cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The impact of methodological factors on child psychotherapy outcome research: a meta-analysis for researchers.

Two recent meta-analyses have generated evidence for child and adolescent psychotherapy effects. However, critics note that such meta-analyses often include studies with methodological shortcomings which might invalidate their results. In the present study, we explored whether the results of the most extensive child/adolescent meta-analysis might have been influenced by such methodological variables, focusing on internal validity and external validity factors. Together, these factors accounted for two-thirds as much variance as the substantive factors (e.g., type of therapy, age) in the original meta-analysis. This suggests that relative to these therapy and child-characteristic variables, methodological factors have a substantial, though smaller, impact on meta-analysis results. In general, increased experimental rigor was related to larger effect sizes; this argues against the hypothesis that methodologically weak studies have led to an overestimate of therapy effects. No significant interactive relations were found between validity factors and predictors of outcome; this suggests that the relations noted in previous meta-analyses between outcome and various variables were not distorted by the validity factors tested here.
Blogging for democracy: deliberation, autonomy, and reasonableness in the blogosphere

This paper critically examines the rising popularity of blogging in the US as a new kind of public space that has the potential to extend and deepen the way in which we interact and engage each other in political discourse. To proponents of deliberative democracy these moves are promising since they seem to point to the development of vibrant online public forums where political issues can be freely and openly debated. In this paper I evaluate this promise and ask whether or not blogging is consistent with the main theoretical tenets of deliberative democracy. My argument is that, despite some shortcomings, there is significant potential for the blogosphere to develop into a meaningful deliberative community.
Identification and quantification of anticarcinogens in garlic extract and licorice root extract powder

Nine organosulfur compounds present in an aged garlic extract and two isoflavonoids and one triterpenoid present in a licorice root extract powder have been identified and quantified. Quantification involved solvent extraction and gas chromatographic – mass spectrometric analysis (garlic extract) or hydrolysis, solvent extraction, and liquid chromatographic analysis (licorice root extract powder). Although the garlic extract proved to be unstable and the concentration of the organosulfur compounds varied with time, one analysis of the extract gave the following results: methyl disulfide (0.607 μg/g), methyl trisulfide (0.181 μg/g), allyl sulfide (2.02 μg/g), allyl disulfide (0.784 μg/g), allyl trisulfide (0.795 μg/g), allyl methyl sulfide (1.64 μg/g), allyl methyl disulfide (0.411 μg/g), allyl methyl trisulfide (0.695 μg/g), and ethyl 2-propenesulfinate (11.4 μg/g). The analysis of the licorice root extract powder gave the following results: formononetin (1.92 mg/g), isoliquiritigenin (9.61 mg/g), and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (43.9 mg/g). Methods were successfully developed to quantify the same compounds in the serum of test animals which had consumed feed spiked with garlic extract or licorice root extract powder. Only the 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid could be detected in the sera of such animals, however. An effort was also made to determine serum levels of prostaglandin E2 to correlate its inhibition with levels of the dietary components, but the prostaglandin E2 levels were too low to measure.
Burrow patchiness and oxygen fluxes in bioirrigated sediments

Abstract Bioturbation plays a crucial role in benthic nutrient cycling in many sedimentary environments. Burrowing animals affect benthic–pelagic coupling by mixing sediment and porewater and increasing the effective area of diffusive exchange between oxidizing and reducing environments. Here, we report on a coupled laboratory-modeling experiment that explores organism distribution patchiness and its implications on sedimentary oxygen fluxes. Microcosms were established with three different arrangements of artificial burrows. Data from the laboratory were used to parameterize a three-dimensional diffusion–reaction model, and the impact of burrow distribution on benthic O2 fluxes at the plot (decimeter) scale was assessed for a range of sediment reactivities representing a variety of benthic habitats. At high O2 consumption rates, as seen in the microcosms, burrow spacing had little to no effect on sedimentary O2 uptake; at intermediate rates, the overlap of oxic halos surrounding burrows and benthic O2 uptake depended significantly on the burrow distribution pattern. Using observed relationships between benthic O2 flux and oxygen penetration depth in marine sediments, we predict that burrow patchiness has its greatest impact in settings with benthic oxygen fluxes on the order of 1–10 mmol m− 2 d− 1, typical for the continental shelf and slope. The biogeochemical heterogeneity caused by burrows also affects the interpretation of concentration measurements, and we present an estimate of the number of measurements needed to reliably estimate bulk O2 concentrations in cohesive sediments as a function of organism density, measurement scale and sediment reactivity.
Activation of autoreactive cytolytic T lymphocyte clone against human melanoma by anti-T3 monoclonal antibody and autologous accessory cells

