cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
My Cancer Genome: Coevolution of Precision Oncology and a Molecular Oncology Knowledgebase

PURPOSEThe My Cancer Genome (MCG) knowledgebase and resulting website were launched in 2011 with the purpose of guiding clinicians in the application of genomic testing results for treatment of pat...
Synthetic inhibitors of bacterial and mammalian interstitial collagenases.

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews recent progress in the development of both bacterial and mammalian collagenase inhibitors. To facilitate this goal, one provides relevant biochemical background information on these enzymes and their assay methods. The chapter also discusses the many roles that these collagenases are believed to play in both normal and pathological processes. The chapter summarizes the inhibitors that have been developed and the results on the use of a few collagenase inhibitors in physiological assays. The extracellular matrix in humans is composed of a variety of macromolecules that serve both structural and organizational roles. These include collagens, elastin, proteoglycans, fibronectin, laminin, and other poorly characterized minor substituents. The collagens account for about one-third of human protein and are the primary components of most connective tissues including skin, bone, teeth, tendon, cartilage, basement membrane, blood vessels, cornea and the vitreous humor. They are ubiquitous in higher organisms, in which they occur as aggregates and function as structural proteins. The term collagen actually refers to a class of molecules derived from one or several multigene families.
A hypertransfused mouse assay for thrombopoietic factors.

A method was developed for the quantitative separation of platelets from CF1 mouse whole blood. This made it possible to determine the platelet incorporation of 35 S-sulfate without the necessity of doing platelet counts. Daily hypertransfusions of the mice to three to four times normal platelet levels for 4-5 days significantly reduced platelet uptake of radiosulfate to an average of about 40% of the nontransfused controls. Mice rendered thrombocytopenic 48 hr earlier by antiplatelet serum, had 2-day 35 S uptakes over 2 1/2 times the controls and 6 times the hypertransfused animals. The administration of a total of 2 ml of serum, given twice daily for 3 days from a thrombocytopenic patient with Hodgkin9s disease caused a highly significant 103% rise in radiosulfate incorporation when compared with saline in the hypertransfused mouse. Normal human serum from a healthy donor caused a small and insignificant rise. The serum from a patient with Hodgkin9s disease caused a highly significant 63% rise in 35 S incorporation when compared to the normal serum.
Municipal E-government Security: What is the Greatest Challenge?

The security of e-government systems is a recurring theme among e-government literature and is often cited as the greatest challenge and barrier to e-government initiatives. However, research pertaining to the security needs of e-government systems is very limited and frequently raises more questions than answers. The discussion of security for municipal or city-level e-government systems is even more scarce. This paper presents the findings from a study conducted amongst municipalities in the county of Orange, California and highlights: 1) the need for e-government security at the municipal level, 2) areas of strengths in municipal e-government systems and 3) the greatest challenges in securing municipal e-government systems.
Field D*: An Interpolation-Based Path Planner and Replanner

We present an interpolation-based planning and replanning algorithm for generating direct, low-cost paths through nonuniform cost grids. Most grid-based path planners use discrete state transitions that artificially constrain an agent’s motion to a small set of possible headings (e.g. 0, \( \frac{\pi } {4},\frac{\pi } {2} \), etc). As a result, even ‘optimal’ grid-based planners produce unnatural, suboptimal paths. Our approach uses linear interpolation during planning to calculate accurate path cost estimates for arbitrary positions within each grid cell and to produce paths with a range of continuous headings. Consequently, it is particularly well suited to planning low-cost trajectories for mobile robots. In this paper, we introduce the algorithm and present a number of example applications and results.
A new in-situ warpage measurement of a wafer with speckle -free digital image correlation (DIC) method

During microelectronic manufacturing, a wafer undergoes many fabrication processes. Such processes include exposing a wafer to high temperature. Significant residual stresses are built up in a wafer and they are manifested as warpage of a wafer. Understanding the wafer behavior, especially warpage, during reflow process becomes one of the most important things in developing assembly process. Three Dimensional (3-D) digital image correlation (DIC), as a non-contact optical deformation measurement method, documents both in-plane and out-of plane deformation. The in-situ measurement capability allows to understand a wafer (or a wafer with multiple chips) behavior during reflow (or assembly) process. However, an object such as a monotonic surface or a mirror like wafer needs artificial speckles on the sample surface to be discernable and measured by DIC technique. To avoid contamination on wafer for surface treatment, a speckle-free 3D DIC method is proposed and its effectiveness is investigated. This method introduces an optical pattern projection method and subsequent processes in documenting topography of a wafer placed in an environmental chamber to mimic a reflow process. To validate the new method, warpage measurement result is compared with the measurement from optical profiler, a white light interferometer, and its accuracy and sensitivity are assessed quantitatively.
1,3‐Dibromo‐5,5‐dimethylhydantoin

