cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rethinking the Potential Roles of Mast Cells in Skin Wound Healing and Bleomycin-Induced Skin Fibrosis

Skin wound healing and bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis are thought to reflect complex interactions among diverse cell types. Several lines of evidence have implicated mast cells in these tissue responses. However, data from Willenborg et al. (this issue) and from three other groups suggest that, in at least these examples of cutaneous tissue remodeling, mast cells may not have nonredundant roles.
Re-examination of the spin of the 45Sc 378 keV level

Abstract Stripping and angular correlation measurements indicate a spin and parity of 3- 2 for the 378 keV level of 45 Sc, rather than the previously suggested spin and parity of 5- 2 .
Mapping the CXCR4 receptor on breast cancer cells

The CXCR4 receptor triggers cell migration and, in breast cancer, promotes metastasis. To date, the dynamic assembly of CXCR4 on the cell surface as a mediator of receptor binding is not well characterized. The objective of this work is to quantify the density, spatial organization, and magnitude of binding of the CXCR4 receptor on live metastatic breast cancer (MBC) cells. We measured the Young's modulus, the CXCR4 surface density, and CXCR4 unbinding force on MBC cells by atomic force microscopy. We conclude that the CXCR4 density, spatial organization, and matrix stiffness are paramount to achieve strong binding.
Clock, love and memory: Circadian and non-circadian regulation of Drosophila mating behavior by clock genes*

Mating behavior is arguably the most important and fundamental behavior in animals. In the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, both experience-dependent and independent aspects of mating behavior are regulated by the genes controlling circadian rhythms. Wild-type D. melanogaster show robust circadian rhythms in their mating activity, with the lowest point at zeitgeber time 12. These rhythms are intact under constant dark conditions and are abolished in mutants for the clock genes, period (per) and timeless (tim), indicating that the mating activity of D. melanogaster is under the control of an endogenous clock. Females are solely responsible for these rhythms, because the rhythms are lost when clock mutant females are paired with wild-type males, but not vice versa. Although the circadian clock might not regulate innate male courtship behavior, its plasticity is controlled by a clock gene, per. A male fly previously paired with a mated female that releases courtship-inhibiting cues subsequently reduces his courtship activities toward a virgin female. This experience-dependent depression of male courtship is based on associative learning, which can induce long-term memory (LTM) lasting at least five days. The courtship LTM is not under the influence of a circadian clock or most of the clock genes. Interestingly, however, mutants for per, whose expression is controlled by the cAMP responsible transcriptional factor, CREB, are defective in LTM, suggesting that per plays a key role in LTM formation, independent of the core oscillator of the circadian clock. Thus, clock genes are involved in both innate mating behavior and its plasticity.
Migrant-native socioeconomic differentials in Thailand.

Recent research has suggested that the position of many urban migrants compares favorably with that of urban natives. This generalization is refined by referring to three key distinctions: migrants from rural versus urban origins, recent versus more experienced cityward migrants, and type of urban destination. In Thailand in the early 1970s, migrants to smaller urban centers, especially the more experienced migrants, are economically more successful than migrants to the large metropolitan centers and in some cases are more successful than urban natives. Reasons for this pattern are discussed.
Malathion Resistance Levels in Sympatric Populations of Drosophila simulans (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and D. melanogaster Differ by Two Orders of Magnitude

Malathion resistance levels were determined in populations of the sympatric species Drosophila melanogaster (Meigen) and Drosophila simulans (Sturtevant) from a collection site in Tampa Bay, FL, with a 20+ yr history of intensive malathion exposure. Bioassays of insecticide resistance were done by using a desiccation technique that reduces both the effects of avoidance behavior on the results and the total time of the assay. Resistance levels in isofemale lines of D. simulans are as much as 2 orders of magnitude higher than those in the D. melarwgaster lines and are significantly higher than any previously reported resistance levels for oregano phosphate exposure in Drosophila sp. Comparison with specimens from additional collection sites in the region indicates that the normal ratio of these sympatric species has been altered at our study site. The use of Drosophila sp. as a model system to study resistance management strategies and differences in the evolution of insecticide resistance among sympatric species is discussed.
Displacement chromatography of simple protein mixtures, using carboxymethyldextrans.

