cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Geographically Weighted Regression to Explore Spatially Varying Relationships of Recreation Resource Impacts: A Case Study from Adirondack Park, New York, USA

Empirical studies based on spatial explorations have played a critical role in understanding dynamics of recreation resource impact and recovery at multiple scales. However, little research has been done to examine spatially varying relationships between resource conditions and associated geospatial variables, especially using a predictive modeling approach. The primary purpose of this study was to explore spatially varying relationships of recreation resource impacts by using a geographically weighted regression (GWR) model. Specifically, the study was designed to compare the GWR with an ordinary least squares (OLS) multiple linear regression model to better understand localized spatial variations with roadside campsite conditions in Adirondack Park, NY, USA. Geospatial variables contained in the OLS model explained approximately 22% of the variance in campsite conditions (adjusted R2 = 0.220, p < 0.001). Statistically significant predictors of the campsite condition at the global scale included site circumference, distance from water resource, distance from major road, distance from hosting forest road, and slope. Non-significant variables included site designation, distance from recreational trail, and elevation. The subsequent analysis using the GWR model resulted in adjusted R2 values ranging from 0.198 to 0.271 (mean = 0.221). Roadside campsites located in the northern region of the park exhibited relatively higher R2 values, and roadside campsites located in the southern region exhibited relatively lower R2 values. All of the statistically significant global variables showed spatially varying relationships with the campsite condition. Additionally, elevation and site designation factors in the GWR model, which were non-significant variables at the global scale, suggested localized spatial variations with the campsite condition. Overall, the GWR model provided a more robust examination of campsite condition by accounting for localized spatial variations and by improving the model performance. This paper provides a discussion of the methodological and resource management implications of these findings. Subscribe to JPRA
Neuraxial anaesthesia is associated with improved outcomes and reduced postoperative complications in patients undergoing aseptic revision total hip arthroplasty.

Background:As the incidence of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) continues to increase, revision THA (rTHA) is becoming an increasingly common procedure. rTHA is widely regarded as a more challe...
Alimentos Ciencia e Ingeniería 6-3

La disponibilidad de alimentos esta intimamente ligada a las perdidas postcosecha, estas perdidas a su vez estan relacionadas con el manejo almacenamiento, conservacion, comercializacion y distribucion de los alimentos. En todas las operaciones y acciones esta presente el envase que tiene como funcion principal contener el producto, ademas de conservar y proteger todas las caracteristicas fisico – quimicas y sensoriales de los alimentos frescos y transformados industrialmente. Por lo expuesto actualmente el embalaje se considera como una de las principales actividades para el desarrollo socio – economico de los paises. Un estudio coordinado del conocimiento de los alimentos, los materiales, equipos y sistemas mediante los cuales pueden ser envasados y manejados para su distribucion y comercializacion puede ayudar a los paises en desarrollo a mejorar sus posibilidades de competencia en el mercado. Los envases y embalajes seran de gran trascendencia en la medida que generen mas reditos economicos que su propio costo y optimicen el papel que desempenan preservando los recursos de la sociedad. Al reducir la perdida de alimentos, mejorando su higiene y valor nutritivo, aumentando la eficiencia en la distribucion, agilitando el manejo a traves de la normalizacion, mejorando el ambiente de trabajo, facilitando la informacion sobre el producto, etc. En consecuencia en el mundo global de embalajes, ocurren cambios constantes estimulados por la presencia de nuevos materiales y tecnologias que van desde un crecimiento sostenido de los envases asepticos hasta los metodos mas novedosos para lograr atmosferas controladas; desde los nuevos usos para los plasticos de alta barrera hasta los envases de tecnologia refinada que toleren las microondas; desde la aplicacion tecnologica de susceptores, hasta el embasamiento con indicadores de adulteracion.
Gene dosage manipulation alleviates manifestations of hereditary PAX6 haploinsufficiency in mice.

In autosomal dominant conditions with haploinsufficiency, a single functional allele cannot maintain sufficient dosage for normal function. We hypothesized that pharmacologic induction of the wild-type allele could lead to gene dosage compensation and mitigation of the disease manifestations. The paired box 6 (PAX6) gene is crucial in tissue development and maintenance particularly in eye, brain, and pancreas. Aniridia is a panocular condition with impaired eye development and limited vision due to PAX6 haploinsufficiency. To test our hypothesis, we performed a chemical screen and found mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors to induce PAX6 expression in normal and mutant corneal cells. Treatment of newborn Pax6-deficient mice (Pax6Sey-Neu/+ ) with topical or systemic MEK inhibitor PD0325901 led to increased corneal PAX6 expression, improved corneal morphology, reduced corneal opacity, and enhanced ocular function. These results suggest that induction of the wild-type allele by drug repurposing is a potential therapeutic strategy for haploinsufficiencies, which is not limited to specific mutations.
Developing a geospatial framework for coupled large scale thermal comfort and air quality indices using high resolution gridded meteorological and station based observations