[77-48-5] C5H6Br2N2O2 (MW 285.93) InChI = 1S/C5H6Br2N2O2/c1-5(2)3(10)8(6)4(11)9(5)7/h1-2H3 InChIKey = VRLDVERQJMEPIF-UHFFFAOYSA-N (benzylic bromination of arenes; bromoperoxylation and bromofluorination of alkenes) Alternate Names: DBH; 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylimidazolidine-2,4-dione; dibromantin. Physical Data: mp 197–199 °C (dec). Solubility: slightly sol acetone, THF, 1,4-dioxane, H2O (hot), CCl4 (reflux). Form Supplied in: white powder or crystals; widely available. Analysis of Reagent Purity: determined by the standard iodide–thiosulfate titration method. Preparative Methods: DBH has been prepared by reaction of Br2 (1 mol) with 5,5-dimethylhydantoin (0.5 mol) and NaOH (1 mol) in ice-water at 0 °C.1a 5,5-Dimethylhydantoin is widely available commercially, and can be prepared from KOCN, (NH4)2CO3, and acetone in water at 85 °C.1a After removal of water and excess reagents by distillation, the resulting solution can be used directly for the preparation of DBH. 1,3-Dibromo-5-ethyl-5-methylhydantoin has also been prepared and has the advantage of greater solubility.1b Purification: in an efficient fume hood (caution: bromine evolution), an impure sample of DBH (40 g) is dissolved as quickly as possible in 4 L of preheated water at 90–95 °C. The solution is filtered if necessary, and the filtrate is then immediately chilled well in an ice bath to effect crystallization. After most of the aqueous portion has been decanted, the white crystals are collected by filtration through a bed of ice and washed with water. The crystals are dried in vacuo (63–70% recovery).1a Handling, Storage, and Precautions: 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin should be stored refrigerated and protected from light and moisture to avoid decomposition. DBH is an irritating solid and precautions should be taken to avoid inhalation of the powder or contact with skin.
A Study of the Technological, Instructional, and Motivational Factors Affecting Phr Certification Exam Outcomes

Although previous studies have considered the factors affecting other certification exam outcomes, they have not examined those that are related to performance on the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) exam. In response to that need, this study specifically investigates technology and training factors that affect self-efficacy and self-set goals, and through them, influence PHR certification exam results. The target population for the study consisted of recent examinees who had taken a formal PHR examination preparation class or used another form of exam preparation training. The survey results were analyzed using partial least squares modeling techniques, and mediation effects were then tested. The results demonstrated that PHR training self-efficacy affected PHR exam self-efficacy and self-set goals. These factors then had an impact on PHR exam scores. Also, the results of task-technology fit were indirectly related to PHR training self-efficacy through a multiple mediation model that included the instructional factor of time on task and the technology factor of perceived usefulness. Surprisingly, time spent on practice exam questions was found to be negatively related to PHR certification exam scores. Finally, instructional feedback indirectly affected outcomes through its positive relationship to self-set goals. The results of the research should help training professionals and examinees in structuring PHR exam training and preparation activities. They also suggest avenues for improving outcomes in other similar types of training.
Death of an African Student in Moscow. Race, politics, and the Cold War

ResumeMort d’un etudiant africain a Moscou : la question raciale et la politique pendant la guerre froideLe 18 decembre 1963, la manifestation organisee sur la place Rouge par des etudiants africains sejournant en Union Sovietique devint un incident international. Declenchee par la mort mysterieuse d’un etudiant ghaneen, elle se faisait l’echo des inquietudes des Africains vis-a-vis de leur securite en URSS. Ces inquietudes s’etaient cristallisees au fil des annees precedentes, lorsque les premiers contingents d’etudiants africains avaient eu a subir malentendus et harcelement racistes, parallelement aux expressions officielles de bonne volonte. Le climat international contribua egalement a alimenter ces inquietudes. La presse occidentale, a laquelle les etudiants avaient souvent acces, se saisit avec un zele tout particulier de ces preuves manifestes de tensions raciales. Les facteurs politiques, sociaux et culturels qui entrerent en jeu dans la manifestation des etudiants africains et ses retombees offrent une perspective nouvelle sur l’histoire des dernieres annees Hruscev.
An analysis of intra-event precipitation variability for the United States (1980–2010)

Hourly precipitation data were collected from 143 first-order US weather stations during the period from 1980 to 2009 to assess the internal distribution of precipitation events lasting at least three hours. A total of 46,595 individual precipitation events were identified and evaluated using the mean, standard deviation, skewness, kurtosis, and the number of peaks occurring within an event. Mean event duration is longest along the West and Northwest coasts, the Mid-South, the Mid-Atlantic, and the Northeast; while shorter-duration events are more frequent in the Rocky Mountains, the Southwest, and the Great Plains. Mean event precipitation and standard deviation are greatest along the Gulf Coast and decrease inland. Precipitation events are positively skewed, indicating that more precipitation tends to occur earlier in the event. The most positively-skewed events are also located in regions flanking the Gulf of Mexico, while less-skewed events are common in the Northwest and Rocky Mountain regions. Event...
Carboxypeptidase-G2, thymidine, and leucovorin rescue in cancer patients with methotrexate-induced renal dysfunction.