Abstract Simple mixtures of proteins have been used as models to demonstrate that the fractionation of proteins by carboxymethyldextrans on an anion exchanger (Peterson, E.A. (1978) Anal. Biochem. 90, 767–784) is fundamentally a displacement process. Examples include the separation of two closely similar proteins, the A and B forms of β-lactoglobulin. The use of carboxymethyldextran spacers was essential for good separation, since resolution based on protein—protein displacement was generally inadequate. The origins and effects of heterogeneity in the preparations used as spacers are discussed.
Long-term chemical and biological improvement in an acid mine drainage-impacted watershed

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a common result of coal and metal mining worldwide caused by weathering of metal sulfides exposed during mining. AMD typically results in low-pH, high-metal, high-conductivity water that does not support aquatic life. Chemical water quality improvement does not necessarily lead to rapid biological recovery. Little Raccoon Creek, a major tributary to Raccoon Creek in the Western Allegheny Plateau of Ohio, drains 401 km2, has a legacy of AMD that stems from mining activities over more than a century. Since 1999, seven major passive treatments systems have been installed in the watershed to a total of over $6.5 million. This study analyzes the hourly water quality data collected at a United States Geological Survey gage station alongside trends in fish and macroinvertebrate communities. Both fish and macroinvertebrate communities have shown a statistically significant improvement in the lower reaches of Little Raccoon Creek since treatment began. Long-term chemical monitoring shows a significant increase in pH, but no significant change in conductivity. The conductivity data is well correlated with sulfate concentrations and discharge, while the pH is well correlated with net alkalinity data, but not with discharge. Significant investment in passive treatment systems and land reclamation has decreased the percent occurrence of pH measurements below the target of 6.5 and has led to recovery of both fish and macroinvertebrate communities in the downstream reaches of Little Raccoon Creek. Long-term monitoring has proven to be a valuable tool to assess success of a high-cost remediation program.
Gendering the Nation: The Proliferation of Images of Zhen Fei (1876-1900) and Sai Jinhua (1872-1936) in Late Qing and Republican China

This paper analyzes the historical trajectories of the images of Zhen Fei and Sai Jinhua, who rose from an obscure royal concubine and an infamous prostitute, respectively, to become androgynous national heroines in wartime China. The study exposes the construction and the fictional elements of these images, thus providing concrete examples for establishing the interconnection between male fantasy and the invention of the modern national subject. It argues that the female body became the contested site for predominantly male-led discourses on eroticism and politics, and emphasizes that erotic desire may inform or enhance expressions and experiences of the formation of modern nationhood.
Optimum Multielectrode A Posteriori Estimates of Single-Response Evoked Potentials

This paper discusses the design and performance of an optimum linear multielectrode filter for estimating the evoked potential contained in a single scalp-recorded brain response to a visual stimulus. The filter is derived under the criterion of minimum mean-square error and is time varying to allow for the nonstationarity of the brain response. Single-and two-channel filters are designed for simulated and human visual evoked potential data. Cross-correlation matrices required to design the filters are estimated "a posteriori" from multielectrode recordings of the prestimulus electroencephalogram and are derived from a multielectrode model of the evoked potential. Filter performance is evaluated using the criteria of mean-square error, signal bias, noise reduction, and output signal-to-noise ratio. The filter is shown to be very effective at suppressing the ongoing electroencephalogram and emphasizing the underlying evoked potential.
Immediate improvement in left ventricular function after cardioversion of atrial flutter.

Abstract Cardiovascular studies in small groups of patients, often consisting of children and young adults without known underlying cardiac disease, have demonstrated that supraventricular tachycardia may be associated with marked left ventricular dysfunction and that significant improvement may follow correction of the tachycardia. 1–3 However, it is not known how quickly myocardial function can improve after termination of the tachycardia, or if improvement will occur in older patients who have underlying cardiac disease. The response of left ventricular wall motion to correction of the tachycardia also has not been evaluated.
Insulin receptor kinase-independent signaling via tyrosine phosphorylation of phosphatase PHLPP1.

Most insulin responses correlate well with insulin receptor (IR) Tyr kinase activation; however, critical exceptions to this concept have been presented. Specific IR mutants and stimulatory IR antibodies demonstrate a lack of correlation between IR kinase activity and specific insulin responses in numerous independent studies. IR conformation changes in response to insulin observed with various IR antibodies define an IR kinase-independent signal that alters the C-terminus. IR-related receptors in lower eukaryotes that lack a Tyr kinase point to an alternative mechanism of IR signaling earlier in evolution. However, the implied IR kinase-independent signaling mechanism remained obscure at the molecular level. Here we begin to define the molecular basis of an IR-dependent but IR kinase-independent insulin signal that is equally transmitted by a kinase-inactive mutant IR. This insulin signal results in Tyr phosphorylation and catalytic activation of phosphatase PHLPP1 via a PI 3-kinase-independent, wortmannin-insensitive signaling pathway. Dimerized SH2B1/PSM is a critical activator of the IR kinase and the resulting established insulin signal. In contrast it is an inhibitor of the IR kinase-independent insulin signal and disruption of SH2B1/PSM dimer binding to IR potentiates this signal. Dephosphorylation of Akt2 by PHLPP1 provides an alternative, SH2B1/PSM-regulated insulin-signaling pathway from IR to Akt2 of opposite polarity and distinct from the established PI 3-kinase-dependent signaling pathway via IRS proteins. In combination, both pathways should allow the opposing regulation of Akt2 activity at two phosphorylation sites to specifically define the insulin signal in the background of interfering Akt-regulating signals, such as those controlling cell proliferation and survival. J. Cell. Biochem. 107: 65–75, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Positive Energy Wave Packet Solution of the Dirac Equation

