cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Testing a gender additive model: The role of body image in adolescent depression

Despite consistent evidence that adolescent girls are at greater risk of developing depression than adolescent boys, risk factor models that account for this difference have been elusive. The objective of this research was to examine risk factors proposed by the gender additive model of depression that attempts to partially explain the increased prevalence of depression in adolescent girls. The theory suggests that body image and eating related variables predict depression for girls, but not for boys, above and beyond the variance accounted for by other well-known risk factors, some of which were examined in the current study. The sample was 247 adolescent girls and 181 adolescent boys studied over a 24-month duration. Results suggest that body dissatisfaction is a potent predictor of depression for girls, but not for boys, above and beyond the predictive effects of other established risk factors. Results provide insight into the etiology of adolescent depression and the disparate rate of depression among adolescent girls and provide direction for identifying high-risk individuals and developing effective prevention programs.
Transplantation: Alloantibodies in simultaneous liver–kidney transplantation

O'Leary et al. report that the presence of anti-HLA antibodies at the time of simultaneous liver–kidney transplantation is associated with allograft dysfunction and shortened organ and patient survival. Preformed class I alloantibodies were eliminated after transplantation, whereas class II donor-specific antibodies persisted and were associated with poor outcomes.
The s-channel theory of superconductivity on a one-dimensional lattice of parallel (CuO2) planes

Abstract The recently proposed s -channel theory of high T c superconductivity is applied to a one-dimensional lattice of parallel CuO 2 planes. It is shown that at T T c , the long-range-order parameter is described by the Bose-condensate amplitude B and the electrons (or holes) have a gap energy proportional to B , the same as in the continuum case.
Sonic hedgehog function in chondrichthyan fins and the evolution of appendage patterning

The genetic mechanisms regulating tetrapod limb development are well characterized, but how they were assembled during evolution and their function in basal vertebrates is poorly understood. Initial studies report that chondrichthyans, the most primitive extant vertebrates with paired appendages, differ from ray-finned fish and tetrapods in having Sonic hedgehog (Shh)-independent patterning of the appendage skeleton. Here we demonstrate that chondrichthyans share patterns of appendage Shh expression, Shh appendage-specific regulatory DNA, and Shh function with ray-finned fish and tetrapods. These studies demonstrate that some aspects of Shh function are deeply conserved in vertebrate phylogeny, but also highlight how the evolution of Shh regulation may underlie major morphological changes during appendage evolution.
Optical characterization of orientation of collagen.

The optical properties of reconstituted collagen were characterized in the frame-work of a two-phase model. The total birefringence is assumed to be the sum of form birefringence ΔF, of amorphous birefringence Δa, and of crystalline birefringence Δc. The contribution of ΔF has been determined as a function of strain. The intrinsic values of Δc and Δa were calculated to be 0.24 ± 0.06 and 0.055 ± 0.018, respectively. In the undeformed state, the observed birefringence is almost entirely due to the distortion of the electric field of the light at the phase boundary. Whereas there is a slight increase of form birefringence with increasing strain, the total birefringence shows much larger increments. The latter is attributable to orientation of the rodlike superstructures of the tropocollagen molecules.
Corporate governance attributes and remediation of internal control material weaknesses reported under SOX Section 404

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the association between corporate governance attributes in the form of board and ownership characteristics and the remediation of internal control material weaknesses (ICMW) reported under Section 404 of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act (SOX) of 2002.Design/methodology/approach – The paper employs multivariate logistic regression models for a sample of 528 firms having ICMW as per their auditors' attestation reports during the fiscal periods of 2004, 2005 and 2006 to investigate the empirical relationships between board and ownership characteristics, and remediation of control weaknesses in subsequent fiscal years.Findings – The board diligence, CEO‐independent board, and managerial, institutional and dominant shareholdings are all positively and significantly associated with the ICMW remediation of the sample firms in the presence of other firm‐specific variables in the analysis. The results also suggest that, in general, the ownership characteristics play a greate...
Origin and evolution of the parasitic cyclopoid copepods.

Abstract Six of the 10 recognised families of the order Cyclopoida are parasitic, with 4 of them occurring on marine invertebrates and the remaining 2 on freshwater gastropods and fishes, respectively. A cladistic analysis of the 10 families indicates that evolution of parasitism occurred twice in the history of the cyclopoids. The first attempt was made by the marine epibenthic ancestors seeking food and shelter in sessile tunicates — the ascidians. This event led to the evolution of 2 ascidicolous families: Archinotodelphyidae and Notodelphyidae. The descendant of this lineage had also invaded the mantle cavity of marine bivalve molluscs, eventually leading to the evolution of the Mantridae. The second attempt for the parasitic mode of life was launched by the ancestor which was the sister group of the ancestral cyclopoids — the most successful family of freshwater copepods. This ancestral stock, while living in the coastal zone, split into 2 groups: one group stayed behind in the ocean and colonised again the ascidians; the other groups invaded freshwater and evolved into the fish-parasitising Lernaeidae and the gastropod-parasitising Ozmanidae.
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase is a key mediator of hepatocyte proliferation in response to partial hepatectomy in mice.

