cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extreme Obesity is Associated with Low Success Rate of Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation

Background Catheter ablation (CA) is an established treatment for patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of single CA in AF patients with extreme obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 40 kg/m2) and its long-term impact on body weight. Methods Patients with BMI ≥40 kg/m2 who underwent CA at the Ohio State University between 2012 and 2016 were included. The primary efficacy endpoint was no atrial arrhythmia lasting > 30 seconds without anti-arrhythmic drugs during 1-year follow-up after a single procedure. Results Out of 230 AF patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 undergoing CA, pulmonary vein isolation was achieved in 226 (98%) patients.Seventeen patients (7.4%) experienced acute major complications, including pericardial effusion, vascular complications and respiratory failure. Patient characteristics for 135 patients with complete 1-year follow-up were as follows: mean age 58.6 ± 9.6 years, mean BMI 44.5±4.7 kg/m2, female 63 (47%), non-paroxysmal AF 100 (74%), median CHA2DS2-VASc score 2 (IQR:1-3). In this cohort, the primary efficacy endpoint was achieved in 44 (33%) patients. Paroxysmal AF was associated with higher CA success compared to non-paroxysmal (51 vs. 26% [p < 0.01]).There was no significant weight change even in patients with successful AF CA. Conclusions Extreme obesity is associated with low AF CA success, particularly in those with non-paroxysmal AF. Successful AF CA was not associated with long-term weight reduction. A better treatment strategy is needed in this population of AF and extreme obesity.
Source of saline groundwater on tidally influenced blue holes on San Salvador Island, Bahamas

Stable hydrogen and oxygen isotope signatures of waters within Church and Inkwell blue holes are measured on San Salvador Island (Bahamas) to identify the origin of their fresh and saline waters. Stable isotope data, paired with a suite of physicochemical water parameters measured throughout the blue holes, as a function of both time and depth, provide a detailed understanding of the tidally influenced groundwater interactions on the island. Blue holes are prominent karst features in carbonate environments which serve as windows into subterranean hydrologic processes. Carbonate island hydrology is often complicated by complex interactions between the marine and meteoric water systems, as tidal pumping and water mixing result in diagenetic alteration of the bedrock, that in turn influence dissolution rates and preferential flow paths. Although the blue holes on the island are physically influenced by tidal forcing, the stable isotope data indicate that both their fresh and saline waters are of a meteoric origin rather than seawater, where the meteoric water is likely becoming saline through enrichment by aerosol-derived sea salts. Additionally, the physical profiles of each blue hole indicate differences in mixing processes driven by wind and tidal forcing, where stronger mixing can result in a disruption of the freshwater lens. The implications of this study are important for assessing mixing corrosion processes and dissolution effects, but more research and longer data sets are needed to show whether these results are applicable to other coastal carbonate environments.
How Agents Are Regulated in the NFL and the Potential Lessons for FIFA

American football differs in countless ways from the sport the rest of the world calls football and Americans call soccer. One difference that invites further examination is the approach the two sports have taken to regulating those who represent players in contract negotiations, known as “player agents” or “contract advisors” in the U.S. and restyled as “intermediaries” according to FIFA. In the U.S., player agents are regulated principally by the players’ unions, which possess the legal authority, incentives, and resources to develop the regulatory competence needed to improve the quality of agent representation. By contrast, FIFA deregulated the agent industry in 2015, withdrawing from licensing intermediaries and instead deputizing its 211 affiliated national football associations to regulate in this area. It has been reported that the resulting system exposed FIFA players and clubs to grossly permissive standards and wildly inconsistent enforcement approaches, and decreased the quality, transparency, and ethics of the services provided. In anticipation of FIFA governance reforms to be implemented over the next two years, including revisions to the transfer system and to intermediary regulations, this article examines the agent regulatory scheme considered a model across U.S. professional sports: namely the National Football League Players Association's Regulations Governing Contract Advisors. Despite differing legal regimes that shape how these entities respectively may operate, it is suggested that FIFA can draw some valuable lessons from the NFLPA approach. The article outlines the legal framework within which players’ unions such as the NFLPA may regulate agents. It describes current NFLPA Regulations and considers recent amendments that have stoked U.S. agent resentment, provoked threats of legal challenge, and exposed the tension between athletes’ rights to select the agent of their choice and players unions’ authority under U.S. law to regulate agent qualifications and conduct. It concludes with a comparative law perspective on how the NFLPA experience predicts significant gains in intermediary service standards, should the proposed FIFA reforms be implemented.
Complement Inhibition in Severe COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Most children with COVID-19 have asymptomatic or mild illness. Those who become critically ill suffer from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute kidney injury (AKI). The rapid deterioration of lung function has been linked to microangiopathic and immune-mediated processes seen in the lungs of adult patients with COVID-19. The role of complement-mediated acute lung injury is supported by animal models of SARS-CoV, evaluation of lung tissue in those who died from COVID-19 and response of COVID-19 ARDS to complement inhibition. We present a summary of a child with COVID-19 disease treated with convalescent plasma and eculizumab and provide a detailed evaluation of the inflammatory pathways.
Leukocyte Esterase Versus ICM 2018 Criteria in the Diagnosis of Periprosthetic Joint Infection.

