cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Rat Cholesterol Side-Chain Cleavage Cytochrome P450 (P450scc) Gene: cAMP-Dependent and -Independent Regulation in Ovarian Cells

Using a 5′ human P450scc cDNA probe and a human 57-mer oligonucleotide probe, 2 rat P450scc cDNA clones were identified and isolated from combined granulosa cell and luteal cell λgt11 cDNA expression libraries. One 350 bp clone contained the start codon. The other 750 bp clone overlapped on the 5′ end with the 350 bp clone and on the 3’ end with a previously isolated 1.2 kb cDNA clone (1), which contains a poly (A) tail, suggesting that the complete cDNA sequence for rat P450scc is encoded in these 3 cDNA clones. Using the same 5′ human P450scc probes, we have isolated a rat genomic P450scc clone from a rat liver genomic library. The genomic clone contained 3 distinct Bam HI fragments, 3.7, 4.0 and approximately 14 kb in size. The 3.7 and 4.0 kb Bam HI fragments hybridized to the 1.2 kb cDNA and appear to contain 3′ located exons. After subcloning, the 14 kb fragment yielded several transformants with inserts ranging from 8 to 0.5 kb in size. Hybridization with the rat cDNA clones revealed that the 8 kb fragment may represent 5′ upstream or intron sequences. A 6 kb fragment contained the first and probably the next 2 exons. Northern blot hybridization with the analysis, using the 750 bp cDNA probe, demonstrated that P450scc mRNA was low in granulosa cells of preovulatory (PO) follicles but could be induced by an ovulatory dose of LH/hCG in vivo or by forskolin added in vitro. Once induced by LH/hCG in vivo, P450scc mRNA and progesterone biosynthesis were constitutively maintained by luteinized cells in vivo or in vitro. Thus, the induction of P450scc mRNA in granulosa cells from developing follicles is hormone and cAMP dependent. In contrast, the expression of P450scc mRNA in luteinized granulosa cells has become cAMP independent.
Secular Eschatology: Beliefs about Afterlife

The development of the concept of afterlife was traced through examination of extinctionism, existentialism, pre-historic Shamanism, the Hebrew Torah, the Judeo-Christian Bible, the Qur'an of Islam...
Respiratory mechanics in very low birth weight infants during continuous versus intermittent gavage feeds

This study was designed to determine whether respiratory mechanics in stable, very low birth weight infants changed after replacing intermittent feeds with continuous feeding. We measured static respiratory system compliance, respiratory system resistance, functional residual capacity (FRC), and tidal volume immediately before feeds and at 20, 60, and 120 min after feeds, and again the next day on continuous feeds. Patients selected for enrollment into the study needed to fulfill the following criteria: 1) birth weight and postnatal weight < 1,500 g, 2) no need for mechanical ventilation, positive airway pressure, or supplemental oxygen, 3) receiving and tolerating at least 100 mL/kg/day of intermittent gavage feeds, and 4) no change in methylxanthine or diuretic dosage for 3 days before the study. Respiratory mechanics were measured using the SensorMedics 2600 Pediatric Pulmonary Cart (Yorba Linda, CA). We studied 16 infants (gestational age 28.3 ± 3.7 weeks, mean ± SD) at a postnatal age of 10–82 days. The average interindividual coefficient of variance was 20 ± 2% for static compliance, 35 ± 6% for resistance, 18 ± 3% for FRC, and 19 ± 3% for tidal volume. Repeated-measures analysis of variance did not reveal any significant difference in respiratory mechanics with intermittent vs. continuous feeding. The data suggest that static respiratory mechanics in stable, very low birth weight infants are not affected by changing enteral feeds from intermittent gavage to a continuous schedule. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2001; 32:442–446. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A new paradigm for exploiting fine-grain parallelism

Proposes a new processing paradigm for exploiting fine-grain parallelism. This paradigm considers a block of instructions (possibly having dependencies) as a single unit, and issues one such a block at a time. Fine-grain parallelism is exploited by overlapping the execution of multiple blocks. In addition, multiple instructions can be executed per cycle from each block, if desired. Dynamic branch prediction is used to fetch new blocks. Preliminary simulation results with the SPEC benchmark suite show this processing paradigm to be capable of sustaining issue rates of 3-4 IPC (instructions per cycle) for nonnumeric programs and 6-10 IPC for numeric programs in the benchmark suite, using existing code compiled for a single-IPC machine. The authors expect to obtain much higher sustained issue rates as they gain more experience both the hardware mechanisms and helpful software transformations. >
Reovirus Outer Capsid Protein μ1 Induces Apoptosis and Associates with Lipid Droplets, Endoplasmic Reticulum, and Mitochondria

The mechanisms by which reoviruses induce apoptosis have not been fully elucidated. Earlier studies identified the mammalian reovirus S1 and M2 genes as determinants of apoptosis induction. However, no published results have demonstrated the capacities of the proteins encoded by these genes to induce apoptosis, either independently or in combination, in the absence of reovirus infection. Here we report that the mammalian reovirus μ1 protein, encoded by the M2 gene, was sufficient to induce apoptosis in transfected cells. We also found that μ1 localized to lipid droplets, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria in both transfected cells and infected cells. Two small regions encompassing amphipathic α-helices within a carboxyl-terminal portion of μ1 were necessary for efficient induction of apoptosis and association with lipid droplets, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria in transfected cells. Induction of apoptosis by μ1 and its association with lipid droplets and intracellular membranes in transfected cells were abrogated when μ1 was coexpressed with σ3, with which it is known to coassemble. We propose that μ1 plays a direct role in the induction of apoptosis in infected cells and that this property may relate to the capacity of μ1 to associate with intracellular membranes. Moreover, during reovirus infection, association with σ3 may regulate apoptosis induction by μ1.
Man* vs. Machine: A Case Study in Base Noun Phrase Learning