Abstract A cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) clone Tc1.8 was derived in a limiting dilution culture from a single cell that was derived from melanoma-involved lymph node lymphocytes activated in in vitro coculture against the autologous melanoma cells (VIP). The clone Tc1.8 (T3+, T8+, T4−, and Leu7−) expressed restricted cytolytic activity against only the autologous target VIP. As it aged in continuous culture containing interleukin 2, Tc1.8 lost cytolytic activity. The cytolytic function could be restored, however, with monoclonal antibody (MoAb) against T3 (OKT3) or with F(ab′)2 fractions of OKT3, and upon restimulation with irradiated accessory cells. OKT3-mediated reinduction of cytotoxicity by the aged Tc1.8 could not be achieved if the T3 molecules were modulated from the effector cell surface following overnight incubation of Tc1.8 with saturating concentrations of OKT3 MoAb. Following reactivation with OKT3 Tc1.8 gained cytolytic function against NK targets in addition to VIP. Reactivation with F(ab′)2 fractions of OKT3 and with autologous accessory cells, however, maintained its restricted antigen fidelity. The NK-like activity of Tc1.8 upon reactivation with OKT3 resulted from conjugate formation between the activated Tc1.8 and NK targets via the activating ligand itself. Thus, upon stimulation with anti-T3 MoAb and with autologous accessory cells, independently, the autoreactivity could be restored in an aged and inactive CTL clone.
Crosstalk between VEGF-A/VEGFR2 and GDNF/RET signaling pathways.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) plays multiple roles in kidney development: stimulates cell proliferation, survival, tubulogenesis, and branching morphogenesis. However, the mechanism that mediates VEGF-A induced ureteric bud branching is unclear. Glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) signaling through tyrosine kinase c-RET is the major regulator of ureteric bud branching. Here we examined whether VEGF-A regulates RET signaling. We determined that ureteric bud-derived cells express the main VEGF-A signaling receptor, VEGFR2 and RET, by RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and immunocytochemistry. We show that the VEGF-A isoform VEGF 165 induces RET-tyr 1062 phosphorylation in addition to VEGFR2 autophosphorylation, that VEGF 165 and GDNF have additive effects on RET-tyr 1062 phosphorylation, and that VEGFR2 and RET co-immunoprecipitate. Functionally, VEGF 165 induces ureteric bud cell proliferation and branching morphogenesis. Similarly, in embryonic kidney explants VEGF 165 induces RET-tyr 1062 phosphorylation and upregulates GDNF. These findings provide evidence for a novel cooperative interaction between VEGFR2 and RET that mediates VEGF-A functions in ureteric bud cells.
Analyzing neuronal activation with macroelectrode vs. microelectrode array stimulation

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) has provided remarkable relief to patients with brain disorders. Traditionally, DBS is performed through a single macroelectrode implanted at a specific deep brain structure (like the subthalamic nucleus for Parkinson's disease). Despite its great success, little is known about its mechanisms of action. We propose that using several microelectrodes for stimulation, instead of a single macroelectrode, may provide advantages including reduced tissue damage and increased brain area activated. We compare the area of brain affected by macroelectrode and microelectrode arrays implanted in rat hippocampus using stimulation-induced c-Fos expression and immunohistochemistry.
Can retailers get higher prices for “end-of-life” inventory through online auctions?

Abstract Manufacturers and retailers are using online auctions to liquidate excess inventory. Using a field study of 11,879 online auctions, this paper builds upon theories of competitive processes to relate four key seller-controlled variables (starting price, day of close, auction length, and brand) to outcomes of online auction for apparel goods. Results suggest that to obtain a higher percentage of the original retail price, retailers should start with a lower price and feature national brands. These and other findings are discussed and a number of future research topics are offered.
Photosensitized onium-salt-induced cationic polymerization with hydroxymethylated polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons

The modification of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons by fitting them with hydroxymethyl groups provides a new class of efficient electron-transfer photosensitizers for photoinitiated cationic polymerization that perform several additional highly useful functions. Not only are these compounds capable of photosensitizing the photolysis of a wide variety of onium salt photoinitiators in the long-wavelength UV and visible regions, but the presence of the hydroxymethyl group accelerates the rate of cationic polymerization of many types of vinyl and heterocyclic monomers. In addition, the new photosensitizers become bound as end groups to the chains of the polymers that are formed.
The effects of brain death on cardiopulmonary hemodynamics and pulmonary blood flow characteristics.

Deterioration of donor lung function contributes to the shortage of donor organs and early postoperative failure after transplantation. A decrease in donor pulmonary function is associated with opacification of lung fields on radiographs, rendering the lungs unsuitable for transplantation, which may be related to the effects of brain death (BD) on pulmonary hemodynamics. Twenty mongrel canines (25.5±0.7 kg) underwent 20 BD experiments using a previously validated BD organ donor model. An ultrasonic flowmeter was applied on the pulmonary artery and micromanometers were inserted into the right ventricle, pulmonary artery, and left atrium to measure, which allowed the hemodynamic assessment and impedance profile analysis of the pulmonary vasculature by Fourier transformation. Characteristic impedance (Zo) was compared with input resistance (RIN) and with calculated pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), the conventional index. Right ventricular hydraulic power was analyzed and divided in its components oscillatory and steady power. The results are expressed as means and SEM (analysis of variance, paired two-tailed t tests). Cushing reflex, hemodynamic response, and diabetes insipidus were consistent findings following BD. PVR, Zo, and RIN decreased significantly (p
Building Character and Socialising a Revolutionary: Sport and Leisure in the Life of Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara

