cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Methylation-dependent antioxidant-redox imbalance regulates hypertensive kidney injury in aging.

Abstract The prevalence of hypertension increases with age, and oxidative stress is a major contributing factor to the pathogenesis of hypertension-induced kidney damage in aging. The nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) family is one of the major sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and several NADPH oxidase isoforms are highly expressed in the kidney. Although epigenetic protein modification plays a role in organ injury, the methylation of the oxidant-antioxidant defense system and their role in hypertension-induced kidney damage in aging remains underexplored. The present study investigated the role of NADPH oxidase 4, superoxide dismutases (SODs), catalase, and NOS in Ang-II induced kidney damage in aging. Wild type (WT, C57BL/6J) mice aged 12–14 and 75–78 weeks were used and treated with or without Ang-II (1000 ng/kg/min) for 4 weeks with control mice receiving saline. Aged mice with or without Ang-II exhibited higher mean BP, lower renal blood flow, and decreased renal vascular density compared to young mice. While superoxide, 4-HNE, p22phox, Nox4, iNOS were increased in the aged kidney, the expression of eNOS, MnSOD, CuSOD, catalase, Sirt1, and -3 as well as the ratio of GSH/GSSG, and activities of SODs and catalase were decreased compared to young control mice. The changes further deteriorated with Ang-II treatment. In Ang-II treated aged mice, the expressions of DNMTs were increased and associated with increased methylation of SODs, Sirt1, and Nox4. We conclude that hypermethylation of antioxidant enzymes in the aged kidney during hypertension worsens redox imbalance leading to kidney damage.
Thermal inactivation kinetics of Salmonella and Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354 on dried basil leaves.

Abstract The enhanced heat resistance of Salmonella developed at low water activity makes it a serious challenge to eliminate them during thermal processing. The objectives of this research are to (i) investigate the effect of water activity on thermal inactivation of Salmonella cocktail (Agona, Tennessee, Mbandaka, Montevideo, and Reading) in dried basil leaves, and (ii) evaluate Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354 as an appropriate surrogate for Salmonella in dried basil leaves. Dried basil leaves, inoculated with a Salmonella cocktail and E. faecium separately, were equilibrated to different water activities (aw: 0.40, 0.55, and 0.70) in a humidity-controlled chamber. The basil samples were packed (1.6 ± 0.1 g) in aluminum pouches and thermally treated at 70, 75, and 80 °C using a dry heating method for 0–180 min to obtain the thermal death curve. The microbial survival data was fit using two primary models (Log-linear and Weibull model). Results from AICc showed that the log-linear model fits well for thermal inactivation of both microorganisms. As the aw decreases from 0.70 to 0.40 at 75 °C, the D-value increases from 3.30 to 9.14 min for Salmonella and 6.53 to 14.07 min for E. faecium. Based on the AICc values, the modified Bigelow model fits the D-values better than the response surface model for both the microorganisms. The kill ratio of surrogate to pathogen ranged from 1.4 to 2.8, indicating that it is a conservative surrogate for Salmonella for performing validation of the thermal pasteurization process. The identification of suitable surrogate and development of modified Bigelow model will help the spice industry in developing the thermal processes for improving the safety of basil leaves.
Detecting Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Stack Failure from Impedance Spectroscopy Using Machine Learning

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) offer great potential for efficient use of renewably-generated storage fuels. However, commercialization of SOFCs is currently limited by a lack of long-term durability. This work explores the potential of using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) as in-situ diagnostic of SOFC stack and system health based on machine learning. A multi-physics 2D/3D-model of SOFC, operating with humidified hydrogen or natural gas fuel, is used to simulate impedance data at various nominal operating conditions. The model is also used to simulate impedance responses under different critical failure modes, such as uneven fuel distribution that leads to high local fuel utilization, electrode delamination or deactivation. Based on impedance simulations, classification models are synthesized to recognize patterns and distinguish different degradation mechanisms. Based on these models, we believe that impedance measurements can provide better indications of SOFCs system health compared to polarization curves.
Risk of secondary neoplasms after external-beam radiation therapy treatment of pediatric low-grade gliomas: a SEER analysis, 1973-2015.

