cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MP54-19 THE EFFECT OF METFORMIN IN PATIENTS WITH SURGICALLY TREATED RENAL CELL CARCINOMA

METHODS: The operative notes of patients in our institutional RPN database was assessed for details of intra-operative arterial anatomy. We assessed the number of renal arteries and branches and number of vessels clamped during surgery. We divided the patients according to number of arteries clamped into single or multiple vessel groups. We also collected data on venous occlusion. We evaluated and compared the demographic, perioperative and postoperative findings between the two groups. Multivariable analyzes was used to determine the effect of various factors on early renal function (day 3 eGFR). RESULTS: There were 468 and 111 patients in single and multiple vessels groups respectively. Mean age was 59.1 11.6 in Group 1 and 55.2 13.2 in Group 2 (01⁄40.013). There was no difference between the groups in terms of tumor size, RENAL nephrometry score (RNS), warm ischemia time and blood loss. Pre-operative GFR was 85 (26.6-148.9) and 90.8 (30.6-229.3) in Group 1 and Group 2 respectively (p1⁄4 0.029). There was no significantly difference between two groups in intra-operative and post-operative complications (19% vs. 12.6%; p1⁄4037). Positive margin was not statistically different between two groups (2.4% vs. 5.7%; p1⁄40.1). The early GFR preservation (postoperative 3th day) was not significantly different between the two groups (85.7 vs.84.8;p1⁄40.8) . On multivariable analysis tumor size, WIT and pre-operative GFR were predictive factors for early GFR preservation. CONCLUSIONS: The peri-operative outcomes of kidneys with single or multiple arteries clamping during RPN are comparable. Number of arteries clamped and simultaneous venous clamping were not a predictor of early GFR preservation.
ATMOSPHERIC REFRACTION AT LOW ANGULAR ALTITUDES IN THE TEMPERATE ZONES

This paper is the second of a series of three on the general subject of atmospheric refraction at low angular altitudes; the first (1) was based on data gathered in the tropics and the third will rest on data from the polar regions. The reader is referred to the first paper for a description of the observing meth ods and the mathematical treatment of the observations.
Quantification of five neuropsychological approaches to defining mild cognitive impairment.

Objectives: Operational definitions of cognitive impairment have varied widely in diagnosing mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Identifying clinical subtypes of MCI has further challenged diagnostic approaches because varying the components of the objective cognitive assessment can significantly impact diagnosis. Therefore, the authors investigated the applicability of diagnostic criteria for clinical subtypes of MCI in a naturalistic research sample of community elders and quantified the variability in diagnostic outcomes that results from modifying the neuropsychological definition of objective cognitive impairment. Design: Cross-sectional and longitudinal study. Setting: San Diego, CA, Veterans Administration Hospital. Participants: Ninety nondemented, neurologically normal, community-dwelling older adults were initially assessed and 73 were seen for follow-up approximately 17 months later. Measurements: Participants were classified via consensus diagnosis as either normally aging or having MCI via each of the five diagnostic strategies, which varied the cutoff for objective impairment and the number of neuropsychological tests considered in the diagnostic process. Results: A range of differences in the percentages identified as MCI versus cognitively normal were demonstrated, ranging from 10–74%, depending on the classification criteria used. A substantial minority of individuals demonstrated diagnostic instability over time and across diagnostic approaches. The single domain nonamnestic subtype diagnosis was particularly unstable (e.g., prone to reclassification as normal at follow up). Conclusion: Our findings provide empirical support for a neuropsychologically derived operational definition of clinical subtypes of MCI and point to the importance of using comprehensive neuropsychological assessments. Diagnoses, particularly involving nonamnestic MCI, were variable over time. The applicability and utility of this particular MCI subtype warrants further investigation.
Synthesis and crystal and molecular structure of a methyl N,N-diethylcarbamylmethylenephosphonato dysprosium thiocyanate complex

Abstract Bis-Methyl N,N-diethylcarbamylmethylenephosphonato dysprosium thiocyanate, Dy[O2P(OCH3)CH2C(O)N(C2H5)2]2(NCS) was prepared from the combination of ethanolic solutions of Dy(NCS)3·xH2O and (CH3O)2P(O)CH2C(O)N(C2H5)2. The complex was characterized by infrared and NMR spectroscopy, and single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The crystal structure was determined at 25 °C from 3727 independent reflections by using a standard automated diffractometer. The complex was found to crystallize in the monoclinic space group P21/c with a = 13.282(4) A, b = 19.168(5) A, c = 9.648(2) A, β = 90.09(2)°, Z = 4, V = 2456.4 A3 and ϱcald = 1.72 g cm−3. The structure was solved by standard heavy atom techniques, and blocked least-squares refinement converged with Rf = 4.7% and RwF = 4.9%. The Dy atom is seven coordinate and bonded in a bidentate fashion to two anionic phosphonate ligands [O2P(OCH3)CH2C(O)N(C2H5)2−] through the carbonyl oxygen atoms and one of two phosphonate oxygen atoms. In addition, each Dy atom is coordinated to two phosphonate oxygen atoms from two neighboring complexes and to the nitrogen atom of a thiocyanate ion. This coordination scheme gives rise to a two-dimensional polymeric structure. Some important bond distances include DyNCS 2.433(8) A, DyO(carbonyl)avg 2.39(2) A, DyO(equat. phosphoryl)avg 2.303(8) A, DyO(axial phosphoryl)avg 2.25(2), PO(phosphoryl)avg 1.493(3) A and CO(carbonyl)avg 1.25(1) A.
Imipenem/Gentamicin and Imipenem/Rifampin against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