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is a critical modulator of vascular tone and blood flow and plays major roles in liver physiology and pathophysiology. Nitric oxide (NO) is widely recognized as one of the key humoral factors important for the initiation of liver regeneration in response to partial hepatectomy. Liver regeneration in response to partial hepatectomy is dependent on the efficiency of growth factor-mediated cell-cycle progression. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a critical mediator of multiple hepatic mitogens, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor alpha, amphiregulin, and heparin-binding EGF in regenerating livers. However, the functional significance of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expressed in hepatocytes, and its potential role in EGFR-mediated hepatocyte proliferation, remains unexplored. We sought to determine whether eNOS is essential for hepatocyte proliferation in response to partial hepatectomy (PH). Our studies with eNOS knockout (eNOS−/−) mice suggest that eNOS activation is essential for the efficient induction of early events and elicitation of a robust hepatocyte proliferative response to PH. Moreover, eNOS expression is essential for the efficient early induction of matrix metalloprotease-9, a known mediator of extracellular matrix remodeling and growth factor activation in regenerating livers. Our in vitro studies suggest that eNOS is a critical mediator of EGF-induced hepatocyte proliferation, potentially via its influence on the induction of early growth response-1 (Egr-1) and phosphorylation of c-Jun—known mediators of cell-cycle progression. EGF-induced eNOS phosphorylation at Ser 1177 is dependent on the phosphorylation and activation of EGFR/PI3 kinase/AKT signaling in hepatocytes. Conclusion: Collectively, these results highlight a hitherto unrecognized role for eNOS activation in hepatocyte proliferation with implications for targeted therapies to enhance liver regenerative response in chronic disorders. (HEPATOLOGY 2011;)
Microhardness of nanocrystalline palladium and copper produced by inert-gas condensation

This report describes the major results of a Vickers microhardness study of nanocrystalline palladium and copper produced by the inert-gas condensation method. Small grain size is known to have a strong influence on mechanical properties at low and intermediate temperatures, as observed in the Hall--Petch effect, Coble creep, and superplasticity. Until recently, the mechanical properties of nanocrystalline materials with mean grain diameters of 5 to 50 nm have not been explored. A microhardness study on conventional compacted tungsten powder indicated that the Hall--Petch effect extends to the 150 nm range; and effects of nanocrystalline grain size on mechanical properties of TiO{sub 2} have been investigated.
An investigation of CaF2:Dy2+ system to determine its potential as continuously tunable far-infrared laser∗

Abstract An investigation has been carried out on the CaF 2 :Dy 2+ system to determine its potential as a tunable source of far infrared (FIR) radiation. High resolution laser magnetospectroscopy using optically pumped FIR lasers has been performed on the (E2 → T2)-type transitions of CaF 2 :Dy 2+ to determine the radiative and non-radiative lifetimes of 1 → 7, 1 → 8, and 2 → 7 transitions. The variation of the transition strengths with magnetic field and orientation has been calculated theoretically for all transitions. The experimental and theoretical work has shown that potentially workable pumping schemes, capable of providing tunable FIR radiation with tunability of several cm −1 , exist. The threshold power for the best pumping scheme is estimated.
Chironomid Larval Density at Various Depths in a Southern California Water-Percolation Reservoir

In a southern California reservoir, benthic larval density of chironomid midges was assessed 10 times between Aug. 1974 and July 1975, at >1 m, 3–4 m, and 6–8 m water depths. Larvae belonging to 9 midge genera were taken. Tanytarsus spp., Chironomus spp., and Procladius spp. were predominant, forming more than 85% of the total chironomid larvae recovered on any sampling occasion from the entire basin. The monthly qualitative composition of midge fauna differed slightly between the 3 depth levels, but the quantitative composition changed markedly from one level to the next. Midge density was consistently higher in the >1 m deep areas than in the 3–4 m and the 6–8 m deep levels. Tanytarsus spp. were predominant at the >1 m depths. Chironomus spp. and Procladius spp. were more prevalent in the other 2 deeper regions.
Democracy, Elitism, and Scientific Method

Scientific standards cannot be separated from the practice of science and their use presupposes immersion in this practice. The demand to base political action on scientific standards therefore leads to elitism. Democratic relativism, on the other hand, demands equal rights for all traditions or, conversely, a separation between the state and any one of the traditions it contains; for example, it demands the separation of state and science, state and humanitarianism, state and Christianity. Democratic relativism defends the rights of people to live as they see fit; it is also a most efficient means of probing traditions (such as ‘scientific’ medicine) that happen to be in the centre of attention: it has ethical as well as epistemological advantages.
PREPARATION OF GEM‐DIFLUOROCYCLOPROPANES VIA DECOMPOSITION OF METHYL CHLORODIFLUOROACETATE BY ALKALI METAL HALIDES