Abstract Background A leukocyte esterase (LE) test is inexpensive and provides real-time information about patients suspected of periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs). The 2018 International Consensus Meeting (ICM) recommends it as a diagnostic tool with a 2+ cutoff. There is still a lack of data revealing LE utility versus the ICM 2018 criteria for PJI. Methods This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent revision total hip and total knee arthroplasty at a single institution between March 2009 and December 2019. All patients underwent joint aspiration before the arthrotomy, and the LE strip test was performed on aspirated joint fluid. PJI was defined using the 2018 ICM criteria. Results As per the 2018 ICM criteria, 78 patients were diagnosed with chronic PJI and 181 were not infected. An LE test with a cutoff of ≥ 1+ had a sensitivity of 0.744, a specificity of 0.906, a positive predictive value of 0.773, an accuracy of 0.825 (95% confidence interval 0.772-0.878), and a negative predictive value of 0.891. The positive likelihood ratio (LR+) was 7.917. Using an LE cutoff of 2 + had a sensitivity of 0.513, a specificity of 1.000, and an accuracy of 0.756 (95% confidence interval—0.812). Conclusion LE is a rapid and inexpensive test which can be performed at the bedside. Its performance is valuable as per ICM criteria. Based on the findings of this study and the given cohort, we suggest using the cutoff of LE1+ (result = negative or trace) as a point of care test to exclude infection, whereas LE at 2 + threshold has near absolute specificity for the diagnosis.
CROI 2021: Summary of Basic Science Research in HIV and SARS-CoV-2

The Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) serves as one of the most highly visible platforms upon which researchers gather to share the most recent findings on HIV/AIDS and, recently, on SARS-CoV-2 research. Research presentations on the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 have become an increasing fixture at the conference since it was first covered at last year's conference. Although CROI 2021 was virtual, the organizers coordinated a seamless platform for presentations and poster sessions that effectively engaged the audience. CROI 2021 had a strong showing in terms of basic science presentations on HIV-1 and on SARS-CoV-2. Highlights included new insights into some of the more elusive steps in the viral replication cycle as well as new findings on immune escape strategies employed by SARS-CoV-2. The new investigator workshop has become a valuable resource that can be used by early stage and established investigators alike to receive state-of-the-art updates on research areas that might be outside their immediate areas of research. The new investigator workshop featured engaging presentations on novel aspects of HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 replication, impact of host immunity on HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2, and approaches to assessing viral reservoir dynamics and strategies for viral reservoir elimination.
The Twentysomething Soul: Understanding the Religious and Secular Lives of American Young Adults

In The Twentysomething Soul, Tim Clydesdale—Professor of Sociology, Vice Provost, and Dean of Graduate Studies at The College of New Jersey (author of The First Year Out and The Purposeful Graduate...
Diesel Generator Model Development and Validation using Moving Horizon Estimation

Diesel hybrid power systems including inverter-based generation have faster and more stochastic dynamics than traditional systems. It is necessary to develop accurate models of the system components to ensure the stability of these systems and proper controller design. The parameters of the diesel generators in hybrid power systems, such as the inertia constant, are time-varying, requiring online parameter estimation techniques. This paper presents a simplified linear model developed to represent the frequency dynamics of the detailed diesel generator system and validated the model using a moving horizon estimation (MHE) approach. The proposed optimization-based MHE algorithm is employed to accurately provide an estimation of multiple parameters of a simplified diesel generator model. The proposed method extracts the parameters minimizing a cost function with a given set of constraints on the parameters. A non-intrusive square wave excitation signal generated by step changes in load is used to perturb the system with minimal impacts on power system operation. MHE estimates the parameters based on the power and frequency from the diesel generator system measured using the phase-locked loop (PLL) and provides reasonable estimates of unknown parameters. The estimated parameters are further verified by using them back in the simplified model and comparing them with the PLL measurements to represent the frequency dynamics of the diesel genset system.
Case report: Different metastatic components from anaplastic thyroid carcinoma in mediastinal and neck lymph nodes simultaneously diagnosed by FNA

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare but aggressive form of undifferentiated thyroid carcinoma which arises from previously well-differentiated thyroid carcinomas, such as papillary carcinoma or follicular carcinoma. We report on an interesting case of ATC found in an enlarging neck mass with metastatic papillary carcinoma found in mediastinal lymph nodes sampled by endoscopic bronchial-ultrasound guided- fine-needle aspiration, due to the incidental finding of a lung mass by CT scan. Divergent morphologies on cytology preparations were resolved by immunohistochemistry, which aided in the identification of both sites of malignancy and the common thread between them. The eventual palliative resection demonstrated the various components including undifferentiated thyroid carcinoma, papillary carcinoma, and background lymphocytic thyroiditis.
External beam radiotherapy in cancer of the prostate: The university of arizona experience