The combinations of imipenem with gentamicin and imipenem with rifampin were studied by the time-kill method against 20 strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus .Twelve
A Macrophage Factor Inhibits Adipocyte Gene Expression: An in Vitro Model of Cachexia

Certain infections and malignancies in mammals cause the development of a condition known as cachexia in which the animal continues to lose weight, often while consuming an adequate diet. When macrophages are stimulated with an endotoxin, they produce a factor or factors, termed cachectin, that inhibits the activity of fat-producing (lipogenic) enzymes in cultured adipocytes. This effect may reflect one of the physiological bases for cachexia. In the present study, clones of complementary DNA from genes whose expression is increased during the differentiation of adipocytes were used to study the molecular basis of cachectin's actions. In the presence of cachectin, the expression of the corresponding genes was reversibly and specifically inhibited. Furthermore, when mature adipocytes were exposed to cachectin, the messenger RNA's of those genes diminished and rapidly approached the levels present before differentiation.
Studies toward the synthesis of the shark repellent pavoninin-5.

Sharks are the most dangerous predators of people in the sea, resulting in people being mauled and killed each year. A shark repellent could help to diminish this danger. The aglycone of the shark repellent pavoninin-5, (25R)-cholest-5-en-3β,15α,26-triol (5a), was synthesized from diosgenin (9). Removing mercury from the Clemmensen reduction of 9 gave a higher yield of (25R)-cholest-5-en-3β,16β,26-triol, 10a, and was also more environmentally friendly. Attempted methods for the transposition of the C-16β hydroxyl to the 15α position are described. A successful method for this transposition via the 15α-hydroxy-16-ketone, 8a, using the Barton deoxygenation reaction on the 16-alcohol 14b, is reported.
In Vivo Calvarial Bone Cell Responses to Dietary Perturbations and the Implications for Mineral Homeostasis

Calvariae from small animals have been an important source for in vitro studies of bone. However, few in vivo studies have been undertaken on quantitative cell changes in calvariae. In the present study of mineral perturbations, rats were first deprived of calcium. After 18 days endosteal osteoclasts and nuclei/osteoclast in the parietal bone had increased 120% (P less than 0.001) and 26% (P less than 0.001), respectively, the marrow space had increased 141% (P less than 0.001), and the bone area experienced a 49% decrease (P less than 0.001). This thinning and weakening of the calvaria was accompanied by a compensatory increase in the number of endosteal osteoblasts (297%, P less than 0.001). These rats were then replenished with calcium, and after 14 days the number of endosteal osteoclasts had decreased to 86% (P less than 0.001) below the control and the endosteal surface was almost completely covered by osteoblasts (866% above the control, P less than 0.001). Bone area was increased by 51% (P less than 0.01). Similarly, in calcium-deficient rats in the tibial diaphysis at the fibular junction, the number of endosteal osteoclasts and the medullary space increased 1606% (P less than 0.001) and 63% (P less than 0.001), respectively, which were accompanied by a 32% decrease (P less than 0.001) in cortical bone area. After calcium replenishment, most endosteal osteoclasts in the tibial diaphysis disappeared from the endosteal surface and were replaced by osteoblasts (increased 487%, P less than 0.001). These results indicate that changes in bone cell activity in response to calcium deficiency are similar in calvariae and long bones, and that mobilization of calcium from the calvaria during calcium deficiency occurs at the expense of the protective action of the calvaria. Therefore, long bones as well as membranous bones are apparently important for the maintenance of mineral homeostasis.
Cyclin C Makes an Entry into the Cell Cycle

From yeast to humans, cell cycle progression is orchestrated by the oscillation of kinase activities associated with cyclins. In an article published recently in Cell, Ren and Rollins investigate mechanisms controlling the G0/G1 transition in quiescent cells and identify new cyclin C/Cdk3 complexes as key regulators of cell cycle reentry in human cells.
Generating Correlated Bivariate Random Normal Standard Scores in Quickbasic

A Quick BASIC program for generating random bivariate normal standard scores with given correlation is described. The program uses the Box-Muller (1958) generation method. Compiled run-time and source code versions of the program are available.
Spider silks and their applications.

