cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adjuvant PSK Immunotherapy in Patients with Carcinoma of the Nasopharynx

A controlled study using adjuvant PSK immunotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma was initiated with the aim of improving survival by enhancing the host immune system against tumour cells. A total of 38 patients were randomly selected, all of whom had previously received radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy. Eight patients in the PSK immunotherapy group (n = 21) developed local recurrence, three of whom later died due to distant metastasis. In the control group (n = 17) three patients developed local recurrence while six patients developed distant metastasis. All of these six patients later died due to disease progression. It seems that PSK exerts its antitumour effect systemically; the risk of distant metastasis occurring is decreased, but it is apparently ineffective in improving local disease control. The estimated median survival time of the PSK-treated group compared with the control was significantly increased (35 months versus 25 months, P = 0.043). The 5-year survival rate was also significantly better in the PSK immunotherapy group (28% versus 15%, P = 0.043). It is concluded that PSK deserves careful consideration as an important immunotherapeutic agent in the management of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Exercise protects against doxorubicin-induced oxidative stress and proteolysis in skeletal muscle

Doxorubicin (Dox) is a potent antitumor agent used in cancer treatment. Unfortunately, Dox is myotoxic and results in significant reductions in skeletal muscle mass and function. Complete knowledge of the mechanism(s) by which Dox induces toxicity in skeletal muscle is incomplete, but it is established that Dox-induced toxicity is associated with increased generation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative damage within muscle fibers. Since muscular exercise promotes the expression of numerous cytoprotective proteins (e.g., antioxidant enzymes, heat shock protein 72), we hypothesized that muscular exercise will attenuate Dox-induced damage in exercise-trained muscle fibers. To test this postulate, Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to the following groups: sedentary, exercise, sedentary with Dox, or exercise with Dox. Our results show increased oxidative stress and activation of cellular proteases (calpain and caspase-3) in skeletal muscle of animals treated with Dox. Importantly, our findings reveal that exercise can prevent the Dox-induced oxidative damage and protease activation in the trained muscle. This exercise-induced protection against Dox-induced toxicity may be due, at least in part, to an exercise-induced increase in muscle levels of antioxidant enzymes and heat shock protein 72. Together, these novel results demonstrate that muscular exercise is a useful countermeasure that can protect skeletal muscle against Dox treatment-induced oxidative stress and protease activation in skeletal muscles.
Overexpression of miR-21 promotes an in vitro metastatic phenotype by targeting the tumor suppressor RHOB.

Metastasis is a multistep process that involves the deregulation of oncogenes and tumor suppressors beyond changes required for primary tumor formation. RHOB is known to have tumor suppressor activity, and its knockdown is associated with more aggressive tumors as well as changes in cell shape, migration, and adhesion. This study shows that oncogenic microRNA, miR-21, represses RHOB expression by directly targeting the 3′ untranslated region. Loss of miR-21 is associated with an elevation of RHOB in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines Huh-7 and HepG2 and in the metastatic breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Using in vitro models of distinct stages of metastasis, we showed that loss of miR-21 also causes a reduction in migration, invasion, and cell elongation. The reduction in migration and cell elongation can be mimicked by overexpression of RHOB. Furthermore, changes in miR-21 expression lead to alterations in matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity. Therefore, we conclude that miR-21 promotes multiple components of the metastatic phenotype in vitro by regulating several important tumor suppressors, including RHOB. Mol Cancer Res; 8(5); 691–700. ©2010 AACR.
Residual-life distributions from component degradation signals: A Bayesian approach

Real-time condition monitoring is becoming an important tool in maintenance decision-making. Condition monitoring is the process of collecting real-time sensor information from a functioning device in order to reason about the health of the device. To make effective use of condition information, it is useful to characterize a device degradation signal, a quantity computed from condition information that captures the current state of the device and provides information on how that condition is likely to evolve in the future. If properly modeled, the degradation signal can be used to compute a residual-life distribution for the device being monitored, which can then be used in decision models. In this work, we develop Bayesian updating methods that use real-time condition monitoring information to update the stochastic parameters of exponential degradation models. We use these degradation models to develop a closed-form residual-life distribution for the monitored device. Finally, we apply these degradation...
First Jamestown, Buried Truth and Global Legacies

This presentation describes how the lost James Fort at the colony of Jamestown, Virginia, the first English, permanent colony, was found after four hundred years. Dr. Kelso also reveals new historical insights about what life and death were like in that settlement for its early adventurers. The presentation also considers the national and global implications of recapturing the original Jamestown landscape especially as it relates to the development of democracy and the space age.
The reliability of head film measurements: 1. Landmark identification☆☆☆

Abstract Using automatic coordinate-locating equipment and a specially devised computer program, assessments have been made of the reliability of identification of sixteen standard head film landmarks in replicated tracings of the same head film. The distribution of error for each landmark has been represented graphically, and simple statistical analyses have been tabulated and discussed. Large differences in magnitude and configuration of envelope of error were found among the different landmarks, and an attempt has been made to account for the differences observed. The suggestion is made that the impact of the observed errors in landmark location on clinical decisions can be reduced through the routine use of replicated estimates for each landmark. However, such a procedure is considered to be feasible only if automatic data-reducing equipment is employed. A subsequent article will report on the effects of the observed errors in landmark location upon the values of twenty-three conventionally used angular and linear measures. It is to be noted that this study does not address itself to the separate problem of the difficulty in identifying the same structure reliably on different head films of the same subject.
Increased poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1 expression and activity are associated with inflammation but not goblet cell metaplasia in murine models of allergen-induced airway inflammation.