A great deal of work has been done demonstrating the ability of machine learning algorithms to automatically extract linguistic knowledge from annotated corpora. Very little work has gone into quantifying the difference in ability at this task between a person and a machine. This paper is a first step in that direction.
THE BURDEN OF CELEBRITY: THE IMPACT OF CEO CERTIFICATION CONTESTS ON CEO PAY AND PERFORMANCE

We used the results from Financial World’s widely publicized certification contest, CEO of the Year, to investigate the impact of such contests on firm performance and executive compensation. A certification contest ranks actors on performance criteria that key stakeholders accept as credible and legitimate. We found that certified CEOs received higher compensation than noncertified CEOs when performance was high but lower remuneration when performance was poor. Although certifications appear to generate positive abnormal returns when they are first announced, the longer-term impact of CEO certifications appears to be negative.
A novel asparaginase-like protein is a sperm autoantigen in rats.

A novel asparaginase-like protein (ALP) of spermatozoa was cloned from rat and human testis cDNA libraries on the basis of reactivity with antibodies produced after vasectomy. Although obstruction of the male reproductive tract is known to cause an immunologic response, few of the sperm antigens responsible for the generation of autoantibodies have been characterized. We are identifying proteins of interest by coring autoantigenic protein spots from two-dimensional (2-D) gels of rat sperm extracts and microsequencing them by mass spectrometry. The peptide sequences from ALP, a 28 kDa, pI 5.7 protein, matched to a single partial length rat EST. These peptide sequences were used to clone a cDNA encoding a novel 333 amino acid open reading frame. The new protein had a similarity to portions of L-asparaginases of plants (43%) and to glycosylasparaginases in animal cells (32%). Human ALP cDNA was subsequently cloned. It showed 77% identity to the rat ALP sequence and the gene, ASRGL1 (asparaginase-like 1), mapped to chromosome locus 11q12.3. Purified recombinant rat ALP (rALP), expressed in E. coli, was used to raise polyclonal antiserum in guinea pigs. Two observations verified that the correct protein had been cloned: 1) the anti-rALP antibody reacted with both rALP and rat sperm; and 2) post-vasectomy sera bound rALP. Anti-rALP antibody stained the midpiece of rat and human sperm coincident with staining by MitoTracker Green FM, suggesting that ALP is associated with the mitochondria. Northern analysis revealed that rat ALP message was abundantly expressed in the testis but was also present in heart, brain, liver, skeletal muscle, and kidney.
Regulation and compliance in the New England Conch Fishery: A case for co-management

Abstract New England conch fishermen's and buyers' attitudes and compliance with government regulations are examined. The work is part of a longitudinal study that examines socio-economic and biological trends in the New England conch fishery. The information presented here focuses on responses to size and gear limitations and enforcement with implications for the use of comanagement in U.S. coastal fisheries under state jurisdiction. In depth interviews of fishermen and seafood buyers as well as participant observation techniques are used. Fishermen report variability with regard to following government regulations and articulate problems with policy implementation and enforcement procedures. The article stresses the importance of involving user groups in the policymaking process and the value of co-management for promoting compliance to marine policies. Formal mechanisms of feedback to user groups are needed as important components to fisheries management.
Receptor for Advanced-Glycation End Products Key Modulator of Myocardial Ischemic Injury

Background— The beneficial effects of reperfusion therapies have been limited by the amount of ischemic damage that occurs before reperfusion. To enable development of interventions to reduce cell ...
Effect of uniaxial stress on F-center hyperfine interactions☆☆☆

Abstract The ENDOR technique is used to measure the effect of uniaxial stress on the hfi of the first shell LiF, KCl and KBr ions, second shell KCl ions and fourth shell KBr ions. It is found that motion of the neighboring ions or an admixture of an envelope wave function of the symmetry of the distortion are not enough to explain the results. The discrepancy can be explained by taking into account ionic core distortions. The use of Seidelś Rule to determine the local compressibility gives results that are about equal to those for the bulk crystal. The local motion around the F -center is in the same direction as that in the bulk material although of different magnitude.
How should unmatched otolaryngology applicants proceed

Objectives/Hypothesis To determine the attitudes of otolaryngology residency program directors and chairpersons toward unmatched residency applicants, including whether a surgical internship or research year is preferred in considering repeat applicants. Study Design Cross-sectional survey. Methods Approval was obtained from the Colorado Multiple Institution Review Board. A 12-question Web-based survey was sent to otolaryngology residency program directors and chairpersons three times over a 6-week period. Responses collected from respondents were anonymous, with no identifying characteristics. Results Forty-five percent of those contacted responded to the survey. The most commonly recommended course of action for an unmatched applicant was completion of a general surgery intern year (43%) or a year of research (31%). Program directors were more likely than chairpersons to recommend a year of research (P value 0.014). Ninety-seven percent of the respondents felt it was important or essential to obtain new letters of recommendation. Respondents ranked poor interview skills as the most common reason for applicants remaining unmatched (29%). Conclusion Otolaryngology residency match is even more competitive for previously unmatched applicants. Unmatched applicants should be advised to proceed with either a research year or postgraduate year 1 general surgery year. Before applying again, applicants should obtain new letters of recommendation, and the importance of improving poor interviewing skills should be emphasized by advisors. Level of Evidence N/A. Laryngoscope, 125:2291–2294, 2015
The importance of estimating the therapeutic index in the development of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors.