A wave packet solution of the Dirac equation is obtained by superposition of positive energy solutions only. The solution involves an arbitrary parameter, and it is shown that this can be chosen so that all three dimensions of the packet are less than $\frac{\ensuremath{\hbar}}{\mathrm{mc}}$. The possibility of constructing such a packet had been doubted. It is also shown that in the limit $\ensuremath{\Delta}x=0$, $\ensuremath{\Delta}x\ensuremath{\Delta}{p}_{x}=1.49\ensuremath{\hbar}$. It is not known whether this is the smallest value for the uncertainty product, subject to the condition that only positive energy solutions are used in the construction of the packet, or whether some other solution might yield a still smaller value.
A new propagation method for the radial Schrödinger equation

A new method for propagating the solution of the radial Schroedinger equation is derived from a Taylor series expansion of the wavefunction and partial re-summation of the infinite series. Truncation of the series yields an approximation to the exact propagator which is applied to a model calculation and found to be highly convergent.
Deterministic Acceptors of Regular Fuzzy Languages

The one-to-one relationship between finite automata, regular (type-3) languages, and regular expressions is well known. This correspondence demonstrates the use of regular expressions for describing deterministically finite fuzzy automata and regular fuzzy languages, and introduces a normal form for the production of a regular fuzzy grammar when the ``max(min)'' rule is used.
Corticotropin-releasing factor binding to the anterior pituitary receptor is modulated by divalent cations and guanyl nucleotides

The binding of ovine CRF to bovine anterior pituitary membranes was characterized with the radioligand [Nle21,m-125I-Tyr32]ovine CRF. The specific binding of CRF was increased by millimolar concentrations of the divalent cations Mg2+, Ca2+, and Mn2+, but was unaffected by the monovalent cations Na+, K+, and Li+. The increase in specific binding was not caused by a change in the affinity, but resulted from an apparent increased number of high affinity binding sites. In the presence of 10 mm Mg2+, CRF binding was saturable, specific, and of high affinity. At room temperature, under optimum conditions, binding reached equilibrium within 70 min, remained stable for at least 4 h, was reversible by excess unlabeled peptide, and was characterized by a Kd of 1.3 nm (0.74–2.4) and a total number of sites, R°, of 90 fmol/mg protein (55–145). The affinity for the bovine membranes was the same as that for rat anterior pituitary membrane homogenates, and the concentrations of sites were similar. The relative binding a...
Dynamics in Strategic Alliances: A Theory on Interorganizational Learning and Knowledge Development

The objective of this paper is to develop a dynamic theory of interorganizational learning and knowledge acquisition in strategic alliances. Strategic alliances are becoming an increasingly important organizational form to gain access to new knowledge and to leverage existing knowledge. By establishing an alliance with one or more partners, an organization will gain valuable learning opportunities to acquire knowledge and to enhance its competitiveness. The degree to which the partners can realize their learning objectives is dependent on their absorptive capacities and the collaborative strategies adopted by the partners. These collaborative strategies may include the trust between alliance partners as well as the willingness to share existing knowledge. In order to gain insights into the dynamics of interorganizational learning and knowledge acquisition, the authors propose a simulation model to test different conditions influencing the outcome of an alliance. The results can improve our understanding of the key factors that influence the acquisition of knowledge in strategic alliances. The paper concludes with a discussion of guidelines to assess and manage the outcome of strategic alliances.
Bateman's principle and plant reproduction: The role of pollen limitation in fruit and seed set

Bateman’s principle states that male fitness is usually limited by the number of matings achieved, while female fitness is usually limited by the resources available for reproduction. When applied to flowering plants this principle leads to the expectation that pollen limitation of fruit and seed set will be uncommon. However, if male searching for mates (including pollen dissemination via external agents) is not sufficiently successful, then the reproductive success of both sexes (or both sex functions in hermaphroditic plants) will be limited by number of matings rather than by resources, and Bateman’s principle cannot be expected to apply. Limitation of female success due to inadequate pollen receipt appears to be a common phenomenon in plants. Using published data on 258 species in which fecundity was reported for natural pollination and hand pollination with outcross pollen, I found significant pollen limitation at some times or in some sites in 159 of the 258 species (62%). When experiments were performed multiple times within a growing season, or in multiple sites or years, the statistical significance of pollen limitation commonly varied among times, sites or years, indicating that the pollination environment is not constant. There is some indication that, across species, supplemental pollen leads to increased fruit set more often than increased seed set within fruits, pointing to the importance of gamete packaging strategies in plant reproduction. Species that are highly self-incompatible obtain a greater benefit relative to natural pollination from artificial application of excess outcross pollen than do self-compatible species. This suggests that inadequate pollen receipt is a primary cause of low fecundity rates in perennial plants, which are often self-incompatible. Because flowering plants often allocate considerable resources to pollinator attraction, both export and receipt of pollen could be limited primarily by resource investment in floral advertisement and rewards. But whatever investment is made is attraction, pollinator behavioral stochasticity usually produces wide variation among flowers in reproductive success through both male and female functions. In such circumstances the optimal deployment of resources among megaspores, microspores, and pollinator attraction may often require more flowers or more ovules per flower than will usually be fertilized, in order to benefit from chance fluctuations that bring in large number of pollen grains. Maximizing seed set for the entire plant in a stochastic pollination environment might thus entail a packaging strategy for flower number or ovule number per flower that makes pollen limitation of fruit or seed set likely. Pollen availability may limit female success in individual flowers, entire plants (in a season or over a lifetime), or populations. The appropriate level must be distinguished depending on the nature of the question being addressed.
Optimal strategies in jamming resistant uncoordinated frequency hopping systems