This essay focuses on the role sport and leisure played in the life of Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara during childhood and adolescence. Specifically, the essay conceptualises how his sport and leisure experiences contributed to making Guevara the revolutionary and guerilla fighter. To be sure, a number of works on Guevara do recount his participation in sport but few specifically reflect on how these experiences may have influenced his later life. To accomplish this, I provide case examples of Guevara's engagement with sport and leisure during childhood and adolescence and link those experiences with the theoretical and philosophical foundations that position sport as a useful socialising agent and character-building tool. The goal of this work is to provide a paradigmatic lens that argues sport and leisure played a significant role in the development of a young Ernesto Guevara. These early experiences influenced and, in some cases, altered the path of the ambiguous adolescent who would later become the iconic twe...
Relationship of Blood and Liver Levels of Glutathione to Early Growth of Chicks

Abstract GLUTATHIONE (GSH) is widely distributed in living tissue and is maintained therein in relatively large amounts, as compared to most other soluble low molecular weight components of tissues. It appears to be primarily an intracellular substance, being present, if at all, in undetectable amounts in extracelllular fluids (Jocelyn, 1959; Long, 1961). Erythrocytes on the other hand contain, in common with cells in general, considerable amounts (Long, 1961). Owing to its thiol group GSH functions in oxidation-reduction reactions in tissues (Jocelyn, 1959; Mapson, 1959). It is capable of interaction in various ways with disulfide bridges of proteins (Jensen, 1959; Boyer et al., 1959); a function which is potentially of the utmost importance, as in mitosis (Rapkine, 1931; Mazia, 1954), and in the functioning of hormones (Ressler, 1958; Lazarow, 1954) and of thiol-dependent enyzmes (Vollmer, 1954; Boyer et al., 1959; Mapson, 1959), for instance. Ever since its isolation from yeast by Sir…
A fast algorithm to compute the moments of the exponential function for application to semiconductor modelling

Presents a fast numerical method for computing the lowest degree moments of the exponential function for a segment, square or cubic domain. An exponential function with the argument a multivariate polynomial with a maximum degree of one in each single variable is considered. These kinds of integral are encountered in exponential‐fitting finite element methods. For the 1D and 2D cases, a fast method based on the direct evaluation of the moments is used, whereas for the 3D case, a quadrature of 2D moments is considered together with some schemes based on the knowledge of the integrand function in order to improve the computational efficiency.
High-gain plasma Cerenkov maser

The linearized fluid and Maxwell's equations are used to calculate the dispersion relation for the transverse magnetic modes of a partially filled, plasma-lined, cylindrical waveguide interacting with a relativistic electron beam. Both the plasma liner and the electron beam are assumed to be cold, and the system is immersed in an infinite axial magnetic guide field. The dispersion relation is then used to calculate the growth rate for the instability between the slow-wave modes (Trivelpiece-Gould modes) of the plasma guide and the slow-space charge mode of the electron beam. The calculation is done in the high-gain, strong coupling limit. >
Materials and Structures for High Density I/O Interconnection Systems

In order to examine the use of a compliant cantilever structure as a contact scheme for a Multi-chip Interconnection System (MIS), multi-layer (metals and SiO 2 ) cantilever beams were fabricated utilizing standard silicon processing and micromachining technologies. The mechanical behavior and electrical characteristics of the beams were investigated in order to establish their optimum dimensions for use in the MIS. During the course of this study, a new mechanical testing method for thin films has also been developed, which makes use of the same cantilever beam structure and a “Nanoindenter.” The Young's modulus and yield strength of thermally grown SiO 2 and Au were measured using this technique.
Quinolones and Osteomyelitis: State-of-the-Art

The present review provides a critical quantitative analysis of the use of quinolones in osteomyelitis. Only papers published in peer-reviewed journals and related to the following areas were selected: experimental osteomyelitis, penetration of quinolones into human bone and clinical use in comparative and non-comparative studies. Cumulated results show clinical success rates of more than 90% in osteomyelitis caused by Enterobacteriaceae, after prolonged oral use of ciprofloxacin. However, further comparative studies using oral quinolones as single agents or in combination (versus standard parenteral therapy) are required in osteomyelitis due to S. aureus or P. aeruginosa, or in more complicated situations such as diabetic osteomyelitis or foreign body infection.
Influence of static and dynamic bends on the birefringence decay profile of RNA helices: Brownian dynamics simulations