Abstract The facile decomposition of methyl chlorodifluoroacetate, induced by either lithium chloride/hexamethylphosphoric triamide complex or potassium fluoride/18-Crown-6 complex, has been carried out in the presence of a variety of olefinic substrates to yield the corresponding gem -difluorocyclopropanes. The ester decomposition has been determined to yield “free” difluorocarbene via a three-step process involving an intermediate chlorodifluoromethide ion.
Relationship between expression of coactivators and corepressors of hormone receptors and resistance of ovarian cancers to growth regulation by steroid hormones.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether aberrant expression of hormone receptor corepressors or coactivators or defects in estrogen receptor-mediated transcription might underlie resistance of ovarian cancers to hormonal therapy. METHODS: Northem analysis, Western analysis, and polymerase chain reaction were used to examine expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), the nuclear receptor corepressors N-CoR and SMRT, and the steroid receptor coactivator BRG-1 in ovarian cancer cell lines and primary cancers. The effect of BRG-1 transfection on ER-mediated transcription was examined. We also determined the effect of estrogen and the pure estrogen antagonist ICI 182, 780 on cell cycle profile and expression of ER. Finally, we examined the ability of estrogen to upregulate expression of known estrogen-responsive genes. RESULTS: Among primary ovarian cancers, 18 of 52 (35%) expressed N-CoR, and 37 of 52 (71%) expressed SMRT, but there was no correlation between expression of corepressors and hormone receptor status. All of the primary ovarian cancers and cell lines expressed BRG-1, Estrogen stimulation of two cell lines expressing ER (SKOV3, OVCA 432) elicited low levels of ER-mediated transcription that was not enhanced by BRG-1 transfection. ICI 182, 780 did not induce cell cycle arrest in these cell lines, but there was evidence of dowuregulation of ER, indicating a ligand-receptor interaction, However, estrogen did not elicit increased transcription of estrogen-responsive genes (PR, myc, fos, pS2). CONCLUSION: Inappropriate expression of the nuclear corepressors N-CoR and SMRT or the coactivator BRG-1 does not underlie the resistance of ovarian cancers to hormonal therapy. Further studies are needed to cluadate the mechanisms underlying the inability of ovarian cancers to undergo ER-mediated transcription if we hope to understand their resistance to hormonal therapy.
Quasi-Static Optics-Based Surface Control of an In-Plane Actuated Membrane Mirror

Future space telescopes may use large-diameter, flexible, lightweight membrane mirrors to overcome current launchweight and packaging limitations. In-plane actuated tensionedmembranemirrors may be a possible solution to maintaining the precise surface required of a telescope mirror. For this experiment a 0.127-m diam in-plane actuated deformable tensioned membrane mirror was constructed and tested. The research presented herein implements control algorithms based on the results of a nonlinear finite element MSC.Nastran model. The control method used a least-squares approach to create an influence function matrix which was implemented as a proportional plus integral controller. Precision shaping of the test article’s mirror surface, expressed in terms of a Zernike coefficient basis set obtained from an optics-based Shack–Hartmann wave front sensor, was demonstrated in a series of quasi-static closed-loop control tests. Micron-level sinusoidal control inputs representing the defocus Zernike coefficient were successfully tracked with an average absolute accuracy of 0:16 m. For multimode tracking, commanded tip, tilt, and defocus modes were tracked with an absolute average error of 0.14, 0.09, and 0:18 m, respectively, indicating that increasing the dimension of the control system did not significantly degrade its performance. This experimental demonstration illustrates the use of optics-based precision surface control for inplane actuatedmembranemirrors, however, significant technological challenges still exist whichmay impede the use of this technology for large space-based telescope applications.
Crossed-Fused Testicular Ectopia: A Case for the Use of Laparoscopy to Evaluate Nonpalpable Testicles

Figure 2. Right testicle entering the left inguinal ring. A 1-year-old male was referred for evaluation of a nonpalpable right testicle. In children with nonpalpable testicles, it our practice to proceed with diagnostic laparoscopy in an attempt to identify an intra-abdominal testicle or blind-ending spermatic vessels regardless of ultrasoundfindings. In theoperating room,weperformeddiagnostic laparoscopy through the umbilical stump. We identified a vas deferens passing from the right side to the left side, and what appeared to be a testicle in the area of the left internal inguinal ring (Figures 1 and 2). In the left groin, we found both testicles fused together with a common blood supply, but a separate vas deferens. We placed the right testicle transseptally into the right hemiscrotum. Crossed testicular ectopia, or transverse testicular ectopia, is an extremely rare finding on exploration for an undescended testicle, with just slightly more than 100 cases reported in the literature to date. A classification system has been proposed that accounts for accompanying anomalies, including hernias andmullerian duct structures. The ectopic testicle is usually structurally normal; however, it does carry a risk of malignancy, similar to that associated with other forms of intra-abdominal testicles. Although there are reports of successful diagnosis of this anomaly using ultrasonography ormagnetic resonance imaging during evaluation of nonpalpable testicles, neither of these studies is sufficiently sensitive to safely rule out an ectopic testicle. Laparoscopy has consistently demonstrated superior diagnostic accuracy in nonpalpable testicles and is instrumental in their evaluation and treatment as underscored by this unusual finding on exploration. n
How does globalization affect corporate governance and accountability? A perspective from MNEs