ABSTRACTInflammation plays a key role in lung injury and in the pathogenesis of asthma. Two murine models of allergic airway inflammation—sensitization and challenge to ovalbumin (OVA) and intratracheal exposure to interleukin-13 (IL13)—were used to evaluate the expression of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) in allergic airway inflammation. Inflammation is prominent in OVA-induced allergic asthma, but this inflammation is greatly reduced by a PARP-1 inhibitor and almost eliminated when PARP-1 knockout mice are subjected to the OVA model. The present study temporally evaluated PARP-1 protein expression, localization, and activity, as well as inflammation and goblet cell metaplasia (GCM), in murine lungs following a single OVA challenge or IL13 exposure. Following OVA challenge PARP-1 protein expression and activity were greatly increased, being maximal at 3 to 5 days following OVA exposure and beginning to decrease by day 8. These changes correlated with the timing and degree of inflammation and GCM....
CD34+++ stem/progenitor cells purified from cryopreserved normal cord blood can be transduced with high efficiency by a retroviral vector and expanded ex vivo with stable integration and expression of fanconi anemia complementation C gene

Abstract A future possibility for treatment of genetic diseases may be gene therapy using autologous cord blood (CB) stem/progenitor cells. This might require cryopreservation of CB stem/progenitor cells prior to purification, gene transduction, and ex vivo expansion of cells. To address this possibility, nonadherent low density T-lymphocyte depleted (NALT−) cells from fresh or cryopreserved cord blood were sorted for CD34+++ phenotype, transduced with a recombinant retroviral vector encoding Fanconi anemia complementation C (FACC) gene, and cells expanded ex vivo in suspension culture for 7 days with growth factors. The results demonstrate: 1) high recovery of viable cells after thawing; 2) high efficiency purification of CD34+++ cells from NALT− cells prior to and after cryopreservation; 3) high degree of expansion of nucleated cells and immature progenitors from CD34+++ cells before and after cryopreservation; 4) efficient transduction with stable integration and expression of newly introduced genes in cryopreserved and then sorted stem/progenitor cells, as detected prior to and after ex vivo expansion; and 5) high efficiency transduction of single isolated CD34+++ cells obtained from cryopreserved NALT− CB. This information should be of value for future studies evaluating the use of cryopreserved cord blood for gene transfer/gene therapy.
The expression of α-fetoprotein and albumin genes in rat liver during chemical carcinogenesis

Abstract The effect of the hepatocarcinogen 3′-methyl-4-dimethylaminoazobenzene on α-fetoprotein (AFP) and albumin gene expression in rat liver was studied. Serum concentrations of AFP and albumin were measured. Amounts of AFP mRNA and albumin mRNA in rat livers were determined by hybridization of total cytoplasmic RNAs to their cDNAs. Dramatic increases in serum AFP concentrations coincided with increases in AFP biosynthesis and amount of AFP mRNA in livers of carcinogen-treated rats. In contrast, no or little change in albumin mRNA concentration was found in livers of rats treated with 3′-methyl-4-dimethylaminoazobenzene. Concomitantly, there was little change in liver albumin biosynthesis or serum albumin concentrations during hepatocarcinogenesis.
Agriculture and the Business Cycle in a Natural Rate Model

Many studies generate the impression that agriculture in the United States behaves procyclically with respect to monetary policy. In this paper, a macroeconomic model is presented in which agriculture can be either pro-, counter-, or acyclical. It includes two internationally traded goods, a non-internationally traded good, nominal wage rigidities, and a money market. These features allow exploration of the hypothesis that a positive aggregate demand disturbance that causes an expansion in real U.S. economic activity might simultaneously cause a decline in the real value of agricultural output.
Reconciling Primary Care and Specialist Perspectives on Prostate Cancer Screening

When specialists propose screening guidelines for primary care clinicians to implement, differences in perspectives between the 2 groups can create conflicts. Two recent specialty organization guidelines illustrate this issue. The American Urological Association guideline panel and National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommend that average-risk men first be counseled about the risks and benefits of prostate-specific antigen screening for prostate cancer at age 40 rather than at the previously recommended age of 50 years. There is no direct evidence, however, that this recommendation has any impact on prostate cancer-specific mortality. To avoid distracting primary care clinicians from providing services with proven benefit and value for patients, professional organizations should follow appropriate standards for developing guidelines. Primary care societies and health care systems should also be encouraged to evaluate the evidence and decide whether implementing the recommendations are feasible and appropriate.
The fine structure of the caudate nucleus of the cat