OBJECTIVE: Although past studies have associated external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) with higher incidences of secondary neoplasms (SNs), its effect on SN development from pediatric low-grade gliomas (LGGs), defined as WHO grade I and II gliomas of astrocytic or oligodendrocytic origin, is not well understood. Utilizing a national cancer registry, the authors sought to characterize the risk of SN development after EBRT treatment of pediatric LGG. METHODS: A total of 1245 pediatric patient (aged 0-17 years) records from 1973 to 2015 were assembled from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Univariable and multivariable subdistribution hazard regression models were used to evaluate the prognostic impact of demographic, tumor, and treatment-related covariates. Propensity score matching was used to balance baseline characteristics. Cumulative incidence analyses measured the time to, and rate of, SN development, stratified by receipt of EBRT and controlled for competing mortality risk. The Fine and Gray semiparametric model was used to estimate future SN risk in EBRT- and non-EBRT-treated pediatric patients. RESULTS: In this study, 366 patients received EBRT and 879 did not. Forty-six patients developed SNs after an LGG diagnosis, and 27 of these patients received EBRT (OR 3.61, 95% CI 1.90-6.95; p < 0.001). For patients alive 30 years from the initial LGG diagnosis, the absolute risk of SN development in the EBRT-treated cohort was 12.61% (95% CI 8.31-13.00) compared with 4.99% (95% CI 4.38-12.23) in the non-EBRT-treated cohort (p = 0.013). Cumulative incidence curves that were adjusted for competing events still demonstrated higher rates of SN development in the EBRT-treated patients with LGGs. After matching across available covariates and again adjusting for the competing risk of mortality, a clear association between EBRT and SN development remained (subhazard ratio 2.26, 95% CI 1.21-4.20; p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: Radiation therapy was associated with an increased risk of future SNs for pediatric patients surviving LGGs. These data suggest that the long-term implications of EBRT should be considered when making treatment decisions for this patient population.
Leadership, professional quality of life and moral distress during COVID-19: A mixed-methods approach.

AIM: To understand the impact of professional stressors on nurses' and other health care providers' professional quality of life and moral distress as they cared for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. BACKGROUND: Health care providers caring for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic are at increased risk of decreased professional quality of life and increased moral distress. METHODS: A convergent mixed-methods design and snowball sampling was used to collect survey data (n = 171) and semi-structured interviews (n = 23) among health care providers working in the inpatient setting. RESULTS: Perceived lack of support from executive leadership, access to personal protective equipment and constantly changing guidelines led to decreased professional quality of life and increased moral distress among health care providers. CONCLUSION: Findings from this study indicate that shared governance, disaster management training and enhanced communication may assist executive leadership to reduce the likelihood of decreased professional quality of life and increased moral distress in front line health care providers. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Following the principles of shared governance may assist executive leadership to promote and acknowledge the significance of the role of health care providers at the bedside. Additionally, disaster management training and open communication are crucial to ensure that health care providers are adequately informed and supported at the bedside.
Business Not As Usual: Implementation Strategies That Support Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Abstract: Health system response to COVID-19 required drastic care delivery changes, but also a substantially altered environment in which to observe implementation of more standard quality improvement efforts. Implementation assessment during disrupted operational norms (“business not as usual”) distills challenges solved by prioritization from those requiring solutions that address more fundamental barriers to change. This commentary retrospectively analyzes health system implementation of a clinical practice guideline intended to support COVID-19 treatment. We use the QUERI roadmap to reflect upon implementation strategy within the context of a nascent LHS framework. In doing so, we identify aspects of implementation that were facilitated by the COVID-19-altered environment, enduring implementation challenges with respect to fidelity and sustainability, and key areas of necessary continued investment to strengthen a responsive system for learning and improvement. Moving forward, COVID-19 response highlighted key investments that bridge learning health system structures to implementation practices. This includes structures that (1) accelerate ideas that emerge from the front lines, (2) promote “living” care guidelines that are supported by continuous review of emergent evidence, and (3) enhance analytic capacity that supports organizational learning. COVID-19 response has offered opportunities for “new norm” thinking around what’s possible to build out a learning health system. Strategic application of implementation frameworks to learning health system infrastructure has highlighted necessary investments that build and sustain a more responsive, improvement-oriented organization.
Habitat, geophysical, and eco-social connectivity: benefits of resilient socio–ecological landscapes

Connections among ecosystems and their components are critical to maintaining ecological functions and benefits in human-modified landscapes, including urban areas. However, the literature on connectivity and ecosystem services has been limited by inconsistent terminology and methods, and largely omits human access to nature and its benefits as a form of connectivity. In this paper, we build upon previous research and theory to define distinct categories of connectivity, considering both ecological and social dimensions, and identify ecosystem services that are supported by them. We reviewed the literature to determine socio–ecological benefits that depend on the categories of connectivity. We identified four distinct but interrelated categories of connectivity: landscape, habitat, geophysical, and eco-social connectivity. Each connectivity category directly or indirectly supports many ecosystem services. There are overlaps, conflicts, and synergies among connectivity categories and their associated services and disservices. Identifying the services that arise from these four categories of connectivity, and how they interact, can help build a common understanding of the value of connectivity to maximize its benefits, improve understanding of complex socio–ecological systems across disciplines, and develop more holistic, socially equitable decision-making processes, especially in urban landscapes.
Thermophysical and Thermomechanical Properties of Thermal Barrier Coating Systems