PURPOSEMethotrexate nephrotoxicity can lead to delayed methotrexate elimination and the development of life-threatening toxicity, which may not be preventable with the standard rescue agent leucovorin. In preclinical studies, we previously demonstrated that carboxypetidase-G2 (CPDG2) rapidly hydrolyzes methotrexate to nontoxic metabolites. A protocol for the compassionate use of CPDG2 in patients who develop nephrotoxicity while receiving high-dose methotrexate was therefore developed. The pharmacologic and clinical outcome of CPDG2 rescue administered with thymidine and leucovorin in 20 patients is presented here.METHODSPatients with high-dose methotrexate-induced renal dysfunction received one to three doses of CPDG2, 50 U/kg body weight intravenously (i.v.), thymidine 8 g/m2/d by continuous i.v. infusion, and standard pharmacokinetically guided leucovorin rescue. Plasma concentrations of methotrexate and its inactive metabolite 4-deoxy-4-amino-N10-methylpteroic acid (DAMPA) were measured before and aft...
Robust fueling strategy for an SI engine modeled as an linear parameter varying time-delayed system

This paper presents a new approach to the widely discussed problem of air-fuel ratio (AFR) control in a spark ignition (SI) engine. Precise regulation of the air-fuel ratio is required to attain high catalytic converter efficiency and minimize tailpipe emissions. This regulation is achieved by manipulating the fuel pulse width based on the feedback received from an exhaust gas oxygen sensor. The fuel path of an SI engine exhibits time-varying dynamics including a delay. In this work, the fuel path is modeled as a linear parameter-varying (LPV) time-delayed system. The time delay existing in the system is not approximated using the Pade formula, but it appears explicitly as a time-varying delay in the state. The design of parameter dependent state feedback controller guaranteeing stability and induced ℒ 2 norm performance is explored using Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional. The synthesis conditions are formulated in terms of Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs) that can be easily solved. A gain-scheduled ℋ ∞ controller is designed to track reference air-fuel ratio and minimize the effects of disturbances on the air-fuel ratio, over complete operating range of the SI engine. Simulation results are presented to validate the proposed control design methodology.
Developments in the gyrofluid approach to Tokamak turbulence simulations

A status report is given on developments in the gyrofluid approach to simulating tokamak turbulence. 'Gyrofluid' (r 'gyro-Landau fluid') equations attempt to extend the range of validity of fluid equations to a more collisionless regime typical of tokamaks, by developing fluid models of important kinetic effects such as Landau-damping and gyro-orbit averaging. The fluid moments approach should converge if enough moments are kept, though this may require a large number of moments for some processes. Toroidal gyrofluid equations have been extended from 4 to 6 moments, and to include the mu Del B magnetic mirroring force. An efficient field-line coordinate system for toroidal turbulence simulations (useful for both particle and fluid simulations) is presented. Nonlinear 3-D simulations of toroidal ITG-driven turbulence indicate that turbulence-generated sheared flows play an important role in the development and saturation of the turbulence. There is a strong enhancement of the flows when the electrons are assumed adiabatic on each flux surface, which is partially offset by toroidal drift effects which reduce the flows.
Topological analysis of the ATP-gated ionotrophic P2X2 receptor subunit

We investigated the transmembrane topology of the P2X2 receptor subunit expressed in HEK 293 cells. Initial studies using two P2X subunits expressed in tandem indicated that the amino- and carboxy-termini are on the same side of the membrane. Immunofluorescence studies showed the cytoplasmic orientation of the amino- and carboxy-termini. Finally, N-glycosylation scanning mutagenesis revealed that reporter sites inserted into the central loop, but not those in the amino- or carboxy-terminal regions, were glycosylated, thus suggesting an extracellular placement for that domain. Our results support a two-transmembrane arrangement for P2X receptors with intracellular amino- and carboxy-termini.
Translation and the US empire: counterinsurgency and the resistance of language

AbstractIn recent years, much has been written about the revival of counterinsurgency as the preferred strategy of the United States-led forces in their ‘global war on terror’. Such a strategy necessarily requires knowledge of the local languages and cultures. This essay focuses on the US military’s attempts to deploy language as a weapon of war through the strategic deployment of translation practices in consolidating military occupation. It looks into such tactics as the training of soldiers in foreign languages, the development of automatic translation systems, and the protocols for expropriating the mediating power of native interpreters. The essay also inquires into the limits and contradictions of such tactics and their implications for the success or failure of counterinsurgency. Finally, it asks whether there are other ways in which translation works in war time that tend to evade the militarization of speech.
Protein Location in Liposomes, A Drug Carrier: A Prediction by Differential Scanning Calorimetry