The fine structure of the caudate nucleus was studied by electron microscopy. Examination of various regions revealed (1) the majority of neurons are small (10–15 μ ) and can be distinguished from larger neurons by the absence of Nissl bodies, (2) synapses occur most often on dendritic spines, and (3) myelinated fibers in the neuropil have a mean diameter of about 630 mμ and occur singly or in small bundles. These observations suggest a functional organization involving predominantly axodendritic synapses. In addition, small diameter, slow-conducting efferent fibers might explain, in part, the long latency of responses in thalamic, lenticular and entopeduncular elements following caudate stimulation. This is discussed in conjunction with recent physiological findings.
Simulation of fading statistics in hilly/mountainous terrain

This paper discusses Monte Carlo simulations of the fading statistics that would be observed for mobile-to-mobile links in hilly and mountainous terrain. Several terrain databases are employed for the simulations. Their terrain heights are scaled so that the dependence of fading statistics on terrain standard deviation can be investigated. The simulations make use of a computer code that accounts for diffraction over terrain obstacles and for non-specular scattering from terrain elements. Based on the simulations, simple propagation models are created that can be used in the evaluation of communication systems.
Response to Creatine Kinase and Pressor Response to Orthostatic Tolerance

We thank Karamat et al1 for their comments on our recent article about sympathetic neural and pressor responses to orthostasis in elderly blacks.2 It is an interesting hypothesis that racial differences in creatine kinase (CK) levels might be one of the mechanisms for the enhanced pressor response to upright tilt in elderly blacks. However, whether CK activity measured in the blood and other tissue/organs3 accurately reflects CK concentration at the resistance vessels that provides ATP for …
Design of a dynamic optical tissue phantom to model drug extravasation pharmacokinetics

We describe an optical tissue phantom that enables the simulation of drug extravasation from microvessels. The phantom consists of a microdialysis tubing bundle, to simulate the permeable blood vessels, immersed in an aqueous suspension of titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) to simulate tissue scattering. The intent is to facilitate testing of optical pharmacokinetics (OP) methods for monitoring local drug delivery to tissues in vivo, and to validate computational compartmental models of drug delivery. To simulate drug administration, an optical dye is circulated through the porous microdialysis tubing bundle. OP spectroscopy is used to measure changes in the absorption coefficient of the TiO 2 medium due to the arrival and diffusion of the dye. We have established time-dependent concentration profiles to compare the simulation of drug delivery by intravenous (IV) and intra-arterial (IA) routes. Additionally, pharmacokinetic compartmental models are implemented in computer simulations of drug extravasation from the blood vessels for the conditions studied within the phantom. The simulated concentration time-profiles agree well with measurements from the phantom. The results are encouraging for future optical pharmacokinetic method development, both physical and computational, to understand drug extravasation under various physiological conditions.
The Effects of Instructor Fear Appeals and Moral Appeals on Cheating-Related Attitudes and Behavior of University Students

Little attention has been paid in academic dishonesty literature to empirically testing the effectiveness of different instructor communication strategies to minimize cheating. Using a quasi-experimental design, we compared the effectiveness of instructor fear appeals and moral appeals on student cheating-related attitudes and behavior. Cheating was most strongly associated with neutralizing attitudes in the moral appeal condition. Also, the relationship between observation of others cheating and self-reported cheating behaviors was stronger in both treatment conditions than in the control condition. Although a trend toward less cheating in the treatment conditions was evident, it did not attain statistical significance.
Computed Tomography Enterography Detects Intestinal Wall Changes and Effects of Treatment in Patients With Crohn's Disease

Background & Aims The use of computed tomography enterography (CTE) in patients with Crohn's disease has increased. However, there is little data available on how radiologic parameters of active disease change during treatment with infliximab and whether these changes correspond to symptoms, serum biomarkers, or endoscopic appearance. Methods We performed a retrospective study of patients with Crohn's disease who had undergone serial CTE imaging while receiving infliximab. Lesions were defined as improved if their enhancement or length decreased without worsening of other parameters. Patients were grouped as responders (all lesions improved), partial responders (some lesions improved), and nonresponders (worsening or no changes in all lesions). Of the 63 patients identified (47% female), the median age was 37.7 years, the median disease duration was 7.6 years, and the median time between initial and first follow-up CTE was 356 days (interquartile range, 215–630). Results Of 105 lesions, 52 (49.5%) improved, 11 (10.5%) remained unchanged, and 42 (40.0%) worsened. Per patient, 28 (44.4%) were responders, 12 (19.0%) were partial responders, and 23 (36.5%) were nonresponders. The radiologic response had poor-to-fair agreement with symptoms, endoscopic appearance, and levels of C-reactive protein at time of second CTE (κ = 0.26, 0.07, and 0.30 respectively). Conclusions Radiologic improvement was observed in 63.4% of patients with Crohn's disease who received infliximab therapy, despite a study design that was likely biased toward nonresponders. Radiologic response was not in good agreement with clinical symptoms, serum biomarkers, or endoscopic appearance; CTE might be used as a complementary approach to identify mural healing or inflammation not detected by other methods.
DIET AND DIETARY PREFERENCE OF THE JUVENILE GOPHER TORTOISE (GOPHERUS POLYPHEMUS)

