cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chapter 4: Pre‐clinical efficacy and complication data required to justify a clinical trial

: Pre-clinical efficacy and complication data required to justify a porcine islet transplantation clinical trial have been considered. To be relevant to clinical islet transplantation, pre-clinical data should be obtained in a pig-to-diabetic non-human primate (NHP) model. In view of the difficulties of maintaining immunosuppressed NHPs for long periods of time, flexibility must be allowed with regard to the following recommendations. A pre-clinical trial would be deemed a success if five of eight consecutive experiments in NHPs with proven diabetes meet the following guidelines. 1. The fasting and non-fasting blood glucose levels have been maintained in the NHP at approximately 8.3 mmol/l) and <200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/l), respectively, throughout a 6-month follow-up period (preferably with observations in one or two NHPs extending to 12 months). 2. After the transplantation of adult or fetal/neonatal pig islets, no or greatly reduced exogenous insulin has been required after the development of a state of normoglycemia (that may take approximately the first 4 weeks for adult and 12 weeks for fetal/neonatal islets, respectively), except under exceptional, temporary circumstances. 3. Sequential intravenous glucose tolerance tests [at 1, 3, 6 (and 12) months post-transplantation] or arginine stimulation tests have indicated a significant response to glucose in the form of porcine C-peptide in the absence of a significant response of NHP C-peptide. 4. Histologic study of the native pancreas (if present) after necropsy indicates no or minimal insulin-positive β cells, and histologic examination of the liver or other site of islet transplantation indicates multiple viable insulin-positive cells. 5. Numerous or serious life-threatening complications have not been associated with the transplantation procedure, immunosuppressive regimen, tolerance-inducing regimen, or encapsulation of the islets. Pre-clinical trials in which the recipient NHPs do not require continuing immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., when encapsulated islets have been transplanted) may possibly be considered acceptable as a basis for a clinical trial with slightly less stringent requirements with regard to points (1) and (2), but would be expected to provide evidence that points (3), (4), and (5) had been achieved. Table of Contents • Introduction • Induction of diabetes in the non-human primate potential recipient • Porcine islet transplantation • Immunotherapeutic protocol • Determination of success of islet transplantation Specific tests Necropsy Need for re-transplantation Post-transplant hypoglycemic episodes • Conclusions
Identification of a protein encoded in the herpes simplex virus type 1 latency associated transcript promoter region.

Abstract Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) establishes a lifelong latency in the neurons of its host. Sporadically, the latent virus reactivates and spreads back to the original site of infection and causes recrudescent diseases. The only gene actively transcribed during neuronal latency is the latency associated transcript ( LAT ) gene. Several transcripts have been detected in the important LAT promoter region. However, no polypeptides coded by these transcripts are known. In this communication, we reported the cloning, sequencing, and characterization of a transcript immediately upstream of LAT . We designated this gene UOL (Upstream of LAT). The UOL RNA is polyadenylated, expressed as a late gene in infected cells, transcribed in the same direction as LAT, and contains an open reading frame (ORF) capable of encoding a protein of 96 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 11 kDa. The UOL transcript contains 466 nucleotides in length. The 5′ end of the UOL transcript starts at nucleotide 118,266 and the 3′ end of the UOL transcript ends at nucleotide 118,731 based on the published 17syn+ genomic sequence. The UOL protein was detected in infected cell lysates by immunoprecipitation using an antibody raised against UOL ORF synthetic peptide. More importantly, sera from mice infected with wild-type HSV-1 but not sera from mice infected with a mutant with the UOL region deleted recognized the UOL ORF, expressed in Escherichia coli, on Western blots. These results suggest that a UOL protein is in HSV-1 infected tissue culture cells and in mice infected with HSV-1.
Estimation of prognosis after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: The preferred means of treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma is surgical resection. However, the tumour recurrence rate is high. Accurate estimation of the risk of tumour recurrence after hepatectomy may facilitate the administration of adjuvant therapy after hepatectomy to patients with a high likelihood of tumour recurrence. Methods: The clinical and pathological profiles of 176 patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma from March 1992 to August 1998 were reviewed. The Kaplan–Meier method and log rank test were used to analyse univariate prognostic factors. The Cox proportional hazard model was used for multivariate analysis. Disease-free and overall cumulative survival rates were estimated with respect to the number of prognostic factors. Results: Independent factors associated with a lower disease-free survival included the presence of venous infiltration, presence of daughter tumours, absence of tumour encapsulation and tumour size exceeding 5 cm. Factors decreasing the overall survival rate included the presence of venous infiltration, absence of tumour encapsulation and surgical resection margin less than 1 cm. The 1-year disease-free survival rate decreased from 77·5(s.e. 5·6) to 14·0(8·5) per cent when the number of risk factors present increased from zero to three. The 5-year survival rate decreased from 60·2(11·7) per cent to zero when the number of risk factors increased from zero to three. Conclusion: The deterioration of disease-free or overall survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy correlates with increasing number of risk factors. The number of risk factors can be employed to accurately estimate disease-free and overall survival. © 2002 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd
A novel mouse Smad4 mutation reduces protein stability and wild-type protein levels.