Abstract Current bioclimate and air quality indices provide insufficient information about the combined effect on human physiology in outdoor spaces. This work examined, large scale gridded meteorological observations, including air temperature, wind speed, solar radiation, and relative humidity, to derive Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) at hourly intervals along with the air quality index (AQI) derived from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) observation stations. UTCI and AQI were combined into a single framework using geospatial analytics and a newly developed lookup table approach. High risk areas for heat stress and poor air quality were identified using Moran's I and Getis-Ord GI* statistics. Moderate to strong heat stress was observed during the summer months of 2015–2019, with UTCI ranging from 26 °C to 38 °C. Coastal regions consistently experienced higher UTCI during noon due to higher humidity but the effect subsided with cooler air circulation from the ocean, especially in the morning and evening. Results also indicated the vulnerability of this region due to the combined impact of heat stress and poor air quality based on 95th percentile values. The final products from this analysis can provide valuable insights for urban planning and preventative measures to ensure improved public health in outdoor environments.
קיירמארק בישראל? חובות ההשגחה של נושאי משרה בעקבות ההחלטה בעניין אהרוני נ' מזרחי Caremark in Israel?

תקציר בעברית: היקף חובת ההשגחה של נושאי משרה היא סוגיה בעלת חשיבות פרקטית גבוהה, העומדת בבסיס רוב התיקים הגדולים בדיני החברות בשנים האחרונות, כולל תיקים תלויים ועומדים. על רקע זה, נודעת חשיבות מיוחדת להחלטה ממאי 2021 בעניין אהרוני נ' מזרחי, המסמנת לראשונה את האפשרות שדגם האחריות לחובת ההשגחה הנוהג בדלוור (תקן "קיירמארק") יאומץ בישראל. רשימה זאת מבהירה את היקף תקן קיירמארק והתנאים לתחולתו, את היתרונות והחסרונות של דגם אחריות זה יחסית לחלופות אפשריות, ואת הצעדים שעליהם בתי המשפט אצלנו צריכים להקפיד בעת יישומו של הדגם, ברוח הלקחים שנצטברו בדלוור בעשרים וחמש השנים האחרונות.
Validation of a Metallomics Analysis of Placenta Tissue by Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

Trace elements can play an important role in maternal health and fetal development, and deficiencies in some essential minerals including zinc and copper have been correlated in some individuals to the development of birth defects and adverse health outcomes later in life. The exact etiology of conditions like preeclampsia and the effects of fetal exposure to toxic metals has not been determined, making the assessment of trace element levels crucial to the elucidation of the causes of conditions like preeclampsia. Previous studies analyzing serum and placenta tissue have produced conflicting findings, suggesting the need for a robust, validated sample preparation and analysis method for the determination of trace elements in placenta. In this report, an acid digestion method and analysis by ICP-MS for a broad metallomics/mineralomics panel of trace elements is developed and validated over three experimental days for inter- and intraday precision and accuracy, linear range, matrix impact, and dilution verification. Spike recovery experiments were performed for the essential elements chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn), and the toxic elements arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) at levels equal to and in excess of native concentrations in control placenta tissue. The validated method will be essential for the development of scientific studies of maternal health and toxic metal exposure effects in childhood.
Single-Channel Recording

This unit provides detailed descriptions for the steps of patch excision, data acquisition, and data analysis, and elaborates upon the relevant issues discussed in other units from Chapter 3. It includes discussions of the instrumentation for single-channel recording and the key concepts necessary for the interpretation of single-channel data.
Who's in the House? The Changing Role and Nature of In-House and General Counsel

The 2012 Symposium issue of the Wisconsin Law Review, Who's In the House? The Changing Role and Nature of In-House and General Counsel brought together some of the nation's leading scholars on the business and practice of law, including David Wilkins (Harvard), Larry Ribstein (Illinois), William Simon (Columbia), Deborah DeMott (Duke) and Donald Langevoort (Georgetown), among many others. This brief Forward introduces the subject and teases out a few of the important themes developed at the Symposium.
The University of Notre Dame Endowment

The Endowment Model of Investing, which was based on creating high risk-adjusted performance through diversification, a long time-horizon, top-notch outside managers, and illiquid investments, had served Notre Dame and other large universities well over the past several decades. Scott Malpass, Notre Dame's Chief Investment Officer, was confident that this was a successful way to invest if implemented effectively, but he also saw the top university endowments experience 25% to 35% declines in portfolio value during the second half of 2008 that eviscerated the investment gains from the past several years. Notre Dame had weathered the crisis relatively well, but there were several key questions Malpass had to address. Should Notre Dame continue to make illiquid investments in the context of rising unfunded commitments relative to liquid funds? Was compensation adequate for the illiquidity of these types of investments? In relation to manager selection, how could the Notre Dame investment team continue to find the best managers to create alpha? To what extent would the performance of managers during the crisis be predictive of future performance in other portions of the economic cycle? How would the long-established industry terms of contract between clients and managers change going forward? Was there an opportunity for clients to negotiate better terms? These issues all needed to be addressed in the context of protecting the University's operating budget and supporting the mission of the institution.
Drug therapy for anxiety in palliative care.