We documented both the diet and dietary preference of free-ranging juvenile gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) by direct observation. All observations were conducted on a 1-ha plot of sandhill habitat that has been maintained on a 1-yr fire periodicity by controlled burning for more than 25 yr. Seventeen foraging observations of juvenile gopher tortoises were included in our analyses. Juvenile gopher tortoises ate 26 plant genera. To determine if juvenile gopher tortoises were selecting particular genera, either positively or negatively, we used Resampling Stats. Plants of 16 genera were selected positively by at least one juvenile gopher tortoise. The most abundant plant genus along the foraging paths, Aristida, was selected negatively. Other grasses (Poaceae) were consumed mostly during the cool months when forbs, several of which were selected positively, were in decline. Grasses mostly were eaten in proportion to their availability. Juvenile gopher tortoises foraged only for brief time periods and...
Estimation in a simple linear model using prior beliefs

This paper considers a two stage estimation for parameters in a simple linear model using prior beliefs. The proposed estimator is compared not only with the usual least square estimator but also is contrasted with the one proposed in [1]. The effect of prior beliefs being wrong is investigated. Cet article considere une estimation a deux degres, utilisant des hypotheses a priori, des parametres d'un modele lineire simple. L'estimateur propose est non seulement comare a l'estimateur habituel par les mondres carres, mains est aussi mis en contraste avec celui propose en {1}. L'effet des hopotheses se revelant etre fausse est aussi examine.
THE GUEST PLAYING HOST: COLONIZATION OF THE INTRODUCED MEDITERRANEAN GECKO, HEMIDACTYLUS TURCICUS, BY HELMINTH PARASITES IN SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA

Parasite surveys of exotic hosts offer the opportunity to examine parasite colonization on different scales (i.e., host individual, host population, host species, and new geographic locality). Ten helminths ( Macracanthorhynchus ingens , Mesoces- toides lineatus, Oochoristica javaensis, Haematoloechus varioplexus , Mesocoelium monas, Telorchis corti, Cosmocercoides var- iabilis, Oswaldocruzia leidyi, Skrjabinoptera sp., and a larval acuariid nematode) were recovered from the exotic Mediterranean gecko Hemidactylus turcicus, in southeastern Louisiana. Only 1 exotic parasite, O. javaensis, colonized a new geographic locality, but 7 local helminths colonized a new host species. Helminth communities of H. turcicus were similar in structure to what has been hypothesized or observed for lizards. Thus, communities were composed of generalists and were depauperate (i.e., colo- nization of individual geckos or host populations was rare for most of the helminths); however, there was significant variation in community structure among local habitats. Although the gecko's behavioral and physiological attributes predict colonization by monoxenous helminths, only 2, C. variabilis and O. leidyi, were recovered. Eight heteroxenous helminths, 2 of which (the acuariid and O. javaensis) were the most widely distributed and abundant, were the better colonizers. The gecko's generalist diet may have exposed it to a diverse parasite fauna and thus been important in determining the helminths that could colonize. Helminth component communities of the introduced Medi- terranean gecko Hemidactylus turcicus were examined from 6 locations in southeast Louisiana. Hemidactylus turcicus is an Old World gecko that is found naturally around the Mediter- ranean regions of Africa, Asia, Europe, into Somalia, and west- ern India (Conant and Collins, 1991). It was first reported in the United States from Florida in 1915 (Stejneger, 1922) and was first collected from Louisiana in 1949 (Etheridge, 1952). It has since extended its distribution throughout the southern Unit- ed States (Conant and Collins, 1991). Because life history char- acteristics of H. turcicus have been well documented in its in- troduced range (Rose and Barbour, 1968; Selcer, 1986; Saenz, 1996), hypotheses for determinants of parasite colonization and community structure, especially those from studies on reptile hosts (Aho, 1990), could be examined in relation to host ecol- ogy. In this report, host or parasite attributes that may have facilitated parasite colonization, and thus ultimately affected the composition of the component communities, are discussed.
MRI heterogeneity of articular cartilage in strong magnetic fields: Dependence on proteoglycan content

