cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The neonatal susceptibility window for inhalant allergen sensitization in the atopically predisposed canine asthma model

Allergic asthma often begins in early life and, although many risk factors have been enumerated, the specific factors that initiate disease progression in an individual remain unclear. Using our dog model of early life allergen inhalation, we tested the hypothesis that the atopically biased neonatal immune system would exhibit tolerance to ragweed if allowed to mature normally before exposure or artificially through innate immune stimulation with early life exposure. Dogs were subjected to a series of inhalational ragweed exposures from 1 to 20 weeks old, with or without inhalation of a Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) agonist (CRX-527), or from 13 to 31 weeks old. Serum allergen-specific antibody response was assessed at 4, 8 and 20 weeks after the last sensitizing exposure. At 24 or 35 weeks old, airway hyper-responsiveness to methacholine and ragweed challenges and pulmonary inflammation by bronchoalveolar lavage were tested 1 and 4 days after ragweed challenge at 28 or 39 weeks old. Allergen-free immune maturation resulted in no airway hyper-responsiveness and very little ragweed-specific IgE relative to the control group, but eosinophilia developed upon ragweed challenge. TLR4 agonism yielded no airway hyper-responsiveness, but a strong airway neutrophilia developed upon ragweed challenge. Our data indicate that an atopic predisposition creates a critical window in which allergen exposure can lead to an asthmatic phenotype. Allergen-free immune maturation may lead to allergen tolerance. TLR4 agonism before early life allergen exposure may abrogate the development of allergen-specific bronchonconstriction, but allergen-specific pulmonary inflammation remains a strong concern.
CART analysis with unit-weighted regression to predict suicidal ideation from Big Five traits

This study examines the Big Five traits as multiple predictors of suicidal ideation. In addition to using multiple regression, this study introduces the use of classification and regression tree (CART) analysis to identify cutoff scores that can be used with unit-weighted regression; the purpose of this approach is to offer a method of analysis that may be useful in a public health approach to suicide prevention. The models were developed with a derivation group (N=299) and applied to a validation group (N=175). Both models performed well in the validation group, with multiple regression correlating at 0.47, and unit-weighted regression at 0.48. The models agreed in suggesting that increased suicidal ideation is associated with high Neuroticism, low Extraversion, and low Agreeableness. Low Conscientiousness was correlated with suicidal ideation in unit-weighted regression.
Students With Disabilities in Intergenerational Programs

The purposes of this article are to describe two intergenerational programs that include individuals with disabilities, to discuss the ways in which music functions in each, and to describe the structures and functions of intergenerational programs. The model used to create an intergenerational program depends on the age, needs, and ability levels of both generations. The flexibility of music—its simplicity or complexity—allows for younger and older generations to both participate in music-based intergenerational programs.
James M. Blaut (1927–2000)

James Morris (“Jim”) Blaut, Professor of Geography at the University of Illinois–Chicago, died 11 November 2000 at home, at age 73. The proximate cause was heart failure. He had also been battling ...
Future Orientation and Life Expectations of Adolescents and Young Adults with Thalassemia Majora

Abstract: Until recently, Thalassemia Major was considered a fatal disease and patients did not usually live into adulthood. Advances in the medical management of the disease have greatly increased the life expectancy of these patients. The present study aims to evaluate the future orientation and other aspects of psychosocial functioning of thalassemics compared to healthy controls. Thirty patients and 33 healthy subjects of similar age, ethnicity, education, and geographic area were compared on measures of future expectations, perceived social support, life orientation, health locus of control and hopelessness. Results show no significant differences between thalassemics and controls on all measures except for higher levels of internal health locus of control among the patient group. Results and implications of perceptions of thalassemics' future orientation relevant to patient care are discussed.
Should African Americans be screened for colorectal cancer at an earlier age

Original article Agrawal et al. (2005) Colorectal cancer in African Americans. Am J Gastroenterol 100: 515–523
Hypernephroma and associated ureteral involvement

Abstract The propensity of a hypernephroma to invade the renal vein and even the inferior vena cava is widely known. However, in contrast to papillary carcinoma of the kidney, hypernephromas rarely involve the ureter. Review of the English literature reveals 42 reported cases of ureteral involvement. Most represented metastases as opposed to direct, contiguous extension which is extremely rare. A case of hypernephroma with contiguous castlike extension into the ureter without mucosal violation is presented. Mechanisms of ureteral involvement and implications regarding treatment of hypernephromas are discussed.
In the Search for New Anticancer Drugs. 27. Synthesis and Comparison of Anticancer Activity in Vivo of Amino Acids, Carbohydrates, and Carbohydrate-Amino Acid Conjugates Containing the [N′‐(2‐chloroethyl)‐N′‐nitrosoamino]carbonyl group