Smad4 is a key signal transducer of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily of growth factors that are critical regulators of embryonic patterning and adult tissue homeostasis. The biological activity of the TGF-β signaling is tightly controlled at multiple levels, including the abundance of SMAD4 proteins. We previously recovered a novel allele of Smad4 in a gene-based screen in N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU)-mutagenized mouse embryonic stem cells. The mutation resulted in an unstable truncated protein that is degraded through proteasomal pathways. In the heterozygous state, this allele acts in a dominant negative fashion to reduce the wild-type protein level as well as signaling output. Biochemical characterization indicated that the truncated protein is able to form a complex with the wild-type protein, thus targeting it for proteasomal degradation as well. Phenotypic analyses of the heterozygous animals provided insight into the threshold requirement of Smad4-dependent signaling in vivo.
Cyclohexyl-Substituted Polyglycolides with High Glass Transition Temperatures

The substituted glycolides rac-dicyclohexylglycolide (rac-3,6-dicyclohexyl-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione), meso-dicyclohexylglycolide, R,R-dicyclohexylglycolide, and rac-methylcyclohexylglycolide (rac-3-cyclohexyl-6-methyl-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione) have been synthesized, and both solution and bulk polymerizations of these monomers are reported. The polymerization kinetics of these new monomers were studied and compared to data for rac-diisopropylglycolide (rac-3,6-diisopropyl-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione) and rac-lactide. The solution polymerization rates followed the order: rac-dicyclohexylglycolide < rac-diisopropylglycolide < rac-methylcyclohexylglycolide < rac-lactide. The glass transition temperature of poly(rac-dicyclohexylglycolide) is 98 °C, consistent with a stiff polyglycolide backbone. meso-Dicyclohexylglycolide and R,R-dicyclohexylglycolide were synthesized and polymerized to study the effect of stereochemistry on the polymer properties. The glass transition temperature of meso-dicyclohexylglycolide was 96 °C,...
Population estimates of sickle cell disease in the U.S.

Background The number of individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) in the U.S. is unknown. Determination of burden of disease, healthcare issues, and policies is best served by representative estimations of the SCD population. Purpose To update SCD population estimates by using recent U.S. Census and birth-cohort SCD prevalence for at-risk populations as available through the centralized reporting of universal newborn screening for hemoglobinopathies, with an effort to demonstrate the potential effect of early mortality. Methods National and state SCD populations were estimated based on the 2008 U.S. Census, using total, African-American, and Hispanic birth-cohort disease prevalence derived from the National Newborn Screening Information System. Estimates were corrected for early mortality for sickle cell anemia using data from the CDC's Compressed Mortality Report and published patient-cohort survival information. Results National SCD population estimates ranged from 104,000 to 138,900, based on birth-cohort disease prevalence, but from 72,000 to 98,000 when corrected for early mortality. Several limitations were noted in the available data, particularly for SCD mortality in adults. Conclusions The number of individuals with SCD in the U.S. may approach 100,000, even when accounting for the effect of early mortality on estimations. A paucity of high-quality data limits appropriate estimation. State-to-state variability may preclude application of state-specific information to other states or to the nation as a whole. Standardized collection and centralized reporting, a surveillance system, will be necessary to assess the size and composition of the U.S. SCD population.
Crosstalk Between Inflammation and Thrombosis

Inflammation shifts the hemostatic mechanisms in favor of thrombosis. Multiple mechanisms are at play including up regulation of tissue factor leading to the initiation of clotting, amplification of the clotting process by augmenting exposure of cellular coagulant phospholipids, inhibition of fibrinolysis by elevating plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) and decreases in natural anticoagulant pathways, particularly targeted toward down regulation of the protein C anticoagulant pathway through multiple mechanisms. The decreased function of the natural anticoagulant pathways may be particularly problematic because these appear to play a role in dampening inflammatory responses. The protein C anticoagulant pathway provides a useful model for the impact of inflammation on coagulation. This pathway plays a major role in preventing microvascular thrombosis. The pathway is initiated when thrombin binds to thrombomodulin (TM) on the surface of the endothelium. An endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) augments protein C activation by the thrombin-TM complex more than 10-fold in vivo. EPCR is shed from the endothelium by inflammatory mediators and thrombin. EPCR binds to activated neutrophils in a process that involves proteinase 3 and Mac-1 and appears to inhibit leukocyte extravisation. EPCR can undergo translocation from the plasma membrane to the nucleus where it redirects gene expression. During translocation it can carry activated protein C (APC) to the nucleus, possibly accounting for the ability of APC to modulate inflammatory mediator responses in the endothelium. TNF alpha and other inflammatory mediators can down-regulate EPCR and TM and IL-6 can depress levels of protein S in experimental animals. Inhibition of protein C pathway function increases cytokine elaboration, endothelial cell injury and leukocyte extravisation in response to endotoxin, processes that are decreased by infusion of APC. In vitro, APC inhibits TNF alpha elaboration from monocytes and to block leukocyte adhesion to selectins. Since thrombin can elicit many inflammatory responses in microvascular endothelium, loss of control of microvascular thrombin generation due to impaired protein C pathway function probably contributes to microvascular dysfunction in sepsis.
Calibration system stability plans for a long-term Ecological Airborne remote sensing project