Articular cartilage is a thin heterogeneous tissue (typical thickness of less than 2 mm) composed of collagen, proteoglycan, and water that coats skeletal joint surfaces. Its physical and chemical integrity are essential for maintaining normal joint articulation. MR imaging techniques are being developed to visualize articular cartilage for the purpose of assessing changes in its structure that occur with age and the onset of joint disease. Emerging high-field MR systems (greater than 4 T) have a higher signal-to-noise ratio, which can be used to improve the spatial resolution for imaging articular cartilage beyond that available in most clinical systems. In this study, we examined the effect of changing the proteoglycan content of articular cartilage on high-resolution (40 × 40 × 100 μm) T1- and T2-weighted images acquired at 11.74 T (500 MHz for protons). Susceptibility artifacts were observed near the cartilage-bone interface that were verified by separating the cartilage from the bone. MR image heterogeneity of articular cartilage was observed as a function of depth and in the transverse directions of the sample. Enzymatic depletion of cartilage proteoglycan demonstrated that the MR image heterogeneity is due in part to variation of the proteoglycan content in different regions of the cartilage. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was measured as a function of depth in the cartilage. The ADC varied from the subchondral bone to the articular surface for both normal and digested cartilage. In addition, the ADC increased by 20% after 6 hours of enzymatic digestion of proteoglycan. These results suggest a role for high-field MRI of articular cartilage in the management and staging of osteoarthritis and other joint diseases. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 23B: 33–43, 2004
Abstract 335: Murine Model of Chronic Right Ventricular Diastolic Heart Failure Is Associated with Energetic Alterations and Extracellular Matrix Remodeling

Introduction: Pulmonary insufficiency (PI) is a common long-term complication after repair of congenital heart diseases such as tetralogy of Fallot, causing progressive right ventricular (RV) dilation and eventual RV failure. We characterize the physiologic and molecular characteristics of the first murine model of RV volume overload Methods: PI was created by entrapping the pulmonary valve leaflets with 2 sutures. Echo, MRI, catheterization and exercise testing were compared to sham controls at 1, 3 and 6 mos. RNA from RV free wall was hybridized to Agilent whole-genome microarrays. Results: Data is presented as sham vs. PI at 1, 3 and 6 mos (*p<0.05). PI resulted in increased RV end-diastolic volume (5.6±1.4 vs. 8.7±2.5, 9.8±1.3, 10.5±1.1μ l*) and diastolic heart failure: early reversal of E/A ratio followed by pseudonormalization (1.04±0.07 vs. 0.87±0.15, 0.82±0.17 and 0.96±0.16*), elevated RV end-diastolic pressure (2.7±0.5 vs. 7.6±1.3, 6.9±1.6 and 7±1mmHg*) and decreased exercise capacity (30±2.3 vs. 26±0.8, 26±2 and 22±2.6min*). Systolic function (RV outflow tract shortening) was relatively preserved (49±6 vs. 39±4, 44±3 and 41±3%, p=NS). At 1 mo, 372 genes were downregulated, with metabolic pathways, including Complex I, III and V, and G protein-coupled receptor signaling being the most enriched. At 3 mos, 434 genes were upregulated featuring numerous collagen genes, while 307 were downregulated, including fatty acid transport and Ca2+ signaling. During this time course, pathways involving TGFβ signaling, extracellular matrix and p53 signaling transitioned from down- to up-regulated. Key hubs in upregulated gene networks were TGFβ1, thrombospondin1, VEGFa, TNFα and GSK3β while NFκB1 was a downregulated hub. RV Fibrosis increased over time (0 vs. 0.6±0.5, 5.9±2.9, 3.92±0.2%*). Conclusion: We describe a novel murine model of chronic RV volume overload which recapitulates many aspects of clinical disease including RV dilation, impaired relaxation and decreased exercise capacity but preserved RV systolic function. Gene expression changes suggest mitochondrial bioenergetic dysfunction, ECM remodeling, enhanced TGF-β signaling and apoptosis. Many of these processes of RV diastolic heart failure are also known mechanisms of LV failure.
Knocking on the Imaginary Door: The Impact of an Open-Floor Office in Municipal Government

The open-floor office design, with its lack of interior walls and shared communal space, has been frequently studied in private business settings. Few opportunities have been available to study its potential role in municipal government. This article presents a case study of an open-floor office utilized by the mayoral staff of a mid-sized southeastern city. Through semi-structured interviews, staff members’ accounts revealed a negotiated order involving “tuning in” to the environment but also enacting temporary buffers between themselves and the office as well. The implications of open space for workgroup collaboration are addressed.
Microfluidics and biomaterials to study angiogenesis

Toward the design of lab-on-a-chip technologies to recapitulate angiogenesis, chemical and mechanical cues in the vascular microenvironment are being considered. The goal is to develop platforms with control over shear stress, spatial architecture, and nutrient and chemical transport properties, similar to those exhibited in the microvascular. Bioengineers studying angiogenesis, commonly use microfluidics or hydrogels to explore the complexity of the angiogenesis mechanism. Recent advances in fabrication technology have led to the incorporation of microfluidic architecture into hydrogels. This allows combining the spatial setting in physiological relevant milieu using novel hydrogels, with the precise control of fluid transport and chemical gradients gained by using microfluidic technologies. The main scope of the review is to explore main hydrogel and microfludic technologies and innovations in merging those toward a better understanding of angiogenesis.
Chelation gradients for investigation of metal ion binding at silica surfaces.