Background Anxiety is common among patients with advanced disease. It can be a natural response to impending death, but may also result from an underlying anxiety disorder, pain, or other untreated or poorly managed symptoms. Objectives The primary objective of this review was to identify and evaluate studies examining medications used to treat patients suffering from anxiety during the terminal phases of disease. Search strategy We searched the following sources: MEDLINE (1966 to July 2003), EMBASE (1980 to July 2003), CINAHL (1982 to July 2003), PsycLit (1974 to July 2003), PsycInfo (1990 to July 2003), and the Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 2003) for literature pertaining to this topic published in any language using a detailed search strategy. Selection criteria Prospective, randomized trials with or without blinding involving the use of pharmacological agents for the treatment of anxiety at the end of life were sought. Data collection and analysis Six potential studies were identified by the search strategy but none met the criteria for inclusion in this review. Two of these studies assessed the effectiveness of alprazolam in patients with a diagnosis of cancer, but who would not be considered in the end-stage of life. Main results No data were available to enable an assessment to be made of the effectiveness of drugs to treat anxiety in palliative care patients. Reviewer's conclusions There remains insufficient evidence to draw a conclusion about the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy for anxiety in terminally ill patients. To date no studies were found that met the inclusion criteria for this review. Prospective controlled clinical trials are necessary in order to establish the benefits and harms of pharmacotherapy for the treatment of anxiety in palliative care.
The ACT (Automatic Computer Troubleshooting) project

The goal of the ACT (Automatic Computer Troubleshooting) project is to develop portable software that will help diagnose computer failures. Some of the software will control test instruments and help the user make the diagnosis. Other software will predict the results of signature analysis tests. Functional tests of a target system using the latest available algorithms will be supported. The project will also explore new test algorithms and techniques for diagnosis. The details of the project are discussed. A brief report on the software and test algorithms under development is given. >
Elements causing male crossing over in Drosophila melanogaster.

A second chromosome line of Drosophila melanogaster (Symbol: T-007) has previously been shown to be responsible for the induction of male recombination. In the present investigation, the genetic elements responsible for this phenomenon have been partially identified and mapped. A major element (Symbol: Mr, for Male recombination) locates on the second chromosome between the pr (2L-54.4) and c (2R-75.5) loci and is responsible for the large majority of male recombination. In addition, there appear to be "secondary elements" present which have the ability to induce male recombination in much reduced frequencies and which are diluted out through successive backcross generations when Mr is removed by recombination. The possible nature of these "secondary elements" is discussed.
Development of genotyping by sequencing (GBS)- and array-derived SNP markers for stem rust resistance gene Sr42

The stem rust fungus, particularly race TTKSK (Ug99), poses a serious threat to world wheat production. Gene Sr42 or SrCad (which could be the same gene or an allele ofSr42) iseffective against race TTKSK. However, known genetic markers for Sr42 are mostly SSR markers which are generally labor intensive to use. In this study, we mapped a race TTKSK resistance gene derived from PI 595667 at the same locus as Sr42 on chromosome 6DS. Based on position, pedigree and infection-type information, we propose that this gene is SrCad (Sr42). We enriched the genetic map for the Sr42 region using genotyping by sequencing (GBS) and array-derived SNP markers. In total, 21 SNP markers were discovered, spanning a genetic distance of 27.2 cM. Nine of them are derived from GBS and twelve from the Illumina iSelect 90K SNP assay. Ten of the twenty-one SNP markers are closely linked (\2.2 cM, or co-segregating) with Sr42. We converted five of the closely linked SNP markers into uniplex KASP assays which will better facilitate marker-assisted selection. We validated the KASP assay in a doubled haploid wheat population derived from a three-way cross between accessions PI 410954, RB07, and Faller that shared an uncharacter- ized resistance gene mapped at approximately the same locus as PI 595667. The development of closely linked (co-segregating), codominant, sequence-based SNP assays will aid marker-assisted selection and map-based cloning of Sr42.
The farmers home administration and farm debt failure prediction

Abstract From its creation in 1935, the Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) has evaluated loan applications on the basis of projected repayment ability. Because of sharply increasing farm debt failures as well as criticisms on the part of the US General Accounting Office (GAO) of the agency's credit screening process, the FmHA in the late 1980s developed a credit scoring system with four univariate input factors ( GAO, 1989 , p. 38). In the end, the FmHA was not satisfied with its new credit screening model and retained Price Waterhouse (PW) to design a more discriminating one. The PW model, too, however, uses a combination of univariate scores ( PW, 1991 , p. ES-1). Our study, which incorporates actual Farm and Home Plan (FHP) data, develops and compares three multivariate models including an ordinary least squares (OLS) model, a logistic regression (logit) model, and a genetic-algorithm-derived neural network model (NNM). Each multivariate model outperforms the FmHA and PW models in predicting farm debt failure. The NNM outperforms both the OLS and logit models based on error rates. In addition, the NNM proves superior to the other multivariate models from a public policy point of view in that it spreads the cutoff point between errors (making the cutoff less arbitrary) and allows improvement in the tradeoff between Type I and Type II errors. The study demonstrates that the accounting data contained in the FHP are useful for predicting farm debt failure.
Properties of a two-dimensional Poisson-Voronoi tesselation: A Monte-Carlo study