Location of protein drugs in lipid carriers often determines the stability, loading efficiency, and release rate of these drugs from the carriers following administration. On the basis of conventional differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements, Papahadjopoulos et al. (Biochim. Biphys. Acta 1975, 401, 317-335) proposed that proteins can be classified into three categories depending on their effects on the thermotropic behavior of the lipids, e.g., transition temperature and enthalpy. Interactions are usually electrostatic, hydrophobic, or their combination. The nature of these interactions are reflected by changes in various thermotropic parameters. Our study aims to test the validity of Papahadjopoulos' classification. Hydrophilic ribonuclease A, cytochrome c, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as hydrophobic cyclosporin A, are used as model proteins. Neutral lipids, e.g., dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, and/or negatively charged lipids, e.g., dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPG), are used to prepare liposomes. Results from conventional and high-sensitivity DSC are compared. High-sensitivity DSC gives significant, more reproducible results. We find that the classification of Papahadjopoulos et al. needs to be modified. No hydrophilic proteins bind to liposomes exclusively on the surface by electrostatic interactions, and some degree of penetration is observed in most cases. An unexpected binding between SOD and DPPG liposomes is observed. The binding of SOD to negatively charged lipids may account, at least in part, for its ability to protect lipid membranes against oxygen-mediated injury.
Growth of Agrostis palustris in Response to Adventitious Root Infection by Curvularia lunata

Curvularia lunata is reported as a minor pathogen of adventitious roots of Agrostis palustris. C. lunata isolates from roots of A. palustris were evaluated for their ability to infect adventitious roots at temperatures ranging from 23 to 48°C. All isolates of C. lunata decreased both the shoot and root growth of root-inoculated plants during a 10-week observation period, but failed to produce the foliar symptoms observed in the field. Shoot and root weights of inoculated, plants were 47–66% and 55–69% of their respective controls. Infected roots were light tan in colour without lesions or rot, and infections were restricted to root hairs and cortical tissue. These observations are discussed relative to the nature of the pathogenicity of C. hunata as a root pathogen and its potential function in a root disease complex.
Forging inroads between libraries and academic, multicultural and student services

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the prospects and benefits of collaborating with student services organizations in order to integrate information literacy and instruction services into pre‐existing academic programs and services.Design/methodology/approach – The paper begins with a literature review of recent library collaborations with student services areas such as international student centers, study abroad, multicultural student services, career services and writing centers, and then outlines a general rubric employed at the University of Illinois used to develop, implement and assess library partnerships with these student services units.Findings – A current literature review reveals a new and often overlooked information literacy niche that exists within the student services realm. These collaborations are generally welcomed by the partners, heighten students' access to information, and incorporate information literacy objectives into students' lives beyond the classroom.Practical ...
Attitudes toward blinding of peer review and perceptions of efficacy within a small biomedical specialty.

Purpose Peer reviewers' knowledge of author identity may influence review content, quality, and recommendations. Therefore, the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics ("Red Journal") implemented double-blinded peer review in 2011. Given the relatively small size of the specialty and the high frequency of preliminary abstract presentations, we sought to evaluate attitudes, the efficacy of blinding, and the potential impact on the disposition of submissions. Methods and Materials In May through August 2012, all Red Journal reviewers and 1 author per manuscript completed questionnaires regarding demographics, attitudes, and perceptions of success of blinding. We also evaluated correlates of the outcomes of peer review. Results Questionnaires were received from 408 authors and 519 reviewers (100%). The majority of respondents favored double blinding; 6% of authors and 13% of reviewers disagreed that double blinding should continue in the Red Journal. In all, 50% of the reviewers did not suspect the identity of the author of the paper that they reviewed; 19% of reviewers believed that they could identify the author(s), and 31% suspected that they could. Similarly, 23% believed that they knew the institution(s) from which the paper originated, and 34% suspected that they did. Among those who at least suspected author identity, 42% indicated that prior presentations served as a clue, and 57% indicated that literature referenced did so. Of those who at least suspected origin and provided details (n=133), 13% were entirely incorrect. Rejection was more common in 2012 than 2011, and submissions from last authors with higher H-indices (>21) were more likely to survive initial review, without evidence of interactions between submission year and author gender or H-index. Conclusions In a relatively small specialty in which preliminary research presentations are common and occur in a limited number of venues, reviewers are often familiar with research findings and suspect author identity even when manuscript review is blinded. Nevertheless, blinding appears to be effective in many cases, and support for continuing blinding was strong.
Meaning Making in Response to Unfairness

Travis Proulx and Michael Inzlicht integrate a broad range of findings and theories from psychology and other fields to present an ambitious theory of meaning-making as a core psychological motive....
Interactions of Poloxamer Hydrogel Composites Containing Carbon Nanobrushes With Clinically Relevant Cell Lines

The objective of this work is to study the interactions of an electrically conductive hydrogel composite with different clinically relevant cell lines. The composite is comprised of carbon nanobrushes embedded in a biocompatible poloxamer gel. This work assesses the ability of such composite gels to support the growth of fibroblasts and myoctes and eventually serve as a matrix to stimulate wound closure. In such a model, fibroblasts and myocytes are seeded separately on the composite hydrogel and bathed in culture medium. The experimental model assesses the ability of fibroblasts and myocytes to grow into and adhere to the gel containing carbon nanobrushes. The work demonstrates that carbon nanobrushes can be dispersed within poloxamer gels, and that fibroblasts and myoctyes can proliferate within a poloxamer gel containing homogenously dispersed carbon nanobrushes. Future work will additionally examine the effects of design parameters such as carbon nanobrush content and matrix structure on wound healing, as well as the growth of tendons and other cell lines within the hydrogel composites. This work has relevance for tissue engineering and tissue regeneration in clinical medicine.© 2012 ASME
Kinetic effects of fluorine substituents in free-radical chemistry. Hydrogen-atom abstraction reactions of perfluoro-n-alkyl radicals