Centimeter-long surface gradients in bi- and tridentate chelating agents have been formed via controlled rate infusion, and the coordination of Cu2+ and Zn2+ to these surfaces has been examined as a function of distance by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). 3-(Trimethoxysilylpropyl)ethylenediamine and 3-(trimethoxysilylpropyl)diethylenetriamine were used as precursor silanes to form the chelation gradients. When the gradients were exposed to a metal ion solution, a series of coordination complexes formed along the length of the substrate. For both chelating agents at the three different concentrations studied, the amine content gradually increased from top to bottom as expected for a surface chemical gradient. While the Cu 2p peak area had nearly the same profile as nitrogen, the Zn 2p peak area did not and exhibited a plateau along much of the gradient. The normalized nitrogen-to-metal peak area ratio (N/M) was found to be highly dependent on the type of ligand, its surface concentration, and the ty...
Foreword: Empirical Taxation

This essay introduces a collection of interdisciplinary articles, all of which use empirical methodology to investigate taxation issues. The articles are found in Volume 13 of the Washington University Journal of Law & Policy and include contributions by six Law Professors (David Shizer, Lee Anne Fennell, Bradley W. Joondeph, Daniel M. Schneider, Peter Wiedenbeck, and Nancy Staudt), 4 Political Scientists (John T. Scholz, Robert M. Howard, David C. Nixon, and Lee Epstein), an Economist (William M. Gentry), and an Anthropologist (Christopher C. Fennell).
Guide to the Figures

This chapter highlights the information provided about each malignancy in this book. For each sex that is affected, two pages of figures are provided to illustrate the pattern. Each set of two pages contains nine different figures. If census tracts at high risk are identified, two additional pages are provided to describe them with maps and male–female comparisons. The age-adjusted incidence rate by place provides a comparison of the overall incidence rate of that malignancy in Los Angeles County to the incidence rate prevailing among the residents of three other U.S. communities and one foreign country. The age-adjusted incidence rate from 1972 through 1998 provides the trend in incidence rate over five periods from 1972 through 1998, adjusted to the same 1970 age distribution. The age-adjusted incidence rate by social class shows the rate for that malignancy in each of the five categories of census tract aggregated according to social class, from high to low. Census tracts by the number of cases per tract describe the number of census tracts according to the number of cases that have occurred in comparison with the number that would have been expected by chance.
Protecting Nonhuman Primates in Peri-Urban Environments: A Case Study of Neotropical Monkeys, Corridor Ecology, and Coastal Economy in the Caribe Sur of Costa Rica

The Monkey Bridge Project began in 2006 in order to minimize the influence of habitat fragmentation due to urban development within primate ranges in the Caribe Sur region of Costa Rica. The majority of research has focused on evaluating the effectiveness of artificial crossing structures (i.e., wildlife bridges) and natural canopy crossings in a peri-urban landscape for reducing mortality risks in nonhuman primates. In addition, this study used an ethnoprimatological approach to examine sociocultural drivers of habitat fragmentation and their impacts on nonhuman primates. Results show that although roads and power lines represent a major risk, primates rarely used artificial crossings. Other mammals, however, commonly used these structures. Furthermore, a rise in the number of natural canopy bridges occurred over 9 years and preliminary findings suggest that monkeys may favor natural canopy crossings. These simple “corridors” have the potential to complement larger habitat preservation efforts in the region and contribute to the broader goals of connecting habitat fragments and growing synergistic relationships between human and nonhuman primates in the Caribe Sur.
Microglia Priming with Aging and Stress

The population of aged individuals is increasing worldwide and this has significant health and socio-economic implications. Clinical and experimental studies on aging have discovered myriad changes in the brain, including reduced neurogenesis, increased synaptic aberrations, higher metabolic stress, and augmented inflammation. In rodent models of aging, these alterations are associated with cognitive decline, neurobehavioral deficits, and increased reactivity to immune challenges. In rodents, caloric restriction and young blood-induced revitalization reverses the behavioral effects of aging. The increased inflammation in the aged brain is attributed, in part, to the resident population of microglia. For example, microglia of the aged brain are marked by dystrophic morphology, elevated expression of inflammatory markers, and diminished expression of neuroprotective factors. Importantly, the heightened inflammatory profile of microglia in aging is associated with a 'sensitized' or 'primed' phenotype. Mounting evidence points to a causal link between the primed profile of the aged brain and vulnerability to secondary insults, including infections and psychological stress. Conversely, psychological stress may also induce aging-like sensitization of microglia and increase reactivity to secondary challenges. This review delves into the characteristics of neuroinflammatory signaling and microglial sensitization in aging, its implications in psychological stress, and interventions that reverse aging-associated deficits.
The chemistry and thermodynamics of molten salt reactor fuels