Uncoordinated frequency hopping (UFH) has recently emerged as an effective mechanism to defend against jamming attacks. Existing research focuses on the optimal design of the hopping pattern, which implicitly assumes that the strategy of the attacker is fixed. In practice, the attacker might adjust its strategy to maximize its damage on the communication system. In this paper, we study the design of optimal hopping pattern (the defense strategy) as long as the optimal jamming pattern (the attack strategy). In particular, we model the dynamic between the legitimate users and the attacker as a zero sum game, and study the property of this game. We show that when the legitimate users and the jammer can access only one channel at any time, the game has a unique Nash equilibrium. In the Nash equilibrium, the legitimate users and Eve will access or jam only a subset of channels that have good channel quality. Furthermore, the better the channel, the larger the probability that Eve will jam the channel and the smaller the probability the legitimate users will access this channel. We further extend the study to multiple access multiple jamming case and characterize the Nash equilibrium. We also give numerical results to illustrate the analytical results derived in this paper.
Intermodality relations in localization in blind and sighted people

Developmental data were gathered on the relative importance of vision, audition, and proprioception in determining spatial direction in a conflict situation. Age trends did not support the hypothesis that information from different modalities becomes better differentiated with age. In a follow-up study, blind children of different ages were tested under auditory-proprioceptive conflict conditions. No age changes were found. The possibility of a visual involvement in auditory and proprioceptive localization is discussed.
Hyponatraemia and the Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion Associated with Drug Therapy in Psychiatric Patients

Hyponatraemia, the most common electrolyte disorder of all hospitalised patients, is particularly common in psychiatric patients. Hyponatraemia is generally defined as a serum sodium level of less than 135 mmol/L. Certain psychotropic medications may predispose to hyponatraemia, yet a causative role for most has not been firmly established and their effect is most likely to be idiosyncratic. Certain factors such as age, schizophrenia and a history of hyponatraemia or polydipsia should alert the clinician to the need for closer follow-up.
Hepatotoxicity related to total parenteral nutrition: Comparison of low-lipid and lipid-supplemented solutions

Abstract Purpose: Because it is unclear whether or not the lipid or carbohydrate component of total parenteral nutrition solutions determines the development of cholestasis during total parenteral nutrition, a prospective randomized clinical trial of a predominantly carbohydrate solution (group I) versus one with isocaloric substitution of 30% nonprotein calories with lipid (group II) was performed. Methods: Twelve patients in group I, 4 female and 8 male, and 14 patients in group 11, 8 female and 6 male, were studied. Each subject received 100% to 150% of the basal energy needs, determined by the Harris-Benedict equation. Amino acids were supplied to provide a protein: kilocalorie ratio of 1:150 to 200. There were no differences between the groups in terms of mortality, nitrogen balance, and maintenance of weight. Weekly serum aspartate aminotrasferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels were obtained. The change from baseline values was calculated. Results: The observed difference between the two groups for AST was 5.7 (higher for group II), P = .55, and for AP, 39.1 (higher for group I), P = .23. A power calculation was performed to determine the number of patients required for a statistically significant difference in AP between the two groups with an alpha of 0.05 and a power of 0.85:67 patients. Conclusions: With these statistical considerations, we conclude that there was probably no statistically significant difference between the groups for an increase in AST or AP levels during total parenteral nutrition.
Design of composite polymer electrolytes for Li ion batteries based on mechanical stability criteria

Abstract Mechanical properties and conductivity were computed for several composite polymer electrolyte structures. A multi-phase effective medium approach was used to estimate effective conductivity. The Mori–Tanaka approach was applied for calculating the effective stiffness tensor of the composites. An analysis of effective mechanical properties was performed in order to identify the composite structures, which would be capable of blocking the dendrites forming in Li-ion battery when Li metal is used as anode. The stability parameter which combines both stiffness and compressibility of the electrolyte was used in the analysis. The calculations were done over the wide range of Young's modulus of the polymer matrix showing the threshold concentration of the filler necessary for the mechanical stability. The results can be used to formulate design criteria for solid electrolytes that would exhibit appropriate stiffness and compressibility to suppress lithium dendrite growth while maintaining high effective conductivities.
Optimal control for linear and nonlinear semistabilization