Bends in nucleic acid helices can be quantified in a transient electric birefringence (TEB) experiment from the ratio of the terminal decay times of the bent molecule and its fully duplex counterpart (tau-ratio method). The apparent bend angles can be extracted from the experimental tau-ratios through the application of static (equilibrium-ensemble) hydrodynamic models; however, such models do not properly address the faster component(s) of the birefringence decay profile, which can represent up to 80% of the total birefringence signal for large band angles. To address this latter issue, the relative amplitudes of the components in the birefringence decay profile have been analyzed through a series of Brownian dynamics (BD) simulations. Decay profiles have been simulated for three-, five-, and nine-bead models representing RNA molecules with central bends of 30 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees, and with various degrees of associated angle dispersion. The BD simulations are in close agreement with experimental results for the fractional amplitudes, suggesting that both amplitudes and terminal tau-ratios can be used as a measure of the magnitudes of bends in the helix axis. Although the current results indicate that it is generally not possible to distinguish between relatively fixed and highly flexible bends from single tau-ratio measurements, because they can lead to similar reductions in terminal decay time and amplitude, measurements of the dependence of the fractional amplitudes on helix length may afford such a distinction.
Selective quantum evolution of a qubit state due to continuous measurement

We consider a two-level quantum system (qubit) that is continuously measured by a detector. The information provided by the detector is taken into account to describe the evolution during a particular realization of the measurement process. We discuss the Bayesian formalism for such ``selective'' evolution of an individual qubit and apply it to several solid-state setups. In particular, we show how to suppress qubit decoherence using continuous measurement and a feedback loop.
Abstract 147: Improving antitumor effects of a BRAF inhibitor with a colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R) inhibitor, PLX3397

BRAF inhibitor targeted therapies such as vemurafenib (PLX4032) or dabrafenib, block BRAFV600 driver oncogenic mutations and result in high initial response rates and improve survival in patients with melanoma. Although response rate is over 50%, resistance eventually develops. A possible explanation is established tumors escape supported by the immune suppressive tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells (TIMs) including M2 type macrophages and myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC). Our murine melanoma SM1 model that harbors BRAFV600 mutation is an aggressive model, where mice with established tumors have to be sacrificed within two-three weeks. Treatment with PLX4032 has significant anti-tumor effect, but it cannot fully eradicate the tumor. In addition, our prior results show that SM1 is infiltrated by M2-polarized macrophages. By depleting TIMs with the CSF-1R inhibitor, PLX3397, the tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is increased. To determine if combined therapy with PLX3397 and PLX4032 improved anti-tumor responses against SM1 tumors, C57BL/6 mice with established subcutaneous SM1 tumors received oral gavage daily with PLX3397 (50mg/kg) and i.p. daily with PLX4032 (100mg/kg). Combined treatment demonstrated superior effects compared to either of single treatment (tumor size on day 12_vehicle: 862.0±17.0 mm2, PLX3397: 439.3±6.9 mm2, PLX4032: 113.7±2.6 mm2, PLX3397+PLX4032: 12.9±4.6 mm2, p 0.05). To further confirm that combined treatment effect is mediated by CD8+ T-cells, SM1 tumors were implanted in immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice and treated with PLX3397, PLX4032, and anti-CD8 neutralizing antibody. The anti-tumor response in PLX3397, PLX4032, and anti-CD8 antibody group was greatly diminished (tumor size on day 16_vehicle: 751.6±12.2 mm2, PLX4032: 232.4±8.8 mm2, anti-CD8: 722.8±12.5 mm2, PLX3397+PLX4032: 101.0±7.6 mm2; PLX3397+PLX4032+anti-CD8: 442.0±5.7 mm2, p>0.05). In conclusion, our data from SM1 in vivo model combining CSF-1R blockade and BRAF oncogenic blockade supports the rationale for testing this combination in patients with advanced melanoma, and suggest that the benefit is mediated by anti-tumor T cells. This combination is now in clinical testing (NCT01826448). Citation Format: Stephen Mok, Richard Koya, Jennifer Tsoi, Lidia Robert, Jesse Zaretsky, Christopher Tsui, Thomas Graeber, Antoni Ribas. Improving antitumor effects of a BRAF inhibitor with a colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R) inhibitor, PLX3397. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 147. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-147
The effect of propane on atomic spectrometric signals in the inductively coupled argon plasma

Abstract The introduction of propane into an ICP operated in the pencil plasma mode is shown to alter analyte emission signals. These effects do not result from propane affecting the plasma excitation temperature or electron number density, but are caused by the chemical reactions which occur between the analyte and elemental C in the normal analytical zone and tail plume of the plasma. For signal enhancements, the reaction is believed to involve a reduction of the prevalent metal oxide species by elemental C, from C3H8, to form the metal atom and CO in the plasma. Signal depressions, which occur with the addition of C3H8 to the plasma may be the result of the formation of metal carbides or deactivation of the excited state analyte species by collisions with elemental C or carbon radicals in the plasma tail plume.
Overexpression of aromatase in transgenic male mice results in the induction of gynecomastia and other biochemical changes in mammary glands.