The [N'-(2-chloroethyl)-N'-nitrosoamino]carbonyl [(2-chloroethyl)nitrosocarbamoyl, CNC] moiety containing compounds CNC-glycinamide 2d, CNC-amino acid derivatives 7a-d, and carbohydrate-CNC-amino acid conjugates 13, 18, 22, 23, 27, and 28 were synthesized and evaluated in vivo for their anticancer activities against the murine lymphocytic leukemia P388 using the National Cancer Institute (NCI) protocol. The most active compound was 2d with a 520% increase in life span (%ILS) and 6/6 survivors after 60 days. The CNC-amino acid analogs 7a-d possessed high to moderate activities with maximum %ILS values of 270, 174, 141 and 132, respectively. Among the carbohydrate-CNC-amino acid derivatives the alpha-methyl glycoside derivatives 22 and 23 were most active with maximum %ILS values of 277 and 137, respectively, followed by the hemiacetal carbohydrate analogs 13 and 18 with %ILS values of 93 and 149, respectively, and the tetra-O-acetyl derivatives 27 and 28 with %ILS of 110 and 111, respectively. Compounds 7b, 18, 23 and 28 were then tested in vivo against the murine lymphoid leukemia L1210 using the NCI protocol. In this case, the hemiacetal type carbohydrate-CNC-amino analog 18 had the highest activity with a maximum %ILS value of 477 and 4/6 survivors on day 60, followed by 7b (275% ILS), 23 (152% ILS) and 28 (106% ILS). The lipophilicities of all CNC compounds were determined by the partition coefficient using the UV method. A correlation of %ILS values with log P values indicated, in general, an increase in cytotoxicity with a decrease in hydrophilicity for the carbohydrate-CNC-amino acid conjugates 13, 18, 22, 23 and the clinical drugs streptozotocin (1e), chlorozotocin (1f), and cymerin (1g).
Histo-pathological changes in cold-exposed kangaroo rats, Dipodomys merriami.

Abstract 1. 1. The effects of exposure to cold on metabolic rate, organ weight and histology were studied in Merriam's kangaroo rat. 2. [2. Exposure to cold for 1 and for 4 weeks caused an increase in oxygen consumption but had no significant effect on body or organ weights. 3. 3. Continuous exposure to a constant cold environment appears to represent an abnormal stress, judging from lesions shown in the liver, heart, kidneys, lungs and testes. 4. 4. It is suggested that the pathological conditions associated with cold acclimation in the white rat are not directly correlated to the hypertrophy of the organs but rather related to the effects of continuous and constant exposure to cold.
The effect of wettability of wilhelmy plate and du Nou¨y ring on interfacial tension measurements in solvent extraction systems

The interfacial tension, ..gamma.., of di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid/n-dodecane/0.0010 N HCl systems was investigated at 20/sup 0/C to develop appropriate experimental techniques for use in liquid-liquid solvent extraction studies. The stringent precautions and purification procedures necessary to ensure that the system is free from interfering surface-active impurities are discussed. The Wilhelmy plate method was found to be superior to the du Nouey ring technique. Sandblasted glass plates gave reliable and reproducible values of ..gamma... However, with sandblasted platinum plates, increasingly lower ..gamma.. values were obtained with higher HDEHP concentrations. This behavior was attributed to the change in the wetting characteristics of the platinum plate by the adsorption of HDEHP on the platinum plate during its passage through the n-dodecane phase containing HDEHP. 30 references, 4 figures.
Comparative Neurophysiology: An Electric Convergence in Fish

Two lineages of fishes convergently evolved electric organs; recent research has shown that they independently took advantage of an extra copy of a sodium channel gene to alter channel kinetics for the electric organ discharge.
The Engagement Interview Protocol (EIP): improving the acceptance of mental health treatment among Chinese immigrants

Many depressed Chinese immigrants are unfamiliar with Western psychiatric terminology and have high levels of stigma toward psychiatric illnesses, making it difficult to engage them into psychiatric treatment. We have designed the Engagement Interview Protocol (EIP), a semi-standardized protocol that incorporates cultural components to a standard psychiatric evaluation. The EIP elicits patients' narratives and uses anthropological questions to explore patients' illness beliefs, which are integrated with patients' information on medical and psychiatric history, psychosocial background and mental status examination so that treatment options can be negotiated in a culturally sensitive manner. In our field testing on depressed Chinese immigrants, the EIP model was found to be a practical tool that can be completed within the allotted one-hour time frame and was highly effective in facilitating the enrollment of patients in treatment for depression. The EIP is a concise, time-effective, user-friendly protocol that can be used both in research and real-world clinical settings with diverse patient populations.
A quick and easy distribution-free test for main effxcts in a two-factor ANOVA

A distribution-free test for main-effects in a two-factor ANOVA is studied and an extensive set of tables for its exact null distributions is presented. Two different large sample approximations for its null distributions are discussed and the adequacy of each approximation is studied. Recommendations are made concerning the sample sizes required for the use of each of these approximations.
cartographs: the trans-sensory metaphor

The visual music composition cartographs, a work in three short movements, is presented. [1] Each movement is an abstract animation---a visualization of a numeric process---that is then mapped into a single static image (a score)---that is then mapped into sound. Thus through the process of data mapping we hear and see a process unfold, each sense simultaneously experiencing a map (a metaphor) of what the other sense is experiencing.
Failure analysis on ultra-low k film de-lamination by TOF-SIMS composition analysis