Between 1973 and 1979, 218 patients with adenocarcinoma of the prostate stage A2 through D1 were treated with primary external beam radiotherapy. The majority of the patients (211) received 6000-7000 rad to the prostate using a small (160) or large (58) volume technique. With a minimum follow-up of 36 months and a maximum of 120 months, the control rates of the local tumor were 96%, 95%, 88% and 81% for stage A2, B, C and D1. The corresponding 5-year survivals were 100%, 82%, 60% and 42%. Mild to severe complications were documented in 35 cases (16%). The frequency and severity of the complications correlated with the size of the irradiated volume and history of previous surgery. The use of large fields, to encompass the regional lymphatics, is not associated with improved survival.
Mechanism of Cyclopropane Ring Cleavage in Cyclopropanecarboxylic Acid

Abstract Cells of Fusarium oxysporum Schlectendahl can convert cyclopropanecarboxylic acid to γ-hydroxybutyric acid. The first step in this degradative pathway is the derivatization of cyclopropanecarboxylate to a compound that contains the intact cyclopropylcarbonyl moiety. This paper demonstrates that the most probable second step in this pathway is the opening of the cyclopropane ring by the direct addition of water across one of its carbon to carbon single bonds.
The Role of Shame in Women's Recovery from Alcoholism

Abstract This study compares the recovery experience of female members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) who reported a history of childhood sexual abuse (68%) with those who did not report experiencing childhood sexual abuse. A sample of 53 women was obtained from AA. A significant relationship was found between shame and two measures of difficulties in recovery-problems in social adjustment and relapse. Though the hypothesis that experiences of child sexual abuse predicted difficulty in recovery was not supported, these data suggest that shame may be an important variable in both the etiology and treatment of alcoholism in women.
A nanosensor array-based VLSI gas discriminator

Chemiresistive nanowires can be organized as cross-reactive sensor arrays to mimic the human olfactory system in terms of sensing and discriminating various gases and odors. This paper presents a single chip gas discrimination system that integrates a cross-reactive array of chemiresistive nanosensors with an underlying VLSI pattern classifier to accurately and efficiently identify the gas/odor to which the system is exposed. The main focus of the work is on the design of the underlying VLSI pattern classifier and its interaction with the nanosensors.
Information theory and adaptation

In this Chapter, we ask questions (1) What is the right way to measure the quality of information processing in a biological system? and (2) What can real-life organisms do in order to improve their performance in information-processing tasks? We then review the body of work that investigates these questions experimentally, computationally, and theoretically in biological domains as diverse as cell biology, population biology, and computational neuroscience
Virtual fly-over: a new visualization technique for virtual colonoscopy

In this paper, we propose a new visualization technique for virtual colonoscopy (VC). The proposed method is called Virtual Fly-Over, which splits the entire colon anatomy into exactly two halves. Then, it assigns a virtual camera to each half to perform fly-over navigation, which has several advantages over both traditional fly-through and related methods. First, by controlling the elevation of the camera, there is no restriction on its field of view (FOV) angle (e.g., >90o) to maximize visualized surface areas, and hence no perspective distortion. Second, the camera viewing volume is perpendicular to each colon half, so potential polyps that are hidden behind haustral folds are easily found. Finally, because the orientation of the splitting surface is controllable, the navigation can be repeated at a different split orientation to overcome the problem of having a polyp that is divided between the two halves of the colon. Quantitative experimental results on 15 clinical datasets have shown that the average surface visibility coverage is 99.59±0.2%.
Evaluation of Consumption and Welfare Changes Under Economic Transition in Rural Poland

The consumption and welfare changes under economic transition in rural Poland are evaluated using virtual prices for rationed goods in the prereform period. Rural households responded to price and real income changes during the transition from a cen- trally planned to a market economy. The actual changes in consumption patterns are con- sistent with the elasticity analysis. The results for rural Poland show a 74-86 percent decline in real household welfare, which is approximately one-half the value obtained using the actual prices. Compared with previous studies, the welfare loss for rural residents is slightly higher than the average for Poland. Under the centrally planned economy in Poland, consumers' purchase patterns were dictated by the availability and rationing of goods. Consumer goods, ranging from necessities such as housing and telephone services to luxuries such as cars, were rationed or in short supply. Dufing the central-planning era, rationing dis- torted consumers' behaviors because consumers could not buy their desired quan- tities at govemment-controlled prices. Each household's opportunity set for consumption goods was quite limited. Consumers constantly encountered short- ages that inconvenienced and frustrated them. The process of transformation to a market-oriented economy began in Poland in 1989, and it brought new consumption opportunities and eliminated rationing. The so-called Balcerowicz program (Leszek Balcerowicz was the finance minister who introduced far-reaching economic reforms beginning in early 1990) decreased hyperinflation, opened the economy, introduced the convertibility of the Polish
GLYCINE RESISTANCE IN AGROBACTERIUM TUMEFACIENS