Our previous studies have shown that overexpression of aromatase in mammary glands results in the induction of hyperplastic and dysplastic changes in female transgenic mice. In this study we show that overexpression of aromatase in male transgenic mice results in increased mammary growth and histopathological changes similar to gynecomastia. Increased estrogenic activity also results in an increase in estrogen and progesterone receptor expression in the mammary glands of transgenic males as compared to the nontransgenic males, as well as an increase in the expression of various genes involved in cell cycle and cell proliferation. We have also observed an increase in certain growth factors, such as bFGF and TGFβ, as a result of aromatase overexpression in the male transgenic mammary glands. In order to obtain a better understanding of the biological significance of gynecomastia, a reliable model is necessary to explain the mechanisms and correlations associated with human cancers. This model, can potentially serve as a predictable and useful tool for studying gynecomastia, hormonal carcinogenesis and action of other carcinogens on hormone induced cancers.
A new method for the establishment of neuronal cell lines from the mouse brain.

Abstract The establishment of neuronal cell lines from the central nervous system is greatly facilitated by the use of the ethyl mercurial compound, thimerosal. When used as a selecting agent in primary cultures this drug eliminates fibroblasts and other non-neuronal cells. The selectivity of the drug was established using several well-characterized clonal cell lines of different origin. Two idependently-derived clones selected by this method were characterized by several criteria, including morphology and electrical excitability.
An evaluation of the sensitivity of the Ames assay to discern low-level mutagenic impurities.

Abstract Low level impurities often reside in active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). Some of these impurities are potentially genotoxic since reactive intermediates are used in the synthetic route for the production of API. Routine mutagenicity testing is conducted in support of clinical trials with the intent to identify genotoxic hazards associated with API. Depending on the amount of impurity present in the API tested, the potency of the impurities and the relative sensitivity of the Ames assay, it is possible that mutagenicity associated with the presence of genotoxic impurities could also be detected while testing API. Therefore, we evaluated published data and generated new information to understand the sensitivity of the Ames assay. Based on a literature survey of approximately 450 mutagens, it was estimated that 85% of mutagens are detected at concentrations of 250 μg/plate or less. Based on this estimate, most mutagens should be detected in an Ames assay testing API concentrations up to 5000 μg/plate if present at a 5% or greater concentration. Data from experiments where several direct and indirect-acting mutagens were spiked into representative API further support the literature-based evaluation. Some limitations of this approach, including toxicity of API and competing metabolism are discussed.
Searching for Type 2 Diabetes Genes in the Post-genome Era

The discovery of genes encoding maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents a milestone in the study of the genetics of complex diseases. The genes were revealed, in large part, through positional cloning and linkage analysis in families. The genes are relatively rare and have strong genotype‐phenotype correlations. Based on the results of several genome scans for genes encoding T2DM in various racial‐ethnic groups, it appears that, as in other complex diseases, multiple genes are involved, each contributing a small amount to the overall risk. New strategies for patient sampling, phenotyping, genotyping technologies and genetic analysis must be employed to further define the genetic basis of this disease.
Tourism flows to Caribbean islands: an empirical note

This article examines the determinants of tourism flows to 31 small-island Caribbean economies, from 12 source countries, using an empirical approach that accounts for the inherent heterogeneity of the tourism product and tourism consumers. The results show that tourism flows from the source markets to the Caribbean are income elastic, with the exception of flows from Spain and the USA, but are not very sensitive to price changes.
Investigations of the misfit dislocation structure at a CdTe(001)/ga As(001) interface using Stillinger-Weber potentials and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy

Abstract In this paper, Stillinger-Weber potentials which accurately describe the elastic constants of CdTe and GaAs are developed. These potentials are applied to investigate the misfit dislocation structure at a CdTe(001)/GaAs(001) interface. Based on these calculated structures, simulated high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images are compared with experimentally observed images. It will be shown that, although the exact energetics of the interface are not provided by these potentials, dislocation stand-off is more strongly influenced by the Poisson expansion or contraction of the individual materials. Further, the best agreement between the experimentally observed and simulated images is obtained when the dislocations occur at the interface with no stand-off being exhibited. The calculated structures indicate that the misfit dislocation structure exhibited along the [110] direction is different from that along the [110] direction if the initial monolayer of material, in this case believed...
Escalating nitrate dose overcomes early attenuation of hemodynamic effect caused by nitrate tolerance in patients with heart failure

Abstract This study was performed to examine the hypothesis that an early attenuation of nitrate effect caused by nitrate tolerance can be overcome by dose increase. We compared hemodynamic effects of constant dose (40 to 120 mg) of oral isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) given every 6 hours for three doses followed by 12 hours of nitrate washout interval with those of escalating dose (40 mg, 80 mg, and 120 mg) in two similar groups of patients with chronic congestive heart failure. Escalating ISDN dose resulted in a progressive increase in ISDN blood level and overcame early attenuation of effect occurring with a constant dose. At peak effect of the third ISDN dose, a significantly greater reduction was seen in mean right atrial pressure (−59% ± 27% vs −20% ± 22%, p p p
In collaboration with mask suppliers for change management enhancement