A failure case study and root cause of ultra low-k film delamination was reported. TOF-SIMS composition analysis found higher concentration of carbon at the transition oxide. The clogging of the foreline flow path was identified in the process to cause the transient carbon surge, resulting in higher carbon concentration in the transition oxide and poor adhesion of the ultra low-k film.
Rapid purification of the potato ADP–glucose pyrophosphorylase by polyhistidine-mediated chromatography

Abstract In an attempt to obtain facile methods to purify the heterotetrameric ADP–glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase), polyhistidine tags were attached to either the large (LS) or small (SS) subunits of this oligomeric enzyme. The addition of polyhistidine tag to the N-terminus of the LS or SS and co-expression with its unmodified counterpart subunit resulted in substantial induction of enzyme activity. In contrast, attachment of a polyhistidine-containing peptide through the use of a commercially available pET vector or addition of polyhistidine tags to the C-terminal ends of either subunit resulted in poor expression and/or production of enzyme activity. Preliminary experiment showed that these polyhistidine N-terminal-tagged enzymes interacted with Ni–NTA–agarose, indicating that immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) would be useful for efficient purification of the heterotetrameric AGPases. When ion-exchange chromatography step was employed prior to the IMAC, the polyhistidine-tagged AGPases were purified to near homogeneity. Comparison of kinetic parameters between AGPases with and without the polyhistidine tags revealed that attachment of the polyhistidine did not alter the allosteric and catalytic properties of the enzymes. These results indicate that polyhistidine tags will be useful for the rapid purification of preparative amounts of AGPases for biochemical and physical studies.
Research on social class and intolerance in the context of American history and ideology

This article examines the trends reported in empirical investigations of the relationship between social class and intolerance over the last three decades in the light of American history and ideology. Two key studies are cited as landmark works: The Authoritarian Personality and Communism, Conformity, and Civil Liberties. The author notes that findings from both works, as well as conclusions drawn from related studies, have been interpreted as supporting an essentially negative view of the lower classes with regard to tolerance of nonconformity. A brief critique of research findings is presented.
Recurrent warming to improve cold storage of Trichogrammatids (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)

Abstract Cold storage can be used to slow development, facilitate accumulation of the organisms and accommodate fluctuating demand for augmentative biological control agents. Previous research suggested the possibility of improving cold storage of Trichogrammatids by recurrent warming, so we subjected Trichogramma ostriniae juveniles within Ephestia kuehniella host eggs to either 2°C constant or to 2°C with twice-weekly recurrent warming for 3 h to 20°C. Parasitoid subsamples were allowed to mature for 1–9 days before placement in cold storage for up to 8 weeks. Parasitism by parentals, progeny emergence and fecundity and longevity of progeny were measured weekly for 8 weeks. Relative to constant 2°C, recurrent warming generally improved emergence, fecundity and longevity, and all the response variables were affected by the interaction of temperature regimen, parasitoid maturity class, and cold storage duration. This implies the utility of recurrent warming to improve egg parasitoid performance and for ex...
Emission mössbauer studies of some cobalamins with with and without coordination linkage to the 5,6-dimethyl-benzimidazole base

Abstract The emission Mossbauer spectra of “base on” and “base off” forms of the cyanocob(III)alamin (vitamin B 12 ) and the cob(II)alamin (B 12r ) and the cob(I)alamin (B 12s ) are studied. The s -electron density on the daughter iron nucleus as reflected by the isomer shift does not change very much while going from B 12 → B 12r → B 12s especially for the latter, despite the fact that the increasing population of the d subshell is expected to enhance the shielding of the s -electron cloud resulting in diminution of s -electron density on the iron nucleus. These observations can be rationalized if one invokes considerable delocalization of d π electrons from the daughter iron atom onto the corrin ring and also the appreciable hybrid character of d z 2 which permits increase of the 4 s -electron density concomitantly with an increase in the population of d z 2 orbital. The quadrupole splitting is perhaps predominantly determined by the anisotropy of covalent bonding to the iron atom by the corrin ring and the axial ligands. In the “base off” forms, a water molecule replaces the coordinated benzimidazole base, whereby the α-bonding of the axial ligand (s) is further diminished. The enhanced anisotropy of covalent bonding results in an increase in the magnitude of the quadrupole splittings for the “base off” forms. The finger prints of the “base on” and the “base off” B 12 and B 12r and B 12s would be valuable in identifying the intermediates in enzymatic reactions involving B 12 .
Implementing neural firing: Towards a new technology

Following earlier work on neural firing and synthesis, we use the expressions we derived elsewhere in the literature for that purpose, to show how we can represent images and sounds with the aid of CLOS (Common Lisp Object System) computer program of the LISP computer language.
A role for lipid in myoblast fusion