The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) Airborne Observation Platform (AOP) will fly an imaging spectrometer, small footprint waveform LiDAR and high-resolution digital camera to observe both the human drivers of climate change and the biological consequences of environmental change at a continental scale. The project is planned for a 30-year period. To be meaningful as an ecological climate data record, the AOP data set must have a continuous and consistent calibration effort. This paper briefly describes plans for the development of a robust calibration and validation plan to ensure data continuity from instrument-to-instrument, flight-to-flight, and year-toyear over the lifetime of the NEON project.
Querying at Internet scale

We are developing a distributed query processor called PIER, which is designed to run on the scale of the entire Internet. PIER utilizes a Distributed Hash Table (DHT) as its communication substrate in order to achieve scalability, reliability, decentralized control, and load balancing. PIER enhances DHTs with declarative and algebraic query interfaces, and underneath those interfaces implements multihop, in-network versions of joins, aggregation, recursion, and query/result dissemination. PIER is currently being used for diverse applications, including network monitoring, keyword-based filesharing search, and network topology mapping. We will demonstrate PIER's functionality by showing system monitoring queries running on PlanetLab, a testbed of over 300 machines distributed across the globe.
Mobilization of leukocytes into the peritoneal fluid.

Es gibt zahlreiche Berichte daruber, dass intraperitoneale Injektion von physiologischer Kochsalzlosung bei Saugetieren eine lokale Mobilisierung neutrophiler Leukocyten verursacht. Diese Reaktion bleibt bei Verwendung nicht-pyrogener NaCl-Losung aus, tritt jedoch bei Zusatz von Bakterienextrakt zu dieser Losung wieder auf. Zellzahlungen ergeben ebenfalls eine erhohte Zahl von mononuklearen Leukocyten (Makrophagen und Lymphocyten) in der Peritonealflussigkeit. Geringste Verunreinigungen der verwendeten Kochsalzlosungen durften in zahlreichen fruheren Untersuchungen zu falschen Schlussfolgerungen gefuhrt haben, weshalb eine Reihe allgemein anerkannter Hypothesen uber die Leukocytenmobilisierung neu zu bearbeiten waren.
Recovery of tritium from molten lithium using yttrium getters

Abstract The sorption of tritium on yttrium from molten lithium and the subsequent release of tritium from yttrium for regeneration of the metal sorbent were investigated to evaluate the feasibility of such a tritium-recovery process for a fusion reactor blanket of 1 iquid lithium. In a batch contactor with an yttrium-surface-area-to-lithium-volume ratio of 0.9 cm −1 and a temperature of 400°C, the concentration of tritium in lithium was reduced by a factor of 2 in 50 min. The tritium release rate was measured from a sample of yttrium (9.0 wt ppm tritium content) at 505°C.
The Effect of Continual, Nocturnal, or No Aeration on Water Chemistry and Plankton Standing Crops in Highly-Fertilized Sunshine Bass, Morone chrysops × M. saxatilis, Fingerling Production Ponds Without Fish

ABSTRACT Production of fingerlings from very small fry depends upon an initial high concentration of rotifers followed by high densities of crustacean zooplankton. High fertilization rates lead to increased zooplankton production but often cause poor water quality conditions that aeration may alleviate. This study was designed to determine the effects of constant, nocturnal, and no aeration on water quality, primary productivity, and standing crops of phytoplankton and zooplankton in heavily fertilized nursery-size ponds that contained no fish. Four 0.04-ha ponds were aerated continually; four ponds were aerated only at night with a 372-W (1/2 hp) paddlewheel aerator; and four ponds were not aerated. For 21 days after they were filled on July 21, 1999, the ponds received 1,224 kg/ha rice bran and 581kg/ha liquid 9-27-0 fertilizer. Water quality variables, primary production, chlorophyll-a and zooplankton were sampled daily. Constant aeration resulted in several conditions more conducive to survival of fis...
ENHANCEMENT OF DNA HYBRIDIZATION KINETICS IN MICROARRAYS BY CONVECTIVE TRANSPORT

We use the finite element method (Comsol Multiphysics software) to study the kinetics of DNA hybridization and the potential limitation of the reaction rate caused by diffusion effects. The value of the parameters influencing the kinetics can sometimes span several orders of magnitude. Therefore, a wide range of values was used in order to cover the conditions seen in DNA microarrays. In the cases where hybridization is diffusion limited, a convective transport is added to successfully overcome this limitation.
Smoking and the antioxidant ascorbic acid: Plasma, leukocyte, and cervicovaginal cell concentrations in normal healthy women

The influence of cigarette smoking on the plasma, leukocyte, and cervicovaginal cell ascorbic acid levels in 46 healthy smokers and healthy nonsmokers was investigated. Coded peripheral venous blood and cervicovaginal lavage specimens obtained after informed consent were analyzed simultaneously for their ascorbic acid content. The findings suggest that smoking affects the levels and distribution of ascorbic acid. In smokers (n = 16), the number of exfoliated cervicovaginal epithelial cells and leukocyte ascorbic acid levels was significantly higher (p less than 0.01, p less than 0.05, respectively) compared with nonsmokers (n = 30). In addition, cervicovaginal cell ascorbic acid, plasma reduced and total ascorbic acid levels were significantly lower (p less than 0.001, p less than 0.01, p less than 0.01, respectively). The exfoliated epithelial cell ascorbic acid levels in nonsmokers was fourfold greater than that of leukocytes. The implications of these findings within the context of free radical-induced cellular pertubations in smokers are discussed.
CNDO/2 localized molecular orbital studies for the isoelectric cations cyclo- 1,3,4-trithiadiazole(2+) and cyclo-2,5-dithiatrizole(1+)