The state feedback linear-quadratic optimal control problem for asymptotic stabilization has been extensively studied in the literature. In this paper, the optimal linear and nonlinear control problem is extended to address a weaker version of closed-loop stability, namely, semistability, which involves convergent trajectories and Lyapunov stable equilibria and which is of paramount importance for consensus control of network dynamical systems. Specifically, we show that the optimal semistable state-feedback controller can be solved using a form of the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman conditions that does not require the cost-to-go function to be sign definite. This result is then used to solve the optimal linear-quadratic regulator problem using a Riccati equation approach. Finally, two numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed linear and nonlinear semistabilization framework. & 2014 The Franklin Institute. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Morphology of man-made fibers

Recent advances in electron microscopy of polymer systems have produced new structure theories (lamellar versus micellar) and considerable speculation on the nature of synthetic fiber structure. This paper illustrates what can be seen directly on the structure of nylon 66, polyester, and acrylic fibers with high-resolution and scanning electron microscopy and attempts to relate the structure seen in the complex fiber systems with simpler structure observed in bulk polymer and solution grown crystals. Instances of support for the lamellar and fibrillar theories of structure are noted.
A novel gene STYK1/NOK is upregulated in estrogen receptor-alpha negative estrogen receptor-beta positive breast cancer cells following estrogen treatment

The human STYK1/NOK protein is approximately 30–35% similar to mouse fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 and a kinase homologue in D. melanogaster in the tyrosine protein kinase region. STYK1/NOK was identified as being up regulated in MDA-MB-231, an estrogen receptor-alpha negative breast cancer cell line, following 12 h of estrogen treatment at 1 × 10−9 M. On further investigation of STYK1/NOK in estrogen treated cell line MDA-MB-231, STYK1/NOK was up regulated at 6 h post treatment when compared to untreated cells. We also investigated the expression levels of STYK1/NOK in other breast cancer cell lines MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, BT-549, and MDA-MB-435S using QRT-PCR. In addition, the analysis of message accumulation was increased with other synthetic estrogen response modifiers. We propose that the regulation of STYK1/NOK is achieved independent of ERα and suggests further investigation to the relevance of this kinase in breast cancer progression.
Concurrent Chemoradiation for Vaginal Cancer

Background It is not known whether the addition of chemotherapy to radiation therapy improves outcomes in primary vaginal cancer. Here, we review clinical outcomes in patients with primary vaginal cancer treated with radiation therapy (RT) or concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CRT). Methods Seventy-one patients with primary vaginal cancer treated with definitive RT with or without concurrent chemotherapy at a single institution were identified and their records reviewed. A total of 51 patients were treated with RT alone; 20 patients were treated with CRT. Recurrences were analyzed. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox regression analysis was performed. Results The median age at diagnosis was 61 years (range, 18–92 years) and the median follow-up time among survivors was 3.0 years. Kaplan-Meier estimates for OS and DFS differed significantly between the RT and CRT groups (3-yr OS = 56% vs. 79%, log-rank p = 0.037; 3-yr DFS = 43% vs. 73%, log-rank p = 0.011). Twenty-three patients (45%) in the RT group had a relapse at any site compared to 3 (15%) in the CRT group (p = 0.027). With regard to the sites of first relapse, 10 patients (14%) had local only, 4 (6%) had local and regional, 9 (13%) had regional only, 1 (1%) had regional and distant, and 2 (3%) had distant only relapse. On univariate analysis, the use of concurrent chemotherapy, FIGO stage, tumor size, and date of diagnosis were significant predictors of DFS. On multivariate analysis, the use of concurrent chemotherapy remained a significant predictor of DFS (hazard ratio 0.31 (95% CI, 0.10–0.97; p = 0.04)). Conclusions Vaginal cancer results in poor outcomes. Adequate radiation dose is essential to ensure curative management. Concurrent chemotherapy should be considered for vaginal cancer patients.
Resection of recurrent ovarian or fallopian tube carcinoma involving the liver.

Abstract Objective Patients who develop recurrent ovarian of fallopian tube carcinoma involving the liver often have disease refractory to chemotherapy and carry a poor prognosis. The impact of aggressive resection in this patient population is unclear. Methods From 1/1988 to 9/2001, 24 patients with recurrent ovarian or fallopian tube carcinoma who underwent complete gross resection or optimal debulking of their hepatic metastases and disease at other sites were identified from prospective databases at a single institution. Results The median age of patients was 53 years old, and the median interval between primary diagnosis and liver resection was 69 months. All patients had primary resection or cytoreduction and chemotherapy as part of their initial treatment. Subsequent hepatic resections included trisegmentectomy (2), lobectomy (2), segmentectomy (17), and wedge resection (3). Additional resection of disease outside the liver was performed in 18 patients (75%). Twenty-one patients (88%) had removal of all gross disease, and three patients (13%) had optimal tumor debulking to less than 1 cm. Eighteen patients recurred with sites of initial recurrence, including the abdomen and pelvis (14), spine/paraspinal region (2), lung (1), and liver (1). Overall median survival was 62 months after hepatic resection with a range of 6 to 94 months. Fourteen patients were alive at the time of last follow-up, and 10 had no evidence of disease. No significant prognostic factors for overall survival could be identified on univariate analysis. Conclusion In highly selected patients with recurrent ovarian or fallopian tube carcinoma involving the liver, hepatic resection along with resection of other gross disease may lengthen survival and should be considered as a treatment option.
Selected aspects of the art and science of facial esthetics