Abstract Alteration of the membrane fatty acyl composition modulates the fusion of myoblasts into multinucleate myotubes. The rate of fusion after addition of calcium to 50–52 hour cultures of chick pectoral myoblasts is markedly inhibited in cells possessing acyl chains enriched in elaidate and is enhanced in those enriched in oleate. The modulations appear to occur after the cells have recognized one another and adhered strongly but before the membranes have united. These observations lead to a hypothesis for membrane union (fusion) in which the lipids participate directly perhaps by a mechanism analogous to that proposed for the fusion of lipid vesicles.
Use of rice milling byproducts (hulls & bran) to remove metal ions from aqueous solution

Abstract Rice milling byproducts (hulls and bran) were evaluated for their ability to adsorb metal ions from aqueous solution. Hulls adsorbed low levels (13–27%) of Cr(III), Co(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) at 100 mg/L metal ion concentration. Several different bran samples, both full‐fat and defatted, were evaluated. A defatted, extrusion stabilized bran was found to have a high adsorption capacity for Cr(III), Cu(II) and Zn(II), but a much lower adsorption capacity for Co(II) and Ni(II). The maximum adsorption capacity of this bran for Cr (III) compared favorably to the total exchange capacity of a commercial resin specifically used to remove transition metals (Zn, Cu, etc.) from aqueous solution.
The training and careers of regional anesthesiology and acute pain medicine fellows, 2013

Background and Objectives Fellowships in regional anesthesiology and acute pain medicine (RAAPM) have grown exponentially during the past decade, both in terms of total programs and fellows trained. This survey-based study reports fellowship graduates’ assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of their training and how the fellowship has affected their careers. Methods Graduates of North American RAAPM fellowships were asked to participate in a 16-question survey designed to describe their training and subsequent career. Academic anesthesiology department chairs were simultaneously surveyed to determine how the RAAPM components of their residency training programs are staffed and organized. Results Graduate and department chair response rates were 59% and 44%, respectively. During the past decade, significant improvements have occurred in peripheral nerve block, perineural catheter, and acute pain medicine training. Many fellowship graduates note less robust educational experiences in research and the nontechnical aspects of the subspecialty. Conclusions The results of this study should prove useful to fellowship directors as they refine the educational offerings of their programs.
Isolation, Characterization and Sequence Analysis of a Full-Length cDNA Clone Encoding NADH-dependent Hydroxypyruvate Reductase From Cucumber

A full-length cDNA encoding NADH-dependent hydroxypyruvate reductase (HPR), a photorespiratory enzyme localized in leaf peroxisomes, was isolated from a lambda gt11 cDNA library made by reverse transcription of poly(A)+ RNA from cucumber cotyledons. In vitro transcription and translation of this clone yielded a major polypeptide which was identical in size, 43 kDA, to the product of in vitro translation of cotyledonary poly(A)+ RNA and subsequent immunoprecipitation with HPR antiserum. Escherichia coli cultures transformed with a plasmid construct containing the cDNA insert were induced to express HPR enzyme activity. RNA blot analysis showed that HPR transcript levels rise significantly in the first eight days of light-grown seedling development. This closely resembles the pattern seen for HPR-specific translatable mRNA. DNA blot analysis indicated that a single HPR gene is likely present per haploid genome. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed an open reading frame of 1146 bases which encodes a polypeptide with a calculated molecular weight of 41.7 kDa. The derived amino acid sequence from this open reading frame is 26% identical and 50% similar to the amino acid sequence of the E. coli enzyme phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase, which catalyzes a similar reaction and functions in a related pathway. Statistical analyses show that this similarity is significant (z greater than 10). The derived amino acid sequence for HPR also contains the characteristics of an NAD-binding domain.
Photo-dynamics on thin silver films

Noble metal thin films have been used for surface enhanced Raman scattering nearly since its inception, but only recently has single molecule detection been demonstrated on these types of films. Image analysis of the surface optical response on a native thin silver film during excitation revealed a dynamic system that blinks and photobleaches with time. A mechanism involving silver clusters as an emitting species is presented and discussed in the context of the integrated frequency-shifted intensity as a function of time.
2,4,6,8‐Tetraethenyl‐2,4,6,8‐tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane

[2554-06-5] C12H24O4Si4 (MW 344.66) InChI = 1S/C12H24O4Si4/c1-9-17(5)13-18(6,10-2)15-20(8,12-4)16-19(7,11-3)14-17/h9-12H,1-4H2,5-8H3 InChIKey = VMAWODUEPLAHOE-UHFFFAOYSA-N (reagent for the vinylation of aryl halides,1 building block for carbosilane dendrimers2) Physical Data: bp 224–224.5 °C Solubility: soluble in most organic solvents. Form Supplied in: clear oil Purification: distillation. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: 2,4,6,8-Tetraethenyl-2,4,6,8-tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane is a stable oil that can be stored in a bottle without precaution for air and moisture exposure.
1,3,-Dioxolane, An Alternative to Formalin as a Standard for Formaldehyde