Spider silks are characterized by remarkable diversity in their chemistry, structure and functions, ranging from orb web construction to adhesives and cocoons. These unique materials have prompted efforts to explore potential applications of spider silk equivalent to those of silkworm silks, which have undergone 5000 years of domestication and have a variety of uses, from textiles to biomedical materials. Recent progress in genetic engineering of spider silks and the development of new chimeric spider silks with enhanced functions and specific characteristics have advanced spider silk technologies. Further progress in yields of expressed spider-silk proteins, in the control of self-assembly processes and in the selective exploration of material applications is anticipated in the future. The unique features of spider silks, the progress and challenges in the cloning and expression of these silks, environmentally triggered silk assembly and disassembly and the formation of fibers, films and novel chimeric composite materials from genetically engineered spider silks will be reviewed.
A bootstrap heuristic for designing minimum cost survivable networks

Abstract This paper provides a systematic approach based on heuristics for designing Minimum Cost Survivable Networks (MCSN). The Design System has two components; a heuristic for obtaining survivable network topologies, and a set of heuristics for improving the cost of the initial networks. Each cost reducing heuristic is exercised in turn to improve the network progressively. The feasibility (i.e. survivability) heuristic is based on bootstrapping a lower bounding procedure to obtain good feasible solutions. This lower bounding method is also extended to obtain the optimal solution for small networks. The Design System proposed in this paper can solve 200 node network problems within 4 min on a Sun SPARCstation 2, and can get to within 4% of the lower bound.
Continuum basis functions in the complex Kohn variational method.

We propose a different way for selecting the outgoing continuum basis functions needed in complex Kohn variational calculations of electron-molecule scattering. The proposed method is based on the recent work of Sun {ital et} {ital al}. (Phys. Rev. A 41, 4857 (1990)) dealing with dynamically prepared basis sets for algebraic variational calculations. We have found an alternative technique for removing the sensitivity to the traditional cutoff function in calculations involving ionic targets, while retaining all the computational simplicity of the complex Kohn method.
Spatial analysis with preference specification of latent decision makers for criminal event prediction

Spatial analysis looks for statistically significant patterns in observed events that occur at specified locations. Most examples of spatial analysis consider aggregate characteristics over a number of coarsely defined regions rather than point processes. However, criminal events are point processes and should be modeled as such. In this paper, we combine recent advances in discrete choice theory and data mining to develop point process models for spatial analysis. We use this new methodology to analyze and predict the spatial behavior of criminals, and more generally, latent decision makers. The paper compares the performance of this methodology to more traditional hot spot methods of crime analysis.
Elongation and constriction in cell division

The deformation of a constant reaction ellipsoidal cell by diffusion and constant surface tension forces is studied. The critical size of a spherical cell at which it becomes unstable to ellipsoidal deformations is found to be the same as that obtained previously by N. Rashevsky from energy considerations. It is shown that such a cell once unstable will elongate to a finite amount, and that it will tend to constrict in the center and round up at the poles.
Evidence for endogenous LH suppression in a man with bilateral testicular tumors and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

The need for a functional classification of “Leydig cell” tumors in men with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is exemplified by the present case of a 19 year old boy with this disorder, who developed bilateral testicular masses despite replacement with hydrocortisone. During basal conditions, in which he received hydrocortisone, 25 mg/day, urinary 17-ketosteroids and pregnanetriol were 33 and 18.5 mg/24 h, respectively. Concomitantly, mean plasma 17-hydroxy-progesterone (17OHP) concentrations, 32.2 (A.M.), 58.8 (P.M.), ng/ml, were increased 30–50-fold, while mean plasma cortisol (F), 7.7 (A.M.), 12.3 (P.M.) μg/dl, testosterone (T), 485 (A.M.) 493 (P.M.) ng/dl and estradiol (E2) 12.4 (A.M.), 16.3 (P.M.) pg/ml, concentrations were within normal limits. Episodic fluctuations of plasma T, E2 and 170HP were demonstrated in both morning and afternoon samples, with pulses occurring at approximately 90 min intervals. By contrast plasma LH levels, pulsatile in the morning, fell in the afternoon with no evident...
VISCOELASTIC MODELLING OF ENTRANCE FLOW USING MULTIMODE LEONOV MODEL

A simulation of planar 2D flow of a viscoelastic fluid employing the Leonov constitutive equation has been presented. Triangular finite elements with lower-order interpolations have been employed for velocity and pressure as well as the extra stress tensor arising from the constitutive equation. A generalized Lesaint-Raviart method has been used for an upwind discretization of the material derivative of the extra stress tensor in the constitutive equation. The upwind scheme has been further strengthened in our code by also introducing a non-consistent streamline upwind Petrov-Galerkin method to modify the weighting function of the material derivative term in the variational form of the constitutive equation. A variational equation for configurational incompressibility of the Leonov model has also been satisfied explicitly. The corresponding software has been used to simulate planar 2D entrance flow for a 4:1 abrupt contraction up to a Deborah number of 670 (Weissenberg number of 6.71) for a rubber compound using a three-mode Leonov model.
Between credibility and commodification: Nonfiction entertainment as a global media genre