Abstract This paper addresses how the global activities undertaken by multinational enterprises (MNEs) in international settings impact corporate governance mechanisms and accountability systems. International corporate governance and accountability research, whether from a political science, economics, finance, or accounting perspective, has thus far predominantly focused on the comparison of corporate governance schemes in different countries and on the investigation of institutional parameters that determine these schemes. Straying from this line of inquiry, this article discusses how globalization at the firm level affects governance and accountability systems at parent- and subsidiary-levels. It emphasizes how an MNE's globalization attributes such as globalization scale, foreign adaptation, global competition, and international experience influence the design of governance mechanisms such as board size, board composition, executive compensation, market discipline, interlocking directorate, ownership concentration, duality and inbreeding, as well as the design of accountability systems such as accounting information, auditing standards, and financial and non-financial disclosures. This article bases its conjectures on information processing and agency theories.
Nuclear structure studies of the chromium isotopes: The 52, 53Cr(p, p′), 53Cr(p, p′γ), 53Cr(d, d′) and 52Cr(d, p) reactions

Abstract The MIT-ONR electrostatic generator and the MIT multiple-gap spectrograph were used to study the level structure of 52 Cr and 53 Cr by means of the (p, p′), (p, p′γ), (d, d′) and (d, p) reactions with proton and deuteron bombarding energies of 7.5 MeV. A total of 14 levels in 52 Cr and 26 levels in 53 Cr from the (p, p′) reactions and 102 levels in 53 Cr from the (d, p) reactions are reported. Angular distributions of elastic and inelastic particle groups corresponding to the first five states in 53 Cr have been obtained from both the (p, p′) and (d, d′) experiments. A comparison of the angular distributions of protons from the (d, p) reactions with calculations from zero-range DWBA has yielded information on the orbital angular momentum of the transferred neutron and transition strengths for 27 levels in 53 Cr up to 4.7 MeV in excitation. The deduced (d, p) strengths are compared with shell-model sum-rule limits. The experimental results from the five reactions investigated are compared with other experiments performed with higher bombarding energies. The properties of the low-lying levels in 53 Cr are of particular interest and are discussed in terms of theoretical calculations based on the shell model and also the weak-coupling model.
Effects of gravity on radially supported telescopic mirrors

Abstract The paper presents an analysis of the optically effective distortions of a telescopic mirror due to gravity loads, when the mirror is positioned so that the optical axis is horizontal. The mirror is considered a shallow paraboloidal shell of variable thickness with antisymmetric gravity loads, supported on its outer rim by arbitrarily distributed radial forces.
Analysis of Sr5-xBax(PO4)3F:Yb3+ crystals for improved laser performance with diode-pumping

Crystals of Yb3+:Sr5-xBax(PO4)3F (0 ≤ × ≤ 5) have been investigated as a means to obtain broader absorption bands than are currently available with Yb3+:S-FAP [Yb3+:Sr5(PO4)3F], thereby improving diode-pumping efficiency for high peak power applications. Large diode-mays have a FWHM pump band of ≥5 nm while the FWHM of the 900 nm absorption band for Yb:S-FAP is 5.5 nm; therefore, a significant amount of pump power can be wasted due to the nonideal overlap. Spectroscopic analysis of Yb:Sr5-xBax-FAP crystals indicates that adding barium to the lattice increases the pump band to 13-16 nm which more than compensates for the diode-array pump source without a detrimental reduction in absorption cross section. However, the emission cross section decreases by approximately half with relatively no effect on the emission lifetime. The small signal gain has also been measured and compared to the parent material Yb:S-FAP and emission cross sections have been determined by the method of reciprocity, the Fuchtbauer-Ladenburg method, and small signal gain. Overall, Yb3+:Sr5-x Bax(PO4)3F crystals appear to achieve the goal of nearly matching the favorable thermal and laser performance properties of Yb:S-FAP while having a broader absorption band to better accommodate diode pumping.
Physicochemical and antibacterial properties of surfactant mixtures with quaternized chitosan microgels

Antibacterial surfactant mixtures attract widespread interest in the design of consumer product formulations, but often use toxic biocidal agents such as cationic surfactants, triclosan or bleach. To address this, we explored replacing these toxic ingredients with quaternized chitosan microgels, which combine high antibacterial activity with cytocompatibility with mammalian cells. Specifically, three essential properties of microgel mixtures with model anionic (sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS) and nonionic (Triton X-100, TX-100) surfactants (and with SDS/TX-100 mixtures) were investigated: (1) colloidal stability, (2) antibacterial activity, and (3) hydrophobe solubilization. Additionally, the effect of surfactant on dispersion turbidity, which can be important in the formulation of aesthetically-appealing products, was explored. The microgels formed more-stable dispersions when mixed with nonionic TX-100, but quickly precipitated when mixed with the electrostatically-binding SDS and SDS/TX-100 surfactant systems at fairly-low (millimolar) surfactant concentrations. At higher SDS concentrations the microgels were redispersed and ultimately dissolved when mixed with only SDS, but remained precipitated in SDS/TX-100 mixtures. Furthermore, the electrostatic binding of SDS to quaternized chitosan diminished its antibacterial activity and (because the SDS-bearing mixtures with strong biocidal activity were limited to low surfactant concentrations) also resulted in limited hydrophobe solubilization. Conversely, microgels mixed with TX-100 maintained their biocidal activity even when the surfactant was in excess, and exhibited good solubilization properties. This suggests that surfactant-based products that use quaternized chitosan microgels as antibacterial agents should optimally be formulated using nonionic surfactants.
Receptor-mediated immunomodulation by corticotropin-releasing factor