Thermal barrier coatings have been developed for advanced gas turbine and diesel engine applications to improve engine reliability and fuel efficiency. However, the issue of coating durability under high temperature cyclic conditions is still of major concern. The coating failure is closely related to thermal stresses and oxidation in the coating systems. Coating shrinkage cracking resulting from ceramic sintering and creep at high temperatures can further accelerate the coating failure process. The purpose of this paper is to address critical issues such as ceramic sintering and creep, thermal fatigue and their relevance to coating life prediction. Novel test approaches have been established to obtain critical thermophysical and thermomechanical properties of the coating systems under near-realistic temperature and stress gradients encountered in advanced engine systems. Emphasis is placed on the dynamic changes of the coating thermal conductivity and elastic modulus, fatigue and creep interactions, and resulting failure mechanisms during the simulated engine tests. Detailed experimental and modeling results describing processes occurring in the thermal barrier coating systems provide a framework for developing strategies to manage ceramic coating architecture, microstructure and properties.
Mining Subspace Clusters from Distributed Data

Many real world applications have datasets consisting of high dimensional feature spaces. For example, the gene expression data record the expression levels of a set of thousands of genes under hundreds of experimental conditions. Traditional clustering algorithms fail to efficiently find clusters of genes that demonstrate similar expression levels in all conditions due to such a high dimensional feature space. Subspace clustering addresses this problem by looking for patterns in subspaces [1] instead of in the full dimensional space. A lot of work has been done in developing efficient subspace clustering algorithms for datasets of various characteristics [1, 6].
Methods and Tools for Developing Interactive Information Systems

This paper describes the evolution of hardware and software technology over the past three decades, focusing on approaches for building interactive information systems and web applications. Successive generations of technology have used advances in hardware and software technology, along with increasingly sophisticated development methods and tools, to reduce development times and to produce a better user experience. After describing the key technology characteristics of each generation, this paper also describes the evolution of a specific methodology, User Software Engineering, from its origins in the 1970’s to its applicability to the development of modern Web applications.
Social Protest and Contentious Authoritarianism in China

Part I. A Contentious Society: 1. Introduction 2. The surge in social protests from a historical perspective Part II. Political Opportunity Structure: 3. Market reforms and state strategies 4. The Xifang system and political opportunity Part III. Protest Strategies and Tactics: 5. Between defiance and obedience 6. 'Troublemaking' tactics and their efficacy Part IV. Conclusion: 7. Reflections and speculations.
Over-managing and under-managing radical technological innovations: lessons from USA, Japan, and Europe

In this paper we utilize case analysis to determine the actual level of management by executives and the consequences of over managing and under managing. Nine cases are discussed corresponding to products and systems developed by major corporations in the USA (General Electric, Xerox, IBM, Motorola); Japan (Toshiba); Finland (Nokia); France( Merlin-Gerlin). The optimal level of management contingent on the amount of radicalness , the riskness of the innovation, and the stage of development of the project also discussed.
Protective immunity against disparate tumors is mediated by a nonpolymorphic MHC class I molecule

Current peptide-based immunotherapies for treatment of model cancers target tumor Ags bound by the classical MHC class I (class Ia) molecules. The extensive polymorphism of class Ia loci greatly limits the effectiveness of these approaches. We demonstrate in this study that the murine nonpolymorphic, nonclassical MHC class I (class Ib) molecule Q9 (Qa-2) promotes potent immune responses against multiple syngeneic tumors. We have previously shown that ectopic expression of Q9 on the surface of class Ia-negative B78H1 melanoma led to efficient CTL-mediated rejection of this tumor. In this study, we report that surface-expressed Q9 on 3LLA9F1 Lewis lung carcinoma and RMA T cell lymphoma also induces potent antitumor CTL responses. Importantly, CTL harvested from animals surviving the initial challenge with Q9-positive 3LLA9F1, RMA, or B78H1 tumors recognized and killed their cognate tumors as well as the other cancer lines. Furthermore, immunization with Q9-expressing 3LLA9F1 or RMA tumor cells established immunological memory that enhanced protection against subsequent challenge with a weakly immunogenic, Q9-bearing melanoma variant. Collectively, the generation of cross-reactive CTL capable of eliminating multiple disparate Q9-expressing tumors suggests that this nonpolymorphic MHC class I molecule serves as a restriction element for a shared tumor Ag(s) common to lung carcinoma, T cell lymphoma, and melanoma.
What factors are related to understanding a stereoscopic 3D diabetes educational video in seniors

The rise of three-dimensional imaging technology and products offers a new avenue for patient education to older adults. This study investigated older adults' perception of a three-dimensional health education video on diabetes, and factors associated with understanding the video. Twenty-one older adults without a history of diabetes watched a short diabetes educational video on a stereoscopic display. They perceived the video as helpful, valuable, and exciting, but too fast. Better understanding of the video is associated with having higher background knowledge of diabetes and greater vocabulary. Ethnicity is also a potential factor. Older adults may choose narrative information over graphic information to process a three-dimensional multimedia presentation.
Lonidamine Induces Intracellular Tumor Acidification and ATP Depletion in Breast, Prostate and Ovarian Cancer Xenografts and Potentiates Response to Doxorubicin