This article examines the institutional logic of programming for global audiences using Discovery Communications Inc. as an example. Global media expansion is connected to other trends such as the fragmentation of audiences, industry consolidation and greater profit expectations. One of the genres fitting these new programming demands is so-called nonfiction entertainment. The article analyzes how Discovery Communications Inc. developed this genre distinction situated between traditional journalistic values and commercial interests, and explains the problematic implications of this dynamic on independent documentary producers and public service television. Concluding, the author highlights some consequences of these findings for research in international communication and media economy.
Global female masculinities

In this essay, I discuss the subtle discursive shifts which have made transgenderism in the USA and Europe into simultaneously a mark of the historically specific definitional cleaving of homosexua...
Systematic numerical analysis of the damage index method used for bridge diagnostics

The damage index method is an intuitively attractive method for detecting localized stiffness perturbations through their influence on mode shapes. In spite of its attractiveness, and a large literature on the formulation of the damage index method for different types of structures and its application to specific test problems, the practical consequences which can result from its limitations, as well as its overall effectiveness, have not been demonstrated or discussed. This is an important problem since, at minimum, the qualitative characteristics and performance of a proposed diagnostic algorithm should be understood. In this paper, the authors review the damage index formulation and examine the traditional assumption step by step. Then this method has been used for numerous cases at different locations and degrees of stiffness perturbation for a large pre-stressed segmental concrete bridge. The finite element models have been used as test structures. The object is to evaluate the feasibility of the damage index method.
A case study in reconciliation: General John B. Gordon and “the last days of the confederacy”

From 1893 until his death in 1904, General John B. Gordon traveled widely in the East, Middle West, and South delivering a lecture entitled “The Last Days of the Confederacy.” This essay explores the popularity of the lecture, examines the mechanics of its reconciliatory tone, and discusses its possible implications for a nation fired by expansionist zeal.
Trading greenhouse gas emission benefits from biofuel use in US transportation: Challenges and opportunities

Abstract Replacing petroleum fuels with biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel has been shown to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These GHG benefits can potentially be traded in the fledgling carbon markets, and methodologies for quantifying and trading are still being developed. We review the main challenges in developing such carbon trading frameworks and outline a proposed framework for the US, the main features of which include, lifecycle assessment of GHG benefits, a combination of project-specific and standard performance measures, and assigning GHG property rights to biofuel producers. At carbon prices of 10 $ t −1 , estimated monetary benefits from such trading can be 4.5 M$ hm −3 and 17 M$ hm −3 of corn ethanol and cellulosic ethanol respectively.
Cardiovascular autonomic nervous system tests: Determination of normative values and effect of confounding variables

Abstract Objective: To determine normative values for heart rate variation to deep breathing (VAR) and Valsalva ratio (VAL) as well as the effect of various confounding variables on these measures using data from a large group of normal subjects collected from multiple centers. Research design and methods: VAR and VAL were measured on 611 normal subjects, age range 9–79, from 63 centers and was analyzed at a single Autonomic Nervous System Reading Center. Using simple and stepwise logistic regression the effect of age, gender, height, weight, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and body mass index (BMI), on VAR and VAL was evaluated. Results: The 95% normative values range (values at 2.5 to 97.5 percentile) for VAR (n=580) was 12.8–103.5 (mean 49.7) and for VAL (n=425) was 1.31–2.97 (mean 1.97). No gender effect was found for either VAR or VAL (p>0.05). VAR correlated inversely with both age and MAP, while VAL correlated inversely with both age and BMI. Since age is the principal confounding variable for both VAR and VAL, normative values are also presented stratified by age. Conclusion: Normative values for VAR and VAL based on a large population sample are presented. However, the values presented may not be valid in patients with morbid obesity or malignant hypertension. These data are applicable for either individual patients or for use in multicenter research trials.
The Impact of Race-Esteem and Self-Esteem on Delinquency

Abstract This article presents findings from a study of the relationships between race, self-esteem and delinquency. Of major concern was whether personal measures of self-esteem correlated with group measures of self-esteem, and more importantly, whether either measure effects delinquency. Self-report questionnaires were administered to a random sample of 1,100 high school students from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Scales of self-esteem and delinquency were factor analyzed. It was discovered that factors representing personal identity measures of self-esteem were almost identical for both races. However, there were racial differences in the relationships between factors of self-esteem and delinquency. Multiple regression analyses revealed that for blacks both personal and group measures of self-esteem are related to delinquency. For whites, however, personal identity measures of self-esteem are better predictors of delinquency than are group measures. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Ultrasonic characterization of myocardial photocoagulation lesion size in vivo during Nd:YAG laser irradiation.