In both normal and adrenalectomized rats, exogenous corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) suppresses immune function, and stress-induced immunosuppression can be partially reversed with either CRF antibody or CRF antagonist, suggesting a role for CRF in immunomodulation. We now report binding of CRF to human monocyte-macrophages and T-helper lymphocytes but not to T-suppressor or B lymphocytes. Bound CRF was displaced by synthetic CRF as well as CRF antagonist. CRF binding at these sites was accompanied by increases in the concentration of cAMP (but not cGMP) in the cells, with minimal and maximal effective CRF doses of 10(-13) and 10(-6) M for the monocyte-macrophage and 10(-12) M and 10(-8) M for the T-helper cell. Production of cAMP in response to CRF was effectively inhibited by CRF antagonist in both cell types. Moreover, rat splenocyte proliferation induced by interleukin 2(IL-2; 110 IU) was blocked by CRF, half-maximally at a CRF dose of 2.2 x 10(-10) M and completely at 3.5 x 10(-9) M. Finally, when CRF was added together with a 50-fold molar excess of CRF antagonist the IL-2 effect was fully restored. This demonstration of specific, physiologically relevant CRF receptors on two key immunocytes, the monocyte-macrophage and the T-helper lymphocyte, along with in vitro immunosuppression concomitant with CRF binding reinforces the growing body of evidence for a prominent role for CRF in immunomodulation.
The distribution, speciation and geochemical cycling of selenium in a sedimentary environment, Kesterson Reservoir, California, U.S.A.

Abstract The well-defined and intensively studied episode of Se contamination at Kesterson Reservoir (Merced County, California, U.S.A.) provided a unique opportunity to describe the distribution, speciation and geochemical transformations of Se in a variety of geochemical and ecological settings, ranging from permanent ponds to semi-arid grasslands and salt flats. Kesterson Reservoir comprises 500 ha of land contaminated with Se from agricultural drain water. In most places. Se was concentrated in surficial organic detritus and the surficial decimeter of mineral soil. At dry sites, selenate ion predominated below 20 cm depth. Elemental selenium (Se0) also was prominent. The amount of zero-valent Se increased slowly with time. Although selenate is thermodynamically stable in the vadose zone in the presence of oxygen, Se0 is an additional, metastable product of the mineralization of organic selenium. Thiols and inorganic sulfides dramatically increase the solubility of Se0. Decreasing pH inhibits the reaction, explaining the observed decrease in solubility and biological availability of Se in soil and aquatic systems at low pH. Adding thiols or methionine to soil increases the emission of volatile Se compounds several-fold, suggesting that thiols play a major role in the microbial cycling of Se in soil.
One-loop correction and the dilaton runaway problem

We examine the one-loop vacuum structure of an effective theory of gaugino condensation coupled to the dilaton for string models in which the gauge coupling constant does not receive string threshold corrections. The new ingredients in our treatment are that we take into account the one-loop correction to the dilaton Kaehler potential and we use a formulation which includes a chiral field H corresponding to the gaugino bilinear. We find through explicit calculation that supersymmetry in the Yang-Mills sector is broken by gaugino condensation. The dilaton and H field have masses on the order of the gaugino condensation scale independently of the dilaton VEV. Although the calculation performed here is at best a model of the full gaugino condensation dynamics, the result shows that the one-loop correction to the dilaton Kaehler potential as well as the detailed dynamics at the gaugino condensation scale may play an important role in solving the dilaton runaway problem. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Angiogenesis Inhibition by an Oncolytic Herpes Virus Expressing Interleukin 12

Purpose: Oncolytic herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) may have significant antitumor effects resulting from the direct lysis of cancer cells. HSVs may also be used to express inserted transgenes to exploit additional therapeutic strategies. The ability of an interleukin (IL)-12-expressing HSV to treat squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by inhibition of tumor angiogenesis is investigated in this study. Experimental Design: A replication-competent, attenuated, oncolytic HSV carrying the murine IL-12 gene (NV1042), its non-cytokine-carrying analog (NV1023), or saline was used to treat established murine SCC flank tumors by intratumoral injection. The expression of secondary antiangiogenic mediators was measured. Angiogenesis inhibition was assessed by in vivo Matrigel plug assays, flank tumor subdermal vascularity, and in vitro endothelial cell tubule formation assay. Results: Intratumoral injections of NV1042 (2 × 10 7 plaque-forming units) into murine SCC VII flank tumors resulted in smaller tumor volumes as compared with NV1023 or saline. IL-12 and IFN-γ expression in tumors was 440 and 2.2 pg/mg, respectively, at 24 h after NV1042 injection, but both IL-12 and IFN-γ were undetectable ( in vitro inhibition of endothelial tubule formation. Conclusions: IL-12 expression by an oncolytic herpes virus enhances therapy of SCC through antiangiogenic mechanisms. Strategies combining HSV oncolysis with angiogenesis inhibition merit further investigation for potential clinical application.
Impaired insulin-signaling in hypertrophied hearts contributes to ischemic injury.