We demonstrate that the effects of lonidamine (LND, 100 mg/kg, i.p.) are similar for a number of xenograft models of human cancer including DB-1 melanoma and HCC1806 breast, BT-474 breast, LNCaP prostate and A2870 ovarian carcinomas. Following treatment with LND, each of these tumors exhibits a rapid decrease in intracellular pH, a small decrease in extracellular pH, a concomitant monotonic decrease in nucleoside triphosphate and increase in inorganic phosphate over a 2–3 hr period. We previously demonstrated that selective intracellular tumor acidification potentiates response of this melanoma model to melphalan (7.5 mg/kg, i.v.), producing an estimated 89% cell kill based on tumor growth delay analysis. We now show that in both DB-1 melanoma and HCC1806 breast carcinoma, LND potentiates response to doxorubicin producing 95% cell kill in DB-1 melanoma at 7.5 mg/kg, i.v. doxorubicin and 98% cell kill at 10.0 mg/kg doxorubicin, and in HCC1806 breast carcinoma producing a 95% cell kill at 12.0 mg/kg doxorubicin. Potentiation of doxorubicin can result from cation trapping of the weakly basic anthracycline. Recent experience with the clinical treatment of melanoma and other forms of human cancer suggests that these diseases will probably not be cured by a single therapeutic procedure other than surgery. A multimodality therapeutic approach will be required. As a potent modulator of tumor response to N-mustards and anthracyclines as well as tumor thermo- and radiosensitivity, LND promises to play an important clinical role in the management and possible complete local control of a number of prevalent forms of human cancer.
On the study of anomalous skin effect for GSI interconnections

The change in the resistivity of a thin wire caused by anomalous skin effect (combined surface scattering and skin effect) is studied. The delay of a digital transmission line due to this effect is modeled. The results show that for a wire in the RC region surface scattering has the major effect on the delay whereas for a wire between the RC and RLC regions both surface scattering and skin effect should be considered.
Packet-based input test data compression techniques

This paper presents a test input data compression technique, which can be used to reduce input test data volume, test time, and the number of required tester channels. The technique is based on grouping data packets and applying various binary encoding techniques, such as Huffman codes and Golomb-Rice codes. Experiments on actual industrial designs and benchmark circuits show an input vector data reduction ranging from 17/spl times/ to 70/spl times/.
Single-Strand DNA-Specific Exonucleases in Escherichia coli: Roles in Repair and Mutation Avoidance

Mutations in the genes encoding single-strand DNA-specific exonucleases (ssExos) of Escherichia coli were examined for effects on mutation avoidance, UV repair, and conjugational recombination. Our results indicate complex and partially redundant roles for ssExos in these processes. Although biochemical experiments have implicated RecJ exonuclease, Exonuclease I (ExoI), and Exonuclease VII (ExoVII) in the methyl-directed mismatch repair pathway, the RecJ- ExoI- ExoVII- mutant did not exhibit a mutator phenotype in several assays for base substitution mutations. If these exonucleases do participate in mismatch excision, other exonucleases in E. coli can compensate for their loss. Frameshift mutations, however, were stimulated in the RecJ- ExoI- ExoVII- mutant. For acridine-induced frameshifts, this mutator effect was due to a synergistic effect of ExoI- and ExoVII- mutations, implicating both ExoI and ExoVII in avoidance of frameshift mutations. Although no single exonuclease mutant was especially sensitive to UV irradiation, the RecJ- ExoVII- double mutant was extremely sensitive. The addition of an ExoI- mutation augmented this sensitivity, suggesting that all three exonucleases play partially redundant roles in DNA repair. The ability to inherit genetic markers by conjugation was reduced modestly in the ExoI- RecJ- mutant, implying that the function of either ExoI or RecJ exonucleases enhances RecBCD-dependent homologous recombination.
Air quality and climate connections.

Multiple linkages connect air quality and climate change. Many air pollutant sources also emit carbon dioxide (CO2), the dominant anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG). The two main contributors to non-attainment of U.S. ambient air quality standards, ozone (O3) and particulate matter (PM), interact with radiation, forcing climate change. PM warms by absorbing sunlight (e.g., black carbon) or cools by scattering sunlight (e.g., sulfates) and interacts with clouds; these radiative and microphysical interactions can induce changes in precipitation and regional circulation patterns. Climate change is expected to degrade air quality in many polluted regions by changing air pollution meteorology (ventilation and dilution), precipitation and other removal processes, and by triggering some amplifying responses in atmospheric chemistry and in anthropogenic and natural sources. Together, these processes shape distributions and extreme episodes of O3 and PM. Global modeling indicates that as air pollution programs red...
Effects of changing hydrogen ion, carbonic acid, and bicarbonate concentrations on bone resorption in vitro

