boiler operation and replacement of the tedious manual procedure for this by mechanized devices began around the turn of the present century.
Effective elastoplastic behavior of ductile matrix composites containing randomly located aligned circular fibers

Abstract Based on the micromechanical framework and the second-order transverse effective elastic moduli of fiber-reinforced composites derived by Ju and Zhang [Int. J. Solids Struct. 35 (1998) 941], effective elasto-(visco-)plastic behavior of two-phase unidirectional fiber-reinforced ductile matrix composites (FRDMCs) is studied in detail. The circular fibers are assumed to be elastic and unidirectionally aligned while the matrix phase can be either elastic or plastic, depending on the local stress state and effective yield criteria. Furthermore, the ensemble-averaged stress norm is constructed based on the probabilistic distribution of circular fibers, pairwise fiber interactions and the ensemble-area averaging procedure. Together with the plastic flow rule and hardening law postulated in continuum plasticity, the aforementioned stress norm is employed to characterize the overall yield criteria which determine the elastoplastic behavior of FRDMCs under general transverse plane-strain loading and unloading histories. As a special case, the initial effective yield criteria for incompressible ductile matrix containing many unidirectionally aligned cylindrical voids are also derived. In addition, the overall elasto-viscoplastic behavior of FRDMCs is investigated based on the Duvaut–Lions viscoplasticity. Finally, comparison between our theoretical predictions and the available experimental data for FRDMCs is performed to illustrate the capability of the proposed framework.
Acute health effects in a community after a release of hydrofluoric acid

Approximately 3,000 persons were evacuated from a Texas community after 24,036 kg (53,000 lb) of caustic hydrofluoric acid (HF) were released from a nearby petrochemical plant. Emergency room and hospital records of 939 persons who were seen at two area hospitals were reviewed. Most persons who presented at the emergency rooms were female (56%) or black (60%), and their mean age was 33.9 y. The most frequently reported symptoms were eye irritation (41.5%), burning throat (21%), headache (20.6%), and shortness of breath (19.4%). Physical examination results were normal for 49% of the cases; however, irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, skin, and lungs were noted on other exams. Decreased pulmonary function was demonstrated by pulmonary function tests (forced expiratory volume in the first second, less than 80% of predicted value, 42.3%); hypoxemia (pO2 less than 80 mm Hg, 17.4%) and hypocalcemia (less than 8.5 mg/dl, 16.3%) were also noted. Ninety-four (10%) of the cases were hospitalized, and more than 83% of all cases were discharged with a primary diagnosis of "HF exposure." There are several reports of individuals who are acutely and chronically exposed to HF; however, we are unaware of other published reports that describe exposure of a community to HF. This incident represented a unique opportunity to study the immediate health impact on a community of residents who were exposed to a hazardous materials release. Results of this analysis suggest that (a) initial health problems should be followed up, (b) any long-term health effects of HF exposure must be assessed, and (c) the health impact on the population at risk should be determined.
Pulmonary blastoma as a unique cause of fatal respiratory distress in a newborn

Pulmonary blastoma is a very rare malignant primary lung neoplasm, especially in the pediatric population. No more than 50 cases have been described in children, with none of these children diagnosed before the age of 1 month. Speculation regarding its congenital nature has been made. Although it has a uniformly poor prognosis, the case presented is that of congenital pulmonary blastoma as a unique cause of fatal respiratory distress in a neonate.
Overview of recent topics in clinical pharmacology of anticancer agents

The rationale for studying the clinical pharmacology of antineoplastic agents is that the information obtained will result in enhanced drug development and enhanced or improved clinical use. A great deal of effort has been expended in studying the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of investigational and noninvestigational antineoplastic agents. More recently, a deeper appreciation has developed regarding the importance of the metabolism of antineoplastic agents and the potential role of metabolites in their activity or toxicity, as well as the potential for drugdrug interactions. Investigators studying the clinical pharmacology of antineoplastic agents face an increasingly challenging task as new agents continue to be developed. Some of these challenges arise from the enhanced potency of new agents, resulting in increased difficulty in measuring such agents in biological matrices. Furthermore, as agents have been developed to affect specific biological targets, the necessity of assessing pharmacodynamics at the biochemical or molecular level has become increasingly important. In addition, development of agents with cytostatic, as opposed to cytotoxic, properties poses a further challenge to assessment of pharmacologic effect. In addressing these challenges, a great deal of effort has been expended to develop increasingly sensitive analytical chemical techniques, in evaluating alternative biological matrices, such as saliva, in which to monitor drug concentrations in a less invasive fashion, and in developing limited sampling strategies to assess both the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antineoplastic agents. Similarly, a great deal of effort has been expended in providing suitable means for assessing the numerous novel targets for which antineoplastic agents are being developed. These include the assessment of cell cycle kinetics and specific oncoproteins, definition of cell damage such as cleavable complexes, and formation of drug-macromolecular adducts in suitable target cells. Additional effort is being expended to explore nontraditional means of drug delivery. In this regard, the increasing importance of orally administered agents reflects a fundamental change in the approach to antineoplastic drug delivery. Finally, the increased computational power made available by faster personal computers has facilitated a number of innovative modeling techniques involving population modeling, modeling of combination chemotherapy, and assessment of drug-drug interactions.
Differential ligand binding and agonist-induced regulation characteristics of the two rainbow trout GH receptors, Ghr1 and Ghr2, in transfected cells.