At least 56 matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors have been pursued as clinical candidates since the late 1970's when the first drug discovery program targeting this enzyme family began. Some of these clinical candidates were pursued for multiple indications. However, the two primary indications that have been targeted are cancer (24 drugs) and anti-arthritis (27 drugs). Cardiovascular disease was listed as an indication for 10 drugs. Forty-six MMP inhibitors have been discontinued, 7 remain in clinical development, and only 1 (Periostat® for periodontal disease) has been approved. Recently, negative phase II results were reported for the MMP inhibitor PG-116800, which was being evaluated as a treatment for post-ischemic myocardial remodeling to prevent heart failure. One major factor leading to the failure of PG-116800 and many of the other MMP inhibitors is the inadequate assessment of the therapeutic index, the ratio of dose required for efficacy vs. that for toxicology. This review describes the dose-limiting side effect that has hampered MMP inhibitor development (the musculoskeletal syndrome), cardiovascular clinical MMP inhibitor studies, a model of the therapeutic index using marimastat, and progress towards more selective MMP inhibitors not limited by the musculoskeletal syndrome.
Adenosine Prevents Hyperkalemia-Induced Calcium Loading in Cardiac Cells: Relevance for Cardioplegia

Abstract Background . Hyperkalemic cardioplegic solutions effectively arrest the heart but also induce membrane depolarization, which could lead to intracellular Ca 2+ loading and contribute to ventricular dysfunction associated with cardiac operations. Adenosine, which possesses cardioprotective properties, has been proposed as an adjunct to conventional cardioplegic solutions. However, it is not known whether adenosine supplementation enables cardiac cells to withstand hyperkalemia-induced Ca 2+ loading. Methods . Single ventricular cardiomyocytes were isolated from guinea pig hearts, loaded with a Ca 2+ -sensitive fluorescent probe, and imaged by digital epifluorescent microscopy. The emitted fluorescence of the probe, a measure of the intracellular Ca 2+ concentration, was recorded from single myocytes during hyperkalemic challenges in the absence and the presence of adenosine to assess the protective effectiveness of this agent. Results . Hyperkalemic solutions induced intracellular Ca 2+ loading (estimated intracellular Ca 2+ concentration, 88 ± 5 nmol/L before and 1,825 ± 112 nmol/L after addition of 16 mmol/L KCl). Adenosine (1 mmol/L) prevented K + -induced Ca 2+ loading (intracellular Ca 2+ concentration, 86 ± 6 nmol/L before and 85 ± 8 nmol/L after exposure to K + ). Whereas glyburide (3 μmol/L), an antagonist of adenosine triphosphate–sensitive K + channels, had no effect, staurosporine (200 nmol/L) and chelerythrine (5 μmol/L), two inhibitors of protein kinase C, did abolish the action of adenosine. Conclusions . Adenosine prevents hyperkalemia-induced Ca 2+ loading in cardiomyocytes. This effect is due to a direct action on ventricular cells, as the preparation employed was free from atrial, neuronal, and vascular elements, and appears to be mediated through a protein kinase C–dependent mechanism. The property of adenosine to prevent hyperkalemia-induced Ca 2+ loading may contribute to the cytoprotective efficacy of this agent as an adjunct to conventional hyperkalemic cardioplegic solutions. (Ann Thorac Surg 1997;63:153–61)
Root hydraulic conductivity and xylem sap levels of zeatin riboside and abscisic acid in ectomycorrhizal Douglas fir seedlings

summary Mechanistic hypotheses to explain mycorrhizal enhancement of root hydraulic conductivity (Lp) suggest that phosphorus (P) nutrition, plant growth substances and/or altered morphology may be responsible. Such ideas are based on work with VA (vesicular-arbuscular) mycorrhizas. Since VA mycorrhizas and ectomycorrhizas differ in many respects, they may alter host plant water uptake via different mechanisms. This paper examines LT in various ectomycorrhizal associations while considering factors which are important to the VA mycorrhizal effect on Lp. Douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco] seedlings inoculated with the ectomycorrhizal fungi Laccaria bicolor (Maire) Orton and Hebeloma crustuliniforme (Bull, ex St. Amans) Quel. and non-inoculated seedlings infected naturally with Thelephora were grown under three low levels of P fertilization (1, 10 and 100 fim P). Seedling morphology, tissue P levels, Lp and plant growth substance levels in xylem sap were measured after nine months growth. Increased tissue P and decreased root/shoot ratio correlated with increased Lp in each of the mycorrhizal treatments. When adjusted for the effect of these two factors, Lp of Laccaria and Hebeloma seedlings was still lower than the Thelephora seedlings. In a subsequent experiment, the Lp of seedlings with Hebeloma and Rhizopogon vinicolor Smith mycorrhizas was compared to the Lp of non-mycorrhizal seedlings (grown at 100 mM P) and no differences were found among treatments. The lack of an ectomycorrhizal effect on Lp is quite different from the enhancement of host Lp by VA mycorrhizas. Zeatin riboside concentrations of Thelephora- and Hebeloma-iniected seedlings were similar, yet higher than with Laccaria. There was no relationship between plant growth substances and Lp in ectomycorrhizal Douglas fir, despite lower zeatin riboside concentrations for Laccaria-inoculated plants.
Molecular Orbital Localization Energies and Carbonyl Nucleophilic Reactivity