Abstract Using competitive methods, the rates of hydrogen-atom abstraction by a typical perfluoro-n-alkyl radical, n-C7F15·, have been determined for a series of silane and stannane reductants including nBu3SnH (2.03×108 M−1 s−1), Et3SiH (7.5×105), (TMS)2SiMeH (1.63×107) and (TMS)3SiH (5.1×107), all of which exhibited substantial rate enhancements relative to their analogous reductions of hydrocarbon radicals. The reduction by PhSH is, in contrast, ∼400-times slower than for hydrocarbon radicals. Transition state polar effects are invoked to rationalize the relative reactivity of perfluoro- versus hydrocarbon radicals in these hydrogen-transfer reactions. A Hammett study for H-atom transfer from arene thiols (p+ = −0.56) provided further substantiation for this conclusion. A discussion of the relative reactivity of t-butoxyl and perfluoro-n-alkyl radicals is presented.
Electronic structure of conducting π-electron systems

Abstract We will discuss the application of one-electron band theory to several systems where π-electron delocalization has been experimentally established. We will use polyacetylene as our prototype and extend results on it to related polymers such as (SN)x, polypyrrole and poly(p-phenylene). We will particularly concentrate on those aspects of chemical bonding and symmetry which govern whether a given system will be semiconducting or metallic, and which scale its transport properties.
Coordinated Control of Wheeled Vehicles in the Presence of a Large Communication Delay Through a Potential Functional Approach

This paper studies the flocking problem for a multiagent system, where each agent is a vehicle with nonholonomic dynamics. In particular, the authors consider the case where the agents are subjected to an arbitrarily large communication delay. A distributed low gain control law is derived based on the gradient of an artificial potential function. The authors demonstrate using the Lyapunov functional approach that the proposed control law drives the multiagent system into the stable flocking behavior. The effectiveness of the proposed control law is verified in numerical simulation.
An endocytic Prk-ing brake.

Actin polymerization is intimately associated with endocytosis in yeast and mammalian cells. Mechanisms of actin filament assembly in endocytosis are becoming better understood but less is known about how assembly is terminated. In yeast, phosphorylation of Arp2/3 complex activators provides one mechanism for downregulating endocytic actin assembly.
Delayed Split-Thickness Skin Grafting After Radical Excision in the Treatment of Advanced Hidradenitis Suppurativa of the Vulva and Perianus

ABSTRACT Hidradenitis suppurativa is a debilitating condition characterized by progressive tissue infection and destruction in the apocrine gland-bearing areas. Advanced cases often require aggressive surgical intervention. This report documents The University of Alabama at Birmingham experience with advanced hidradenitis suppurativa of the vulva and perianus, with particular emphasis on delayed split-thickness skin grafting after radical resection. (J GYNECOL SURG 6:129, 1990)
Trace element chemistry of zircons from oceanic crust: A method for distinguishing detrital zircon provenance

We present newly acquired trace element compositions for more than 300 zircon grains in 36 gabbros formed at the slow-spreading Mid-Atlantic and Southwest Indian Ridges. Rare earth element patterns for zircon from modern oceanic crust completely overlap with those for zircon crystallized in continental granitoids. However, plots of U versus Yb and U/Yb versus Hf or Y discriminate zircons crystallized in oceanic crust from continental zircon, and provide a relatively robust method for distinguishing zircons from these environments. Approximately 80% of the modern ocean crust zircons are distinct from the fi eld defi ned by more than 1700 continental zircons from Archean and Phanerozoic samples. These discrimination diagrams provide a new tool for fi ngerprinting ocean crust zircons derived from reservoirs like that of modern mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) in both modern and ancient detrital zircon populations. Hadean detrital zircons previously reported from the Acasta Gneiss, Canada, and the Narryer Gneiss terrane, Western Australia, plot in the continental granitoid fi eld, supporting hypotheses that at least some Hadean detrital zircons crystallized in continental crust forming magmas and not from a reservoir like modern MORB.
The Concept of Carrying Capacity for Systems of Shifting Cultivation1

The concept of carrying capacity is related to homeostatic regulation as part of the “new ecology” paradigm. Formulas designed to measure the man-land balance of tropical horticulturalists reveal two problem areas. Theoretically, the relationship between homeostasis, change, and evolution remains indefinite. Methodologically, there are substantial difficulties in defining cultural and environmental components of the formula and in obtaining diachronic data to test the concept.
Extracellular matrix components influence DNA synthesis of rat hepatocytes in primary culture.