Despite increased glucose utilization by hypertrophied myocardium, these hearts exhibit a slower rate of glucose uptake (GU). We hypothesized that, in hypertrophied myocardium, a defect of the insulin-responsive glucose transporter is responsible for impaired GU and metabolism during ischemia, contributing to post-ischemic myocardial dysfunction. In a rabbit model of pressure-overload hypertrophy, GU (31P NMR spectroscopy) and total/phosphorylated insulin-signaling intermediates were assayed: insulin-receptor, insulin-receptor-substrate-1 (IRS-1), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3-k), GLUT-4 translocation and contractile function in an isolated heart ischemia/reperfusion model. Total protein was not different between hypertrophied and control hearts. Phosphorylation of IRS-1 and PI3-k activity was significantly lower in hypertrophy during ischemia. GU was impaired pre-ischemia in hypertrophy, remained lower during early reperfusion, and was associated with impaired recovery of contractile function. In conclusion, a defect in IRS-1 phosphorylation and PI3-k activation in hypertrophied hearts restricts insulin-mediated GLUT-4 translocation and ischemia, a known stimulus of GLUT-4 translocation, does not compensate for this defect.
MgB/sub 2/ thin films grown at different temperatures by hybrid physical-chemical vapor deposition

We have grown MgB/sub 2/ films at different substrate temperatures by hybrid physical-chemical vapor deposition. X-ray diffraction analysis shows epitaxial growth at all temperatures, as measured at the substrate surface, between 550-700/spl deg/C. An optimal deposition temperature was found around 650/spl deg/C, at which the rocking curve is the narrowest, the residual resistivity is the lowest, and T/sub c/ is the highest. For the films deposited at lower temperatures, the rocking curve broadens, indicating a decreasing quality of crystallinity. The residual resistivity increases but the superconducting transition temperature remains nearly constant around 40 K when the deposition temperature is decreased to 550/spl deg/C. The deposition of epitaxial films with excellent superconducting properties at low substrate temperatures is important for device and circuit processing utilizing MgB/sub 2/.
The lethic phallus: rethinking the misery of Oedipus.

The author rethinks Sophocles' dramas Oedipus the King and Oedipus at Colonus with a special focus on how self- and object-preservative drives are expressed in the protagonist's thoughts, feelings, and actions. What endangered Oedipus' survival at the beginning of his life-the planned infanticide-becomes the disease that later befalls his kingdom and finally culminates in his self-mutilation, which entitles the blinded Oedipus to be cared for by Antigone until he dies. The concept of the lethic phallus demonstrates how trauma and the resultant failure in structuring the lethic energies of the preservative and death drives can result in a specific pathology in which disease is used as a trophy and a means to bind the object in an ongoing caretaker relationship. Language: en
Hyperthermia and radiation in cancer therapy: A review

Abstract This paper attempts to provide a brief and concise summary of the underlying scientific principles for the use of hyperthermia as an anti-cancer treatment modality. The effects of hyperthermia on mammalian cells are described and compared to the known effects of ionizing radiation. Some biochemical and subcellular responses to hyperthermia and their resultant role in overall cellular response are also presented. The physiological changes induced, particularly in tumors, by the application of hyperthermia and their subsequent effects on overall tumor response are described as is the rationale for combining heat with ionizing radiation into a single treatment regime. Finally, some preliminary clinical results are presented which describe the potential for the clinical use of hyperthermia.
Thiazolidinediones in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and heart failure

Purpose. A review of the significant findings related to the use of the thiazolidinediones (TZDs) in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and heart failure was conducted. Summary. TZDs are antihyperglycemic medications that increase insulin sensitivity and improve the underlying defect of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and they have the potential to slow or decrease the cardiovascular damage that results from these conditions. TZDs are also implicated in weight gain; however, this is accompanied by an improvement in insulin sensitivity and, therefore, its clinical significance is unclear. Edema has been well characterized in patients treated with TZDs. Edema is more common in patients treated with a TZD in combination with insulin and higher doses of TZDs. Because of the potential for fluid retention and worsening edema, clinical studies have excluded patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III or IV heart failure. In patients at risk for heart failure or those who have NYHA functional class I or II symptoms, initiation of therapy should be at the lower dose for TZDs with close monitoring of weight gain, edema, and other signs of worsening heart failure. Conclusion. Current data suggest that TZDs may be used cautiously in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who are at risk for heart failure or who have NYHA functional class I or II heart failure. Patients with NYHA functional class III or IV heart failure should not receive TZDs.
Spectroscopic studies of a polarity-sensitive pyrenyl dye