Molecular orbital anion localization energies have been calculated for a number of carbonyl group-containing compounds using the LCAO-MO Huckel procedure and the ω-technique. These energies have been found to reflect very adequately the summation of electronic effects from neighboring atoms to the carbonyl group as evidenced by the excellent correlation of the energies calcalated with the rate constants of base catalyzed hydrolysis.
Breast Cancer Following Ovarian Cancer in BRCA Mutation Carriers

Importance BRCA mutation carriers are at increased risk of developing breast cancer. However, the incidence of breast cancer after a diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), one of the tubal/peritoneal cancers collectively referred to as pelvic serous carcinomas, is not well known. Optimal breast cancer surveillance and detection for these patients have also not been well characterized. Objectives To determine the incidence of breast cancer after a diagnosis of EOC and to evaluate the need for breast cancer surveillance for these patients. Design, Setting, and Participants A retrospective database review of 364 patients who underwent BRCA mutation testing for EOC (stages I-IV) between 1998 and 2012 at an academic medical center with gynecologic and breast cancer centers. Main Outcomes and Measures Incidence of breast cancer and methods of surveillance. Results Of 364 patients, 135 (37.1%) were found to carry a germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. The mean age of patients at diagnosis of EOC was 49.5 years (range, 28-89 years). Of the 135 patients, 12 (8.9%) developed breast cancer. The median time from diagnosis of EOC to diagnosis of breast cancer was 50.5 months. Annual mammography was performed for 80 patients (59.3%), with annual magnetic resonance imaging of the breasts performed for 60 patients (44.4%). Thirteen patients (9.6%) underwent a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy at a median of 23 months following EOC diagnosis. Breast cancer was most commonly diagnosed by mammography for 7 of the 12 patients (58.3%), 3 (25.0%) of whom had a palpable mass and 2 (16.7%) of whom had incidental breast cancer detected during a prophylactic mastectomy. Seven patients with breast cancer (58.3%) underwent a bilateral mastectomy. All patients had early-stage breast cancer (stages 0-II). Four patients (33.3%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. At a median follow-up of 6.3 years, 4 of the 12 patients (33.3%) died of recurrent EOC after a diagnosis of breast cancer. The overall 10-year survival rate for the entire cohort of 135 patients was 17.0%. Conclusions and Relevance The risk of metachronous breast cancer is low in patients with known BRCA mutations and EOC. A majority of these cases of breast cancer at an early stage are detected by use of mammography. Despite the small number of patients in our study, these results suggest that optimal breast cancer surveillance for patients with BRCA -associated EOC needs to be reevaluated given the low incidence of breast cancer among these high-risk patients. Confirmation of our findings from larger studies seems to be indicated.
Daten und ökonometrische Analyse

Grundlage fur die Datengewinnung bildete eine Datenbank des fur das Fach Finanz- und Bankwirtschaft verantwortlichen Lehrstuhls fur Betriebswirtschaftslehre an der Universitat Augsburg (Lehrstuhl Prof. Stehle). Diese Datenbank umfast alle an der Frankfurter Borse gehandelten Aktiengesellschaften fur den Zeitraum von 1954 bis 1988 und enthalt die jeweiligen Monatsendkurse, die zur Bereinigung notwendigen Daten wie z.B. Dividenden oder Kapitalerhohungen, sowie das Grundkapital und die Nennwerte der einzelnen Aktien. Aus diesem Datenfundus wurden die Ex-Dividendentermine und die Dividendenhohe fur alle Industrieunternehmen und Banken fur den Zeitraum von 1966 bis 1988 gewonnen. Der Zeitraum wurde dabei so gewahlt, das in etwa die gleiche Anzahl an Jahren sowohl vor als auch nach der Steuerreform in die Untersuchung aufgenommen wurde. Fur die so ermittelten Firmen wurden dann aus Veroffentlichungen des Verlages Hoppenstedt188 die Aktienkurse189 fur den Cum- und den Ex-Tag gesammelt Teilweise zeigenten sich Differenzen im Datum des Ex Tages in der Datenbank und in den Hoppenstedt Veroffentlichungen. In diesen Fallen wurde eine Kontrolle anhand der Borsenzeitung durchgefuhrt. Ergab sich dabei keine Ubereinstimmung bei zwei der drei Daten, so wurde das in der Borsenzeitung angegebene Datum zugrundegelegt. Die Borsenzeitung diente auch zur Uberprufung unplausibler Aktienkurse in den Hoppenstedt Heften.
A Multinational Code of Conduct for South Africa