Abstract The effects of several extracellular matrix components (EMCs)—fibronectin (Fn), laminin (Ln), type I (C-I) and type IV (C-IV) collagen—on DNA synthesis in rat hepatocytes in primary culture were examined by both quantitative scintillation spectrometry and autoradiography of [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation. Hepatocytes cultured on Fn showed the most active DNA synthesis initiated by epidermal growth factor (EGF) with decreasing levels of [ 3 H]thymidine uptake exhibited in the cells cultured on C-IV, C-I, and Ln, respectively. The decreasing level of DNA synthesis in hepatocytes cultured on Fn, C-IV, C-I, and Ln respectively was not influenced by cell density. The number of EGF receptors of hepatocytes was also not influenced by EMCs. These data suggest that EMCs modify hepatocyte DNA synthesis by means of post-EGF-receptor mechanisms which are regulated by both growth factors and cell density.
A hybrid discontinuous Galerkin method for computing the ground state solution of Bose-Einstein condensates

A numerical method for computing the ground state solution of Bose-Einstein condensates modeled by the Gross-Pitaevskii equation is presented. In this method, the three-dimensional computational domain is divided into hexahedral elements in which the solution is approximated by a sum of basis functions. Both polynomial and plane wave bases are considered for this purpose, and Lagrange multipliers are introduced to weakly enforce the interelement continuity of the solution. The ground state is computed by an iterative procedure for minimizing the energy. The performance results obtained for several numerical experiments demonstrate that the proposed method is more computationally efficient than similar solution approaches based on the standard higher-order finite element method.
Early increases in microcirculatory perfusion during protocol-directed resuscitation are associated with reduced multi-organ failure at 24 h in patients with sepsis

Sepsis mortality is closely linked to multi-organ failure, and impaired microcirculatory blood flow is thought to be pivotal in the pathogenesis of sepsis-induced organ failure. We hypothesized that changes in microcirculatory flow during resuscitation are associated with changes in organ failure over the first 24 h of sepsis therapy. Prospective observational study. Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit. Septic patients with systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg despite intravenous fluids or lactate ≥4.0 mM/L treated with early goal-directed therapy (EGDT). We performed Sidestream Dark Field (SDF) videomicroscopy of the sublingual microcirculation <3 h from EGDT initiation and again within a 3–6 h time window after initial. We imaged five sites and determined the mean microcirculatory flow index (MFI) (0 no flow to 3 normal) blinded to all clinical data. We calculated the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score at 0 and 24 h, and defined improved SOFA a priori as a decrease ≥2 points. Of 33 subjects; 48% improved SOFA over 0–24 h. Age, APACHE II, and global hemodynamics did not differ significantly between organ failure groups. Among SOFA improvers, 88% increased MFI during EGDT, compared to 47% for non-improvers (P = 0.03). Median change in MFI was 0.23 for SOFA improvers versus −0.05 for non-improvers (P = 0.04). Increased microcirculatory flow during resuscitation was associated with reduced organ failure at 24 h without substantial differences in global hemodynamics. These data support the hypothesis that targeting the microcirculation distinct from the macrocirculation could potentially improve organ failure in sepsis.
The Effect of Carbon Dioxide Inhalation on Cerebral Blood Flow: A Two-Hour Duration Study in Dogs With Microspheres

Dogs breathed one of four gas mixtures (5% CO2-95% O2, 5% CO2-95% air, 10% CO2-90% O2, and 10% CO2-90% air) for as long as two hours. Regional cerebral blood flow as well as flow in nasal, otic, pituitary and skin tissue were measured by means of 15 ± 5 µ radioactively labeled microspheres. The normal values for cerebral blood flow and arterial blood gases were very similar to those of other investigators. Inhalation of CO2 induced an increase in cerebral blood flow that was significantly higher than is usually reported. Increases varied from 100% (with 5% CO2-95% air) to 250% (with 10% CO2-90% O2). Blood flow in the temporal bone behaved much like that of brain in response to CO2. In most instances, the pituitary gland blood flow did not increase with inhalation of CO2.
An elastic wave scattering problem relating to the rapid movement of a fracture in a plate: Part II — Numerical results

In Part I of this two part paper, we developed analytical expressions for the crack face displacements due to an applied point traction as well as a moving point source of dilatation. In this sequel to Part I, we present numerical results for the crack face displacements in the form of displacement-time records at fixed locations on the crack face. For the stationary point traction problem, the results are more or less in keeping with the predictions made in Part I, with the Rayleigh pulse giving a large contribution for an applied step load. In the case of the moving point microfracture with a step time dependence, in addition to the diffracted compressional, shear and Rayleigh arrivals there is observed the evolution of a new pulse whose amplitude and position on the time record shifts changes if the calculations are done for a different crack speed. Results are also presented for a microfracture with an oscillatory time dependence. Once again, the first arrival of the surface pulse appears to be the most prominent arrival on the record. Further explorations of the parameters and source functions would be required before comparisons with experimental data can be made.
Microsatellite multiplex panels for genetic studies of three species of marine fishes: red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus), and cobia (Rachycentron canadum)