For those wafer fabs that have no their own maskshops, the main target of mask quality department is to gain stable mask quality performance through effective supplier management, and therefore achieves competitive business results. After dealing with lots of mask data preparation (MDP) quality problems with suppliers, we have found that incomplete change management procedures are one of major sources that induce incorrect mask data for writing. This article will share our experience in how to enhance change management flows with mask suppliers together and will also show the utility after a series of flow improvement actions.
The chemical potential for dilute hard-sphere mixtures

Accurate Monte Carlo evaluation of the probability of inserting an additional particle of arbitrary size into a hard-sphere fluid at various densities allows a quantitative check on the scaled particle interpolation formula for this probability, which is rigorously known when the added particle is either very small or very large. The simple scaled particle formula is remarkably accurate due to a favorable choice of the functional dependence of the surface tension on curvature. The biggest deviation occurs at liquid-like densities where the insertion probability is about 20% larger for larger particles, indicating a larger probability of occurrence of larger density fluctuations, and resulting in a smaller (3%) excess chemical potential than the simple theory predicts. On the other hand, at lower densities the insertion probability for large particles is slightly smaller than the theory predicts.
Human herpes virus-6 encephalitis after bone marrow transplantation: Successful treatment with ganciclovir

Here we report a case that presented with sudden onset of neurological symptoms and was treated with ganciclovir. Polymerase chain reaction analysis for human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6) from his cerebrospinal fluid was later found to be positive. He subsequently recovered with minimal residual neurological symptoms. Encephalitis secondary to this virus may be more common than previously thought in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation. This condition should be considered in the differential diagnosis of sudden onset neurological symptoms after bone marrow transplantation.
Effects of social housing on hippocampal dendrites and behavior in ovariectomized rats

Abstract Social stress is both species and gender specific. For female rats, individual housing and social instability housing conditions are associated with behavioral indicators of stress and depression. The present study directly compared the effects of six weeks of individual housing, social instability and mixed sex, semi-crowded housing in a visible burrow system (VBS) on ovariectomized female rats. Paired, stable housing was used as the control. Behavioral tests were conducted two, four and six weeks into the housing manipulations and included sucrose consumption, social interest, and activity in the open field. Following a series of four behavioral tests, animals were sacrificed and brains were processed for Golgi impregnation. Basal dendrites of CA3 hippocampal neurons were measured. Results indicate that the individual housing and social instability groups were comparable to the control group for all measures. In contrast, the rats housed in the VBS exhibited reduced activity in open field testing, and alterations in social interest. Dendritic lengths were also reduced in those animals living in the VBS in comparison to the animals housed in pairs. To our knowledge, this is the first report of behavioral and neural effects of VBS housing on female rats. Further research is necessary to determine what facets of the VBS housing are responsible for the behavioral and neural changes. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled ‘Animal Models’.
Risk factors and impact of recurrent lupus nephritis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus undergoing renal transplantation: data from a single US institution.

Objective To determine the risk factors for recurrent lupus nephritis, allograft loss, and survival among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) undergoing kidney transplantation. Methods The archival records of all kidney transplant recipients with a prior diagnosis of SLE (according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria) from June 1977 to June 2007 were reviewed. Patients who had died or lost the allograft within 90 days of engraftment were excluded. Time-to-event data were examined by univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. Results Two hundred twenty of nearly 7,000 renal transplantations were performed in 202 SLE patients during the 30-year interval. Of the 177 patients who met the criteria for study entry, the majority were women (80%) and African American (65%), the mean age was 35.6 years, and the mean disease duration was 11.2 years. Recurrent lupus nephritis was noted in 20 patients (11%), allograft loss in 69 patients (39%), and death in 36 patients (20%). African American ethnicity was found to be associated with a shorter time-to-event for recurrent lupus nephritis (hazard ratio [HR] 4.63, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.29–16.65) and death (HR 2.47, 95% CI 0.91–6.71), although, with the latter, the association was not statistically significant. Recurrent lupus nephritis and chronic rejection of the kidney transplant were found to be risk factors for allograft loss (HR 2.48, 95% CI 1.09–5.60 and HR 2.72, 95% CI 1.55–4.78, respectively). In patients with recurrent lupus nephritis, the lesion in the engrafted kidney was predominantly mesangial, compared with a predominance of proliferative or membranous lesions in the native kidneys. Conclusion African American ethnicity was independently associated with recurrent lupus nephritis. Allograft loss was associated with chronic transplant rejection and recurrence of lupus nephritis. Recurrent lupus nephritis is infrequent and relatively benign, without influence on a patient's survival.
Variations in the classical model of staging in graphite intercalates: EXAFS results

Abstract Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra havee been obtained at the potassium K-edge of KC 8 and KC 12 n , n = 2, 3, and 4 over the temperature range 80–300K. Quantitative results indicate that the carbon-intercalate-carbon layer sandwich is not of constant thickness for a given intercalant species and that in KC 12 n , n = 2, 3, and 4 the disordered potassium layers form a lattice gas at room temperature. Also indicated are puckering distortions of the bounding carbon layers due to the disordered potassium layer.
Development and Evaluation of High-Fidelity Simulation Case Scenarios for Pediatric Resident Education