On the first day of March 1977, the Reverend Leon H. Sullivan, pastor of the Zion Baptist Church in Philadelphia, made a momentous announcement: twelve major United States multinational corporations with operations in South Africa had voluntarily agreed to abide by a code of conduct governing their operations in that country, with special attention to situation of Black workers (see exhibit 1). These workers were subjected to various forms of discrimination under the apartheid laws and customs then prevailing in South Africa. The announcement was the culmination of a drawn-out effort, led by Rev. Sullivan, to cajole and persuade leaders of some of the major United States corporations to make a hitherto unprecedented public commitment.
First Steps in Tensor Polarization Measurement using the DMR Lineshape

The first steps to investigate the tensor polarization measurement with uncertainty is outlined. The objective is to look into possible measurements of the deuteron alignment given an arbitrary lineshape that was distorted by a modulated RF field of know frequency range with respect to each absorption line.
Novel Steganography over HTML Code

Different security strategies have been developed to protect the transfer of information between users. This has become especially important after the tremendous growth of internet use. Encryption techniques convert readable data into a ciphered form. Other techniques hide the message in another file, and some powerful techniques combine hiding and encryption concepts. In this paper, a new security algorithm is presented by using Steganography over HTML pages. Hiding the information inside Html page code comments and employing encryption, can enhance the possibility to discover the hidden data. The proposed algorithm applies some statistical concepts to create a frequency array to determine the occurrence frequency of each character. The encryption step depends on two simple logical operations to change the data form to increase the complexity of the hiding process. The last step is to embed the encrypted data as comments inside the HTML page. This new algorithm comes with many advantages, such as generality, applicability to different spoken languages, and can be extended to other Web programming pages such as XML, ASP.
Serial measurement of tear meniscus by FD-OCT after instillation of artificial tears in patients with dry eyes

Background and objective To use Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) to study the effect of artificial tears on the tear meniscus in patients with dry eyes. Patients and methods The lower tear meniscus of 16 consecutive patients with dry eyes was imaged by an FD-OCT system (RTVue; Optovue, Inc., Fremont, CA). Baseline and five serial pairs of measurements were taken after the instillation of artificial tears (Optive; Allergan, Irvine, CA) at 1, 2, 5, 10, and 15 minutes. The lower meniscus height, depth, and area were measured with a computer caliper. Results Baseline meniscus measurements were 235.5 ± 150.0 μm, 138.1 ± 78.7 μm, and 0.020 ± 0.022 mm(2) for height, depth, and area, respectively. After instillation of artificial tears, all lower tear meniscus parameters remained significantly elevated for 5 minutes and returned to baseline by 10 minutes. Conclusion FD-OCT is able to quantify a dramatic initial increase in tear meniscus, followed by a decay back to baseline values after approximately 5 minutes. FD-OCT may be useful in objectively quantifying the dynamic efficacy of dry eye treatments.
Autonomous UAV Control Using a 3-Sensor Autopilot

An autopilot system for a small unmanned vehicle is described which consists only of a single axis rate gyro, an absolute pressure sensor, and a GPS receiver. The structure of a control system is described which is able to estimate all necessary information to provide stabilization and guidance for a small flying wing UAV. A vector field guidance system is discussed that is able to navigate the aircraft from any initial location to a stable loiter around a point given only the coordinates of the desired point and the desired radius. Warping of the simple circular loiter into a racetrack shape is discussed. Modifications to the autopilot to achieve autonomous takeoff and landing are discussed. Experimental results of the successful implementation of all aspects of this autopilot system are shown, as well as an example flight where the only human interaction is to send a ‘takeoff’ and ‘land’ command.
A Queen Undone: Justifications of Deposition, Resistance and Imprisonment

By the end of June 1567, Bothwell had fled from the mainland of Scotland, and Mary found herself imprisoned on an island, tightly guarded and with little hope for escape. Her third marriage was the primary cause of her downfall. In the summer of 1565, Mary had demonstrated that she desired a husband who would take his proper place by her side in the governance of the realm. Darnley, though not preferred by the former Lords of Congregation (now Lords of Confederation) who had advised Mary during her first years in Scotland, was at least malleable. He was also, to a large extent, an unknown factor. Bothwell was not malleable or unknown. James Hepburn had proven over and over again that his personal priorities would supercede those of his fellow Protestants. Though Bothwell followed the reformed faith, his primary goal was not to create a godly state in Scotland. Nor was it to give Mary’s former advisers (largely his noble rivals) any additional power within the state. During 1566, Mary had begun to rely more and more heavily on the border lord, a reliance which was probably not liked, but was at least acceptable to her other advisers, as long as Bothwell remained simply the Lieutenant of the Borders. His decision to marry the queen, though, resulted in a checkmate of sorts. Either he would win the game and be hailed as king, or his queen would be taken from him.
Reduced Intensity Conditioning (RIC) Regimen Followed by Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) in Adult Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