Abstract A fairly detailed knowledge of the chemistry and thermodynamics of molten salt breeder reactor fuels, typically LiF-BeF2ThF 4-UF4 ( 72-16-12- mol % ), has been gained from measurements of heterogeneous equilibria involving various gases (e.g. HF, H2O) and solids (usually oxides). This information combined with the thermochemical data available for the pure compounds has given formation free energies for the fual components. Their entropies can be estimated from the known entropies of the corresponding solid oxides and the charge on the cation. Their activity coefficients depend primarily on the mol % of LiF in the salt mixture. The solubility of oxides generally decreases with the square of the cation charge divided by the radius. Thus the actinide dioxides and, especially, Pa2O2 (or an addition compound of it) are of low solubility. Pourbaix diagrams are presented which summarize the conditions of redox potential and oxide concentration wherein the fuel may be contained without significant corrosion or precipitation reactions, or conditions wherein selective oxide precipitation may be carried out for purposes of fuel reprocessing.
Photovoltaics as a branch of opto-electronics: solar cells, heat engines, electroluminescent refrigerators

The photovoltaic cell and the LED are really the reciprocal of one another. The slogan: “A great solar cell has to be a great LED” has led to all the new solar cell efficiency records. Very efficient light emitting diodes (LED's), surprisingly, do actually become cold as they operate, since LED light carries away entropy. This refrigeration requires superb LED efficiency, which is enabled by 2d photonic crystal patterning, for luminescence extraction.
Temperature characterization of an optical-chemical tunable-peak sensor using CdSe/ZnS quantum-dots applied on anodized-aluminum for surface temperature measurement

Abstract We have developed a CdSe/ZnS quantum-dot (QD) based anodized-aluminum temperature-sensitive paint (AA-TSP) as a global temperature sensor. Compared to a conventional TSP, which uses a polymer as a supporting matrix, the AA-TSP can provide a narrow full width half maximum (FWHM) that provides a potential to create a multi-color TSP. By using anodized-aluminum as a supporting matrix, the resultant AA-TSP extends the temperature detection range, which is limited by a conventional supporting matrix of a polymer. The temperature calibration shows that a resultant AA-TSP can detect the temperature from 100 to 315 K. Six different QDs, whose luminescent peaks are at 481, 518, 543, 555, 587 and 615 nm, were chosen for temperature characterization as AA-TSPs, dissolved in toluene. The temperature sensitivity of the resultant AA-TSP ranges from −0.7 to −1.5%/K. With increasing QD diameter, and therefore increasing peak luminescent wavelength, the temperature sensitivity of the AA-TSP increases.
Rugged Meritocratists: The Role of Overt Bias and the Meritocratic Ideology in Trump Supporters’ Opposition to Social Justice Efforts:

Opposition to social justice efforts plays a key role in reproducing social inequalities in the United States. Focusing on supporters of Donald Trump as a possible exemplar of politically structure...
Exceptionally High Creatine Kinase (CK) Levels in Multicausal and Complicated Rhabdomyolysis: A Case Report

BACKGROUND Rhabdomyolysis is a syndrome caused by muscle breakdown. It can be caused by traumatic as well as non-traumatic factors such as drugs, toxins, and infections. Although it has been initially associated with only traumatic causes, non-traumatic causes now appear to be at least 5 times more frequent. In rhabdomyolysis, the CK levels can range anywhere from 10 000 to 200 000 or even higher. The higher the CK levels, the greater will be the renal damage and associated complications. We present the case of a patient with exceptionally massive rhabdomyolysis with unusually high CK levels (nearly 1 million) caused by combined etiologic factors and complicated with acute renal failure. CASE REPORT A 36-year-old African American male patient with no significant past medical history and a social history of cocaine and alcohol abuse presented with diarrhea and generalized weakness of 2 days' duration. He was found to be febrile, tachycardic, tachypneic, and hypoxic. The patient was subsequently intubated and admitted to the medical ICU. Laboratory work-up showed acute renal failure with deranged liver functions test results, and elevated creatine kinase of 701,400 U/L. CK levels were subsequently too high for the lab to quantify. Urine legionella testing was positive for L. pneumophilia serogroup 1 antigen and urine toxicology was positive for cocaine. The patient had a protracted course in the ICU. He was initially started on CVVH, and later received intermittent hemodialysis for about 1 month. CONCLUSIONS In the presence of multiple etiologic factors, rhabdomyolysis can be massive with resultant significant morbidity. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for rhabdomyolysis in the presence of multiple factors, as early recognition of this diseases is very important in the prevention and active management of life-threatening conditions.
Supporting Third Year Medical Students' Skill Acquisition and Self-Efficacy with Coping Models and Process Feedback during Laparoscopic Knot Tying Simulation.

Background: During the third year general surgery clerkship, medical students are required to develop laparoscopic knot-tying skills. Knot-tying skills studies often rely on objective variables (e.g., time, materials used, number of iterations) that lend themselves to correlational analysis of pre- and post-intervention skill level. This study differs by examining how instructional interventions—role modeling and feedback—affect medical students’ skill acquisition and self-efficacy during a laparoscopic surgical simulation training session. Methods: Seventy-eight surgical clerkship students were assigned randomly to one cell of a 2X2 factorial design. Participants observed one of two types of role modeling (expert vs. coping) and received either process-oriented or outcome-oriented feedback during a 30-minute laparoscopic training session. Participants also completed several surveys that assessed their interest in surgery and their self-efficacy for laparoscopic knot tying. Results: Coping model groups tended to perform better on the knot tying task, though this was less the case in the presence of outcome feedback. Expert model groups slightly outperformed the coping model group on the peg transfer task, but in the presence of outcome feedback they reported the lowest satisfaction with their performance and the lowest self-efficacy for the knot tying task. The coping model combined with process feedback had a positive influence on students’ efficiency in learning the task, on their satisfaction with their performance, and on their self-efficacy for laparoscopic knot typing. Conclusions: Results are discussed relative to self-regulated learning theory.
Posttraumatic stress disorder onset and inflammatory and endothelial function biomarkers in women.