Objective Pediatric residency programs need objective methods of trainee assessment. Patient simulation can contribute to objective evaluation of acute care event management skills. We describe the development and validation of 4 simulation case scenarios for pediatric resident evaluation. Methods We created 4 pediatric simulation cases: apnea, asthma, supraventricular tachycardia, and sepsis. Each case contains a scenario and an unweighted checklist. Case and checklist development began by reaching expert consensus about case content followed by 92 pilot simulation sessions used for content revision and rater training. After development, 54 first-and second-year pediatric residents participated in 108 simulation test cases to assess the validity of data from these tools for our population. We report outcomes for interrater reliability, discriminant validity, and the impact of potential confounding factors on validity estimates. Results Interrater reliability (κ) ranged from 0.75 to 0.87. There were statistically and educationally significant differences in summary scores between first-and second-year residents for 3 of the 4 cases. Neither previous simulation exposure nor the order in which the cases were performed were found to be significant factors by multivariate analysis. Conclusions Simulation can be used to reliably measure and discriminate resident competencies in acute care management. Rigorous measurement development work is difficult and time-consuming. Done correctly, measurement development yields tangible and lasting benefits for trainees, faculty, and residency programs. Development studies that use systematic procedures and large trainee samples at multiple sites are the best approach to creating measurement tools that yield valid data.
Food-related beliefs, eating behavior, and classroom food practices of middle school teachers.

ABSTRACT: This study examined classroom food practices and eating behavior of middle school teachers from 16 schools in a metropolitan area, located in the upper Midwest. In winter 1999–2000, teachers in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade were surveyed (response rate = 70%; n = 490/701). Questions addressed teachers' classroom food practices, eating behavior while at school, personal health, and attitudes about the school food environment. Use of food as an incentive/reward for students was a common classroom practice in middle schools, and most foods did not support development of healthy eating patterns by young adolescents. Candy was the most frequently used food item, reported by 73% of teachers, followed by cookies/doughnuts (37%), sweetened drinks (35%), and pizza (28%). Many middle school teachers did not role model healthy eating behavior at school. Prevalent use of vending was a particular concern, with beverage and snack vending use reported by 62% and 35% of teachers, respectively. Most vending items purchased were sweetened drinks (57%) and high-fat or high-sugar snacks (85%). Low perceived personal health, high-fat scores, and low support for the school food environment were some of the significant correlates of teachers' eating behavior. School and health professionals should continue to advocate for schoolwide policies and programs that support students and teachers if the goal of an integrated healthy school food environment is to be realized.
GE-09TERT PROMOTER MUTATION, IDH MUTATION AND 1p/19q CODELETION DEFINE FIVE GLIOMA MOLECULAR GROUPS WITH SPECIFIC CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND GERMLINE VARIANT ASSOCIATIONS

Defining homogenous etiologic and clinical subgroups of infiltrative glioma by grade and histology has been challenging. We hypothesized that TERT promoter mutation, IDH mutation and 1p/19q codeletion in grade II-IV gliomas will generate clinically-homogeneous groups that are enriched for other acquired genetic alterations and specific germline associations. To test this hypothesis we assessed 1087 gliomas from the Mayo Clinic, UCSF Adult Glioma Study, and TCGA and compared other acquired alterations and patient characteristics among five primary molecular groups: triple-positive (TERT promoter mutated, IDH mutated, and 1p/19q codeleted), TERT and IDH mutant, IDH mutant only, triple-negative, and TERT mutant only. Using 11590 controls, we also assessed associations of these groups with known germline variants. Among grade II-III gliomas 29.2% were triple-positive, 5% TERT and IDH mutant, 44.6% IDH mutant only, 6.6% triple-negative, 10% TERT mutant only, and 4.5% other. For grade IV gliomas 0.2% were triple-positive, 2.4% TERT and IDH mutant, 6.8% IDH mutant only, 17.1% triple-negative, and 73.5% TERT mutant only. Within the five groups other acquired alterations were more homogeneous than when the cases were subdivided by grade or histology. Age at diagnosis was youngest for IDH mutant only (35 years) and oldest for TERT mutant only gliomas (60 years). Overall survival differed across groups both within grade II-III and within grade IV gliomas. There were specific associations between glioma molecular groups and germline variants. These association results were similar across the three studies. We conclude that gliomas can be classified into clinically-relevant groups based on three tumor markers. This classification scheme is appealing due to its simplicity, reproducibility, and cost-efficiency. These molecular groups have different ages at diagnosis, overall survival and germline associations implying distinct mechanisms of pathogenesis, aggressiveness, and response to therapy. These groups can enhance histologic diagnosis and permit more precisely targeted patient management.
Differences between smokers and never‐smokers in sensitivity to nicotine: a preliminary report