Four potential primary standards for formaldehyde were evaluated as replacements for the formalin usually used with colorimetric reagents in analyzing textiles for form aldehyde. Of the four—sodium formaldehyde bisulfite, hexamethylenetetramine, tet raoxane, and 1,3,—dioxolane—only 1,3,-dioxolane yielded the stoichiometric amount of formaldehyde under relatively mild conditions of hydrolysis. 1,3,-Dioxolane can be hydrolyzed in 6N HCl for four hours to produce one mole of formaldehyde per mole of 1,3,-dioxolane. Stabilities of standard formaldehyde solutions from 1,3,-diox olane were compared with those from formalin, and there is a discussion of 1,3, dioxolane-based formaldehyde solutions used to prepare calibration curves of several colorimetric reagents for formaldehyde.
Parameter for Assessing Parenteral Cleanliness Based on Particle-Size Distributions

A new parameter for assessing the particulate matter content of large-volume parenteral solutions was developed and tested. Some problems and shortcomings associated with previously proposed standards are discussed, together with the potential advantages of employing the proposed parameter. Cleanliness factors were compared with another parameter and were less susceptible to changes resulting from the method of measurement utilized and the premeasurement conditions encountered by the solution. The use of these cleanliness factors in conjunction with an automatic particle counter is proposed as a worthwhile supplement to the USP-NF standard for monitoring the quality of large-volume parenteral solutions.
The Abundance of Fluorine in the Hyades, NGC 752, and M67

The abundance of fluorine is determined from the 2.3358 μm feature of the molecule HF for several giants in the Hyades, NGC 752, and M67 open clusters from spectra obtained with the Phoenix IR spectrometer on the 2.1 m telescope at Kitt Peak. The abundance of fluorine in cluster giants is consistent with that observed in field stars, and may indicate that stars with super-solar metallicities and young ages may be enhanced in fluorine by perhaps 0.2-0.3 dex compared to older or lower-metallicity field stars. Multiple sources probably contribute to the fluorine abundance in the Galactic disk, although the relative contributions of possible sources remain uncertain. Fluorine production in asymptotic giant branch stars, however, is unlikely to be the dominant source.
Disclosure‐Disciplining Mechanisms: Capital Markets, Product Markets, and Shareholder Litigation

This paper demonstrates that a firm's trade‐offs between reporting good news to reduce the cost of capital and bad news to minimize proprietary costs can induce the firm's manager to provide truthful disclosures when the opposing effects balance each other. We also show that greater proprietary costs can make a firm's disclosures more credible, increase the frequency of voluntary adverse disclosures, and improve the disclosing firm's welfare. Further, we find that potential shareholder litigation can interact with capital and product markets' influences to make voluntary disclosures more credible, but only under certain circumstances. For example, although product market competition can complement the capital market effects in inducing the manager to provide truthful disclosures, shareholder litigation cannot complement the capital market in the same way. Nevertheless, while shareholder litigation can never induce misreporting, a very strong product market influence can prompt a firm to underreport its tr...
A multibody potential to study the structure of undoped and Er3+-doped lead silicate glasses

Abstract Structural features of lead silicate (PbO·SiO2) and Er3+-doped lead silicate glasses were studied using molecular dynamics. Owing to the partial covalent nature of the Si—O and Pb—O bond, a three-body potential was employed throughout the calculation in order to account for bond directionality. The overall structures of both glasses are in good agreement with experiment. Evidence of a secondary lead network and lead—lead clustering is also reported, correlating well with previous experimental results. In order to obtain a better understanding of the local environment around the dopant Er3+, a compositional study of varying dopant concentrations. 0·1, 1·0, 2·5, 5·0 and 10mol.% was also performed. Results of the simulations indicate that the Er3+ ions tend to be distributed primarily within the lead network and clustering is observed at higher dopant concentrations. The average coordination number of the Er3+ ion was found to be 6·3. deviating only slightly with variations in concentration.
Massive paraesophageal hernia mimicking pulmonary embolus.

An 87-year-old woman presented with a traumatic fracture of her right femoral neck. After admission she became tachypneic, tachycardic, and had increased oxygen requirements. Computed tomography showed no pulmonary embolism, but revealed a 17 × 10-cm type-IV paraesophageal hernia (Figs. 1 and ​and2).2). The hernia included the entirety of her stomach, majority of the pancreas, portions of the duodenum, the splenic flexure of the colon, and associated vasculature. Fewer than 5% of paraesophageal hernias involve viscera beyond the stomach,1 and pancreatic involvement is especially rare.2,3 Her acute dyspnea was attributed to immobility, atelectasis, and the massive hernia. She ultimately had a right hip hemiarthroplasty with successful postoperative extubation. She was weaned off oxygen and was asymptomatic at discharge. Figure 1. Massive paraesophageal hernia—coronal view. Black arrow: pancreas. The pancreatic head is adjacent to the right diaphragm, and the associated pancreatic vasculature can be seen inferior to the pancreas. White arrow: stomach. The stomach is adjacent ... Figure 2. Massive paraesophageal hernia—axial view. White arrow: pancreas. The majority of the pancreatic outline can be seen in this view. Elective surgery of asymptomatic paraesophageal hernias was historically thought to be required to prevent the development of life-threatening complications.4 However, the mortality rate from elective laparoscopic repair is approximately 1.4%, while the lifetime risk of death from watchful waiting is estimated to be approximately 1%.4 The lifetime risk of developing acute symptoms requiring emergency surgery also decreases exponentially after 65 years of age.4 Thus, watchful waiting appears to be a reasonable strategy for some minimally symptomatic or asymptomatic paraesophageal hernias.
A microfluidic bioreactor for increased active retrovirus output