Abstract Background Research has linked posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with higher circulating levels of inflammatory and endothelial function (EF) biomarkers, and effects may be bidirectional. We conducted the first investigation of new-onset PTSD and changes in inflammatory and EF biomarkers. Methods Data were from women in the Nurses’ Health Study II. Biomarkers obtained at two blood draws, 10–16 years apart, included C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor-II (TNFRII), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). PTSD was assessed via interview. Analyses compared biomarker levels in women with PTSD that onset between draws (n = 175) to women with no history of trauma (n = 175) and to women with history of trauma at draw 1 and no PTSD at either draw (n = 175). We examined if PTSD onset was associated with biomarker change over time and if pre-PTSD-onset biomarker levels indicated risk of subsequent PTSD using linear mixed models and linear regression, respectively. Biomarkers were log-transformed. Results Compared to women without trauma, women in the PTSD onset group had larger increases in VCAM-1 over time (b = 0.003, p = .068). They also had higher TNFRII (b = 0.05, p = .049) and ICAM-1 (b = 0.04, p = .060) levels at draw 1 (prior to trauma and PTSD onset). However, pre-PTSD-onset biomarker levels did not predict onset of more severe PTSD. Conclusions PTSD onset (vs. no trauma) was associated with increases in one inflammation-related biomarker. Effects may be small and cumulative; longer follow-up periods with larger samples are needed. We did not observe strong support that pre-PTSD-onset biomarkers predicted risk of subsequent PTSD.
Some Algebraic and Arithmetic Properties of Feynman Diagrams

This article reports on some recent progresses in Bessel moments, which represent a class of Feynman diagrams in 2-dimensional quantum field theory. Many challenging mathematical problems on these Bessel moments have been formulated as a vast set of conjectures, by David Broadhurst and collaborators, who work at the intersection of high energy physics, number theory and algebraic geometry. We present the main ideas behind our verifications of several such conjectures, which revolve around linear and non-linear sum rules of Bessel moments, as well as relations between individual Feynman diagrams and critical values of modular L-functions.
Warfare and wildlife declines in Africa’s protected areas

Assessment of the impact of armed conflict on large herbivores in Africa between 1946 and 2010 reveals that high conflict frequency is an important predictor of wildlife population declines. The effect of armed conflict on wildlife populations is debated. Joshua Daskin and Robert Pringle assess the impact of armed conflict on 253 populations of large herbivores in protected areas across Africa, using data collected between 1946 and 2010. Armed conflict affected more than 70% of the studied areas over this period, with population growth rates decreasing with increased conflict frequency—the single most important predictor of wildlife population trends. The researchers suggest that sustained conservation efforts in conflict zones and rapid interventions following ceasefires could help to safeguard many at-risk populations and species. Large-mammal populations are ecological linchpins1, and their worldwide decline2 and extinction3 disrupts many ecosystem functions and services4. Reversal of this trend will require an understanding of the determinants of population decline, to enable more accurate predictions of when and where collapses will occur and to guide the development of effective conservation and restoration policies2,5. Many correlates of large-mammal declines are known, including low reproductive rates, overhunting, and habitat destruction2,6,7. However, persistent uncertainty about the effects of one widespread factor—armed conflict—complicates conservation-planning and priority-setting efforts5,8. Case studies have revealed that conflict can have either positive or negative local impacts on wildlife8,9,10, but the direction and magnitude of its net effect over large spatiotemporal scales have not previously been quantified5. Here we show that conflict frequency predicts the occurrence and severity of population declines among wild large herbivores in African protected areas from 1946 to 2010. Conflict was extensive during this period, occurring in 71% of protected areas, and conflict frequency was the single most important predictor of wildlife population trends among the variables that we analysed. Population trajectories were stable in peacetime, fell significantly below replacement with only slight increases in conflict frequency (one conflict-year per two-to-five decades), and were almost invariably negative in high-conflict sites, both in the full 65-year dataset and in an analysis restricted to recent decades (1989–2010). Yet total population collapse was infrequent, indicating that war-torn faunas can often recover. Human population density was also correlated (positively) with wildlife population trajectories in recent years; however, we found no significant effect, in either timespan, of species body mass, protected-area size, conflict intensity (human fatalities), drought frequency, presence of extractable mineral resources, or various metrics of development and governance. Our results suggest that sustained conservation activity in conflict zones—and rapid interventions following ceasefires—may help to save many at-risk populations and species.