Beardsley, Robert E. (Manhattan College, New York, N. Y.). Glycine resistance in Agrobacterium tumefaciens . J. Bacteriol. 83: 6–13. 1962.—The application of the fluctuation test of Luria and Delbruck to the distribution of glycine-resistant bacteria among cultures of Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain B6 indicates that resistance arises by mutation in the absence of glycine. On glycine-supplemented medium, additional resistant colonies arise during prolonged periods of incubation. Their appearance is proceded by L-form growth. In general, the number of generations over which glycine resistance is inherited in the absence of glycine is increased by serial transfers on the selection medium. In liquid medium containing glycine, sensitive bacteria form spheroplasts. Resistant bacteria continue to grow as rod forms. In the medium employed, spheroplasts are unstable. Images
Interdependency, Decoupling, and Dependency

After the devastating 1997-98 Asian financial crisis, Asian economies have tried to learn the lessons and orchestrate an effective development strategy in the midst of increasing global capital flows. In this paper, we attempt to identify the development strategy of Asian countries and the implications thereof for their economies and for the rest of the world. We argue that neither the "interdependency" theory nor the "decoupling" thesis adequately explains the current Asian development path. Instead, we argue that the dependency theory may shed light on the recent Asian development experience. By showing this, we highlight the fact that the ever growing financial power has, to a large degree, shaped the "real," productive side of the economy in Asian countries.
Digital filters for gene prediction applications

It has been observed by many researchers that the protein-coding regions of DNA sequences exhibit a period-3 behavior due to condon structure. Identification of the period-3 regions helps in predicting the gene locations, and in fact allows the prediction of specific exons within the genes of eucaryotic cells. Traditionally these regions are identified with the help of techniques such as the windowed DFT. The use of efficient digital filters for the same purpose is considered. The filters can be designed not only to extract the period-3 component, but at the same time effectively eliminate the background 1/f spectrum exhibited by nearly all DNA sequences.
Synergistic Induction of Osteocalcin Gene Expression IDENTIFICATION OF A BIPARTITE ELEMENT CONFERRING FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR 2 AND CYCLIC AMP RESPONSIVENESS IN THE RAT OSTEOCALCIN PROMOTER

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are important regulators of calvarial osteoblast growth and differentiation. We have studied the regulation of the osteoblast-specific gene osteocalcin (OC) by FGF2 in phenotypically immature MC3T3-E1 calvarial osteoblastic cells. FGF2 markedly induces OC mRNA accumulation in MC3T3-E1 cells in the presence of forskolin (FSK). Similarly, OC promoter activity (luciferase reporter) is up-regulated 6-10-fold by FGF2/FSK or by FGF2/8-bromo cyclic AMP. Half-maximal induction of OC promoter activity occurs at 1 nM FGF2. By 5' deletion analysis and dinucleotide point mutations, we map one component of this FGF2/FSK response to a GCAGTCA motif in the region -144 to -138 relative to the OC transcription initiation site. The OC promoter region -154 to -90 confers FGF2/FSK responsiveness on the Rous sarcoma virus minimal promoter. By 3' and internal deletion analyses, the region between -90 to -99 is also found to be necessary for FGF2/FSK synergy (encodes a PuGGTCA motif previously identified as a component of FSK induction). A DNA binding activity that recognizes the region -148 to -125 of the rat OC promoter is induced in crude nuclear extracts from MC3T3-E1 cells treated with FGF2 or FGF2/FSK. This binding activity is sequence-specific and does not recognize the TCAGTCA DNA cognate of AP1. Members of the ATF, Fos, and Jun family are not immunologically detected in this inducible DNA binding activity. However, transient co-expression of ATF3 but not ATF2 selectively attenuates the FGF2 component of induction. Thus, a novel FGF2-regulated DNA-protein interaction in the OC promoter participates in the transcriptional control of OC expression by FGF and cyclic AMP in MC3T3-E1 calvarial osteoblasts.
Chapter 55 Transformation of Markets for Agricultural Output in Developing Countries Since 1950: How Has Thinking Changed?

Abstract This chapter traces the evolution of the agricultural economics literature on agrifood output markets over the past 50 years, emphasizing research approaches and policy issues. The analysis of agrifood systems encompasses the demand and supply side of output markets. The analysis in this chapter is set within the conceptual framework of how the agrifood economy develops during the agricultural and structural transformation. The related paths of development of policy and policy issues, and research themes and methods, are analyzed in parallel. The chapter examines the shift from broad and atomistic “commodity” markets to differentiated and more concentrated “product” markets over the half century. Spurred by massive retail sector foreign direct investment (FDI) to which was added competitive investments from domestic capital, a profound retail transformation has occurred in the past decade – the “supermarket revolution”. This revolution has been the leading edge of globalization of domestic agrifood systems, not, as the literature currently emphasizes, opening to international trade. The chapter ends with a focus on the challenge for researchers in the next several decades, especially the need for new research methodologies that are suitable for understanding the role and influence of a small number of large-scale, multi-national firms, and for analyzing the impacts of the consolidation of the downstream segments of the agrifood system – the food industry – on upstream segments of the domestic agrifood systems, on rural development, and on trade.
The computation of supersonic flow fields about wing-body combinations by “shock-capturing” finite difference techniques