Abstract The electronic structures of cyclo-1,3,4-trithiadiazole(2+) and cyclo-2,5-dithiatrizole(1+) ions have been studied using energy localized CNDO/2 molecular orbitals. cyclo-1,3,4-trithiadiazole(2+) was found to have five σ-bonds forming the sigma skeleton of the ring, one lone pair orbital on each atom and six π-electrons. No π-bonding was observed between the two adjacent sulfur atoms. cyclo-2,5-dithiatrizole(1+) possesses a sigma bond structure and one lone pair orbital on each atom. It has six π-electrons, two between the adjacent nitrogen atoms and the remaining four delocalized over the SNS segment of the molecule. The enhanced stability of the S3N2+2 cation relative to the isoelectronic S2N+3 can be attributed to the larger tendency of an apical sulfur atom to participate in three center to two electron π bonding relative to the lack of ability of an apical nitrogen to do the same.
Optical properties of Yb ions in GaN epilayer

In recent years, an important effort in semiconductor materials research has been devoted to III-nitrides semiconductors doped with rare earth ions due to the high potential of these materials in light-emitting device applications. Ytterbium(Yb 3þ ) is one of a few lanthanide ions which have not been investigated as an optically active center in these materials yet. In this paper we report the observation of luminescence from GaN films grown on sapphire (0 0 0 1) substrate by metal organic chemical vapor deposition and doped by implantation with Yb 3þ ions. The high resolution photo- and cathodoluminescence spectra of GaN:Yb 3þ were studied at different excitation conditions in temperatures ranging from 8 to 330 K and revealed weak thermal quenching. The luminescence emission lines are assigned to transitions between the spin-orbit levels 2 F5=2 ! 2 F7=2 of Yb 3þ (4f 13 ). The analysis of the Yb luminescence spectra allowed us to suggest the energy level diagramof the crystal-field-split 4f 13 levels for the Yb ion center. The most probable lattice location of Yb in GaN is the substitutional Ga site. Furthermore, the luminescence kinetics of internal transitions of Yb 3þ incorporated in GaN was investigated by means of decay and time-resolved luminescence measurements. It was found that the ytterbium decay is non-exponential with dominant exponential term of � 100 ls with little dependence on the ambient temperature. The results indicate that Yb-doped GaN epilayer may be suitable as a material for near infrared optoelectronic devices. 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
P03.11. Should Acupuncture be within the Scope of Physical Therapy Practice in the United States

Focus Areas: Integrative Approaches to Care A growing number of physiotherapists around the globe have begun incorporating acupuncture into their treatment plans for patients with neuromuscular conditions. Acupuncture has been established as being safe and effective within the 11 countries forming the International Acupuncture Association of Physical Therapists (IAAPT), allowing for acupuncture to be practiced by physiotherapists and integrated into their school curriculum. The objective of this evidence-based review is to analyze evidence on several aspects of acupuncture: (1) clinical evidence and effectiveness, (2) physiological foundation, (3) placebo effect, (4) safety, (5) educational requirements, and (6) cost effectiveness. This review will provide a framework for discussion regarding whether acupuncture should be included in the scope of physical therapy practice in the United States. All levels of the evidence hierarchy, as described by the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, were included in this report. Intervention studies (levels 1-3) were further rated (strong, moderate, or weak) based on a quality scoring system developed by the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM). Inclusion criteria included articles relating to physiological effects of acupuncture, clinical relevance of acupuncture, safety of acupuncture, interventions related to acupuncture, and cost effectiveness. The research suggests that acupuncture, when combined with other physical therapy interventions, is safe and cost effective due to the reported reduction in pain level, faster healing times, and greater increases in range of motion. Although additional research should be conducted, current evidence supports that a discussion should take place about adding acupuncture into the physical therapy scope of practice in the United States.
Extensible software for whole of society modeling: framework and preliminary results

In order to extend the ongoing academic and practitioner dialogs germane to Human, Social, Cultural, and Behavioral (HSCB) modeling and simulation, we introduce a novel extensible methodology for modeling Complex Adaptive Social Systems (CASS) that centers on capturing the emergence of dynamic Beliefs, Values, and Interests (BVIs) in the individuals and groups that compose a whole society. We follow Peter Blau, Miller McPherson, Lynn Smith-Lovin, Duncan Watts and many others in positing that human behavior is best understood in terms of the complex social systems within which actions are taken, and that the representation of these social systems must make evident the endogenous structural constraints on opportunities for interpersonal contact and group affiliation. We further demonstrate that the ability to seed social simulations with representative social data about the society being modeled (e.g. from social surveys), and the use of social networks generated using principles of homophily from empirical social science, provide a compelling and actionable framework for both interpreting with and theory building from whole society simulations.
A worthy enterprise injured by overinterpretation and misrepresentation