Sensitivity to nicotine was explored using test doses administered via intra-nasal aerosol in 10 smokers and 10 never-smokers. Smokers received 1.50 mg nicotine (in 2 sprays, < 5 seconds apart, one spray per nostril); never-smokers received either 0.50 mg (n = 3) or 0.25 mg (n = 7) nicotine. Accumulation of nicotine in plasma, per unit dose administered, was nearly four times greater in never-smokers than in smokers, indicating differences in pharmacokinetic tolerance. To examine sensitivity to nicotine without this confound, peak physiological reactivity (heart rate and blood pressure changes) was divided by peak plasma nicotine increment and the ratio was expressed as a function of cotinine level prior to dosing, thereby relating sensitivity to nicotine to history of exposure. In smokers, functional sensitivity to nicotine was inversely related to customary nicotine intake, replicating previous findings for light and heavy smokers. The observation that never-smokers were not much more sensitive to nicotine than light smokers is notable given the disparity in previous history of exposure.
Efficacy of combination therapy with trandolapril and verapamil sr in primary hypertension: a 4 x 4 trial design. The Trandolapril Study Group.

The Joint National Committee V suggested that combination therapy can provide effective blood pressure control in patients with stage I-IV hypertension. This 4 x 4 factorial trial design assessed the efficacy of monotherapy with trandolapril-an ACE inhibitor, and verapamil SR-a calcium antagonist, each in a range of 3 doses as monotherapy, and in combination therapy in patients with stage I-III diastolic hypertension. After a 4-week, single-blind placebo treatment period, 746 patients in 39 study centers were randomized to 1 of the 16 double-blind treatments for 6 weeks (placebo, verapamil SR monotherapy 120, 180, or 240 mg; trandolapril monotherapy 0.5, 2, or 8 mg; and trandolapril/verapamil SR combinations 0.5/120, 0.5/180, 0.5/240, 2/120, 2/180, 2/240, 8/120, 8/180, or 8/240 mg. Both mono and combination therapies achieved the primary efficacy parameters: lowered diastolic blood pressure (at trough) more than placebo, p 0.52 and had higher percentages of responders compared to placebo. Combination therapy was more effective than monotherapy for sitting diastolic blood pressure 2/180, p < 01; 2/240 and 8/240, p < 05. There were no differences between active treatment groups and placebo as a percentage of patients having adverse reactions. Trandolapril, 2 and 8 mg, appeared to have a greater incremental effect on the systolic blood pressure reduction of the combination than verapamil SR 180 and 240 mg.
Stable Calcium Isotopes as Tracers in Studies of Mineral Metabolism

(1965). Stable Calcium Isotopes as Tracers in Studies of Mineral Metabolism. Acta Orthopaedica Scandinavica: Vol. 36, No. sup78, pp. 3-86.
Inverted Terminal Repeat Sequences Are Important for Intermolecular Recombination and Circularization of Adeno-Associated Virus Genomes

The relatively small package capacity (less than 5 kb) of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors has been effectively doubled with the development of dual-vector heterodimerization approaches. However, the efficiency of such dual-vector systems is limited not only by the extent to which intermolecular recombination occurs between two independent vector genomes, but also by the directional bias required for successful transgene reconstitution following concatemerization. In the present study, we sought to evaluate the mechanisms by which inverted terminal repeat (ITR) sequences mediate intermolecular recombination of AAV genomes, with the goal of engineering more efficient vectors for dual-vector trans-splicing approaches. To this end, we generated a novel AAV hybrid-ITR vector characterized by an AAV-2 and an AAV-5 ITR at opposite ends of the viral genome. This hybrid genome was efficiently packaged into either AAV-2 or AAV-5 capsids to generate infectious virions. Hybrid AV2:5 ITR viruses had a significantly lower capacity to form circular intermediates in infected cells than homologous AV2:2 and AV5:5 ITR vectors despite their similar capacity to express an encoded enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) transgene. To examine whether the divergent ITR sequences contained within hybrid AV2:5 ITR vectors could direct intermolecular recombination in a tail-to-head fashion, we generated two hybrid ITR trans-splicing vectors (AV5:2LacZdonor and AV2:5LacZacceptor). Each delivered one exon of a β-galactosidase minigene flanked by donor or acceptor splice sequences. These hybrid trans-splicing vectors were compared to homologous AV5:5 and AV2:2 trans-splicing vector sets for their ability to reconstitute β-galactosidase gene expression. Results from this comparison demonstrated that hybrid ITR dual-vector sets had a significantly enhanced trans-splicing efficiency (6- to 10-fold, depending on the capsid serotype) compared to homologous ITR vectors. Molecular studies of viral genome structures suggest that hybrid ITR vectors provide more efficient directional recombination due to an increased abundance of linear-form genomes. These studies provide direct evidence for the importance of ITR sequences in directing intermolecular and intramolecular homologous recombination of AAV genomes. The use of hybrid ITR AAV vector genomes provides new strategies to manipulate viral genome conversion products and to direct intermolecular recombination events required for efficient dual-AAV vector reconstitution of the transgene.
A twenty-first century science.

If handled appropriately, data about Internet-based communication and interactivity could revolutionize our understanding of collective human behaviour.