Background: RIC regimens are less myelosuppressive, but remain adequately immunosuppressive, allowing for successful engraftment with acceptable treatment-related mortality (TRM) in older or more frail patients (pts) who otherwise would not be suitable candidates for HSCT. This is particularly relevant in ALL, since pts often sustain toxicity from dose-intense upfront regimens or may be diagnosed in advanced age. The antitumor effect of this approach is not well-established in ALL. Methods : We evaluated outcomes of 30 advanced ALL pts (19 M/11 F) treated from August 1996 to May 2008 with FM140 (fludarabine 120 mg/m 2 , melphalan 140 mg/m 2 ) and unmanipulated stem cells. Graft vs. host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis consisted of tacrolimus and mini-dose methotrexate in all but 1 pt who received cyclosporine. Anti-thymocyte-globulin was added to matched unrelated pts. Results : The median age was 44 years (range 23–64). ECOG performance status at time of HSCT was 0 (n=16), 1 (n=10) or 2 (n=4) with median co-morbidity score of 3 (range 0–7) by Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Twenty-four pts had B-lineage and 6 had T-lineage disease. Cytogenetic data were available for 26 pts; 19 had high-risk cytogenetics, including 9 with Ph+ disease. Disease stage at time of study entry was CR1 (n=5), ≥CR1 (n=12), or primary or refractory relapse (n=13), with median 2 prior chemotherapy regimens (range 1–4); five pts had a prior allogeneic HSCT. Donor type was matched related (n=13) or matched unrelated (n=17) and stem cell source was bone marrow (n=14) or peripheral blood (n=16). The median total nucleated cell dose and CD34+ cell dose were 3.80 × 10 8 cells (range 0.68–17.16) and 4.15 × 10 6 cells (range 1.78–12.03), respectively. Median time to ANC 0.5 × 10 9 /L was 13 days (range 10–24). Median time to platelet count 20 × 10 9 /L was 18 days (range 10–57). Eight pts were alive at a median follow up of 12 months from HSCT (range 3–59). OS and DFS were 32% and 29%, respectively, at 1 year. Of note, only 1 among 5 pts in CR1 had disease progression, compared to 8 among 13 with refractory disease at time of HSCT. The cumulative incidence of acute GVHD, grades II–IV and III–IV were 40% and 13%, respectively, and chronic GVHD was 22% (7% for extensive). The cumulative incidence of TRM at 100 days and 1 year were 17% and 33%, respectively. Among 22 deaths, 14 were related to disease recurrence, 4 related to infection and 4 related to GVHD. Conclusion: RIC HSCT can provide disease control in patients with ALL, and merits further evaluation. Alternative treatment strategies need to be explored in pts with advanced disease. The observed TRM rate is comparable to what has been previously reported for this regimen in heavily pretreated leukemia patients.
Jc and Jc-B Enhancement with Micro Structure Improvement of Bi-Based High-Tc Superconductor

BiPbSrCaCuO silver sheathed wires were produced by solid reaction method. Maximum Jc at 77.3K were 4.7×104 A/cm2 in a zero magnetic filed and 1.1×104 A/cm2 at 1 Tesla. It was found that the improvement of magnetic filed dependence of Jc had strong relations with the size of non-superconducting phases and the c-axis component of transport current across the grain boundaries. At 4.2 K, it was revealed that maximum Jc was 1.03×105 A/cm2 at 23Tesla and the anisotropy was small even at 23T.
Falls and Frailty in Prostate Cancer Survivors: Current, Past, and Never Users of Androgen Deprivation Therapy

Objectives To compare the prevalence of and association between falls and frailty of prostate cancer survivors (PCSs) who were current, past or never users of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Design Cross-sectional. Setting Mail and electronic survey. Participants PCSs (N = 280; mean age 72 ± 8). Measurements Cancer history, falls, and frailty status (robust, prefrail, frail) using traditionally defined and obese phenotypes. Results Current (37%) or past (34%) ADT users were more than twice as likely to have fallen in the previous year as never users (15%) (P = .002). ADT users had twice as many recurrent falls (P < .001) and more fall-related injuries than unexposed men (P = .01). Current (43%) or past (40%) ADT users were more likely to be classified as prefrail or frail than never users (15%) (P < .001), and the prevalence of combined obese frailty + prefrailty was even greater in current (59%) or past (62%) ADT users than never users (25%) (P < .001). Traditional and obese frailty significantly increased the likelihood of reporting falls in the previous year (odds ratio (OR) = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.18–3.94 and OR = 2.97, 95% CI = 1.62–5.58, respectively) and was also associated with greater risk of recurrent falls (OR = 3.10, 95% CI = 1.48–6.5 and OR = 3.99, 95% CI = 1.79–8.89, respectively). Conclusions Current and past exposure to ADT is linked to higher risk of falls and frailty than no treatment. PCSs should be appropriately counseled on fall prevention strategies, and approaches to reduce frailty should be considered.
Identification of the Significant Uncertain Parameters in the Seismic Response of Irregular Bridges

Abstract Developing probabilistic seismic demand models is a key element in seismic risk assessment of structures such as bridges. Identifying the influential parameters related to the seismic response of a structure is a crucial step towards evaluating its seismic vulnerability. Most of the past related sensitivity studies have focused on regular bridges with typical configurations, although observed damage from past earthquakes affirms that compared to regular bridges, those with irregularities or geometric inconsistencies in the configuration are more susceptible to noticeable damage. In this paper, using state of the art statistical methodology, the influence of various parameters on the resulting probabilistic seismic demand is investigated. This study concentrates on concrete bridges including three geometric irregularity types: (i) skew angle, (ii) a frame with unbalanced stiffness, and (iii) tall column heights, and a comprehensive sensitivity of a broad range of probabilistic modeling parameters on the seismic response is assessed. The statistical analysis reveals that the common parameters including ground motion intensity, longitudinal reinforcement ratio, column diameter, number of columns per bent, column height, span length, and concrete compressive strength significantly influence the response of the three studied irregular bridges. The individual influential parameters affecting each class of irregularity are highlighted and discussed.
Pulsed laser vaporization synthesis of boron loaded few layered graphene (Conference Presentation)