Endocardial coagulation lesions were created using transcatheter continuous-wave Nd:YAG laser irradiation. Ultrasound monitoring of thermal lesion dimensions was performed using 7.5-MHz and 10-MHz transducers directly from the epicardial surface in short-axis configuration (group A) or through the chest wall (group B). A total of 33 lesions were created in 10 dogs at energy levels ranging from 300 J to 1000 J. Mean histological lesion width (HW) compared with ultrasonically determined mean width (UW) showed that the differences (mean +/- standard deviation) in group A (UW - HW) was = 1.14 +/- 0.8 mm, which was not statistically significantly different from zero. In group B, (UW - HW) = 2.04 mm +/- 0.7 mm (p 3 mm in 32% of cases. In group B magnitude of UW-HW > 3 mm in 15%, whereas ultrasound width was larger than histology in 75% of the cases. For depth, magnitude of UD-HD > 3 mm in 15% of cases. With further refinement of the technique, ultrasonic tissue characterization may become a useful adjunct to monitoring lesion dimensions during transcatheter laser photocoagulation.
Development of a fatted male phenomenon in California sea lions.

A captive colony of male sea lions (Zalophus californianus) living in northern California shows an annual weight fluctuation related to their reproductive season. Seasonal fattening, which is associated with an increase in territorial displays, starts developing at 5 years of age, when a sagittal crest first becomes apparent, and becomes more prominent as the males reach full maturity.
On Spinning Particles

There exist classical systems whose canonical quantization yields relativistic wave equations. As a constructive proof, the classical mechanics of a translating-rotating five-frame is considered. Its quantization yields the Dirac, Weyl, Klein-Gordon, Maxwell-Proca, and higher spin equations, together with a rotational mass spectrum for the states predicted.
Centerline Laser Radiation Intensity in an Unstable Cavity

Abstract : The variation of laser radiation intensity along the axis of an unstable optical cavity is investigated theoretically. The present study is an extension of the work of Rigrod to situations in which geometric divergence of the radiation must be taken into account. Diffraction effects are neglected. The present results are useful for determination of the conditions under which the region near the axis is saturated. The results are also applicable for estimating transmitted intensity, near the axis, for cavities employing partially transmitting mirrors or gratings. (Author)
The role of the Matthew effect in science

Abstract Robert Merton observed that better known scientists tend to get more credit than less well known scientists for the same achievements; he called this the Matthew effect. Scientists themselves, even those eminent researchers who enjoy its benefits, regard the effect as a pathology: it results, they believe, in a misallocation of credit. If so, why do scientists continue to bestow credit in the manner described by the effect? This paper advocates an explanation of the effect on which it turns out to allocate credit fairly after all, while at the same time making sense of scientists’ opinions to the contrary.
Thermophilic Hydrogen Production from Renewable Resources: Current Status and Future Perspectives

Hydrogen (H2) is considered an alternative fuel of the future due to its high energy density and non-polluting nature. H2 energy provides many advantages over fossil fuels in that it is renewable, eco-friendly, and efficient. The global demand for H2 is increasing significantly; however, matching the supply of cost-competitive H2 to meet the current demand is a major technological barrier. H2 can be produced from lignocellulosic biomass and serve as a raw material for the synthesis of many industrially important chemicals. The use of thermophilic bacteria for biological production of H2 appears to be a promising alternative route to the current H2 production technologies. However, the carbon and H2 production metabolisms in most thermophilic bacteria have not yet been completely understood. This paper summarizes the recent research progress made toward understanding the carbon utilization for H2 production and developing gene manipulation techniques to enhance the H2 production capabilities in thermophilic bacteria. It reviews the current status, future directions and opportunities that thermophiles can offer to enable a cost-competitive and environmentally benign H2 production bioprocess.
What inspires clinical research trainees and keeps them on the path

Recent reports suggest that in the near future, the clinical research workforce will be insufficient to translate basic science discoveries into advances in health for our nation.1-5Identifying support systems and ways to reduce barriers that clinical research trainees face has been one of the shared objectives of the Institute of Medicine's Clinical Research Roundtable (CRR)6and the Clinical Research Alliance (CRA), a group of private foundations and professional societies that are committed to supporting the next generation of clinical research trainees. This affiliation includes 11 private foundations and voluntary health agencies, as well as 4 professional societies. Of particular concern is the diminishing number of physicians entering research careers and applying for first-time funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).7 The disincentives are manifold, and even those who have successfully competed for funding to establish independent research careers do not come away unscathed. A survey of 45 midcareer recipients of the Burroughs Wellcome Fund's highly competitive Clinical Scientist Awards in Translational Research8indicated that 58% of these awardees had considered abandoning their research careers, with the primary reasons cited including financial pressures, length of time in training, lack of protected time for research, and difficulty in finding funding. The group included 24 dual-degree (MD/PhD) holders, 21 with the medical degree only, and 10 women. The average age of the researchers at the time of the survey was 43 years. Despite their reservations, however, this group had overcome the obstacles and “made it” in research. In an effort to uncover any common denominators in their backgrounds that might account for their success, we asked this group about their training experiences. Seventy-five percent had significant research experience before medical school, and among those with the medical degree only, 86% had decided to pursue a career in …
Systematic analysis of Hermitian quark mass matrices