Retroviruses are one of the most commonly used vectors in ongoing gene therapy clinical trials. To evaluate and advance virus production on the microscale platform, we have created a novel microfluidic bioreactor for continuous retrovirus production. We investigated the growth kinetics of a retroviral packaging cell line in microfluidic bioreactors for several compartment sizes, and packaging cells perfused in the microdevices showed similar growth kinetics to those cultured in conventional static conditions. To evaluate the efficiency of retrovirus production, virus titers from the microdevices were compared to those obtained from static tissue culture. When retrovirus production and collection were maintained at 37 °C, virus production levels were comparable for the microdevices and static tissue culture conditions. However, immediate cold storage downstream of the packaging cells in the microdevices resulted in 1.4- to 3.7-fold greater active virus production levels with the microdevices compared to the conventional static conditions over a 5 day period. Lastly, the use of microfluidics for virus production provides a continuous supply of virus supernatant for immediate infection of target cells or for preservation and storage. Such devices will be valuable for the optimization of production and evaluation of retroviruses and other viral vectors for gene therapy applications.
Trade and Intellectual Property

The paper is the final chapter of a textbook on WTO Law published by Law Press, Beijing, in 2012. The textbook contains multiple chapters on more basic aspects of WTO Law in Chinese. Some of the more advanced chapters are reproduced in English and Chinese. Finally, the present chapter appears only in English. The goal of the textbook is to familiarize Chinese upper level law students not only with WTO Law but also with the English terminology. In line with this overall goal, the present chapter first provides an easily accessible introduction to the desirable promotion of innovation via intellectual property rights on the one hand, and the undesirable barriers to international trade created by nationally determined intellectual property rights on the other hand. The chapter then proceeds with an examination of a number of WIPO agreements as early forms of international agreements designed to reduce barriers to trade while maintaining the promotion of innovation. It points out the main weaknesses of WIPO and the consequential desire to develop a stronger mechanism for international protection of intellectual property in the framework of the WTO. Finally, the TRIPS Agreements is analyzed for its ability to provide universal filing priority, universal recognition of minimum substantive standards for all major intellectual property rights, and universal enforceability of those rights.Although primarily addressed to Chinese students of international trade law, the chapter should benefit all readers seeking an accessible and reasonably short introduction to intellectual property rights in the context of international trade.
Income and Consumption in Egypt, 1886/1887 to 1937

The attempt to estimate per capita income for Egypt from 1886/1887 to 1937, presented in this paper, is part of an effort to evaluate British colonial economic policyduring the period of the British occupation of Egypt. For such an evaluation national income estimates covering the whole period would be very helpful. National income estimates worth the name, however, go back only to 1935–1939, and for years earlier than the 1950s they are of very poor quality. Compared with so many other lessdeveloped countries, Egypt has relatively rich statistics extending backward to the decades before World War I; but they do not really suffice for building up a national income series from either the production or the expenditure side, and from the income side there is hardly any information. In this situation, which both development economists and economic historians know only too well, the problem is how to make maximal use of existing production and expenditure indicators in order to come out with some idea of what per capita income developments may have looked like. Apart from gauging per capita income in Egypt during half a century before World War II, the paper serves more generally to illustrate a methodology that may find application for other countries.
Four Amino Acids, Two Kinetic Steps, No Synthetase: The Original Genetic Code?

Considering a theoretical genetic system with only four codon-anticodon pairs and four amino acids randomly assigned to the tRNAs, we show that an elementary form of translation allows the system to display coding rules for particular values of kinetic constants and reactants concentrations. We show that these values compare well with experimental data. The analysis suggests that only two types of amino acids could be efficiently differentiated at that level. While adding the contribution of a plausible form of tRNA aminoacylation inferred from studies on ribozymes, we show that the combination of both steps would allow this polymerization process to differentiate the four amino acids without aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase. Features of the genetic code support our analysis.
A New Pathogenic Race of Tilletia caries Possessing the Broadest Virulence Spectrum of Known Races

Common bunt, caused by the fungi Tilletia caries and T. laevis, is one of the most destructive seedborne diseases of wheat. In conventional agriculture, common bunt is managed almost exclusively with chemical seed treatments. However, in organic farming, synthetic chemicals are prohibited. Because of this, there has been a resurgence of this disease in organic wheat. In order to maintain high yields and excellent seed quality, organic growers must rely heavily on resistant wheat cultivars. To breed cultivars with resistance against common bunt, and to effectively deploy resistance genes, it is necessary to identify and monitor the pathogenic races of the local pathogen population. Towards this goal, races of T. caries present in Washington, Oregon, California, and Idaho were identified by inoculating field collections of the pathogen on 13 differential wheat cultivars. Results of three years’ testing show that there is a new pathogenic race in Washington State, which possesses the broadest virulence spectrum to date compared with known bunt races. Furthermore, two-year data indicates the presence of other new races in Washington, California, and Oregon.
Groundwater ubiquity score: a simple method for assessing pesticide leachability