Abstract On the basis of simulation of 2 × 10 6 polygons, the distribution of the topological parameter (number of sides) as well as the distributions of area, perimeter, and edge length of the two-dimensional (2D) Poisson-Voronoi polygons have been accurately determined. A two-parameter gamma distribution has been found to be a good fit to both the topological and the area distributions. For sample sizes less than 5000 polygons, the two-parameter lognormal distribution can also be used to accurately describe these distributions. The area, perimeter, and edge length distributions for polygons having a fixed number of edges have also been obtained. The 2D cross section of a three-dimensional Voronoi tesselation has also been studied. The side and area distributions for these cross sections have been found to be significantly different from those in the case of pure 2D Voronoi tesselation. For the former case, our results for the mean number of sides of the neighboring cells of an n -sided cell are in agreement with Aboav's rule as well as his experimental results for the 2D cross section of magnesium oxide grains.
RhRh, RhH, RhC and RhO bond energies in (OEP)Rh complexes: Thermodynamic criteria for addition of MH and MM bonds to CO and CC multiple bonds

Abstract Thermodynamic measurements and reactivity studies are used in estimating (RhRh), (RhH), (RhC) and (RhO) bond dissociation energies (BDE) in octaethylporphyrin rhodium, [(OEP)Rh], complexes. Temperature dependence of the proton NMR line broadening of [(OEP)Rh]2 is used as a kinetic method for estimating the (RhRh) BDE as 16.5±0.8 kcal mol−1. Thermodynamic cycles are presented that provide values for the (RhH) BDE in (OEP)RhH (62 kcal mol−1) and (RhC) BDE in (OEP)RhCHO (58 kcal mol −1). Transfer of bond energy values from organic compounds to the organic fragments in organometallic species is used as a means of establishing general thermodynamic criteria for addition reactions of metal hydrides and metal—metal bonded complexes, with compounds that contain CO and CC multiple bonds. Approximate bond energy analysis is applied to the (OEP)Rh system in anticipating reactivity, estimating (RhC) and (RhO) bond energies and in recognizing steric effects.
Dryland field performance of California and Arizona guayule genotypes in south Texas

Abstract Guayule ( Parthenium argentatum Gray, Asteraceae) is an alternative source of natural rubber and latex. Seedling establishment and percent rubber and resin production are important determinants of commercial success of guayule crop production in semi-arid regions, such as south Texas. Field studies were conducted from 1990–1992 to evaluate the performance and suitability of selected Arizona and California guayule genotypes for rubber production in south Texas. Plant survivorship, biomass and rubber yields were measured for ten guayule genotypes (PI # 016-1, N6-5, N9-5 and P3-1 from Arizona, Ca/6, Ca/7, UC101 and UC102 from California) and two USDA standard lines (P1 # 11605 and N576) planted in Starr County, Texas, where annual rainfall is p ≤0·05) for all traits measured. The highest yield (576 kg.ha −1 , on dry weight basis) was obtained from UC101. Genotypes N6-5 and UC101 had the highest biomass production (8859 and 8663 kg.ha −1 .year −1 , respectively). Only five of the ten genotypes tested (11605, Ca/6, Ca/7, N576 and P3-1) had survival rates >50%, but generally
Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplants that utilize total body irradiation can safely be carried out entirely on an outpatient basis

Outpatient hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT) are usually performed in patients receiving minimally mucotoxic preparative regimens; total body irradiation (TBI)-based regimens typically are excluded. To improve resource utilization and patient satisfaction, we developed a totally outpatient HSCT program for TBI regimens and compared outcomes for our first 100 such transplants to 32 performed as in-patients during the same interval, for caregiver or financial reasons. Symptoms were managed predominately with oral agents; pain management consisted of transdermal fentanyl and oral morphine solution. Except for more unmarried in-patients, the two groups were matched. Time to engraftment, severity of mucositis and transplant duration were identical for the two groups. Twenty-seven of the outpatients were admitted (median-6 days), primarily for progressing infection. Thus 92% of all transplant days were outpatient. There were no septic episodes or hospital admissions for pain management. There were no deaths to day 30 in either group and 100-day survival was identical. There was a mean cost savings of $16 000 per outpatient transplant and outpatient patient/caregiver quality of life was similar to that reported for in-patients. Patients undergoing severely mucotoxic regimens can be safely transplanted in an outpatient setting with a significant cost saving, with no increase in morbidity or mortality.
An Interactive Model for the Emergence of Gender Differences in Depression in Adolescence