We have examined the effects of H+, CO2, and HCO3− concentrations during metabolic and respiratory acidosis and alkalosis on bone resorption in vitro. Rat fetal bones prelabeled with45CaCl2 were cultured at 2%, 5%, and 10% CO2 for up to 120 h, and the release of45Ca was measured in devitalized bones (non-cell-mediated45Ca release) and in live bones (cell-mediated45Ca release) cultured with or without PTH and 1,25(OH)2D3. Non-cell-mediated mineral loss was linearly related to H+ concentration but not to CO2 or HCO3− concentration. This effect was observed on both labeled and stable calcium. Over a wide pH range (6.9–7.5) H+, CO2, or HCO3− concentrations did not influence cell-mediated bone resorption in control or in PTH-and 1,25(OH)2D3-stimulated cultures. However, inhibition of cell-mediated bone resorption was observed at higher or lower pH irrespective of CO2 or HCO3− concentrations.
Identification of early S phase nuclei by observation of centriole replication in cultured human lymphocytes.

Abstract Early S phase nuclei of cultured human lymphocytes are identified by the observation of the early stage of centriole replication. In such nuclei, condensed chromatin is seen to cover the entire inner surface of nuclear envelope, except the sites of nuclear pores. When the centriole replication is more advanced, chromatin aggregates are found to be in a state of reduced condensation, the loosened state. The association of inactive condensed chromatin with the nuclear envelope in the early S phase makes it quite unlikely, at least in cultured human lymphocytes, that DNA replication is initiated exclusively at the nuclear membrane. The restriction of DNA synthesis to the nuclear periphery is considered to be characteristic of the terminal S phase where chromatin is almost completely dispersed. The effect of amethopterin, a synchrony inducing agent, upon the nuclear transformation is discussed. It is proposed that the transformation of inactive chromatin from the condensed to loosened and further to dispersed state during S phase is a slow and gradual process.
Rapid biological and chemical analyses of bacterial endotoxins separated by preparative thin-layer chromatography.

Abstract Methods have been elaborated for rapid location of biologically active bacterial endotoxin components on preparative thin-layer chromatography (tlc) by Limulus lysate clotting assay. The separation of the components from silicic acid is not necessary. Further assays were established for the semiquantitative estimation of endotoxic activites (Shwartzman reactivity, chick embryo lethality, and non-specific tumor resistance enhancement) without complete removal of silicic acid. Quantitative chemical analytical procedures were also elaborated to determine the molar ratios of the biologically active components separated and detected in the above tlc system. These included phosphorus, hexosamine, heptose, 2-keto-3-deoxyoctonate, and long-chain carboxylic acid content measurements. Here again, the chemical determinations were carried out in the presence of silicic acid.
Scope and Limitations of Functionalized Acetylenic Triflones in the Direct Alkynylation of C-H Bonds.

Abstract Reactions of TIPS-substituted acetylenic triflones extends the versatility of the trifluoromethyl radical mediated C-H alkynylation reaction. Alkynes bearing acetylenic or propargylic oxygen functionality cannot be prepared, but silyl ethers or chlorides in remote positions may be carried through the reaction. Crown ethers are successfully monofunctionalized and distal bis-acetylenes may be employed in the title reaction. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.
The liver in rheumatic diseases.

HE HEPATIC manifestations of the rheumatic diseases are not well described. The frequency, significance, and the specific hepatic pathology varies with each rheumatic illness. Abnormalities of liver tests in this setting may lead to diagnostic confusion and the need for extensive evaluation. Additionally, many of the drugs used in the treatment of these diseases are hepatotoxic. The aim of this contribution is to review the current published data regarding liver involvement in the rheumatic diseases and discuss the hepatic complications of medications commonly prescribed. RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS Hepatic involvement in adult rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is incompletely described. Early observations included the apparent improvement in joint disease with the onset of jaundice. Still,’ in 1897, noted “catarrhal jaundice to be followed by distinct improvement of the joint symptoms” and Hench,’ in 1940, noted remission in articular symptoms when patients with “chronic infectious arthritis” became jaundiced. Because of these observations, attempts were made to induce jaundice in patients with RA. Oral ingestion of ox and human bile, and intravenous administration of liver extracts and jaundice blood were ineffective.3 Temporary improvement in joint symptoms occurred in 25 of 32 patients who were inoculated with serum from patients with hepatitis and became jaundiced.4 The joint improvement was transient and the mechanism for the improvement was not determined. Biochemical evidence of hepatic involvement in RA has been described in several studies. Elevation in serum transaminases (SGOT, SGPT) have not been noted but serum alkaline phosphatase elevation has been found in 25%50% of patients with RA.‘16 This elevation in serum alkaline phosphatase is hepatic in origin since simultaneous elevations in five prime nucleotidase and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase have been noted.’ Serum alkaline phosphatase elevation correlates with disease activity and decreases with improvement in the arthritis.’
Thermal electron detachment of the molecular anion of azulene at elevated pressures by ion mobility spectrometry