Abstract Aryl dyes may be prepared using simple synthetic steps, e.g., by condensation of an arylcarboxaldehyde with a quaternary salt of a heterocycle having a methyl group in the 2-or 4-position. This paper focuses on the spectral properties and analytical applications of one of the aryl derivatives prepared in our laboratory. 1-Pyrenecarboxaldehyde was condensed with 3-ethyl-2-methylbenzothiazolium to form an aryl dye. The absorption and fluorescence properties of this dye were found to be strongly dependent on solvent hydrophobicity. The chromophore has an absorption maximum at 562 nm in methanol and at 619 nm in aqueous solutions. The relative ratios of the vibronic bands of the fluorescence from the pyrene moiety also change as the polarity of the environment changes. The observed excimer band is similar to that of the underivatized pyrene molecule. Fluorescence energy transfer from the aryl to the chromophore portion of the molecule was also observed. The analytical utility of these phenomena has been evaluated.
NAFTA: From congressional passage to implementation woes

This paper reviews the decision making process during the 1993 NAFTA debate and Congressional vote, and evaluates the likelihood that key provisions on trucking will be implemented. We provide empi...
Predicting early left ventricular dysfunction after mitral valve reconstruction: The effect of atrial fibrillation and pulmonary hypertension

Objective The preoperative ejection fraction (EF) and left ventricular (LV) end-systolic dimension are known predictors of postoperative LV dysfunction after mitral valve repair. We investigated the effect of a preoperative history of atrial fibrillation and moderate pulmonary hypertension (defined as pulmonary artery systolic pressure >50 mm Hg) on early postoperative LV dysfunction. Methods From 2003 to 2010, 632 patients who had undergone successful mitral valve repair surgery for degenerative disease were included in the present study. The preoperative and postoperative echocardiographic data and postoperative outcomes were collected retrospectively. We analyzed the demographic, hemodynamic, and echocardiographic parameters to assess the predictors of early postoperative LV dysfunction, defined as an LVEF Results The mean age of the cohort was 57 ± 13 years. All patients had less than mild mitral regurgitation on postoperative echocardiography. After mitral valve repair, a significant decrease in the LVEF (60% ± 8% to 54% ± 9%), LV end-systolic diameter (36 ± 7 mm to 33 ± 7 mm), and LV end-diastolic dimension (56 ± 8 mm to 48 ± 7 mm) was observed at early postoperative echocardiography ( P P = .035 and P P = .002) and pulmonary artery systolic pressure >50 mm Hg (odds ratio, 1.82; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-2.97; P = .017) increased the risk of postoperative LV dysfunction by almost twofold. Conclusions In addition to the established predictors of postoperative LV dysfunction, the presence of preoperative pulmonary hypertension and a history of atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing mitral valve repair surgery increased the risk of early postoperative LV dysfunction by almost twofold.
Modulation of Marine Low Clouds Associated with the Tropical Intraseasonal Variability over the Eastern Pacific

AbstractOwing to its profound influences on global energy balance, accurate representation of low cloud variability in climate models is an urgent need for future climate projection. In the present study, marine low cloud variability on intraseasonal time scales is characterized, with a particular focus over the Pacific basin during boreal summer and its association with the dominant mode of tropical intraseasonal variability (TISV) over the eastern Pacific (EPAC) intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ). Analyses indicate that, when anomalous TISV convection is enhanced over the elongated EPAC ITCZ, reduction of low cloud fraction (LCF) is evident over a vast area of the central North Pacific. Subsequently, when the enhanced TISV convection migrates to the northern part of the EPAC warm pool, a “comma shaped” pattern of reduced LCF prevails over the subtropical North Pacific, along with a pronounced reduction of LCF present over the southeast Pacific (SEPAC). Further analyses indicate that surface latent he...
(Re)presenting Spaces of/for “At-opportunity” Urban Youth

Dimitriadis, G. (2008). Studying Urban Youth Culture Primer. New York: Peter Lang.Deutsch, N. L. (2008). Pride in the Projects: Teens Building Identities in Urban Contexts. New York: New York University Press.Gallagher, K. (2007). The Theatre of Urban: Youth and Schooling in Dangerous Times. Toronto, ON: University of Toronto Press.Davies, B., & Gannon, S. (2009). Pedagogical Encounters. New York: Peter Lang.
Enhanced Stability of Electrohydrodynamic Jets through Gas Ionization

Theoretical predictions of the nonaxisymmetric instability growth rate of an electrohydrodynamic jet based on the measured total current overestimate experimental values. We show that this apparent discrepancy is the result of gas ionization in the surrounding gas and its effect on the surface charge density of the jet. As a result of gas ionization, a sudden drop in the instability growth rate occurs below a critical electrode separation, yielding highly stable jets that can be used for nano- to microscale printing.
Conversion efficiency, scaling and global optimization of high harmonic generation

Closed form expressions for the high harmonic generation (HHG) conversion efficiency in the plateau and cut-off region are derived showing agreement with previous observations. Application of these results to optimal HHG-based-XUV-sources is discussed.
Finance, Economic Growth, and Development

One of the definitions (see a leading book on the economics development, edited by Meier, 1989 at p.6) states that economic development is a process whereby a) the real per capita income of a country increases over a long period of time, and b) the number of poor people and economic inequality in the society do not increase. This definition implicitly suggests the need for relative decline in the proportion of poor people when there is a positive population growth rate (but not otherwise), and remains oblivious to the urgent needs of reducing abject poverty. Since the latter is of importance in any society and since the prevalence of hunger and severe poverty act as major drags on the entire economic system, it is necessary to revise the concept of economic development to reflect these factors.
The Role of Demographics as Predictors of Successful Performance of Sales Professionals in Business-to-Business Sales Organizations.