There are no consistent gender differences in rates of depression among prepubescent children. By mid-adolescence (age 13 to 15 years), however, girls show significantly higher rates of depressive disorders and depressive symptoms than boys. I argue that the emergence of gender differences in depression are most likely due to an interaction of two factors: (a) Girls enter early adolescence with a style of responding to frustration and distress that is less efficacious and action-oriented than boys, and (b) girls begin to face certain uncontrollable stressors in early adolescence to a greater extent than boys.
Spiritual assessment: a review of major qualitative methods and a new framework for assessing spirituality

This article introduces a new qualitative spiritual assessment instrument. It reviews existing qualitative assessment tools and presents a new multidimensional spiritual assessment framework. The instrument consists of two components: a spiritual history in which consumers relate their spiritual life story in a manner analogous to a family history and an interpretive framework to assist practitioners in eliciting and synthesizing the full potentiality of strengths extant in clients' spiritual lives. Common spiritual strengths the framework is designed to evoke are discussed, and a number of interventions based on prevalent spiritual strengths are suggested.
Angiotensin II induction of fibronectin biosynthesis in cultured human mesangial cells: Association with CREB transcription factor activation

We assessed the effect of angiotensin II on fibronectin biosynthesis and transcription factor activation in adult human mesangial cells in culture. We found that 10−5 mol/L angiotensin II tended to increase fibronectin mRNA expression within 1 hour (1.2-fold ± 0.3-fold of that in controls), with a significant increase after 4 hours (1.3-fold ± 0.1-fold of that in controls, p < 0.05) and 24 hours (1.9-fold ± 0.3-fold of that in controls, p < 0.02). In conjunction with increased fibronectin mRNA levels, angiotensin II exposure resulted in a significant elevation in immunoreactive fibronectin concentrations and the incorporation of (35S)-labeled methionine into fibronectin after 2 hours (224% ± 23% of controls, p < 0.05). Angiotensin II also induced mesangial cell activation of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (CREB) transcription factor, a DNA binding protein known to recognize specific regulatory elements present on the fibronectin gene promoter. Using the electrophoretic mobility shift assay, we showed that angiotensin II increased mesangial cell expression of the activated form of CREB after 4 hours (1.2-fold ± 0.04-fold of that in controls, p < 0.05). To determine the importance of the CREB regulatory elements in mediating angiotensin II induction of fibronectin gene transcription, JEG-3 cells were transfected with plasmids containing fibronectin promoter-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene constructs with (FN510) or without (FN122) the CREB regulatory motifs. Angiotensin II resulted in a significant increase in CAT activity in FN510 transfectants (1. 6-fold ± 0. 2-fold of that in controls, p < 0. 05), but there was no effect of angiotensin II on FN122 transfected cells. These data demonstrate that angiotensin II stimulates fibronectin biosynthesis in adult human mesangial cells and suggest that the process may be regulated at the transcriptional level.
A New Hot-Wire Liquid Cloud Water Meter

Abstract The National Hurricane Research Laboratory has developed and flight tested a new airborne liquid water meter for cloud physics measurements. The sensor is maintained at constant temperature rather than at constant current, and the operating temperature is held well below the in-situ boiling point. These two changes from previous instruments, such as the popular Johnson-Williams meter, permit accurate response over a wider range of drop sizes and finer spatial resolution. Flight tests on NOAA Research Flight Facility aircraft showed the new unit to be more sensitive, more stable, and more rapidly responding than the J-W and Levine instruments presently on board.
Oral cytologic screening in a large metropolitan area

This paper gives an evaluation of the attitudes of dentists in New York City toward a program o f oral cytology screening and of the effectiveness of this technic in oral cancer detection.
Infinite-Dimensional State-Space (IDEAS) Approach to Globally Optimal Design of Distillation Networks Featuring Heat and Power Integration

This work addresses the problem of synthesizing globally optimal distillation networks featuring heat and power integration. The problem is formulated within the infinite-dimensional state-space (IDEAS) conceptual framework, which accounts for all possible network alternatives and yields convex (linear) programming formulations. The method is illustrated on a case study involving the cryogenic separation of a nitrogen/oxygen mixture.
Hematology of Coturnix from Birth to Maturity

Abstract THERE are no published reports on hematology of Coturnix coturnix japonica (Japanese quail). Hematology reflects physiological responsiveness of the organism to its environment. The present hematologic study was initiated to provide further information on the physiology of Coturnix. The relatively short span from birth to maturity in Coturnix provides a useful experimental tool with which to study the effect of age, nutrition, disease and environment upon cellular and plasmal constituents. The increasing demand for germ-free Coturnix in certain types of cancer research (Reyniers and Sacksteder, 1961) also necessitates detailed studies on the hematology of Coturnix. The study of comparative vertebrate hematology is contributing greatly to our knowledge of the functions of leucocytes. Comparative physiological studies presently are hindered by a lack of general agreement concerning the homologies of morphologic and cytologic types of cells in various species. Therefore, the extension of hematological studies to a wider spectrum of vertebrate species…
Protective and Pathological Properties of IL-22 in Liver Disease: Implications for Viral Hepatitis