The synthetic position adopted by Muller is weakened by a large number of overinterpretations and misrepresentations, together with a caricatured view of innateness and modularity.
Flash pyrolysis of polyethyleneglycol II: Kinetics determined by T-jump/FTIR spectroscopy

The rate of formation of all quantified products from flash-pyrolysis of polyethyleneglycol having Mw = 2090 (PEG-2090) was determined using T-jump/FTIR spectroscopy. In the 370--550 C range and at 2 atm Ar, a discontinuity in the Arrhenius plot occurs at 460--470 C. Below this temperature, E{sub a} = 7 {+-} 8 kcal/mol and In(A/s) = 1 {+-} 6. Above this temperature, E{sub a} = 22 {+-} 4 kcal/mol and In(A/s) = 12 {+-} 3. The explanation for this discontinuity lies in the fact that pyrolysis of PEG-2090 forms both volatile products and a higher Mw residue below the transition temperature. Above the transition temperature, pyrolysis products from both the PEG-2090 and the residue are formed. In addition to global kinetics, the kinetics of formation of the individual products were analyzed separately. For both the global process kinetics and the kinetics for formation of individual species (except for 2-methoxy-1,3-dioxolane below 460 C), the rate of desorption/evaporation controls the rate of release of species to the gas phase. At 11 atm, the global Arrhenius parameters for the formation of the products are E{sub a} = 52 {+-} 0.3 kcal/mol and In(A/s) = 32 {+-} 0.2 over the 400--550 C range, with nomore » discontinuity. Thus, condensed-phase reactions dominate in controlling the product evolution rate at 11 atm.« less
Carotid body chemoreception in the absence and presence of CO2HCO3

Abstract Carotid body (CB) chemosensory responses to natural and pharmacological stimuli were studied in vitro in the presence and nominal absence of CO 2 HCO 3 − in the perfusion-superfusion media. The CBs obtained from cats (n = 10), anesthetized with sodium pentobarbitone, were simultaneously perfused and superfused with a modified Tyrode solution at36.5 ± 0.5°C, equilibrated respectively with PO 2 of 120 and 2 HCO 3 − (HEPES-NaOH, pH 7.38, 310 mOsm), was used first. Subsequently the Tyrode containing HEPES-HCO 3 − equilibrated with PCO 2 of 36.8 Torr (pH 7.38) was used. Chemosensory discharges were recorded from the carotid Sinus nerve. Both hypoxia (PO 2 = 20–25Torr) and ischemic hypoxia stimulated the discharge in the absence and presence of CO 2 HCO 3 − . However, the presence of CO 2 HCO 3 − significantly raised the baseline activity, augmented the speed, sensitivity and the maximal responses to both types of hypoxia. Hypercapnic perfusate (PCO 2 = 65Torr at pH7.17) produced a peak response equally promptly in the absence and presence of CO 2 HCO 3 − in the ongoing perfusate at but generated a larger and more sustained response. Presence of CO 2 HCO 3 − strongly potentiated the responses to cyanide (10 −10 -10 −7 mol) but less strikingly the responses to nicotine (10 −11 -10 −8 mol). Thus, the extracellular CO 2 HCO 3 − significantly improved the response to hypoxia but was not essential for O 2 chemoreception. The underlying mechanisms of the effect of CO 2 HCO 3 − is likely to be mediated by the Cl − HCO 3 − anion exchanger in the pH regulation of glamous cells.
Parameter studies of pulsed HF lasers

The average output power of pulsed HF chemical lasers is found to depend strongly on the fluorine source used. The best performance was obtained from H 2 -C 2 F 6 -He mixes, which gave average powers of 850 mW and energies of 20 mJ/pulse. Peak gains of at least 0.036 cm-1are observed. Average powers of 450 mW from DF and 70 mW from HCl are reported.
PbS thin film transistors

Thin film transistors were prepared using evaporated PbS films. It is shown that films containing oxidised barriers to the conductivity have very little sensitivity to electric fields. However, nearly intrinsic films show a much larger field effect, and can be switched from n-type to p-type conduction by the field. Effective electron mobilities as high as 260 cm2/V-sec were obtained. Interesting effects due to non-uniform fields applied by the gate are illustrated and discussed. While the data can be qualitatively explained in terms of a simple model, the strong frequency dependence is not yet understood. The sensitivity to water vapor indicates, however, that surface states may play a strong role. Mobility variation and capacitive relaxation may also occur.
The Empirical Side of the Power Elite Debate: An Assessment and Critique of Recent Research

From the earliest writings in social science there have been lively debates over the extent to which societies are dominated by elites. Recently, empirical data have been considered for elite backgrounds, elite interlock, elite unity, and elite influence on public policy, but interpretation of the data continue to be problematic. The findings are often confusing and conflicting mainly because of differing methodologies, definitions and indicators of elite status. Focusing on the four areas of quantitative research listed, we compare the findings in an attempt to explain some of the conflicts. When possible, we have prepared summaries of the consistent findings, which tend to show, with respect to these issues, greater support for elite theories as opposed to pluralist theory. Finally we discuss some of the major questions in the debate that current research is unable to answer, and outline future research needs.
The presence of a dog attenuates cortisol and heart rate in the Trier Social Stress Test compared to human friends