Previously, we isolated and characterized two distinct GH receptor (GHR)-encoding mRNAs, ghr1 and ghr2, from rainbow trout. In this study, Chinese hamster ovary-K1 cells were individually transfected with plasmids that contained cDNAs encoding rainbow trout ghr1 or ghr2. High affinity binding of 125 I-salmonid GH (sGH) by the expressed receptors was saturable, displaceable, and ligand selective. Whole-cell binding analysis revealed a single class of binding site; for Ghr1 K d =8 nM, for Ghr2 K d =17 nM. While salmonid prolactin (sPrl) displaced 125 I-sGH from both Ghr1 and Ghr2, the affinity of either receptor subtype for sPrl was substantially less than for sGH; salmonid somatolactin, another member of the GH-PRL family, did not displace labeled sGH except at pharmacological concentrations. 125 I-sGH was internalized by Ghrl- and Ghr2-expressing cells in a time-dependent manner; the maximum internalization reached was 71% for Ghr1 and 55% for Ghr2. Long-term exposure (24 h) of transfected cells to sGH up-regulated surface expression of both Ghr1 and Ghr2; however, sGH induced surface expression of Ghr1 to a greater extent than that of Ghr2. These results indicate that rainbow trout ghrs display both overlapping and distinct characteristics that may be important for ligand selection and differential action in target organs.
Invariant imbedding applied to homogeneous two-point boundary-value problems with a singularity of the first kind

It is shown that previous work of Elder can be used to extend the version of invariant imbedding due to M. R. Scott to homogeneous (vector) differential systems having a singularity of the first kind. The boundary conditions considered consist of existence (finite) at the singularity and specified values for some subset of the dependent variables at a second point. The important special case of a second-order equation is discussed in some detail. Computational considerations are discussed and numerical examples are presented.
On a fatigue crack-front marking technique for polymers

A fatigue crack-front marking technique using small tensile overloads is described. In this technique, two small overloads are chosen to produce distinct striation spacings which can be used to encode a binary marker on the fatigue fracture surface. Post-mortem detection of these binary coded markers then enables a direct correlation with the load history. This technique is particularly useful for the study of early crack development or crack initiation in smooth bar samples. Periodic insertion of binary coded markers during the entire testing period could allow a precise determination of the crack initiation time. The study of fatigue fracture mode transitions is also facilitated with this crack-front marking technique.
Administration of anti-EGFR therapy: a practical review.

Objectives To highlight key issues in the administration of cancer therapies that target the EGFR. Data Sources Published clinical trials of anti-EGFR therapy, secondary literature on the administration of anticancer drugs, and illustrative case study reports. Conclusion Anti-EGFR agents represent a new class of therapy. It is important for nurses to acquire familiarity with the specific issues related to the administration of anti-EGFR agents. Preparedness and active patient monitoring can minimize the impact of toxicities (including interstitial lung disease, infusion reactions, and metabolic alterations) and help ensure the delivery of full treatment courses. Implications for Nursing Practice Nurses familiar with the administration issues and the severe adverse events associated with anti-EGFR therapy will be better equipped to manage them effectively.
Triiodothyronine (T3) nuclear binding sites in human placenta and decidua

We studied the binding of triiodothyronine (T3) to human placenta and decidua. Although the placenta effectively blocks transfer of thyroxine (T4) and T3 it may itself be a thyroid hormone-dependent tissue and may specifically bind T3. A single class of high-affinity binding sites was found (Ka 3.8 +/- 0.31 s.e.m., and 3.3 +/- 10(9) M-1) for both placenta and decidua. Limited capacity was also observed, viz., 0.117 +/- 0.01 and 0.102 +/- 0.018 fmoles/microgram deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), respectively. Endogenous T3 nuclear saturation was 34 per cent. Our results are consistent with the proposal that placenta and decidua have similar T3 specific nuclear binding sites and that T3 may have a direct action in the placenta.
Caenorhabditis elegans: localization of cholinesterase associated with anterior nematode structures.