The bulk production of loose graphene flakes and its doped variants are important for energy applications including batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors as well as optoelectronic and thermal applications. While laser-based methods have been reported for large-scale synthesis of single-wall carbon nanohorns (SWNHs), similar large-scale production of graphene has not been reported. Here we explored the synthesis of doped few layered graphene by pulsed laser vaporization (PLV) with the goal of producing an oxidation resistant electrode support for solid acid fuel cells. PLV of graphite with various amounts of boron was carried out in mixtures in either Ar or Ar/H2 at 0.1 MPa at elevated temperatures under conditions typically used for synthesis of SWNHs. Both the addition of hydrogen to the background argon, or the addition of boron to the carbon target, was found to shift the formation of carbon nanohorns to two-dimensional flakes of a new form of few-layer graphene material, with sizes up to microns in dimension as confirmed by XRD and TEM. However, the materials made with boron exhibited superior resistance to carbon corrosion in the solid acid fuel cell and thermal oxidation resistance in air compared to similar product made without boron. Mechanisms for the synthesis and oxidation resistance of these materials will be discussed based upon detailed characterization and modeling. •Synthesis science was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences (BES), Materials Sciences and Engineering Division. Material processing and characterization science supported by ARPA-E under Cooperative Agreement Number DE-AR0000499 and as a user project at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, a Department of Energy Office of Science User Facility.
Intramolecular Interactions Overcome Hydration to Drive the Collapse Transition of Gly15

Simulations and experiments show oligo-glycines, polypeptides lacking any side chains, can collapse in water. We assess the hydration thermodynamics of this collapse by calculating the hydration free energy at each of the end points of the reaction coordinate, here taken as the end-to-end distance (r) in the chain. To examine the role of the various conformations for a given r, we study the conditional distribution, P(Rg|r), of the radius of gyration for a given value of r. The free energy change versus Rg, −kBT ln P(Rg|r), is found to vary more gently compared to the corresponding variation in the excess hydration free energy. Using this observation within a multistate generalization of the potential distribution theorem, we calculate a tight upper bound for the hydration free energy of the peptide for a given r. On this basis, we find that peptide hydration greatly favors the expanded state of the chain, despite primitive hydrophobic effects favoring chain collapse. The net free energy of collapse is se...
Developing empathy and expertise in online health forums

This study explores the rhetoric in and relevance of online health forums. The study argues that online health forums allow patients to alter their position in relation to each other and to their illness, creating opportunities for empathic relationships, better quality of life, and better disease management. The ability to respond with empathy requires a participant to seek a different position for him/herself; when patients can alter their position in relation to their illness, from a position of self-focus to a position of parallel/peer and further to a position of empathic expert, their forum posts show a deepening level of empathy and they report a better level of disease management. The chapter argues that the rise of and continued access for participation in online health forums is an important, perhaps necessary component of patient “quality-of-life” in treatment for chronic, stigmatized illnesses.
Radiation toxicity in patients with collagen vascular disease and intrathoracic malignancy treated with modern radiation techniques

Abstract Background and purpose There is concern that patients with collagen vascular disease (CVD) are at higher risk of developing radiation toxicity. We analyzed radiation toxicities in patients with intrathoracic malignancy and CVD treated using modern radiotherapy. Materials and methods This single-institution retrospective study included 31 patients with CVD and 825 patients without CVD treated from 1998 to 2014. Radiation esophagitis (RE) and radiation pneumonitis (RP) were scored by RTOG scales. RE was analyzed with logistic regression and RP with Cox regression. Results CVD patients experienced similar grade ≥3 RE compared to control patients (23% vs. 19%, p = 0.64) but more grade ≥3 RP (26% vs. 10%, p = 0.01). There was no significant association between CVD subtype and toxicities. In multivariate analysis, CVD and lung V20 >30% were associated with grade ≥3 RP. We identified V20 ≤30%, V5 ≤50%, and MLD ≤18 Gy as dose thresholds in patients with CVD. CVD patients with mild severity disease and only 1 organ system involved were at low risk for RP. Conclusions Patients with CVD may be at higher risk of RP. However, CVD patients may be offered curative thoracic RT with particular attention to risk-reduction strategies and maintaining recommended dose constraints as described in this study.
Trajectory of inflammatory and microglial activation markers in the postnatal rabbit brain following intrauterine endotoxin exposure