The historical aspects of facial esthetics and its role in orthodontic teachings and practice are traced to their origins in classical art. Related discussions include the failure of "divine proportions," the ascent of the Class II facies, and the influence of 19th century pseudoscience. Today, the treatment of facial form for a diverse society requires a tolerant sense of esthetic pluralism. Moreover, advances in neuroscience and psychology have extended understanding of the biological basis of variation in facial expression and judgment. The nature of oral esthetics was examined through quantitative studies of the smile line. Significant sexual dimorphism was found, ie, the gingival smile line (GSL) appears to be a female lineament and the low smile line seems to be a male lineament. Further results indicated that the GSL is associated with several facial characteristics, including anterior vertical maxillary excess, and the muscular capacity to raise the upper lip significantly higher than average on smiling. Other variables associated with GSL are statistically significant increases in overjet, interlabial gap at rest, and overbite. The gingival smile line is not necessarily objectionable esthetically and it will normally diminish with age. However, the treatment of choice for the GSL patient with an uncoached complaint is orthognathic surgery and orthodontics.
Characterization of phosphine complexes of technetium(III) as transport substrates of the multidrug resistance P-glycoprotein and functional markers of P-glycoprotein at the blood-brain barrier

The multidrug resistance (MDR1) P-glycoprotein functions as a broad specificity efflux transporter of structurally diverse natural product and xenobiotic compounds. P-glycoprotein also is an important component of the functional blood−brain barrier. To enable further studies of function and modulation of MDR1 P-glycoprotein in vitro and in vivo, two novel phosphine technetium(III) complexes were designed and characterized: trans-[2,2‘-(1,2-ethanediyldiimino)bis(1,5-methoxy-5-methyl-4-oxo-hexenyl)]bis[methylbis(3-methoxy-1-propyl)phosphine]Tc(III) (Tc−Q58) and trans-[5,5‘-(1,2-ethanediyl diimino)bis(2-ethoxy-2-methyl-3-oxo-4-pentenyl)]bis[dimethyl(3-methoxy-1-propyl)phosphine)]Tc(III) (Tc−Q63). In human drug-sensitive KB 3-1 cells and multidrug-resistant KB 8-5 and 8-5-11 derivative cell lines, expressing nonimmunodetectable, low, and high levels of MDR1 P-glycoprotein, respectively, accumulation of Tc−Q58 and Tc−Q63 was inverse to expression of the transporter. Differences between drug-sensitive and mult...
On the semantics of fuzzy logic

Abstract This paper presents a formal characterization of the major concepts and constructs of fuzzy logic in terms of notions of distance, closeness, and similarity between pairs of possible worlds. The formalism is a direct extension (by recognition of multiple degrees of accessibility, conceivability, or reachability) of the najor modal logic concepts of possible and necessary truth. Given a function that maps pairs of possible worlds into a number between 0 and 1, generalizing the conventional concept of an equivalence relation, the major constructs of fuzzy logic (conditional and unconditioned possibility distributions) are defined in terms of this similarity relation using familiar concepts from the mathematical theory of metric spaces. This interpretation is different in nature and character from the typical, chance-oriented, meanings associated with probabilistic concepts, which are grounded on the mathematical notion of set measure. The similarity structure defines a topological notion of continuity in the space of possible worlds (and in that of its subsets, i.e., propositions) that allows a form of logical “extrapolation” between possible worlds. This logical extrapolation operation corresponds to the major deductive rule of fuzzy logic — the compositional rule of inference or generalized modus ponens of Zadeh — an inferential operation that generalizes its classical counterpart by virtue of its ability to be utilized when propositions representing available evidence match only approximately the antecedents of conditional propositions. The relations between the similarity-based interpretation of the role of conditional possibility distributions and the approximate inferential procedures of Baldwin are also discussed. A straightforward extension of the theory to the case where the similarity scale is symbolic rather than numeric is described. The problem of generating similarity functions from a given set of possibility distributions, with the latter interpreted as defining a number of (graded) discernibility relations and the former as the result of combining them into a joint measure of distinguishability between possible worlds, is briefly discussed.
Cyclic nucleotide analogs as carcinostatic agents