Limited research has addressed how social support in the form of a pet can affect both sympathetic and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal reactivity in response to a psychological challenge. The present study examined the effects of social support on salivary cortisol and heart rate (HR). Forty-eight participants were randomly assigned to three different conditions (human friend, novel dog, or control). All participants completed the Trier Social Stress Test and provided cortisol, HR, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory measures. For participants paired with a dog, overall cortisol levels were attenuated throughout the experimental procedure, and HR was attenuated during the Trier Social Stress Test. For all groups, state anxiety increased after the Trier Social Stress Test, and HR during the Trier Social Stress Test was a predictor of cortisol. These results suggest that short-term exposure to a novel dog in an unfamiliar setting can be beneficial. They also suggest a possible mechanism for the beneficial effect associated with affiliation with pets.
The relation between the torpor cycle and heat exchange in the California pocket mouse Perognathus californicus

The changes in body temperature (TB) associated with the torpor cycle of P. californicus are described by the equation where t is time, and K is the heat capacity of body tissue. This equation can be solved after substituting appropriate expressions for maximum and minimum aerobic heat production and heat loss to give theoretical maximum rates of entry into and arousal from torpor. The measured time course of body temperature and oxygen consumption during entry into torpor compare favorably with theoretical curves calculated under conditions of minimum heat production and maximum heat loss. Thus P. californicus appears able to “switch off its thermostat” so that oxygen consumption during entry into torpor falls almost to the minimum level for a given body temperature. Heat loss during entry into torpor appears to be facilitated by an increase in thermal conductance. During arousal from torpor, body temperature increases faster than can be accounted for assuming maximum heat production and minimum heat loss. This could be explained by anaerobic heat production and by a decreased thermal conductance resulting from the posterior vasoconstriction typical of arousing hibernators. Torpor periods of short duration are feasible for P. californicus, for it can enter torpor and arouse immediately thereafter at an ambient temperature of 15° with an expenditure of energy only 55% of that required to maintain a high body temperature over the same period of time. Arousal from torpor at an ambient temperature of 15° requires about 75% of the total energy expended during a ten hour torpor cycle; entry into torpor and torpor itself account for only 9 and 16% of the total energy expenditure, respectively. The quantitative relations between heat production and heat loss presented in this paper suggest further investigations of the effects of body size on heat production and loss, and of physiological phenomena which alter heat exchange.
EL-4 and macrophages: Generation of chemotactic monokines

Various effects of EL-4 lymphoma supernatant fluids on macrophages were studied. Macrophages migrate under agarose to medium conditioned by the EL-4 cell line for up to 40 h. EL-4 conditioned medium after 67 h contained dialyzable migration inhibitors. In addition, upon direct treatment with the EL-4 supernatant, macrophages took on a more elongated or polarized morphology as compared to control medium or another tumour cell line conditioned medium. A 2 h treatment of macrophages with the EL-4 culture supernatant was sufficient to trigger the production and/or release of chemotactic monokines. These monokines were chemotactic for both PMNs and macrophages. In addition, a prior state of activation of the macrophage does not appear to be necessary for the production and/or release of the chemotactic monokines since resident as well as stimulated peritoneal macrophages are equally effective.
Inactivation of Hepatic Foxo1 by Insulin Signaling Is Required for Adaptive Nutrient Homeostasis and Endocrine Growth Regulation

The forkhead transcription factor Foxo1 regulates expression of genes involved in stress resistance and metabolism. To assess the contribution of Foxo1 to metabolic dysregulation during hepatic insulin resistance, we disrupted Foxo1 expression in the liver of mice lacking hepatic Irs1 and Irs2 (DKO mice). DKO mice were small and developed diabetes; analysis of the DKO-liver transcriptome identified perturbed expression of growth and metabolic genes, including increased Ppargc1a and Igfbp1, and decreased glucokinase, Srebp1c, Ghr, and Igf1. Liver-specific deletion of Foxo1 in DKO mice resulted in significant normalization of the DKO-liver transcriptome and partial restoration of the response to fasting and feeding, near normal blood glucose and insulin concentrations, and normalization of body size. These results demonstrate that constitutively active Foxo1 significantly contributes to hyperglycemia during severe hepatic insulin resistance, and that the Irs1/2 --> PI3K --> Akt --> Foxo1 branch of insulin signaling is largely responsible for hepatic insulin-regulated glucose homeostasis and somatic growth.
Upregulation of Kupffer cell α2A–adrenoceptors and downregulation of MKP-1 mediate hepatic injury in chronic alcohol exposure