Abstract Multiplex panels of nuclear-encoded microsatellites were developed for three species of marine fishes of interest to both public and private aquaculture ventures: red drum ( Sciaenops ocellatus ), red snapper ( Lutjanus campechanus ), and cobia ( Rachycentron canadum ). The multiplex panels will be useful in a variety of applications, including strain and hybrid identification, parentage assignment, pedigree reconstruction, estimating genetic diversity and/or inbreeding, mapping of quantitative trait loci, and marker-assisted selection. The panels also will be useful in studies of stock structure of ‘wild’ populations. Comparison of costs for expendable supplies revealed that four- and eight-panel multiplexes reduced expenditures four- and eight-fold, respectively, relative to single microsatellite gels. Personnel time also was reduced significantly.
Solution Structure of the NaV1.2 C-terminal EF-hand Domain *

Voltage-gated sodium channels initiate the rapid upstroke of action potentials in many excitable tissues. Mutations within intracellular C-terminal sequences of specific channels underlie a diverse set of channelopathies, including cardiac arrhythmias and epilepsy syndromes. The three-dimensional structure of the C-terminal residues 1777-1882 of the human NaV1.2 voltage-gated sodium channel has been determined in solution by NMR spectroscopy at pH 7.4 and 290.5 K. The ordered structure extends from residues Leu-1790 to Glu-1868 and is composed of four α-helices separated by two short anti-parallel β-strands; a less well defined helical region extends from residue Ser-1869 to Arg-1882, and a disordered N-terminal region encompasses residues 1777-1789. Although the structure has the overall architecture of a paired EF-hand domain, the NaV1.2 C-terminal domain does not bind Ca2+ through the canonical EF-hand loops, as evidenced by monitoring 1H,15N chemical shifts during aCa2+ titration. Backbone chemical shift resonance assignments and Ca2+ titration also were performed for the NaV1.5 (1773-1878) isoform, demonstrating similar secondary structure architecture and the absence of Ca2+ binding by the EF-hand loops. Clinically significant mutations identified in the C-terminal region of NaV1 sodium channels cluster in the helix I-IV interface and the helix II-III interhelical segment or in helices III and IV of the NaV1.2 (1777-1882) structure.
Effect of acute and repeated selenium treatment on hepatic monooxygenase enzyme activity in male rats

Abstract The effect of sodium selenite administered acutely or repeatedly on the biochemical components of the hepatic microsomal monooxygenase enzyme system was examined in male rats. 72 h following acute administration of selenium (2.4 mg Se/kg, i.p.), there was a significant decrease in ethylmorphine-N-demethylase activity and cytochrome P-450 levels but no change in aniline hydroxylase or NADPH cytochrome c reductase activity. Following repeated administration of selenite in the drinking water (1, 2, or 4 ppm Se) for 30 days, there was no alteration in any of the parameters measured. Following the in vitro additions of selenite to microsomes obtained from untreated rats, ethylmorphine-N-demethylase and aniline hydroxylase activities were inhibited at selenium concentrations of 10−4 M or greater, but the inhibition achieved was less than 50%. No alterations in cytochrome P-450 levels were observed. These results indicate that selenium is a rather weak, indirect, and substrate-specific inhibitor of the hepatic monooxygenase enzyme system.
Long-lifetime metal-ligand complexes as luminescent probes for DNA

We examined the intensity and anisotropy decays of DNA labeled with two ruthenium metal-ligand complexes, [Ru(bpy)2(dppz)]2+ and [Ru(phe)2(dppz)]2+. Both complexes display high emission anisotropies in the absence of rotational diffusion, making them suitable probes for rotational motions. When bound to DNA, these complexes display decay times as long as 294 ns, providing long-lived probes of DNA dynamics. The decay times of both complexes were rather insensitive to dissolved oxygen. We examined anisotropy decays of these complexes bound to B-form DNA. The anisotropy decays revealed correlation times near 10, 50, and several hundred nanoseconds, suggesting that these probes are sensitive to a wide range of DNA motions. The use of metal-ligand complexes should allow resolution of both the torsional and bending motions of DNA, the latter of which has been mostly inaccessible using shorter-lived fluorescent probes bound to DNA.
Pollen lipidomics: lipid profiling exposes a notable diversity in 22 allergenic pollen and potential biomarkers of the allergic immune response.

Background/Aim Pollen grains are the male gametophytes that deliver sperm cells to female gametophytes during sexual reproduction of higher plants. Pollen is a major source of aeroallergens and environmental antigens. The pollen coat harbors a plethora of lipids that are required for pollen hydration, germination, and penetration of the stigma by pollen tubes. In addition to proteins, pollen displays a wide array of lipids that interact with the human immune system. Prior searches for pollen allergens have focused on the identification of intracellular allergenic proteins, but have largely overlooked much of the extracellular pollen matrix, a region where the majority of lipid molecules reside. Lipid antigens have attracted attention for their potent immunoregulatory effects. By being in close proximity to allergenic proteins on the pollen surface when they interact with host cells, lipids could modify the antigenic properties of proteins.
Long-Term Cultivation and Productive Infection of Primary Thymocyte Cultures by a Thymocytopathic Murine Retrovirus