Abstract Three cylcic nucleotide analogs, cyclic 3′,5′-arabinosyladenine monophosphate, cyclic 3′,5′-ribofuranosyl-6-mercaptopurine monophosphate and cyclic 3′,5′-ribofuranosyl-6-methylmercaptopurine monophosphate were tested for ability to penetrate murine tumor cells and human lymphocytes. Tests based on either tumor inhibition or inhibition of DNA synthesis in human lymphocytes undergoing blastogenesis, or both, indicated that these agents penetrated intact cells. It was demonstrated in one case (cAraMP) that the cells could convert the cyclic 3′,5′ nucleoside to 5′-nucleotide and that this had to occur intracellularly.
A three-dimensional study of nuclear fuel rod behavior during startup

Abstract A three-dimensional finite element study is made of the behavior of cylindrical uranium dioxide fuel pellets during startup. The finite element code uses an eight-noded box element of arbitrary shape to build up the stiffness and stress characteristics by Gaussian integration. Each box has 33 degrees of freedom: 24 corresponding to the three motions at each of the eight nodes; and nine internally eliminated to minimize strain energy. The nine internal degrees of freedom are highly effective in eliminating shear error, and thus permitting far fewer elements than are required when tetrahedron elements are used. The element uses an isoparametric approach, so that the box can have eight arbitrarily positioned nodes. So long as the thermal expansions of the fuel rod can be described by a linear variation in the element, the code takes highly accurate account of it. Plasticity is accounted for by the secant modulus approach. Friction between the pellet and the cladding can be introduced by springs between the relevant finite elements in each area. A feature of the analysis allows cracks to appear in the uranium dioxide fuel as it is heated and the growth of the cracks can be traced as a function of linear power generated in the rod. The code can predict such things as pellet deformations and the stress and strain distributions within the pellets and the cladding. The three-dimensionality of the analysis allows a detailed view of these stresses and strains, and the interaction between the axial and plane stress distributions.
Actionable Knowledge: Intent versus Actuality:

L'A. analyse de facon critique un certain nombre de contributions qui portent leur attention sur les recherches menees dans le domaine de la science des organisations. Il s'interroge sur la validite de la connaissance elaboree en cette affaire. Il estime que les recherches sur les organisations doivent prendre pour cadre des interventions. Il examine le statut de la notion de rationalite ainsi que le bien-fonde de celle de connaissance valide au sein de ce type de recherche
Convergence of local variational spline interpolation

Abstract In this paper we first revisit a classical problem of computing variational splines. We propose to compute local variational splines in the sense that they are interpolatory splines which minimize the energy norm over a subinterval. We shall show that the error between local and global variational spline interpolants decays exponentially over a fixed subinterval as the support of the local variational spline increases. By piecing together these locally defined splines, one can obtain a very good C 0 approximation of the global variational spline. Finally we generalize this idea to approximate global tensor product B-spline interpolatory surfaces.
Play-it-by-eye! collect movies and improvise perspectives with tangible video objects

We present an alternative video-making framework for children with tools that integrate video capture with movie production. We propose different forms of interaction with physical artifacts to capture storytelling. Play interactions as input to video editing systems assuage the interface complexities of film construction in commercial software. We aim to motivate young users in telling their stories, extracting meaning from their experiences by capturing supporting video to accompany their stories, and driving reflection on the outcomes of their movies. We report on our design process over the course of four research projects that span from a graphical user interface to a physical instantiation of video. We interface the digital and physical realms using tangible metaphors for digital data, providing a spontaneous and collaborative approach to video composition. We evaluate our systems during observations with 4-to 14-year-old users and analyze their different approaches to capturing, collecting, editing, and performing visual and sound clips.
Timescales of crystallization and viscous flow of the bulk glass-forming Zr-Ti-Ni-Cu-Be alloys

Crystallization behavior and equilibrium viscosity of a series of alloys in the Zr-Ti-Cu-Ni-Be system are studied using multiple techniques to determine the various contributions to glass-forming ability. Low-temperature time-temperature-transformation diagrams of alloys whose compositions lie at equally spaced points along the tie line from Zr38.5Ti16.5Cu15.25Ni9.75Be20 to Zr46.25Ti8.25Cu7.5Ni10Be27.5 are measured during isothermal annealing of initially amorphous specimens. Surprisingly, for all investigated alloys, a primary quasicrystalline phase forms at a rate which varies substantially with alloy composition. Subsequent constant heating measurements, x-ray-diffraction patterns obtained after various states of annealing, beam bending viscosity results, and previous thermal analysis are all used to describe the influences on crystallization in this series. The description of both the kinetic and thermodynamic aspects of crystallization allows for an explanation of the crystallization mechanism. In addition, it explains why, in this series, thermal stability is greatest in those alloys with the poorest glass-forming ability. Overall, the investigations reveal that simple criteria like thermal stability or high viscosity fail to predict the glass-forming ability in complex bulk glass-forming systems.
Determinants of spatial distribution in a population of the subalpine butterfly Oeneis chryxus