Abstract Rate constants, k TED , and their temperature and pressure dependence for the thermal electron detachment (TED) reaction of the molecular anion of azulene (Az − → Az + e ) have been determined by ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). By this method, Az − ions are periodically introduced to a drift tube containing nitrogen gas at pressures ranging from 300 to 1100 Torr and temperatures ranging from 75 to 175 °C. During the time required for an Az − ion packet to drift to a Faraday detection plate, either a portion (at lower temperatures) or essentially all (at higher temperatures) of the Az − ions undergo TED. From the TED-modified IMS waveforms thereby produced, the magnitudes of k TED values have been deduced and compared with previous measurements of k TED for Az − made in buffer gases of much lower and higher pressures. The present results support a trend noted in the prior studies that the rate of TED by Az − is decreased by large increases in pressure to the near-atmospheric pressure range. A potential explanation of this unexpected effect of a buffer gas that is normally considered to be chemically inert is that a weak chemical interaction exists between the Az − ion and the nitrogen buffer gas molecules and this provides increased stability to the Az − ion under conditions of very high pressure and thereby increases the activation barrier of the TED reaction.
New directions in predicting bank failures: The case of small banks

Abstract This paper uses five financial accounting ratios with three alternative loan-portfolio diversification measures to classify failures among small commercial banks that occurred during 1984. Classifications for one, two and three years before failure are performed using linear probability, logit, probit, and discriminant analysis models. Validation is done through the U-Method. The results indicate that the logit and probit functional forms may offer an advantage over the more frequently used discriminant analysis. U-Method classification accuracy is approximately 86 percent for the logit and probit models.
Sleep during transcendental meditation

Five experienced practitioners of transcendental meditation spent appreciable parts of meditation sesions in sleep stages 2, 3, and 4. Time spent in each sleep stage varied both between sessions for a given subject and between subjects. In addition, we compare electroencephalogram records made during meditation with those made during naps taken at the same time of day. The range of states observed during meditation does not support the view that meditation produces a single, unique state of consciousness.
Death and Kinship in Hinduism: Structural and Functional Interpretations

This paper is, first, a structural analysis demonstrating that in Hindu sacred "law" death rites reflect a conception of kinship wherein intimacy is affected not only by such matters as genealogical distance, but also by differences in spiritual purity among kinsmen. Second, the paper shows that structural analysis of particular civilizations have more than intrinsic value, that they are also a necessary adjunct to highly generalfunctional theories. [India; religion; kinship; structural analysis; functionalism ].
Abstract 4366: Chronic inflammation in benign prostate tissue is related to the presence of high grade prostate cancer

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Background: Chronic inflammation may be crucial for the etiology of prostatic adenocarcinoma (CaP). If inflammation is part of the pathogenesis of this disease then it might be expected that prostates with adenocarcinoma would harbor more inflammation than prostates without adenocarcinoma. Design: Cases (biopsy detected and centrally reviewed) and age frequency-matched controls, defined as negative for adenocarcinoma on an end-of-study biopsy, were selected using a nested case-control design from among participants in placebo arm of the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT). The PCPT (n= 18,000 men) determined whether finasteride, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, could reduce the period prevalence of adenocarcinoma over 7 years. All men were screened annually by PSA and DRE, and all men not diagnosed with adenocarcinoma during the study were offered an end-of-study biopsy. Cases consisted of 191 men, and controls were from 209 men. Microscope slides (1- 5 core biopsies for each man) were digitized and evaluated online after masking of adenocarcinoma and random benign areas to ensure blinding of the pathologist to case/control status. Inflammation was assessed using a modified National Institutes of Health (NIH) grading system and data were analyzed using logistic regression. Result: Men who had at least one biopsy core positive for chronic inflammation (CI) (majority was chronic) had 1.79 (95% CI 1.06-3.04) times the risk of prostate cancer compared with no cores positive. The association was stronger for higher-grade (Gleason score 7-10; OR=2.41, 95% CI 1.17-4.95) disease than for lower-grade (Gleason score 6; OR=1.45, 95% CI 0.79-2.68) disease. Risk of prostate cancer (p-trend=0.05) and higher-grade disease (p-trend=0.02) increased with increasing percent of cores positive. Conclusion: The presence of any chronic inflammation in benign prostate tissue was positively and statistically significantly associated with adenocarcinoma, especially higher grade lesions (Gleason score 7-10). Additional studies to further examine a potential role for inflammation as a cofactor in overall and high-grade prostate cancer should help determine whether chronic inflammation present in benign tissue is a reaction to the presence of cancer, or, is related to the pathogenesis of prostate cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4366.
A comparative study of the effects of cladding panel modelling