In this paper we examine Hermitian quark mass matrices for three generations and the Kobayashi-Maskawa mixing matrices which they produce. Our investigation is limited to mass matrices which depend on only three parameters. We find that the Fritzsch mass matrix is the unique matrix consisting of five nonzero elements. Then proceeding to classify physically distinct mass matrices having six or seven nonzero elements, we find that several produce mixing matrices that are in good agreement with experimental constraints.
Proresolving actions of a new resolvin D1 analog mimetic qualifies as an immunoresolvent.

Resolution of inflammation is an active process driven by several new families of endogenous lipid mediators collectively coined specialized proresolving mediators (SPM). Here, we report a syntheti...
The mechanism of refinery corrosion by sour water condensates

Sour water condensates are aqueous condensates which contain different concentrations of aggressive compounds such as HCl, H2S, CO2, NH3, cyanides, etc. These condensates which can be fairly corrosive are encountered in a variety of refinery processes ranging from atmospheric distillation units to hydrodesulphurisers and sour water strippers. This paper deals with the mechanism of corrosion by these condensates and the factors influencing corrosion in several typical refinery units. In addition, methods for corrosion prevention and control are also discussed.
Abstract IA32: Targeting cancer cell dependencies on developmental signal transduction pathways

Developmentally important signal transduction pathways such as those controlled by the secreted Wnt and Hedgehog (Hh) ligands are frequently exploited in cancerous cells to promote unfettered growth. We describe functional and chemical genomics-based efforts to recover actionable mechanisms sustaining cancer-associated Wnt and Hh signaling. We discuss chemically tractable strategies for disrupting the fatty acylation of Wnt proteins and unanticipated vulnerabilities in Hh signaling to inhibitors of the Bcl-2 antiapoptotic proteins. Our findings extend the portfolio of druggable enzymes with anti-cancer relevance and reveal novel compensatory prosurvival mechanisms in cancerous cells that incorporate developmental pathway components. Citation Format: Lawrence Lum. Targeting cancer cell dependencies on developmental signal transduction pathways. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Third AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Basic Cancer Research; Sep 18-22, 2013; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(19 Suppl):Abstract nr IA32.
Effect of drought on Bradyrhizobium japonicum populations in Midwest soils

Background and aims Bradyrhizobium japonicum and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) form a symbiotic association which allows for biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) to help meet the nitrogen (N) requirement of soybean plants. Rhizobial inoculants are not always used in soybean production in the Midwestern USA because of high naturalized soil populations, but drought conditions experienced in the region during the 2012 growing season may have led to a decline in numbers resulting in the need for inoculation the following growing season. Therefore, the effect of drought on B. japonicum population size was investigated in this study.
Transient Response to Localized Episodic Heating in the Tropics. Part II: Far-Field Behavior.

Abstract In Part I of this investigation, we described the stochastic, near-field behavior of disturbances excited by randomly evolving tropical heating. In the present paper, we examine how these disturbances are modified as they propagate through the far field in the presence of spatially-varying background states. Although the behavior can no longer be broken down into individual Hough modes, it can still be understood in terms of projection and barotropic components of the response. Responses to fast heating, as may be produced by daily fluctuations in convection, and to slow heating, evolving over seasonal time scales, are studied separately. For fast heating the projection response consists mainly of a spectrum of Kelvin waves which, in the lower stratosphere, is centered at frequencies corresponding to twice the effective depth of the heating. The spectrum shifts to higher frequency with increasing altitude due to differential damping. As a result, the slow, fast and ultrafast Kelvin waves identifi...
Calculating the Business Importance of Entities in a Service-Oriented Enterprise

Component business modeling (CBM) serves as a powerful analytical framework for reasoning about the business as a set of business components that collaborate through the provision and consumption of business services. This paper proposes and illustrates a method to calculate the relative importance of the entities that make up a componentized enterprise architecture. The proposed method includes a formal definition of the importance of each entity in the business architecture calculated from the high level business values.
The Possibility Principle and the Truthmakers for Modal Truths

A necessary part of David Armstrong's account of truthmakers for modal truths is his Possibility principle: any truthmaker for a contingent truth is also a truthmaker for the possibility of the complement of that contingent truth (if T makes p true and p is contingent, then T makes ⋄∼p true). I criticize Armstrong's Possibility principle for two reasons. First, his argument for the Possibility principle both relies on an unwarranted generalization and vitiates his desire for relevant truthmakers. His argument undercuts relevant truthmakers by entailing that each contingent being is a truthmaker for all modal truths. Second, even if the argument seems successful, the Possibility principle is subject to counterexamples. Armstrong's being composed of more than fifty atoms makes it true that something composed of more than fifty atoms exists and that truth is contingent, but his being composed of more than fifty atoms does not make it true that it is possible that it is not the case that something composed of...
Effect of Ferric Chloride on Chymosin Hydrolysis and Rennet Clotting Time of Milk