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affect >500 million people worldwide and are significant causes of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The pathogenesis of HBV and HCV infection can vary widely with respect to the outcome of initial infection to self-resolving acute or chronic disease, the extent of viremia and liver inflammation during chronic infection, and the eventual development of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The host immune response is an important factor in the variable consequences of these infections, because the innate and adaptive intrahepatic antiviral responses are an intricate balance of immune effector cells and cytokines that control virus replication but can also cause liver damage. IL-22 is an important cytokine that plays a pleiotropic protective, but sometimes also pathological, role in several tissues/organs, including the liver. Therefore, IL-22 is likely to be an important factor in the pathogenesis and clinical outcome of HBV and HCV infection. However, the precise beneficial, and possible detrimental, effects of this cytokine may vary among different disease states that are associated with distinct inflammatory microenvironments. This review summarizes our understanding of the protective and pathological activities of IL-22, with an emphasis on the liver, and discusses the implications of these effects as they relate to viral hepatitis.
Full-Wave Simulation of the Thumbtack Laser2

The whispering-gallery mode microdisk - or thumbtack - laser is a novel, strongly confining, microstructure with “potential for the integrability and and low-power operation required for large- scale photonic integration”3. It is a thin dielectric (n ≈ 3.5) cylinder - or disk - on top of a rhombiod post. Analysis of the optical modes of this structure have, to date, consisted of scaling arguments drawn from the theory of whispering-gallery spheres. While this analysis has proved useful in understanding the basic aspects of the operation of this laser, it is limited. We have undertaken a complete electromagnetic analysis4 of the thumbtack laser using 2-D, 2.5-D and 3-D Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) codes which range in complexity from 2-D studies of the mode structure of the disk to a geometrically complete 3-D analysis of the radiation emitted from the laser. The goal of this project is to predict changes in the optical behavior that accompany structural changes in and about the laser described elsewhere in these proceedings5, and to guide optimized device design.
Functional rescue of experimental ischemic optic neuropathy with αB-crystallin

Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) is an important cause of acute vision loss in adults, and there is no effective treatment. We studied early changes following experimental AION and tested the benefit of a potential treatment. We induced experimental AION in adult mice and tested the effects of short-term (daily for 3 days) and long-term (every other day for 3 weeks) αB-crystallin (αBC) treatment using histological and serial intracranial flash visual evoked potential recordings. One day after experimental AION, there was swelling at the optic nerve (ON) head and increased expression of αBC, a small heat shock protein important in ischemia and inflammation. This upregulation coincided with microglial and astrocytic activation. Our hypothesis was that αBC may be part of the endogenous protective mechanism against injury, thus we tested the effects of αBC on experimental AION. Daily intraveneous or intravitreal αBC injections did not improve visual evoked potential amplitude or latency at days 1–2. However, αBC treatment decreased swelling and dampened the microglial and astrocytic activation on day 3. Longer treatment with intravenous αBC led to acceleration of visual evoked potential latency over 3 weeks, without improving amplitude. This latency acceleration did not correlate with increased retinal ganglion cell survival but did correlate with complete rescue of the ON oligodendrocytes, which are important for myelination. We identified αBC as an early marker following experimental AION. Treatment with αBC enhanced this endogenous, post-ischemic response by decreasing microglial activation and promoting ON oligodendrocyte survival.
Bovine Lymphocyte Antigens (BoLA): A Serologic, Genetic and Histocompatibility Analysis

Eleven lymphocyte antigens have been defined in cattle using 81 lymphocytotoxic sera. These sera (typing reagents) were selected from over 1,000 normal sera, 35 alloimmune sera, and 111 samples of colostrum whey. Absorptions revealed that nine of the 11 antigens detected by these reagents are serologically independent. Segregation of the genes controlling these antigens was observed among 470 calves from matings of 56 heterozygous sires and 360 dams, indicating that each of the 11 antigens is controlled by one of 11 alleles at a single autosomal co-dominant locus BoLA–A (Bovine Lymphocyte Antigen, locus A). To determine the relation between BoLA antigens and histocompatibility, skin allografts were exchanged among four unrelated adult cows. Incompatibilities for the SD antigens, but not MLR or blood group antigens, were predictive of early rejection of allografts. Furthermore, graft recipients produced antibodies against the SD antigens of incompatible donors. These results indicate that the BoLA–A locus is part of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of cattle.
Metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell membranes for rapid thermal cycling

Abstract Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) membranes were developed in which zirconia-based electrolyte thin films were supported by a porous composite metal/ceramic current collector and were subjected to rapid thermal cycling between 475 and 1075 K (200 and 800 °C). The effects of this cycling on membrane performance were evaluated. The membranes, not yet optimized for performance, showed a peak power density of 350 mW/cm2 at 1175 K (900 °C) in laboratory-sized SOFCs, while rapid thermal cycling had only a marginal effect on cell performance. This resistance to cycling degradation is attributed to the close matching of thermal expansion coefficient of the porous cermet supporting current collector (PCC) with that of the zirconia electrolyte.
The Effect of L-arginine Infusion on Blood Pressure and L-arginine Metabolism in Pediatric Patients 217