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact demographic variables of gender and sales experience have on the performance of business-to-business (B2B) sales professionals. If a deeper understanding can be established of how gender and sales experience variables relate to B2B sales performance, human resource development (HRD) and human performance improvement (HPI) professionals can use these indicators during the hiring and selection process. This article reports findings of the study and offers implications to the field of HRD and HPI.
Laboratory Contributions to the Diagnosis of Common Iron-Loading Disorders and Anemias

Iron Overload Iron loading of specific tissues and cells markedly enhances risk for a great variety of clinical problems. Among these are severe lethargy and depression; arthritis. Endocrine disorders such as stunted growth, impotence, and diabetes occur. Gastrointestinal maladies, infections and malignancies, as well as several neurologic diseases and atherosclerosis and cardiomyopathy are increased risk1,2 [T1]. On every continent, a substantial percentage of humans are prone to iron overload. Among persons of European descent, approximately 10 to 15% are heterozygote carriers, and 0.5% are homozygotes for an altered gene that underlies hereditary hemochromatosis (HH).3 Hemochromatosis is now recognized to be a major health problem in Europe, North and South America, and Australia. In persons of sub-Saharan African descent, a not-yet-identified gene mutation has been proposed to underlie African siderosis. About 1% of the population appears to be homozygotes who absorb elevated iron regardless of diet, whereas about 13% seem to be heterozygote carriers who could develop overload were they to consume an excessive amount of iron.4 The beta-thalassemias are widespread throughout the Mediterranean region, Africa, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, Burma, Southeast Asia including the Malay peninsula, Indonesia and Southern China.5 In the beta-thalassemias, an inability to produce functional hemoglobin leads to increased iron absorption; in some persons, the iron burden can increase from 2 to 5 g/y. (Note that in healthy adults, the total amount of body iron remains constant at only 4 g.) Among chronic alcoholics, 20-30% have elevated iron deposits. Upon ingestion of alcohol, gastric acid secretion is enhanced. This results in excessive absorption of iron from the diet.6 Iron Deficiency Iron deficiency is often equated with anemia. However, etiologic factors that contribute to anemias are manifold. Hemoglobin synthesis may be impaired by nutritional deficiencies (iron, folic acid, cobalamin). Erythrocyte quantity may be reduced by bleeding, hemolysis, or hypersplenism, as well as by an excess of iron, causing toxic suppression of bone marrow.7 Frequently, the anemia ensues as a result of the body’s defenses attempting to withhold iron from inflamed cells and from pathogenic microorganisms or invasive tumor cells. This condition has been termed the anemia of chronic disease (ACD) or, more recently, the “hypoferremia of inflammation”.7 Worldwide, the two most common anemias are ACD and iron deficiency anemia (IDA).
Analysis of equine protein-coding gene structure and expression by RNA-sequencing

Background RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data from eight equine tissue samples (34-day whole embryo, full term placental villous, adult testes, adult cerebellum, adult articular cartilage, adult LPS-stimulated articular cartilage, adult synovial membrane, and adult LPS-stimulated synovial membrane) were used to refine the structural annotation of protein-coding genes in the horse and for a preliminary assessment of tissue-specific expression patterns.
Carnival time versus modern social life: a false distinction

Closely examining the dance form of winin', ubiquitous in Trinidad and Tobago's carnival, this essay argues for the inextricability of carnival time and contemporary social life. In contrast to the notion that carnival constitutes interruptions or postponements of projects of modernity and, especially, that it invokes a temporality and social space where ideologies may be blissfully suspended, this study illustrates how this dance form articulates the status of and quest for personal freedoms in public spaces and contests a specific gender ideology. The essay describes and interrogates how winin' mediates the relationship between competing pleasures – those of the state and of the carnival reveller respectively – and illustrates the extent to which the dance form's exaggerated and hypervisible practices constitute a demand for social engagement.
Selective growth of ZnO nanotips using MOCVD

ZnO is a wide bandgap semiconductor having a direct bandgap of 3.32 eV at room temperature. It has an exciton binding energy of 60 meV. It is found to be significantly more radiation hard than Si, GaAs, and GaN, which is critical against wearing out during field emission. Furthermore, ZnO can also be made as transparent and highly conductive, or piezoelectric. The ZnO nanotips can be grown at relatively low temperatures, giving ZnO a unique advantage over other wide bandgap semiconductors, such as GaN and SiC. In the present work, we report the selective growth of ZnO nanotips on various substrates using MOCVD. The ZnO nanotips are single crystalline, n-type conductive and show good optical properties. These nanotips have potential applications in field emission devices and UV photonics.