This paper describes temporally varying determinants of the spatial distribution of adults in an insect population and the relationship between that distribution and the mating system. Male Oeneis chryxus butterflies were distributed nonrandomly throughout a sloping Colorado meadow divided horizontally by a dirt road into an upper and lower slope. Over an eight-year period of intensive study, the proportion of males located on the road, the upper slope, and the lower slope varied as a function of population size and sex ratio. In each year, more than half of the male population aggregated on sections of the road in a distinct and recurring pattern that was not correlated with the distribution of any food resource or thermal regime. Females were usually extremely scarce and not distributed in any pattern apparent from the few observations of them. Areas densely occupied by males were associated with visual landmarks. We hypothesize that the male distribution is determined by a pattern of movement of receptive females toward these landmarks. The road offers a thermally favorable environment with an unobstructed view in which to await the passage of scarce females. The mating system in this population has several lek-like features and supports the prediction that landmark mating is a favored strategy under conditions of female scarcity and wide dispersal of resources.
Role-blurring and ethical grey zones associated with lay interpreters: three case studies.

This article examines a context in which immigrants from the former Soviet Union must navigate the English-speaking medical system in a semi-rural area of the USA. In this setting, institutional interpretation resources are not consistently available, and various informal arrangements emerge. One type consists of naive interpreters such as family members of low bilingual capability and/or medical knowledge. Another arrangement involves relatively skilled bilinguals who have command of medical terminology but who are not professionally trained as interpreters. Three case studies of this latter category of ‘lay interpreters’ are presented. Among the roles reported by the lay interpreters are information source and advocate. The three interpreters are making a contribution in the absence of institutionally provided professional resources, and their help can be viewed as better than the use of naive interpreters such as patients’ children. However, the lay interpreters also occasionally seemed to stray into ethically grey areas. For instance, one interpreter said he discarded a client’s outdated medicine against her wishes, and another expressed envy of ungrateful clients who had better healthcare access than she did. While professionally trained interpreters are not immune from ethical challenges, such training would better safeguard both patient and interpreter.
Glial or neuronal origin of microcysts in the gerbil PVCN

This study used immunocytochemical markers for various classes of glial cells to investigate the relationship between glial elements and microcysts in the gerbil auditory system at the light and electron microscopic level. Monoclonal antibodies S-100, GFAP and Rip were used on tissue from 3- and 12-month old animals and acutely deafened 12 month old animals to localize astrocytes and oligodendrocytes and their processes around microcysts. No differences in the number and distribution of astrocytes were found in the PVCN as a result of aging or deafening. S-100 and GFAP labeling showed a high correlation between astrocytic processes and microcysts. The results indicate that up to 80% of microcysts are either contacted by astrocytic profiles over much of their perimeter or are labeled internally by the astrocytic markers S-100 or GFAP. Some microcysts appear to originate in neuronal dendrites or in axons.
Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Matrix-Degradation by Podosomes

During plaque formation, vascular smooth muscle cells migrate from the medial layer into the intima. The exact mechanism by which vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) invade through the extracellular matrix into the intimal layer remains unclear. VSMCs have been shown to exhibit podosomes, sub-cellular structures known to release matrix metalloproteinases. Here, we investigated the formation and matrix degrading ability of podosomes in VSMCs before and after treatment with phorbol 12, 13-dibutyrate (PDBu), an activator of protein kinase C (PKC). Using a fluorescently-labeled gelatin substrate, we find that VSMC degrade matrix even in the absence of observable podosome formation. However, the extent of degradation is significantly increased when podosome formation is induced using PDBu. Our current work is expanding these studies to identify the physical triggers of podosome formation in the in vivo microenvironment.
Investigation of the Mechanism of Clearance of AMG 386, a Selective Angiopoietin-1/2 Neutralizing Peptibody, in Splenectomized, Nephrectomized, and FcRn Knockout Rodent Models

Purpose To investigate the mechanisms of clearance of AMG 386, an investigational recombinant peptide-Fc fusion protein (peptibody) that blocks tumor angiogenesis by neutralizing the interaction between angiopoietin-1 and -2 and the Tie2 receptor.
TiN films as microlaminate reinforcements in aluminum matrix composites

Abstract Reactive ion plated titanium nitride (TiN) was deposited onto aluminum foils that were subsequently hot pressed to form microlaminate composites. Scanning electron microscopy and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the film morphology, the fracture behavior of the composites, and the metal/ceramic interfaces formed during reactive ion plating and hot pressing. Mechanical properties of the microlaminate composites were determined by standard tensile testing. The ion plated interface was shown to be fully dense and well adhered, but the hot-pressed Al-TiN interface exhibited a discontinuous nature which did not allow the transfer of the applied load from the Al matrix to the TiN film. The composites failed prematurely due to the combined effects of the poorly bonded hot-pressed interface and the inability of the weak Al matrix to protect the film reinforcement from damage incurred before testing.