Supersonic flow field computation for wing-body combinations by shock-capturing finite difference techniques, discussing improvement based on Runge-Kutta method
Knowledge, Time, and the Problem of Logical Omniscience

It is well known that Modal Epistemic logic (MEL) suffers from the problem of logical omniscience. In this paper, we will argue that in order to solve the problem, the temporal dimension of knowledge has to be revealed and following this analysis, we present a general epistemic framework, timed Modal Epistemic Logic (tMEL), modified from MEL, such that the time at which a formula is known by an agent based on his reasoning procedure is explicitly stated. With the help of the additional temporal devices, we are able to determine what is actually known by the agent within a reasonable time of reasoning. The discussions will focus on tS4, the tMEL counterpart of S4, but the method can be uniformly generalized to the study of other tMEL logics. Both the semantics and axiomatic proof systems will be provided, accompanied by soundness and completeness results, and other technical features of tMEL are also examined. This work originates from the study of Justification Logic, which shapes many aspects of this paper, and is also a direct response to the request to utilize the use of awareness functions such that time can be added to the picture. A generalized awareness function is employed in the semantics to trace when a formula is deduced.
Downregulation of FOXO1 mRNA levels predicts treatment failure in patients with endometrial pathology conservatively managed with progestin-containing intrauterine devices

Abstract Objective To examine hormone receptor expression levels and downstream gene activation in pre-treatment and post-treatment biopsies in a cohort of patients with endometrial pathology who were being conservatively managed with a progestin-containing intrauterine device (IUD). A molecular signature of treatment failure is proposed. Methods A retrospective analysis of pre- and post-treatment biopsy specimens from 10 women treated with progestin-containing IUD for complex atypical hyperplasia (CAH) or grade 1 endometrioid adenocarcinoma was performed. Expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and PR target genes was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative RT-PCR. Results The mean treatment duration was 14.3months. Four CAH patients had stable disease or regressed after treatment, and four progressed to endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Both patients with an initial diagnosis of endometrioid adenocarcinoma regressed to CAH or no disease. In general, hormone receptor levels diminished post-treatment compared to pre-treatment biopsies; however, we noted unexpected higher expression of the B isoform of PR (PRB) as well as ER in those patients who progressed to frank cancer. There was a trend towards a non-nuclear cytoplasmic location of PRB in these patients. Importantly, the differentiating impact of PR signaling, as determined by the expression of the progestin-controlled tumor suppressor FOXO1, was lost in individuals who progressed on therapy. Conclusions FOXO1 mRNA levels may serve as a biomarker for response to therapy and an indicator of PR function in patients being conservatively managed with a progestin-containing IUD.
Kuhn's epistemological relativism: An interpretation and defense

This article attempts to develop a rational reconstruction of Kuhn's epistemological relativism which effectively defends it against an influential line of criticism in the work of Shapere and Scheffler. Against the latter's reading of Kuhn, it is argued (1) that it is the incommensurability of scientific problems, data, and standards, not that of scientific meanings which primarily grounds the relativism argument; and (2) that Kuhnian incommensurability is compatible with far greater epistemological continuity from one theory to another than is implied by the criticisms in question. The reconstruction of Kuhn is then used to show that while it constitutes a provocative form of relativism, it can also plausibly account for the sense in which scientific development is rational, involves standards external to particular paradigms, and exhibits progress of a sort. Finally, the article attempts to develop an adequate critical perspective on Kuhn's relativism by distinguishing a ‘short‐run’ from a ‘long‐run’ r...
Vascular Permeability Factor (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) Expression and Angiogenesis in Cervical Neoplasia

Background : Angiogenesis is a critical factor in the progression of solid tumors, including cervical cancers. The mechanisms reponsible for angiogenesis in cervical neoplasia, however, are not well defined. Purpose : Our goal was to determine the relationship between angiogenesis and the expression of the angiogenic cytokine vascular permeability factor (VPF), also known as vascular endothelial growth factor, and its receptors in cervical neoplasia. Methods : Sixty-six cervical biopsy specimens were evaluated ; among these, 16 samples were designated as benign, 17 as low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, 18 as high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, and 15 as invasive squamous cell carcinomas. Histologic sections immunostained for factor VIII-related antigen were evaluated quantitatively for microvessel density and for the presence of epithelial-stromal vascular cuffing. Sections were also evaluated for VPF messenger RNA (mRNA) expression by in situ hybridization. Results : VPF mRNA expression, epithelial-stromal vascular cuffing, and microvessel density counts were significantly increased in invasive carcinoma and in high-grade intraepithelial lesions as compared with low-grade intraepithelial lesions and benign squamous epithelium. Vascular cuffing and increased microvessel density counts were also significantly associated with increased VPF mRNA expression. Conclusions : These observations suggest that VPF is an important angiogenic factor in cervical neoplasia.
Analysis of moderately thick restrained circular plates resting on an isotropic elastic half space