Government agencies at both the state and federal levels now face increasing pressures to assess the likelihood of pesticide occurrence in well‒water supplies. Screening methodologies are required in order to determine which pesticides now in use should receive the greatest attention with respect to groundwater, and in order to determine whether elaborate and expensive groundwater testing should be required in order to register a new pesticide. Several screening techniques have been proposed recently, some based on threshold values for critical physical properties of the pesticide, and others based on mathematical models of the leaching process. A different approach is taken in this paper, whereby an index is derived based entirely on the physical properties of those pesticides that have been found either leachable or essentially immobile. The index is based on graphical examination of a plot formed by two widely available pesticide properties: half‒life in soil (tsoil1/2) and partition coefficient between soil organic carbon and water (Koc). Other physical properties, such as water solubility, octanol/water partition coefficient, and volatility from soil, have often been invoked as indicators of leachability, but they are found in this paper to have no useful power in discriminating between “leachers” and “nonleachers.” Scores assigned with the new screening index agree with the results of several recent well‒water monitoring programs, even though point‒source events are thought to be responsible for some of the observed contamination. A nomogram is given that reduces the task of calculating the index to simply placing a straight edge on a diagram.
Parietal Eye Nerve in the Fence Lizard

A nerve from the parietal eye of the western fence lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis, is described as leaving inconspicuously from the third-eye and extending caudally under the dura mater and then ventrally along the left anterolateral surface of the epiphysis to the habenular commissure of the brain. The existence of a parietal nerve must be considered in interpreting the effects of parietalectomy.
Variational Inequalities over Perturbed Polyhedral Convex Sets

This paper provides conditions for existence of a locally unique, Lipschitzian solution of a linear variational inequality posed over a polyhedral convex set in Rn under perturbation of either or both of the constant term in the variational inequality and the right-hand side of the system of linear constraints defining its feasible set. Conditions for perturbation of just the constant term are well known. Here we show that a suitable extension of those conditions suffices for the more general case in which the right-hand side of the constraints varies also. As a consequence, we obtain existence, uniqueness, and Lipschitz continuity properties of solutions of nonlinear variational inequalities posed over perturbed polyhedral convex sets.
Genotoxicity of tobacco smoke-derived aromatic amines and bladder cancer: current state of knowledge and future research directions

Bladder cancer is a significant public health problem, worldwide. In the United States, bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men, and its recurrence rate is the highest among all malignancies. Tobacco smoking is the leading risk factor for bladder cancer. The risk of bladder cancer is directly related to the intensity and duration of smoking, while quitting smoking reduces this risk. The increased risk of smokers for developing bladder cancer is attributable to their exposure to aromatic amines, which constitute a family of known bladder carcinogens present in tobacco smoke. The underlying mechanism of action of aromatic amines in the genesis of bladder cancer is not, however, fully delineated. Research has identified a genotoxic mode of action, specifically DNA adduction and mutagenicity, for aromatic amines, which may account for their carcinogenicity. The present review summarizes our current knowledge on the DNA adduction and mutagenicity of aromatic amines in relation to smoking-associated bladder cancer. For illustrative purposes, representative results from published research on aromatic amine-induced DNA adduction and mutagenesis are discussed. The direction of future research on the underlying mechanisms of tobacco smoke-associated bladder carcinogenesis is also outlined. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of bladder carcinogenesis is essential for improving future strategies for prevention, early detection, treatment, and prognosis of this malignancy.
Test performance of an experimental laser radar for rendezvous and docking.

Pulsed injection laser radar for rendezvous and docking operations, giving results of test performance
Graphene mediated self-assembly of fullerene nanorods

A simple procedure for solution-based self-assembly of C60 fullerene nanorods on graphene substrates is presented. Using a combination of electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, it is shown that the size, shape and morphology of the nanorods can be suitably modified by controlling the kinetics of self-assembly.
Plant community composition and phenological stage drive soil carbon cycling along a tree-meadow ecotone