Abstract Background Maternal infection is a risk factor for periventricular leukomalacia and cerebral palsy (CP) in neonates. We have previously demonstrated hypomyelination and motor deficits in newborn rabbits, as seen in patients with cerebral palsy, following maternal intrauterine endotoxin administration. This was associated with increased microglial activation, primarily involving the periventricular region (PVR). In this study we hypothesized that maternal intrauterine inflammation leads to a pro-inflammatory environment in the PVR that is associated with microglial activation in the first 2 postnatal weeks. Methods Timed pregnant New Zealand white rabbits underwent laparotomy on gestational day 28 (G28). They were randomly divided to receive lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 20 μg/kg in 1 mL saline) (Endotoxin group) or saline (1 mL) (control saline, CS group), administrated along the wall of the uterus. The PVR from the CS and Endotoxin kits were harvested at G29 (1 day post-injury), postnatal day1 (PND1, 3 day post-injury) and PND5 (7 days post-injury) for real-time PCR, ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Kits from CS and Endotoxin groups underwent longitudinal MicroPET imaging, with [11C]PK11195, a tracer for microglial activation. Results We found that intrauterine endotoxin exposure resulted in pro-inflammatory microglial activation in the PVR of rabbits in the first postnatal week. This was evidenced by increased TSPO (translocator protein) expression co-localized with microglia/macrophages in the PVR, and changes in the microglial morphology (ameboid soma and retracted processes). In addition, CD11b level significantly increased with a concomitant decline in the CD45 level in the PVR at G29 and PND1. There was a significant elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and iNOS, and decreased anti-inflammatory markers in the Endotoxin kits at G29, PND1 and PND5. Increased [11C]PK11195 binding to the TSPO measured in vivo by PET imaging in the brain of Endotoxin kits was present up to PND14–17. Conclusions Our results indicate that a robust pro-inflammatory microglial phenotype/brain milieu commenced within 24 h after LPS exposure and persisted through PND5 and in vivo TSPO binding was found at PND14–17. This suggests that there may be a window of opportunity to treat after birth. Therapies aimed at inducing an anti-inflammatory phenotype in microglia might promote recovery in maternal inflammation induced neonatal brain injury.
Thermal Aspects of the Use of Polymethylmethacrylate in Large Metaphyseal Defects in Bone

The technique of aggressive local resection and reconstruction of defects with methylmethacrylate is an excellent alternative to resection, which compromise the joint. Forty consecutive patients with a varity of diagnoses (giant cell tumor, aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC), chondromyxoid fibroma, low-grade chondrosarcoma, myeloma, metastases) underwent this treatment. The advantages of this are: (a) immediate stability and early function, (b) early radiographic diagnosis of local recurrence, (c) increased “tumor kill” secondary to thermal necrosis. Local recurrence in these patients was less than that recorded in the literature. The technique of this procedure is demonstrated. A graphic demonstration of laboratory work documenting aspects of thermal necrosis at the bone-cement interface is included.
Design Considerations for Sensing Systems to Ensure Data Quality

This paper discusses issues in designing sensing systems in order to control the various mechanisms of uncertainty that impair meaningful and reliable interpretation of data. Based on the analysis of possible errors of the sensory components, measurement setups and data acquisition elements, a paradigm of designing sensing systems is proposed, which centers at structural health monitoring and permeates the modeling, experiment, data collection, parameter estimation, model verification and correction, simulation and utilization procedures. The statistical data quality control process is further discussed focusing on the data processing and post-processing in the sensing system.
Processing and characterization of crack-free aluminum 6061 using high-temperature heating in laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing

Abstract During solidification of many so-called high-performance engineering alloys, such as 6000 and 7000 series aluminum alloys, which are also unweldable autogenously, volumetric solidification shrinkage and thermal contraction produces voids and cracks. During additive manufacturing processing, these defects can span the length of columnar grains, as well as intergranular regions. In this research, laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) of aluminum alloy (AA) 6061 used powder bed heating at 500 °C in combination with other experimentally determined processing parameters to produce crack-free components. In addition, melt-pool banding, which is a normal solidification feature in LPBF, was eliminated, illustrating solidification process modification as a consequence of powder bed heating. Corresponding microindentation hardness and tensile testing of the as-fabricated AA6061 components indicated an average Vickers hardness of HV 54, and tensile yield, ultimate strength, and elongation values of 60 MPa, 130 MPa, and 15%, respectively. These mechanical properties and those of heat treated parts showed values comparable to annealed and T6 heat treated wrought products, respectively. X-ray diffraction and optical microscopy revealed columnar grain growth in the build direction with the as-fabricated, powder-bed heated product microstructure characterized by [100] textured, elongated grains (∼ 25 μm wide by 400 μm in length), and both intragranular and intergranular, noncoherent Al-Si-O precipitates which did not contribute significantly to the mechanical properties. The results of this study are indicative that powder bed heating may be used to assist with successful fabrication of AA6061 and other alloy systems susceptible to additive manufacturing solidification cracking.
Travel and Business Services

The travel industry evolved from centralized reservation systems, which were only accessed by travel agencies, to direct customer interaction using the Internet. The next step is extending the availability of travel agency services to ubiquity, allowing travelers to take advantage of these services with the help of mobile devices, even at the time these travelers are already on the road. It seams to be self-evident that many early adopters of Pervasive Computing devices were mobile professionals, traveling frequently on business.
Standing With Standing Rock: Affective Alignment and Artful Resistance at the Native Nations Rise March:

The protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline at Standing Rock in North Dakota created a dynamic landscape consisting of a wide-range of interwoven visual and textual narratives and political per...