Abstract Circular raft foundations for cylindrical structures such as nuclear reactors, tower silos, and storage tanks are often analyzed as circular plates resting on an elastic half space. Two important features that are commonly ignored in the analysis are the restraint at the plate boundary due to the rigidity of the superstructure and the effect of transverse shear deformation on the response of the plate. A mixed-variational formulation is developed herein to analyze a moderately thick restrained circular plate resting on an isotropic elastic half space. In this formulation the transverse plate deflection, the bending moments, and the shear force are treated as independent functions and are approximated by power series in terms of the radial coordinate and a set of undetermined parameters. These parameters are evaluated by utilizing the stationary property of the mixed-variational functional. Numerical results are presented for various plate rigidities and edge restraints. The effect of transverse shear deformation on the plate deflection and bending moments is investigated.
The effect of dynamic competition on price—cost margins

This paper analyses the intertemporal adjustment process of price–cost margins at the four-digit Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) industry level. Our intial analysis shows the assumption that the adjustment process is consistent over all industries is inappropriate, while the assumption that the adjustment process is consistent over two-digit industries is supported in approximately 31% of the sample industries. We proceed to analyse industry-specific adjustment parameters and find that 50% of the sample are compatible with a decay of 90% of the supranormal return with four years and 85% of the sample exhibit margins that decay in approximately 10 years. Further analysis allows us draw some weak conclusions on the determinants of the adjustment parameter. We find a change in cocentration, high imports, a mature market and low research and development expenditures contribute to slightly lower adjustment coefficients and a faster decay of supranormal profits. Finally, the modelling of the adjustment...
Partner Facilitation and Partner Interference in Individuals’ Weight Loss Goals

Drawing on the logic of the relational turbulence model, this study examined the ways in which romantic partners facilitate and interfere with individuals’ weight loss goals. Participants (N = 122) described the ways in which their romantic partner had recently helped or hindered their weight loss at four times over the course of 2 months. We conducted a content analysis of responses to identify themes of partner facilitation (Research Question 1 [RQ1]) and partner interference (RQ2) in individuals’ weight loss goals. Results revealed seven themes of partner facilitation: (a) partner enabling diet, (b) motivation and encouragement, (c) emotional support and positive reinforcement, (d) exercising together, (e) partner enabling exercise, (f) dieting together, and (g) relationship influence and priorities. Four themes of partner interference emerged in the data: (a) inability to plan for healthy meals, (b) inability to control the food environment, (c) preventing or discouraging exercise, and (d) emotional o...
Two-level finite element discretization of viscoelastic fluid flow ☆

Abstract We propose and analyze a two-level method of discretizing the equations of steady-state flow of a viscoelastic fluid obeying an Oldroyd-type constitutive equation with no-slip boundary condition. The two-level algorithm consists of solving a small non-linear system of equations on the coarse mesh and then using that solution to solve a larger linear system on the fine mesh. Specifically, following Najib and Sandri [Numer. Math. 72 (1995) 223], we linearize the Oldroyd-type constitutive equation about the coarse mesh solution thus nullifying the difficulties brought by the advection term. Our theoretical error estimates show that it has optimal order accuracy provided the true solution is smooth and its norm is sufficiently small. In addition, our computational error estimates exhibit the validity of our analysis.
Reliability of cardiac output measured by thermodilution method in small animals

Abstract 1. 1. Cardiac output determinations by the thermodilution method in rats were not affected by injective volumes from 0·05 to 0·15 ml or injectate temperatures from 4 to 23°C. 2. 2. The procedure was proved to be very reliable, as demonstrated by small intra-individual variabilities. 3. 3. The higher cardiac outputs resulting from use of the thermodilution (compared to the other methods of determination) were demonstrated in a models system to be primarily the resultant of indicator loss in small animals (rats). Such loss was shown not occure in larger animals such as dog or man.
Smooth diamond films grown by hot filament chemical vapor deposition on positively biased silicon substrates

Abstract Smooth diamond films have been grown by hot filament chemical vapor deposition under DC bias on mirror-polished Si(100) substrates. Films of a few micrometers thickness were obtained in 30 min. The films were found to have d -spacing at 2.06 and 2.11Aby X-ray diffraction. Raman spectra showed very broad peaks at 1329 (1336) and 1591 cm -1 . The films have a high density of planar defects and large internal stresses.
Small-angle X-ray scattering of poly(acrylic acid) in solution: 1. Dioxane

Abstract Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) has been applied in obtaining the solution parameters (molecular mass M, radius of gyration Rg, radius of gyration of cross-section Rq, mass per unit length Mu, and persistence length a ∗ ) of a poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) sample in dioxane at 25°C. The M and Rg values measured from SAXS were 552 000 Da (daltons) and 292 A, respectively. These values are in reasonable agreement with those obtained from solution viscometry measurements on the same sample of PAA in dioxane at 30°C ( M = 567 000 Da and R g = 227 A ). The Rq and a ∗ values obtained from SAXS were 6.1 A and 14.4 A, respectively. The Mu value measured from SAXS is 27.9 Da A−1, in excellent agreement with the model (theoretical) value of 28.6 Da A−1 calculated from the structure and molecular mass of the monomer unit. The length L (= M/Mu = 19 790 A) obtained from SAXS thus corresponds to the contour length of the molecule and not to the ‘hydrodynamic’ length (i.e. the length the chain assumes in the fluid medium).
Rare earth patterns in shergottite phosphates and residues