The Effect of L-arginine Infusion on Blood Pressure and L-arginine Metabolism in Pediatric Patients 217
Discovery of an orexin receptor positive potentiator

The orexin neurohormones control a variety of important physiological processes by signaling through two related G protein-coupled receptors, including appetite and feeding, wakefulness and energy homeostasis. Pharmacological manipulation of orexin signaling is an important goal. Here we describe the isolation of orexin receptor ligands from a library of microarray-displayed peptoids via a novel two-color, cell-based screen. Functional analysis of derivatives of these “hits” resulted in the development of moderate potency, low molecular weight receptor antagonists. Moreover, further optimization efforts resulted in the fortuitous discovery of a compound that positively potentiates the activity of the receptor. This compound is the first small molecule reported to up-regulate orexin signaling.
Affiliation recommendation using auxiliary networks

Social network analysis has attracted increasing attention in recent years. In many social networks, besides friendship links amongst users, the phenomenon of users associating themselves with groups or communities is common. Thus, two networks exist simultaneously: the friendship network among users, and the affiliation network between users and groups. In this paper, we tackle the affiliation recommendation problem, where the task is to predict or suggest new affiliations between users and communities, given the current state of the friendship and affiliation networks. More generally, affiliations need not be community affiliations - they can be a user's taste, so affiliation recommendation algorithms have applications beyond community recommendation. In this paper, we show that information from the friendship network can indeed be fruitfully exploited in making affiliation recommendations. Using a simple way of combining these networks, we suggest two models of user-community affinity for the purpose of making affiliation recommendations: one based on graph proximity, and another using latent factors to model users and communities. We explore the two classes of affiliation recommendation algorithms suggested by these models. We evaluate these algorithms on two real world networks - Orkut and Youtube. In doing so, we motivate and propose a way of evaluating recommenders, by measuring how good the top 50 recommendations are for the average user, and demonstrate the importance of choosing the right evaluation strategy. The algorithms suggested by the graph proximity model turn out to be the most effective and efficient. This use of link prediction techniques for the purpose of affiliation recommendation is, to our knowledge, novel.
The H159A mutant of yeast enolase 1 has significant activity.

Abstract The function of His159 in the enolase mechanism is disputed. Recently, Vinarov and Nowak (Biochemistry (1999) 38, 12138–12149) prepared the H159A mutant of yeast enolase 1 and expressed this in Escherichia coli. They reported minimal (ca. 0.01% of the native value) activity, though the protein appeared to be correctly folded, according to its CD spectrum, tryptophan fluorescence, and binding of metal ion and substrate. We prepared H159A enolase using a multicopy plasmid and expressed the enzyme in yeast. Our preparations of H159A enolase have 0.2–0.4% of the native activity under standard assay conditions and are further activated by Mg2+ concentrations above 1 mM to 1–1.5% of the native activity. Native enolase 1 (and enolase 2) are inhibited by such Mg2+ concentrations. It is possible that His159 is necessary for correct folding of the enzyme and that expression in E. coli leads to largely misfolded protein.
The performance of projective standardization for digital subtraction radiography.

Abstract Objective We sought to test the performance and robustness of projective standardization in preserving invariant properties of subtraction images in the presence of irreversible projection errors. Study design Twenty bone chips (1-10 mg each) were placed on dentate dry mandibles. Follow-up images were obtained without the bone chips, and irreversible projection errors of up to 6° were introduced. Digitized image intensities were normalized, and follow-up images were geometrically reconstructed by 2 operators using anatomical and fiduciary landmarks. Subtraction images were analyzed by 3 observers. Results Regression analysis revealed a linear relationship between radiographic estimates of mineral loss and actual mineral loss ( R 2 = 0.99; P P > .05). There was no difference between the radiographic estimates from images standardized with anatomical landmarks and those standardized with fiduciary landmarks (Wilcoxon signed rank test: P > .05). Operator variability was low for image analysis alone ( R 2 = 0.99; P R 2 = 0.98; P Conclusions Subtraction images registered by projective standardization yield estimates of osseous change that are invariant to irreversible projection errors of up to 6°. Within these limits, operator precision is high and anatomical landmarks can be used to establish correspondence.
VALUATION OF THE PREFERRED STOCK SINKING FUND FEATURE: A TIME‐SERIES APPROACH

This study employs a time-varying coefficient model to examine the relationship between returns on preferred stock with a sinking fund and preferred stock without a sinking fund. The results provide evidence of a major shift in the relationship between the two types of preferred stock coincident to a major change in Federal Reserve Board monetary policy. Results also show several smaller shifts at other times. The findings lend only weak support to link the announcement of a change in bookkeeping practices for insurance companies with a contemporaneous change in the relationship between the two types of preferred issues, as previous studies contended.
Picture Good Health: A Church-Based Self-Management Intervention Among Latino Adults with Diabetes