Abstract Alcohol-induced liver disease is associated with unacceptable morbidity and mortality. When activated, Kupffer cells (KCs), the resident macrophages in the liver, release proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α, a key mediator of hepatic damage. Although chronic alcohol causes increase in norepinephrine (NE) release leading to hepatic dysfunction, the mechanism of NE-induced hepatic injury in chronic alcohol exposure has not been elucidated. This study was conducted to determine whether chronic alcohol exposure increases NE and upregulates KC α2A-adrenoceptors (α2A-AR) to cause TNF-α release. We also examined the role of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) in this process. Male adult rats were fed the Lieber–DeCarli liquid diet containing alcohol as 36% of total calories. The animals were sacrificed after 6 weeks and blood and liver samples were harvested for further analysis. KCs from healthy male rats were cultured with alcohol for 7 days, and cells then harvested for RNA and protein analyses. Chronic alcohol exposure resulted in hepatic damage. Alcohol caused a 276% increase in circulating NE and 86% increase in TNF-α in the liver. There was a 75% and 62% decrease in MKP-1 mRNA and protein levels, respectively in the liver. In-vitro experiments revealed 121% and 98% increase in TNF-α and α2A-AR mRNA levels with alcohol exposure, respectively, and a 32% decrease in MKP-1 mRNA compared to controls. In summary, chronic alcohol exposure elevates NE and upregulates KC α2A-AR to release TNF-α. Alcohol induced downregulation of MKP-1 leads to further release of TNF-α and hepatic injury.
Kinematic aspects of pion-nucleus elastic scattering

The inclusion of relativistic kinematics in the theory of elastic scattering of pions from nuclei is examined. The investigation is performed in the context of the first order impulse approximation which incorporates the following features: (1) Relative momentum are defined according to relativistic theories consistent with time reversal invariance. (2) The two-nucleon interaction is a new, multichannel, separable potential model consistent with the most recent data derived from a recent nonpotential model of Ernst and Johnson. (3) The recoil of the pion-nucleon interacting pair and its resultant nonlocality are included. (4) The Fermi integral is treated by an optimal factorization approximation. It is shown how a careful definition of an intrinsic target density leads to an unambiguous method for including the recoil of the target. The target recoil corrections are found to be large for elastic scattering from /sup 4/He and not negligible for scattering from /sup 12/C. Relativistic potential theory kinematics, kinematics which result from covariant reduction approaches, and kinematics which result from replacing masses by energies in nonrelativistic formulas are compared. The relativistic potential theory kinematics and covariant reduction kinematics are shown to produce different elastic scattering at all pion energies examined (T/sub ..pi../<300 MeV). Simple extensions ofmore » nonrelativistic kinematics are found to be reasonable approximations to relativistic potential theory.« less
HIV-1, Chemokines and Neurogenesis

HIV-1 infection of the brain results in a large number of behavioural defecits accompanied by diverse neuropathological signs. However,it is not clear how the virus produces these effects or exactly how the neuropathology and behavioural defecits are related. In this article we discuss the possibility that HIV-1 infection may negatively impact the process of neurogenesis in the adult brain and that this may contribute to HIV-1 related effects on the nervous system. We have previously demonstrated that the development of the dentate gyrus during embryogenesis requires signaling by the chemokine SDF-1 via its receptor CXCR4. We demonstrated that neural progenitor cells that give rise to dentate granule neurons express CXCR4 and other chemokine receptors and migrate into the nascent dentate gyrus along SDF-1 gradients. Animals deficient in CXCR4 receptors exhibit a malformed dentate gyrus in which the migration of neural progenitors is stalled. In the adult, neurogenesis continues in the dentate gyrus. Adult neural progenitor cells existing in the subgranlar zone, that produce granule neurons, express CXCR4 and other chemokine receptors, and granule neurons express SDF-1 suggesting that SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling is also important in adult neurogenesis. Because the cellular receptors for HIV-1 include chemokine receptors such as CXCR4 and CCR5 it is possible that the virus may interfere with SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling in the brain including disruption of the formation of new granule neurons in the adult brain.
A swept-potential electrochemical detector for flow streams

Abstract An instrument has been designed, constructed, and evaluated for electrochemical measurements in flow streams. The instrument is basically a computer-controlled potentiostat with features which are necessary for measurements in flow streams. These features include real-time graphics display, rapid transfer of data to disk storage, automated compensation for IR drop, and automated d.c. current offset. The instrument can be programmed to operate in several modes, but the primary mode of operation is rapid-sweep square-wave voltammetry. Programs are available for post-run processing of the data and display of any desired voltammogram or current vs. time plot. Any alphanumeric or display of any desired can be copied on a dot-matrix printer. Performance evaluations in unstirred solutions indicate limits of detection of less than 1 × 10 −9 M in favorable cases.
Modeling the Optical Constants of Diamond- and Zincblende-Type Semiconductors: Discrete and Continuum Exciton Effects at E0 and E1

We present a comprehensive model dielectric function e(E) [= e1 + ie2] for diamond- and zincblende-type semiconductors based on the energy-band structure near critical points (CPs) plus discrete as well as continuum excitonic effects at the E0, E0 + Δ0,, E1, and E1 + Δ1 CPs. In addition to the energies of these band-to-band CPs, our analysis also yields information about the binding energies of not only the 3D exciton associated with E0 (R0), when resolved, but also the 2D exciton related to the E1, E1 + Δ1 CPs (R1). This model has been applied to spectral ellipsometry measurements of e1, e2 (0.3 eV < E < 5.5 eV) of ZnCdSe/InP, CdTe1—xSx, In0.66Ga0.34As, and GaSb and a surface photovoltage spectroscopy determination of the absorption coefficient of GaAs near E0. This work shows conclusively that even if the exciton at E0 is not resolved the lineshape is continuum exciton. The obtained values of R1 exhibit a trend which is in good agreement with effective mass/k · p theory. Our analysis will be compared with the modeling of Adachi and the University of Illinois-Chicago group, both of whom neglect exciton continuum effects and hence have not evaluated R1. Our results, particularly for exciton continuum effects at E1, have considerable implications for recent first-principles band structure calculations which include exciton effects.
Phenotypic spectrum of mosaic trisomy 18: Two new patients, a literature review, and counseling issues