Leaching experiments with 1M HCl on ALHA 77005 powder show that rare earth elements (REE) are concentrated in accessory phosphate phases (whitlockite, apatite) that govern the REE patterns of bulk shergottites. The REE patterns of whitlockite are typically light REE-depleted with a negative Eu anomaly and show a hump at the heavy REE side, while the REE pattern of apatite (in Shergotty) is light REE-enriched. Parent magmas are calculated from the modal compositions of residues of ALHA 77005, Shergotty, and EETA 79001. The parent magmas lack a Eu anomaly, indicating that plagioclase was a late-stage crystallizing phase and that it probably crystallized before the phosphates. The parent magmas of ALHA 77005 and Shergotty have similar REE patterns, with a subchondritic Nd/Sm ratio. However, the Sm/Nd isotopoics require a light REE-depleted source for ALHA 77005 (if the crystallization age is less than 600 Myr) and a light REE-enriched source for Shergotty. Distant Nd and Sr isotopic signatures may suggest different source regions for shergottites.
Population pressure and agricultural change in the land‐intensive economy

Boserup's view that population pressure is an important determinant of technical change in agriculture is examined in the context of Sierra Leone. Population density is misleading when used as an indicator of population pressure, at least in conditions where cultivation is mainly of the ‘cut and burn’ type. The ratio of population to labour is suggested as an alternative on the basis of a theoretical definition of the term ‘pressure’, and on the whole it provides a good explanation of the variation in resource use.
Electron Ionization–Induced Release of Coded Isotopic Reporter Ions in an m/z Zone of Minimal Interference for Quantifiable, Multiplexed GC-MS Analyses

We describe an isotope coding strategy that enables simultaneous GC-MS analysis of multiple samples for substrate identification and quantification. The method relies on direct measurement of isotopic ethyl carbenium ions serving as mass spectral tags in a zone of minimal interference (ZMI) at m/z 31–37. Sample aldehyde and ketone mixtures were reacted with isotopic 2-aminooxyethyl propionates to illustrate the method, which determined the relative abundance of the mixed compounds with an average 95% accuracy. ZMI reporter ion detection also enables chemoselective substrate profiling and absolute quantification, as demonstrated using a biologically derived sample.
Inclusion by β-cyclodextrin of a pyrene-labeled dipeptide photoprobe

Abstract An alanyltryptophan dipeptide ( 1 ), labeled at the N-terminus with a pyrene moiety is bound strongly by β-cyclodextrin in water, leading to enhancement of the fluorescence of the photoprobe. The effect is ascribed to restriction of conformational freedom for the dipeptide and a consequent reduction in the rate of intramolecular electron transfer that occurs between pyrene and Trp/indole moieties.
Differential Sensitivity of Cones to Iron-Mediated Oxidative Damage

PURPOSE. In this study, the hypothesis that increased intraocular levels of iron cause oxidative damage to the retina was tested. METHODS. Adult C57BL/6 mice were given an intravitreous injection of saline or 0.10, 0.25, or 0.50 mM FeSO4. Scotopic electroretinograms (ERGs) were performed 3, 7, and 14 days after injection, and photopic ERGs were performed on day 14. Hydroethidine was used to identify superoxide radicals and lipid peroxidation was visualized by staining for hydroxynonenal (HNE). Retinal cell death was evaluated by TUNEL and measurement of inner nuclear layer (INL) and outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness. Levels of rhodopsin and cone-opsin mRNA were measured by quantitative real time RT-PCR. Cone density was assessed by peanut agglutinin staining and confocal microscopy. RESULTS. Compared with retinas in saline-injected eyes, retinas from eyes injected with FeSO4 showed greater fluorescence after intravenous injection of hydroethidine due to superoxide radicals in photoreceptors, greater photoreceptor staining for HNE, a marker of lipid peroxidation, and increased expression of Heme oxygenase 1, an indicator of oxidative stress. ERG b-wave amplitudes were reduced (photopic scotopic) in FeSO4-injected eyes compared with those in saline-injected eyes. Numerous TUNELstained nuclei were seen along the outer border of the ONL, the location of cone cell nuclei, at 1 and 2 days after injection of FeSO4. In FeSO4-injected eyes, the thickness of the ONL, but not the INL, was significantly reduced, and 17 days after injection, there were 3.8- and 2.6-fold reductions in the mRNAs for M-cone and S-cone opsin, respectively, whereas there was no significant difference in rhodopsin mRNA. Confocal microscopy of peanut agglutinin‐stained sections showed dose-dependent FeSO4-induced cone drop out. CONCLUSIONS. Increased intraocular levels of FeSO4 cause oxidative damage to photoreceptors with greater damage to cones than rods. This finding suggests that the oxidative defense system of cones differs from that of rods and other retinal cells, and that cones are more susceptible to damage from the type of oxidative stress imposed by iron. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2007;48:438‐445) DOI:10.1167/iovs.06-0528
Incidental findings of skull-base abnormalities in cone-beam computed tomography scans with consultation by maxillofacial radiologists