Abstract A study was done on the macroscopic effects on a frame's behavior when cladding panels are structurally incorporated into the analysis. The following is a report on the effects of cladding panels on the natural vibration frequencies of a structural frame. The microscopic effects of the panel's inclusion, i.e. the stresses internal to the panel itself, are not studied. A two story, one bay frame with a single cladding panel at mid-height was used throughout the analysis. The cladding panel was represented by five different models; 4 noded, 16 DOF (degrees-of-freedom) rectangular finite element, 4 noded, 12 DOF rectangular finite element, 4 and 8 noded quadrilateral plane stress elements with only two translational DOF at each node, and an analogous frame model. To analyze the effect of discretization on the results with each model, the cladding panel was subdivided into meshes varying from 1 to 16 elements. The results of each model with the various meshes were compared. Frame behavior as a function of panel height was also studied. Ratios of panel height to story height of 30%, 50%, 70% and 90% were used. The degree of fixity of the elements connecting the panel to the frame varied from a pinned connection to full fixity. The data indicates that incorporation of cladding panels results in a dramatic reduction in a structure's natural periods of vibration.
The Development of Grammatical Case Distinctions in the Use of Personal Pronouns by Spanish-Speaking Preschoolers

Data on personal pronoun development in Spanish-speaking children was obtained in this study. Forty monolingual Puerto Rican Spanish-speaking children between the ages of 2;0 and 3;11 participated ...
Multilayered regionalization in Northern Europe

The broadening and deepening of Europe as a macro-region impels processes of expansion, contraction and transformation in sub-regions positioned within the EU and across the EU’s border. Recent arguments stress the idea of regionalization as a multi-layered process. Using Northern Europe as a study site, three such layers are explored: territorially bounded regionalization in the voting patterns of the Eurovision Song Contest, networked regionalization in the membership of intergovernmental organizations, and fluid regionalization in the geography of language. The associated regionalization processes are explained and visualized using mixed methodologies. Across these three layers of regionalization we can see the persistence of a Scandinavian core, but various territorial, networked and fluid forms of regionalization are stretching and pulling at the edges of Nordic regionalizations.
A highly efficient synthetic vector: Nonhydrodynamic delivery of DNA to hepatocyte nuclei in vivo

Multifunctional membrane-core nanoparticles, composed of calcium phosphate cores, arginine-rich peptides, cationic and PEGylated lipid membranes, and galactose targeting ligands, have been developed as synthetic vectors for efficient nuclear delivery of plasmid DNA and subsequent gene expression in hepatocytes in vivo. Targeted particles exhibited rapid and extensive hepatic accumulation and were predominantly internalized by hepatocytes, while the inclusion of such peptides in LCP was sufficient to elicit high degrees of nuclear translocation of plasmid DNA. Monocyclic CR8C significantly enhanced in vivo gene expression over 10-fold more than linear CR8C, likely due to a release-favoring mechanism of the DNA/peptide complex. Though 100-fold lower in activity than that achieved via hydrodynamic injection, this formulation presents as a much less invasive alternative. To our knowledge, this is the most effective synthetic vector for liver gene transfer.
Ginkgo biloba for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction

In an open trial ginkgo biloba, an extract derived from the leaf of the Chinese ginkgo tree and noted for its cerebral enhancing effects, was found to be 84% effective in treating antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction predominately caused by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, N = 63). Women (n = 33) were more responsive to the sexually enhancing effects of ginkgo biloba than men (N = 30), with relative success rates of 91% versus 76%. Ginkgo biloba generally had a positive effect on all 4 phases of the sexual response cycle: desire, excitement (erection and lubrication), orgasm, and resolution (afterglow). This study originated from the observation that a geriatric patient on ginkgo biloba for memory enhancement noted improved erections. Patients exhibited sexual dysfunction secondary to a variety of antidepressant medications including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs), serotonin and nonrepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRIs) monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOIs), and tricyclics. Dosages of ginkgo biloba extract ranged from 60 mg qd to 120 mg bid (average = 209mg/d). The common side effects were gastrointestinal disturbances, headache, and general central nervous system activation. The article includes a discussion of presumed pharmacologic mechanisms, including effects on platelet activating factor, prostaglandins, peripheral vasodilatation, and central serotonin and norepinephrine receptor factor modulation.
T-dominance: Prioritized defense deployment for BYOD security

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is an enterprise information technology (IT) policy that encourages employees to use their own devices to access sensitive corporate data at work through the enterprise IT infrastructure. Many current BYOD security practices are costly to implement and intrusive to employees, which, to some degree, negate BYOD's perceived benefits. To address such tension, we propose prioritized defense deployment: Instead of employing the same costly and intrusive security measures on each BYOD smartphone, more stringent threat detection/mitigation mechanisms are deployed on those representative smartphones, each of which represents, security-wise, a group of smartphones in the whole BYOD device pool. To this end, we propose a concept and a distributed algorithm, both named T-dominance, to capture the temporal-spatial pattern in an enterprise environment. We identify a few desirable properties of prioritized defense deployment, and analytically show that T-dominance satisfies such properties. We complement our analysis with simulations on real Wi-Fi association traces.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the endometrium in human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Background Non-Hodgkin lymphoma has become a common malignancy in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), being classified as an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-defining malignancy. The female genital tract is involved usually with non-Hodgkin lymphoma as part of disseminated disease. It is extremely rare for this tumor to originate in the female reproductive tract, especially in the endometrium. Case An HIV-positive woman underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for intractable menometorrhagia and resultant anemia thought to be secondary to uterine leiomyoma. The histologie diagnosis was high-grade, immunoblastic, non-Hodgkin lymphoma with plasmacytoid features originating in the endometrium. Conclusion This unusual presentation obligates the clinician
Thin film silicon and germanium for uncooled microbolometer applications