We tested the hypothesis that vegetation composition and phenology drive both rhizospheric and heterotrophic soil processes, as an alternative to experimental approaches to partition these soil respiration sources. We compared surface CO2 efflux, depth profiles of CO2 production, extractable SOC and MBC, and soil temperature and moisture along transects between contrasting vegetation types (deciduous riparian trees and adjacent meadow) over the snow-free growing seasons of 2005 and 2006. A dense flush of the nitrogen-fixing forb Melilotus officinalis dominated the meadow in 2005, corresponding with very high rates of CO2 efflux (56 % higher than under trees and 82 % higher than in the diverse meadow community present in 2006). In 2006, proximity to trees was associated with greater surface CO2 efflux and CO2 production to 50 cm depth. SOC was higher under trees than in the meadow (p < 0.0001). MBC was not consistently affected by position relative to trees, but seasonality of MBC was altered by trees as an interactive effect of transect position and sample date (p = 0.01). Community and phenology effects on soil carbon cycling demonstrate the interactions between plant traits and rhizospheric and heterotrophic soil respiration sources. This study highlights a unique case of a highly productive, nitrogen-fixing monoculture exhibiting vastly higher soil respiration rates than a diverse grass-forb community within a single, unmanaged site.
Exercise and the Regulation of Hepatic Metabolism

The accelerated metabolic demands of the working muscle cannot be met without a robust response from the liver. If not for the hepatic response, sustained exercise would be impossible. The liver stores, releases, and recycles potential energy. Exercise would result in hypoglycemia if it were not for the accelerated release of energy as glucose. The energetic demands on the liver are largely met by increased oxidation of fatty acids mobilized from adipose tissue. Adaptations immediately following exercise facilitate the replenishment of glycogen stores. Pancreatic glucagon and insulin responses orchestrate the hepatic response during and immediately following exercise. Like skeletal muscle and other physiological systems, liver adapts to repeated demands of exercise by increasing its capacity to produce energy by oxidizing fat. The ability of regular physical activity to increase fat oxidation is protective and can reverse fatty liver disease. Engaging in regular physical exercise has broad ranging positive health implications including those that improve the metabolic health of the liver.
Risk Management Research Report - Summer 2009

Risk Management Research Report (RMRR) surveys and screens the flow of academic articles on risk management and presents extended scholarly summaries of today’s most important scholarly work in a convenient format on a timely basis. Each issue features approximately 15 of the most important scholarly articles in risk management published within the preceding quarter. For each of these articles, RMRR presents an extended summary of about 500-800 words, which contrasts with the brief (approximately 150-word) abstracts that typically accompany publication. The purpose of each summary is to provide a substantive understanding of the content of the article.
T-Cell Lymphomas

T-cell lymphomas account for 10–15 % of all adult non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Progress in understanding the biology of these lymphomas leads to improvement in their molecular classifications. However, the management of patients with T-cell lymphoma remains challenging, as these patients continue to have worse treatment outcome compared with B-cell lymphomas. In this chapter, we review the recent advances in T-cell lymphoma biology and emerging therapeutic strategies.
Photochemistry of Complexes of First-Row Transition Metals

Many of the early principles of inorganic photochemistry have developed from studies carried out on the first-row (3d) series of transition metal ions. The majority of these ions are kinetically labile in aqueous solution, the two exceptions being complexes of the trivalent Cr3+ (d 3) and Co3+ (d 6) ions, both of which are kinetically inert. This difference in their solution lability has resulted in complexes of these two ions receiving the majority of interest, because their slow substitution rates allows the stereochemistries of the individual photoprocesses to be determined before subsequent thermal reactions occur.
CLOUD - An Emerging trend in delivering IT services

This paper explores the framework of cloud environment, models, current technologies and trends in the space of Cloud. The Research elaborates on key benefits and barriers of moving IT Business Services to Cloud. Cloud is a way of delivering IT-enabled services in the form of software (SAAS), platform (PAAS) and infrastructure (IAAS). This research overall examines the definition of cloud computing and cloud services and how it will evolve over the next decade. The research targets to provide a clear understanding of the concepts and strategies around the Cloud technology and prepares readers for future enhancements which have become one of the most discussed IT paradigms of recent year.
"Is This What You're Talking About?": Identity Negotiation in International Teaching Assistants' Instructional Interactions with U.S. College Students.

ABSTRACTThe instructional performance of international teaching assistants (ITA) in U.S. universities is generally considered as problematic due to linguistic and cultural differences in existing studies. Drawing on interactional sociolinguistics, conversation analysis, and positioning theory, this study aims to find out how ITAs are juxtaposed between content expert and language novice in the actual instructional interactions with U.S. college students. The data under study consist of a number of dyadic office hour interactions. The matter of analytic interest is the type of sentence completion that U.S. college students use to assist or improve on ITAs’ instructional discourse. While interactionally accommodating, sentence completion may position the ITA instructors as language novices, and furthermore cast doubt on their situated identity as instructors. The findings here may shed some light on our understanding of how ITAs are negatively perceived and even stereotyped in their instructional discourse.
Using Social Networks and Internet Based Audience Response Systems in the Classroom

Technology advances, such as Personal Response Systems (PRS) or clickers, enable live audience polling in the classroom. A recently introduced service allows live audience polling without the use of proprietary clickers. Instead, students send responses via SMS text messaging, social networking tools (Twitter), or a web page. An example of this tool is Poll Everywhere. The purpose of our research is to measure the effects of live audience polling — via mobile phones and social networks — on student learning, student engagement, and course satisfaction. The results indicate that Poll Everywhere is an effective tool to enhance student learning and satisfaction.