Introduction Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) gives orthodontists and other dental clinicians 3-dimensional information for planning treatment in the craniofacial region. Often overlooked are incidental findings outside the treatment region of interest. Methods Two patients with incidental findings of skull-base abnormalities are presented. The orthodontic patient was tentatively diagnosed with a notochordal remnant in the clivus; the implant patient exhibited an empty sella turcica. Results For the clivus lesion in the orthodontic patient, an artifact was ruled out after a second CBCT image and further distinguished from a fat-containing tumor after magnetic resonance imaging. The impression after magnetic resonance imaging was a notochordal remnant, although chordoma was also included in the differential, warranting a 6-month follow-up magnetic resonance image to confirm the diagnosis. The CBCT study for the implant patient demonstrated an enlarged sella turcica. The impression after the magnetic resonance imaging was an enlarged and partially empty sella with no evidence of a pituitary mass. Conclusions Orthodontists and implant surgeons may come across incidental findings outside their area of expertise on CBCT scans, highlighting the importance of appropriate consultation with maxillofacial radiologists. Notochordal remnants may present as nonexpansile intraosseous low-density areas. The challenge in distinguishing these lesions radiographically with chordomas warrants follow-up to confirm a diagnosis. An empty sella is a noteworthy finding because of its potential for endocrine and neuro-ophthalmological disorders despite an asymptomatic presentation.
Activity and Electrophoretic Characterization of Esterases in Insecticide-Resistant and Susceptible Strains of German Cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae)

Strains of German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.), were tested for re- sistance to three insecticides using the time-mortality response technique in comparison with known susceptible strains. Dursban-R and Macy strains indicated high levels of resistance to chlorpyrifos and moderate resistance to propoxur and cypermethrin. The hydrolytic activity of esterase enzymes was determined with a model substrate, p-nitro- phenyl acetate. The specific activity of the enzymes increased with a corresponding increase in substrate concentration. Maximum activity was observed at 80 IJ-M.The resis- tant strains had Significantly higher activity than the susceptible strains. The enzyme activity also increased with an increase in pH. Highest esterase activity was observed at pH 8.0 for all the strains. The calculated Michaelis Menten constant (1(",) values for the resistant strains were nearly two-fold higher than for the susceptible strains. Nondenatur- ing gel electrophoresis revealed differences in isozyme composition. In total, 10 esterase bands were detected, and these bands were characterized using different inhibitors and substrates.
In vitro inhibition of murine IFNγ production by phosphorothioate deoxyguanosine oligomers

Abstract Phosphorothioate (PT) oligonucleotides are designed as specific agents for antisense therapy although they have been reported to exert non-specific immunomodulatory effects. To elucidate further their actions, the effect of PT deoxyguanosine oligomers (S-oligo(dG)) on in vitro cytokine production by mouse splenocytes was studied. S-oligo(dG) 20 inhibited production of INFγ induced by Con A, E. coli DNA or the combination of PMA and calcium ionophore A23187. The diester analogue was inactive, and of PT homo-oligomers tested, S-oligo(dG) 20 was the most active. PT compounds with as few as 5 dG residues could also block INFγ production. These results indicate that base composition and length, as well as the PT backbone, contribute to the inhibition of INFγ production and extend the range of immunomodulatory effects of PT compounds.
Effect of N-substituents on protonation chemistry of trichlorophosphazenes

Abstract The protonation chemistry of trichlorophosphazene (R 1 NPCl 3 ) with sulfonic acids (R 2 SO 3 H) was found to be affected by the N-substituents R 1 , yielding bis(sulfonyl)imides containing both R 1 and R 2 , and mixed sulfonylphosphonyl imides containing either R 1 or R 2 . In the formation of the latter a hitherto unobserved chemistry occurred. An intramolecular ‘imine SN 2 ’ mechanism was proposed to rationalize the reactions observed.
Isolation of viable tumor cells following introduction of labelled antibody to an intracellular oncogene product using electroporation

A method for labelling the intracellular ras oncogene product, p21, with a monoclonal antibody, in B16BL6 mouse melanoma cells for subsequent flow cytometric analysis and viable cell sorting is described. Permeabilization of the cells for introduction of labelled antibody was attempted using (1) lysolecithin treatment, and (2) electroporation, a much more highly controllable technique. Permeabilization was assessed using propidium iodide or calcofluor white M2R staining, while short-term cellular viability was determined using fluorescein diacetate staining and long-term viability by reculturing the sorted cells. We successfully introduced labelled antibody into the cells with both permeabilization techniques. Insufficient numbers of viable permeabilized cells were obtained lysolecithin treatment to warrant an attempt at viable cell sorting. On the other hand, good numbers of viable, permeabilized cells were obtained using electroporation and we successfully sorted viable tumor cell populations based on the intensity of their anti-p21ras staining. These sorted tumor cells retained their characteristic anti-p21ras staining intensity for at least 2 weeks of propagation in culture.