Hydrogenated silicon (Si:H) and germanium (Ge:H) are assessed for use as the resistive sensing layer in uncooled infrared microbolometer applications. N-type doped Si:H and undoped Ge:H thin films have been deposited using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and monitored during growth using in situ, real time spectroscopic ellipsometry (RTSE) to track changes in the growth evolution and structure occurring within a single film as a function of thickness. Amorphous germanium (a-Ge) films prepared by sputtering and amorphous n-type doped silicon carbon alloy films (a-Si 1-x Cx:H) films prepared by PECVD have also been studied by ex situ spectroscopic ellipsometry. Variations in the electrical properties of interest including film resistivity, temperature coefficient of resistance, and 1/f noise character in the form of the normalized Hooge parameter have been tracked as a function of the structure of the material as determined by deposition conditions and characterized by spectroscopic ellipsometry. Such notable variations observed include the effects of transitioning from amorphous to microcrystalline material in n-type Si:H; the addition of carbon to increase disorder in n-type a-Si:H; effects of process parameters for sputtered a-Ge; and a comparison of n-type a-Si:H, ntype a-Si 1-x Cx:H, and undoped a-Ge:H properties for films all prepared by PECVD.
Morphologic changes in gastric mucosa of aging rats.

We examined histologic and ultrastructural changes in the gastric mucosa of aging rats. Standardized gastric specimens from Sprague-Dawley rats 3 months of age (young) and 24 months of age (old) were evaluated by qualitative and quantitative histology and transmission electron microscopy. Old rats had the following histologic changes: (1) partial atrophy of the gastric glands and their replacement with hyalinlike connective tissue; (2) cystic dilatation of the gastric glands at the bases with occasional squamous cell metaplasia; and (3) extensive perivascular depositions of PAS-positive material, negative for amyloid. The total mucosal thickness was 484±100 μm in young rats vs 1122 ±240μm in old rats (P<0.01). Electron microscopy demonstrated degenerative changes in parietal and chief cells, hyperplasia of surface and foveolar mucous cells, and prominent accumulation of disorganized collagen fibrils in perivascular connective tissue. This study indicates that the gastric mucosa of aging rats that have not been exposed to damaging agents does show definite histologic and ultrastructural changes.
Work in progress — An investigation of varied game-based learning systems in engineering education

This study developed and evaluated two varied game-based learning systems in a software engineering course. The first system adopted a role-playing gaming strategy for students to learn about the process of software development effort estimation in a team-based environment. The second system used a traditional drill-and-practice gaming strategy to guide design. An experimental study involving human subjects was conducted to compare the effects of both systems on students' learning performance and attitude. Univariate analyses revealed that the game-based learning had a significant main effect on dependent variables in the knowledge test (F=5.166, p .05). The results showed that students in the drill-and-practice gaming group achieved significantly higher scores in the knowledge test (M=72.86) than the role-playing gaming group (M=61.90). The measures of students' intention and satisfaction were in the range of a moderate to high level. However, no significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of their affective measures.
Experiments with high bandwidth segmented mirrors

SummaryThe segmented mirror technology is being pursued as a corrector of atmospherically induced wavefront distortions. As a result, mirror fabrication techniques, actuation techniques and alignment concepts will bedeveloped and validated. '.`1e examine the possibilities for these technologies impacting the design of the NGT. Questions raised center around the perception that the primary would be lighter if the number of segmentswere increased. If the segment alignment problem were acceptably solved, we suggest that attention should begiven to the use of more, and smaller segments to achieve a maximal cost /benefit ratio.References 1. "Ground -to -Space Optical Power Transfer," G. E. Meyers, C. L. Hayes, J. F. SooFoo andProceedings SPIE, Vol. 141, p. 108. 1978.R. M. Stubbs, 2. "New Developments in Deformable Surface Devices," J. H. Everson, Proceedings SPIE, Vol. 141, p. 11,1978. 3. RADC Contract No. F30602 -82 -C -0006. 4. "Telescope Alignment with the Absolute Distance Interferometer," N. A. Massie and M. R. Dunn, SPIEProceedings, Vol. 332, 1982.SPIE Vol. 332 Advanced Technology Optical Telescopes (1982) / 379