Abstract By employing a histochemical procedure on adult nematodes, the base of the Caenorhabditis elegans amphid appears to contain acetylcholinesterase and a nonspecific cholinesterase. Some precipitation was observed in the kinetosome region of the inner labial papilla with acethylthiocholine (AtCh) as substrate but not, in limited observations, in the absence of substrate or with butyrylthiocholine (BtCh). The amphidial tips, the tips of the inner labial papillae, and the lining of the buccal cavity contained substantial reaction product at the ultrastructural level, with or without substrates and inhibitors and therefore cannot be related to the presence of a cholinesterase.
Destruction of microsomal cytochrome P-450 and glucose-6-phosphatase by lipids extracted from peroxidized microsomes.

Abstract Lipids were extracted from peroxidized and nonperoxidized rat liver microsomes. The lipids were dried down under O 2 -free nitrogen, and then suspended by sonication in aqueous media suitable for further testing. Lipids extracted from peroxidized microsomes destroyed 61% of the cytochrome P -450 content and 73% of the glucose-6-phosphatase activity of fresh microsomes during 90 min of incubation at 38°C. Lipids isolated from nonperoxidized microsomes had no such destructive qualities. These results suggest that when cytochrome P -450 and glucose-6-phosphatase decrease during the peroxidation of liver endoplasmic reticulum, toxic lipids may play an important role in the mechanism of destruction.
Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence and Associated Risk Factors Among Latinos/as: An Exploratory Study With Three Latino Subpopulations

This study seeks to contribute to the limited literature on intimate partner violence (IPV) with Latino populations by analyzing national estimates of prevalence of and risk factors for IPV across the three largest Latino subgroups: Cuban-Origin, Mexican-Origin, and Puerto Ricans. Results showed that foreign-born Mexicans reported the highest rates of IPV compared with foreign-born Cubans and Puerto Ricans; Latinas with higher levels of education and employment reported higher levels of IPV; and foreign-born Mexicans reported a higher rate of less injurious IPV than their U.S.-born counterparts. These findings highlight the need to inform programs of varying nature of Latinas experiencing IPV.
MicroRNAs as Therapeutic Targets in Colitis and Colitis-Associated Cancer: Tiny Players With a Giant Impact

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), represents a constellation of autoimmune disorders that affect the entire gastrointestinal tract1. The incidence and prevalence of IBD is continuously increasing in different parts of the world, with an estimated ~1.5 million people affected by these two diseases in the United States alone2. Patients with IBD present with an increased risk for developing colorectal cancer (CRC)3, with the relative risks for developing this malignancy about 5.6 and 30 times in patients with CD4 and UC5 respectively, in comparison to the general population. Risk factors for colitis-associated cancer (CAC) include disease duration of >8 years, and presence of pancolitis, colonic dysplasia, and primary sclerosing cholangitis affecting liver1. While moderate to severe UC can be treated with antibody-based treatments with some success, limited options exist for treating patients with mild to moderate UC that don’t respond to mesalamine, underscoring the need for development of safer and robust treatment options designed for abating chronic inflammation and continuous disease activity in the colon.
International Legal Rulings on Lustration Policies in Central and Eastern Europe: Rule of Law in Historical Context

The transitional justice literature highlights various trade-offs involved in the choice and implementation of lustration as a transitional justice measure in Central and Eastern Europe. This article examines how international legal body rulings on lustration laws have interpreted rule-of-law versus justice concerns. The European Court of Human Rights and the International Labour Organization have explored possible information problems, due process violations, employment discrimination issues, and bureaucratic loyalty concerns within the context of lustration. Three findings emerge from their legal rulings. First, contrary to popular notions, international legal bodies are not antilustration. The institutions are engaging with questions regarding the fair implementation, not the legality, of lustration laws. Second, the prioritizing of justice concerns during the transition efforts is highlighted as a way to lay a strong democratic foundation. Third, the organizations have emphasized the importance of placing rule of law in historical context, thereby situating postCommunist societies within other posttotalitarian regime-building narratives.