Abstract The influence of FeCl 3 on the renneting properties of milk in the preparation of iron-fortified cheeses were evaluated. The FeCl 3 (0 to .86m M ) was added to milk at various stages of its thermal history: 1) raw milk not cooled below 30°C and FeCl 3 added at 30°C; 2) raw milk cooled to 4°C and FeCl 3 added at 4°C; 3) FeCl 3 added to raw cooled milk at 4°C and pasteurized at 64°C for 30min; and 4) raw cooled milk pasteurized at 64°C for 30min, cooled to 30°C, and FeCl 3 added at 30°C. The pH of milk decreased with FeCl 3 addition. Rate of chymosin hydrolysis of micellar κ-casein, as assessed by release of macropeptide, and Formagraph rennet clotting time were determined at 30°C without pH correction. Addition of FeCl 3 to raw uncooled milk increased the rate of chymosin hydrolysis but did not affect the enzymic reaction when it was added either to raw cooled milk or to milk before or after pasteurization. Ferric chloride decreased rennet clotting time when it was added to raw uncooled milk and to milk before pasteurization and increased rennet clotting time when it was added to raw cooled milk and to milk after pasteurization. Ferric chloride at concentrations (about .2m M ) normally employed in iron fortification of Cheddar cheese did not affect the rennet clotting time of whole milk whether it was added to raw cooled milk or to milk before or after pasteurization. However, at high concentrations (>.43m M ), addition of FeCl 3 to milk before pasteurization is beneficial when making iron-fortified cheese.
Acid-suppressive medications and risk of oesophageal adenocarcinoma in patients with Barrett's oesophagus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and aims Acid-suppressive medications, particularly proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), may decrease the risk of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) in patients with Barrett9s oesophagus (BO). We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis of studies evaluating the association between acid-suppressive medications (PPIs and histamine receptor antagonists (H2RAs)) and risk of OAC or high-grade dysplasia (BO-HGD) in patients with BO. Methods We performed a systematic search of multiple electronic databases and conference proceedings up to June 2013 to identify studies reporting the association between use of acid-suppressive medications and risk of OAC and/or BO-HGD in patients with BO. Summary ORs with 95% CIs were estimated. Results We identified seven observational studies (2813 patients with BO, 317 cases of OAC or BO-HGD, 84.4% PPI users). On meta-analysis, PPI use was associated with a 71% reduction in risk of OAC and/or BO-HGD in patients with BO (adjusted OR 0.29; 95% CI 0.12 to 0.79). There was a trend towards a dose–response relationship with PPI use for >2–3 years protective against OAC or BO-HGD (three studies; PPI use >2–3 years vs Conclusions Based on meta-analysis of observational studies, the use of PPIs is associated with a decreased risk of OAC and/or BO-HGD in patients with BO. None of the studies showed an increased risk of OAC. PPI use should be considered in BO, and chemopreventive trials of PPIs in patients with BO are warranted.
Environmental Scarcity and International Conflict

Since the end of the Cold War, scholars have increasingly tumed their attention to examining the link between depletion of renewable resources and conflict. Within this environmental security literature, academic opinion varies across a wide spectrum with some predicting a dark future of environmental "resource wars" both between and within nations, while others question the extent to which environmental variables play any role in inducing conflict. This paper builds on the findings of previous case and statistical studies and presents a cross-national, time-series multivariate analysis of the relationship between militarized international disputes and the environmental variables most commonly cited in the qualitative literature-freshwater, soil, fish, and population. These environmental variables are tested individually and in combination, while controlling for other conflict-generating factors. The general finding is that states suffering from greater levels of environmental scarcity are more likely to ...
Disruption of Yeast Membranes by Methylphenidate

Abstract Methylphenidate blocked sorbose uptake and loss by yeast spheroplasts and, at higher concentrations (30 mm), disrupted the spheroplasts. At still higher concentrations (70 mm), methylphenidate also ruptured the membranes of whole yeast cells; sorbose and materials absorbing at 280 nm were lost from the cells, and methylene blue stained them. Intracellular structures were extensively affected, as shown by electron micrographs, and were more sensitive to disruption by methylphenidate than the external membrane. N-ethylmaleimide and Ca2+ enhanced the rupture of external membranes by methylphenidate.
Assessing supply chain risk and energy efficiency simultaneously via network DEA