BACKGROUND Churches may provide a familiar and accessible setting for chronic disease self-management education and social support for Latinos with diabetes.
Serum Lipids After a Low-Fat Diet

2reducing fat intake to 10% of energy consumed and dietary cholesterol to 10 mg/d resulted in a 37% decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) after 1 year compared with only 6% in the control group on a Step II diet (and compared with 5%-13% in the lowest-fat category of the study by Knopp et al). Thus, “aggressive fat restriction” clearly offers further benefits in reducing LDL. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels decreased and triglyceride levels increased somewhat in our experimental group patients—yet these same patients showed overall regression in coronary atherosclerosis as measured by quantitative coronary arteriography 2 and improvements in myocardial perfusion as measured by cardiac positron emission tomographic scans. 3 We measured even more reversal after 4 years than after 1 year. 4 We found a dose-response relationship of dietary fat and cholesterol intake and changes in coronary artery stenoses as measured by angiography. These patients also reported a 91% reduction in the frequency of anginal episodes. The control group patients in our study were following a Step II diet, yet their coronary artery atherosclerosis had worsened after 1 year and coronary artery stenoses had progressed even more after 4 years. 4 Also, we found that the number of cardiac events was twice as high in the control group as in the experimental group. Clearly, lowering HDL and raising triglycerides by changing diet did not harm these patients. 4 Diet-induced lowering of HDL cholesterol does not confer the same risk of atherosclerosis as does the presence of low HDL cholesterol levels in Americans consuming a high-fat diet. 5 A low HDL level in the context of a low-fat, low-cholesterol, low‐animal protein diet may have very different prognostic significance than a low HDL level in someone eating a typical American diet. More than a dozen arteriographic studies have demonstrated that the majority of patients with coronary artery disease who follow a Step I or Step II diet show worsening of coronary artery disease as measured by coronary arteriography. 6
A fluorometric-HPLC assay for quantitating the binding of benzo[a]pyrene metabolites to DNA.

A nonradiometric method is presented for quantitating low levels of benzo(a)pyrene (BP) derivatives that are covalently bound to the DNA of BP-treated mice. This method consists of hydrolyzing the DNA with acid to liberate the BP-adducts in the form of the isomeric tetrols of BP. These tetrols have fluorescence quantum yields of approx. 0.7 in deoxygenated solution at 298 K. Hence they are easily quantitated, following HPLC separation, by means of fluorescence detection. The sensitivity of the method is such that one bound BP residue per 10/sup 7/ bases can be detected in 100 ..mu..g of DNA.
Lymphoepitheliomas of the laryngohypopharynx.

The World Health Organization’s (WHO] designated type III nasopharyngeal carcinoma (UNPC) is an undifferentiated squamous cell carcinoma that occurs almost exclusively in the nasopharynx. These tumors have a strong association with both Chinese ethnicity, comprising up to 18% of all malignancies in China, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infecti0n.l Typically, these tumors have a prominent non-neoplastic lymphoid component that contributes to the misnomer lymphoepithelioma. Rarely, these tumors occur in head and neck locations outside of the nasopharynx, most commonly within Waldeyer’s ring. Lymphoepitheliomas of the laryngohypopharynx are exceedingly rare. Only 21 cases are reported in the English-language literature, and of these only three cases involve the epiglottis.2-g In this report, we review the previous cases and present a new case of lymphoepithelioma of the laryngeal surface of the epiglottis.
Disposition of N-Vinyl-2-Pyrrolidinone in the Rat

ABSTRACTThe disposition of N-[14C-vinyl]-2-pyrrolidinone was studied in male Sprague-Dawley rats following a single iv injection. Plasma levels of the intact compound dropped rapidly within the first 6 hours after dosing with a half life of 1.90 hours. Urinary excretion by 12 hours represented 74.9% of a 5 μCi dose while 18.7% was excreted into the bile by 6 hours. 14C-activity attributed to the intact compound was found to be less than 0.59% of the dose in the urine and less than 0.46% in the bile. Tissue distribution studies showed that the liver and small intestines and contents contained the highest accumulation of 14C-activity up to 6 hours after administration of N-[14C-vinyl]-2-pyrrolidinone. Urine analyses performed for metabolite elucidation indicated that 12% of the radioactivity dosed was incorporated into acetate and the major remaining portion in species which appeared to be water soluble acidic compounds.
The computing educators oral history project: planning for the future

This poster will showcase the planning stage of a project to develop a searchable repository of artifacts relating to the personal histories of computing educators. Artifacts will include digital audio interviews, interview transcripts, photographs, vitas, and other relevant items. Individuals included in the collection will be balanced across factors such as gender, geographic location, age, race/ethnicity, and institutional size. A key use of the project will be to support, recruit, and retain under-represented groups.