ts1, a mutant of MoMuLV, selectively kills T cells and neurons in the infected host resulting in neuroimmunodegeneration. In the infected thymus there is an early increase in mitosis of thymocytes followed by rapid death, suggesting that thymocyte death may be induced by viral mitogenic activation. Studies on thymocytes obtained fromts1-infected mice indicated that thets1-induced depletion of thymocytes is mediated through activation-induced death by apoptosis. To further investigate the interaction betweents1 and thymocytes, we have established long-term primary murine thymocyte cultures by placing the thymocytes together with thymic remnants in culture medium containing IL-2 and IL-7. These thymocytes retained their immature phenotype and were susceptible to infection byts1 and its parental wild-type MoMuLV.ts1-infected thymocytes proliferated initially at accelerated rate but subsequently produced more infectious virus and died much faster than control or MoMuLV-infected thymocytes. Thesein vitrostudies to some extent reflect ourin vivostudies reported previously.
The formation of the sex glands and germ cells of mammals I. The origin of the germ cells in the albino rat

An early segregation of germ cells and migration through a germ track into the gonad does not occur in the albino rat. The germ cells are produced only from the peritoneum of the genital region and their earliest formation is coincident with the thickening of the coelomic epithelium to form the genital ridge. This takes place eleven days after insemination in embryos of approximately 18 somites. Germ cells continue to form from the peritoneum during the early development of the gonad. The peritoneum of this region also produces mesenchyme, smaller cells of the gonads, and the germinal epithelium. The argument for the specific character of the germ cells in vertebrates and their continuity from the egg is based largely upon assumption, and not upon substantial observations, and must be discarded. Germ-cell origin is a problem of cellular differentiatio, and not of early segregation.
High Density Orthogonal Surface Immobilization via Photoactivated Copper-Free Click Chemistry

Surfaces containing reactive ester polymer brushes were functionalized with cyclopropenone-masked dibenzocyclooctynes for the light activated immobilization of azides using catalyst-free click chemistry. The photodecarbonylation reaction in the amorphous brush layer is first order for the first 45 s with a rate constant of 0.022 s−1. The catalyst-free cycloaddition of surface bound dibeznocyclooctynes proceeds rapidly in the presence of azides under ambient conditions. Photolithography using a shadow mask was used to demonstrate patterning with multiple azide containing molecules. This surface immobilization strategy provides a general and facile platform for the generation of multicomponent surfaces with spatially resolved chemical functionality.
Nonlinear Forecasting for the Classification of Natural Time Series

There is a growing trend in the natural sciences to view time series as products of dynamical systems. This viewpoint has proven to be particularly useful in stimulating debate and insight into the nature of the underlying generating mechanisms. Here I review some of the issues concerning the use of forecasting in the detection of nonlinearities and possible chaos, particularly with regard to stochastic chaos. Moreover, it is shown how recent attempts to measure meaningful Lyapunov exponents for ecological data are fundamentally flawed, and that when observational noise is convolved with process noise, computing Lyapunov exponents for the real system will be difficult. Such problems pave the way for more operational definitions of dynamic complexity (cf. Yao & Tong, this volume) . Aside from its use in the characterization of chaos, nonlinear forecasting can be used more broadly in pragmatic classification problems. Here I review a recent example of nonlinear forecasting as it is applied to classify human heart rhythms. In particular, it is shown how forecast nonlinearity can be a good discriminator of the physiological effects of age, and how prediction-decay may discriminate heartdisease. In so doing, I introduce a method for characterizing nonlinearity using ‘S-maps’ and a method for analysing multiple short time series with composite attractors.
Prostate Cancer and the Social Construction of Masculine Sexual Identity

Perhaps no other disease illustrates the social construction of masculine identity more vividly than prostate cancer, an illness whose common symptoms and treatment effects (for example, erectile dysfunction and incontinence) leave men with a diminished sense of agency over their bodies. This loss of agency reveals the ways in which societal norms regarding appropriate masculine sexual behavior and identity are cultural creations, not biological absolutes. Recalling prior studies of prostate cancer narratives and studies of prostate cancer support groups, this article inquires not only into dominant constructions of sexuality, but also into the possibilities of redefining sexuality and masculinity among prostate cancer survivors.
Documentation in a Medical Setting Effects of Technology on Perceived Quality of Care

The authors extend previous findings regarding the social impact of introducing new documentation technologies to the doctor-patient interaction by including an age comparison. Participants (includ...
Estrogen affinity crosslinking to tyrosinase-like immunoreactive proteins of rat uterine nuclear extracts

Abstract We have previously described tyrosinase-like proteins of rat uterine nuclear extracts with type II estrogen binding characteristics. In this paper we have been able to affinity label these polypeptides with radio-iodinated estradiol. The major label at ≈33–38 kDa comigrates with a ≈36 kDa tyrosinase immunoreactive band assessed by autoradiograms and Western blots following electrophoresis. A minor label was also detected at ≈45 kDa. The label is attenuated by excess quercetin hence these proteins are believed to represent putative type II estrogen binding sites that bind this bioflavonoid. These estrogen binding proteins are distinct from the estrogen receptor as judged by immunoblotting. The affinity crosslinking will be a useful approach in the purification of tyrosinase like proteins.