For years, researchers and practitioners have investigated the various technologies and strategies to improve supply chain performance and mitigate risks. Recently, there has been increasing attention placed on sustainable energy management. Achieving sustainable differentiated advantage in today's competitive environment demands supply chain executives to have a clear understanding of appropriate approaches to managing the key risks involved. The purpose of this paper is to examine the constructs of energy efficiency and risk matched together, and to evaluate the supply chain potential outcomes in terms of benefits, costs, and risks. The paper explains the interaction between risk and energy efficiency in a supply chain context, explores the real-world application of network Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) joint efficiency, and develops an approach of quantitatively assessing supply chain risk management and energy efficiency simultaneously.
Effects of forage legumes containing condensed tannins on methane and ammonia production in continuous cultures of mixed ruminal microorganisms

It has been reported that some condensed tannin (CT) containing forage legumes may reduce ruminal CH4 emissions as a result of direct and/or indirect inhibition of methanogens. Dual flow continuous fermentors (working volume of 700 ml) were used to determine effects of CT containing legume hays in dairy total mixed rations (TMR) on ruminal fermentation, with an emphasis on CH4 and ammonia N production. Fermentors were inoculated with filtered rumen contents and allowed to adapt to experimental diets for 6 d, followed by 3 d of sampling and data collection. All dietary treatments were formulated for lactating dairy cows in early lactation. Five TMR were evaluated being: (1) alfalfa (AFT), (2) cicer milkvetch (CMVT), (3) Norcen birdsfoot trefoil (NBFTT), (4) Oberhaunstadter birdsfoot trefoil (OBFTT) and (5) sainfoin (SFT). The experiment was a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Compared to AFT, culture pH was not influenced by most forages, but was increased (P<0.01) by feeding SFT. Compared to AFT, the molar proportion of propionate increased (P=0.03) with CMVT, but decreased (P=0.05) with SFT. Feeding CMVT decreased (P<0.01) the molar proportion of butyrate relative to AFT. Acetate to propionate ratio decreased with CMVT (P<0.01) and OBFTT (1.65; P=0.01), but increased with SFT (P<0.01) compared to AFT. Apparent digestibility of dry matter or neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) was not influenced by forage source. Compared to AFT, CH4 production decreased with other treatments (P<0.01), whereas CH4 production (expressed as mM/g aNDF digested) was only reduced (P<0.05) by CMVT and OBFTT. NH3–N concentration was lower (P<0.01) with CMVT and SFT, but not affected by NBFTT or OBFTT compared to AFT. Legume forages eliciting reductions in CH4 and NH3–N production may offer advantages in lactating dairy diets to improve nutrient utilization and environmental sustainability of dairy cattle production. This paper is part of the special issue entitled: Greenhouse Gases in Animal Agriculture – Finding a Balance between Food and Emissions, Guest Edited by T.A. McAllister, Section Guest Editors: K.A. Beauchemin, X. Hao, S. McGinn and Editor for Animal Feed Science and Technology, P.H. Robinson.
Panel discussion on future directions in applied mathematics

At the actual panel discussion, I was the moderator and as I am not an applied mathematician, I did little but introduce the panelists and keep the discussion going, the latter requiring very little effort on my part. I propose to use this forum to comment on an issue that was raised during the discussion and that all mathematics departments will face in the coming years.
Structure of human follicle-stimulating hormone in complex with its receptor

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is central to reproduction in mammals. It acts through a G-protein-coupled receptor on the surface of target cells to stimulate testicular and ovarian functions. We present here the 2.9-A-resolution structure of a partially deglycosylated complex of human FSH bound to the extracellular hormone-binding domain of its receptor (FSHR(HB)). The hormone is bound in a hand-clasp fashion to an elongated, curved receptor. The buried interface of the complex is large (2,600 A2) and has a high charge density. Our analysis suggests that all glycoprotein hormones bind to their receptors in this mode and that binding specificity is mediated by key interaction sites involving both the common alpha- and hormone-specific beta-subunits. On binding, FSH undergoes a concerted conformational change that affects protruding loops implicated in receptor activation. The FSH-FSHR(HB) complexes form dimers in the crystal and at high concentrations in solution. Such dimers may participate in transmembrane signal transduction.
Measuring bystander behavior to prevent sexual violence: moving beyond self reports

OBJECTIVE: This study presents an evaluation of a novel procedure designed to measure bystander behavior to prevent sexual violence. METHOD: Ninety-one college students participated in simulations conducted in an immersive virtual environment. The simulations were designed to elicit and allow measurement of bystander behavior in situations that could presumably escalate to sexual violence. Participants also completed self-report measures of responsibility for intervening, efficacy for intervening, and intent to intervene. In addition, self-reported bystander behavior was assessed approximately 2 months later. RESULTS: Bystander behavior in the simulations was positively correlated with (a) responsibility for intervening, (b) efficacy for intervening, (c) intent to intervene, and (d) self-reported bystander behavior. CONCLUSION: Our findings support the validity of this virtual simulation procedure and lay the groundwork for future research designed to evaluate effects of bystander intervention programs and to study determinants of bystander behavior. Language: en