Mosaic trisomy 18 occurs when two different cell lines exist in the same individual; one cell line has two copies of chromosome 18, while the other has three copies. Here we present two new patients with mosaic trisomy 18, summarize 31 reported cases from the literature, and discuss management and counseling themes. Our first patient is an 8(1/2)-year-old female with normal intelligence and no significant dysmorphic features other than short stature and cubitus valgus. The second patient is a 21-month-old male with developmental delay, several dysmorphic features, including a patent ductus arteriosus, and normal growth. In general, the phenotype of individuals with mosaic trisomy 18 varies greatly. Some individuals have the complete trisomy 18, Edwards syndrome phenotype with early death while others are phenotypically completely normal. The latter group is exemplified by four normal appearing adults with mosaic trisomy 18 who were identified only after giving birth to children with complete trisomy 18. Further, a wide range of anomalies have been reported, most at low frequencies, including microcephaly, delayed bone age, brachydactyly, congenital heart defects, developmental delay, short stature, and premature ovarian failure. Intellectual capabilities range from profound mental retardation to above average intelligence. There appears to be no correlation with the percentage of trisomic cells in either fibroblasts or leukocytes and the individual's phenotype or intellectual function. We also discuss a variety of counseling issues including long-term survival, reproductive capacity of individuals with mosaic trisomy 18, and recurrence risks.
Instar Determination of Blaptica dubia (Blattodea: Blaberidae) using Gaussian Mixture Models

ABSTRACT Instar determination is fundamental to both basic entomological research and its application. The cockroach, Blaptica dubia Serville (Blattodea: Blaberidae), is a popular pet and an excellent feeder insect for many reptiles and amphibians. A new method using Gaussian mixture models to determine the number of instars in this species is developed. Application of the method is illustrated by analysis of data collected on B. dubia. The analysis indicates that there are seven instars in B. dubia and that the growth ratio follows the Brooks—Dyar rule. The growth ratio of pronotal length, pronotal width, and head width are 1.26, 1.24, and 1.19, respectively. Because B. dubia shares a similar growth pattern with other paurometabolous insects, this method may be applicable to other species as well.
Treatment and Outcomes of Acute Coronary Syndrome in the Cancer Population

Background: Randomized trials have established the benefit of medical therapy and revascularization in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (MI). Cancer and cardiovascular disease are the 2 most common diseases worldwide. In clinical practice, cancer patients are frequently afflicted with MI. The benefit of medical and/or revascularization therapy in the cancer population with MI is less well known. Hypothesis: Medical and revascularization therapy reduces mortality in cancer patients with MI. Methods: After approval by the institutional review board, we retrospectively reviewed all patients with a discharge diagnosis of acute MI who were admitted to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center between December 2000 and October 2006 and evaluated the association between cardiac treatments with survival outcomes. Results: A total of 456 patients with a discharge diagnosis of acute MI were identified and included in the study, of which 386 had non–ST-segment elevation MI (NSTEMI) and 70 had ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI). Compared with patients with NSTEMI, patients who had STEMI were more often prescribed aspirin (66% vs 43%; P = 0.004), β-blockers (61% vs 46%; P = 0.018), and thrombolytic therapy (9% vs 0.3%; P = 0.0001). In the multivariable analysis, aspirin use was associated with a 23% decreased risk of death (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.60-0.98, P = 0.033) and β-blocker use was associated with a 36% decreased risk of death (HR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.51–0.81, P = 0.0002). Statins (HR: 0.82, P = 0.18) and catheter-based revascularization (HR: 0.57, P = 0.09) did not have an impact on the risk of death. Compared with patients with limited cancer, advanced cancer patients were twice as likely to die (HR: 2.12, 95 CI: 1.47–3.04, P < 0.0001). Previous chemotherapy (P = 0.005) and chest radiotherapy (P = 0.017) were associated with increased 1-year mortality, whereas hyperlipidemia (P = 0.018) was protective. Conclusions: In this study of cancer patients with MI, medical therapy with aspirin and β-blockers was associated with improved survival. The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Reservoir pressure and seafloor venting: Predicting trap integrity in a Gulf of Mexico deepwater turbidite minibasin

Pore pressures in two sands equal the least principal stresses in the overlying shale seals in the Popeye-Genesis deepwater Gulf of Mexico minibasin, located in lease Blocks GC72 and GC205. We interpret that sand pressures are dilating fractures in the cap rock and inducing fluid migration from the crest. These leak points limit the sand pressure to the least principal stress at its crest and ultimately ensure the integrity of the hydrocarbon traps at the offset Genesis and Popeye fields. Mud volcanoes, gas hydrates, and biological vent communities overlie the leak points. In overpressured basins with significant structural relief, pore pressures may converge on the least principal stress at the structural crests. When this occurs, fluid pressures can be predicted throughout a hydraulically connected reservoir volume, and this can be used to estimate trap integrity and potential column heights and to design safe and economic drilling programs.