cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Value of Determining Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin Isoforms in the Diagnosis of Alcoholic Liver Disease

Objective To determine whether isoform separation of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) is of value in the diagnosis of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and is specific to ALD when compared with other liver diseases. Patients and Methods During 1995 and 1996, 47 patients with ALD were evaluated with CDT at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. The diagnosis of ALD was based on biochemical and histological analyses and on a history of drinking that exceeded 5 years with an average alcohol intake of more than 60 g/d. Disease controls included nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (n=26) and other liver disease (n=22). Normal controls (n=21) were healthy individuals without liver disease. Transferrin isoforms were quantified by densitometry of Coomassiestained transferrins after affinity purification and isoelectric focusing. The pentasialo, tetrasialo, trisialo, disialo, monosialo, and asialo isoforms were quantified as percentages of total band densities. Results Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed for each isoform. The curves for total desialated isoforms (sum of disialo, monosialo, and asialo) displayed the best relationship between sensitivity and specificity with an ROC-area under the curve (AUC) of 0.922. The ROC-AUC values for individual transferrin isoforms in ALD vs NASH for pentasialo, tetrasialo, trisialo, disialo, monosialo, and asialo were 0.806, 0.917, 0.885, 0.933, 0.804, and 0.785, respectively. Only 58% of patients with ALD were detected at a specificity that excluded ALD in 84% of those who did not have it. Conclusion Within alcohol ingestion times reported to us, no associations with recent drinking were observed. Alcohol as a cause of liver disease is not perfectly established by CDT analysis, although a high total CDT value favors ALD over NASH.
Diagnosis of pancreatic neoplasia with EUS and FNA: a report of accuracy.

Background EUS-guided FNA has the potential to provide diagnostic cytologic material from pancreatic lesions that are suspicious for malignancy. Objective To determine the operating characteristics of EUS-FNA in the diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma and pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PENs). Design Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database. Setting Academic tertiary-care center. Patients This study involved 559 patients undergoing evaluation of pancreatic masses or diffuse pancreatic parenchymal abnormalities. Main Outcome Measurements Performance characteristics of EUS-FNA of pancreatic adenocarcinoma and PEN. Results From January 1997 to December 2005, 737 patients undergoing initial EUS-FNA evaluation for a pancreatic mass were identified. In the final analysis, 559 patients with 560 FNA-sampled lesions were included. Overall, 442 lesions were pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and 40 were PEN. The sensitivity of EUS-FNA in the diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinomas and PENs was 77% (95% CI, 72.8%-80.8%) and 68% (95% CI, 50.8%-80.9%), respectively, using strict cytologic criteria. Reclassification of atypical and suspicious cytologies as diagnostic of malignancy resulted in a sensitivity of 93%, (95% CI, 90.9%-99.7%) in adenocarcinoma and 80% (95% CI, 63.9%-90.4%) in PEN. Tumor size, tumor location, and number of needle passes did not significantly influence diagnosis, but immediate cytologic evaluation was influential. Limitations Retrospective analysis at a single center. Conclusions In a large, well-controlled study, EUS-FNA was found to be an accurate test (80%) for the detection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma by using aspiration cytology. The accuracy of the examination is significantly improved (94%) when atypical and suspicious samples are considered positive. Finally, only 2 to 3 FNA passes may be needed to achieve a good diagnostic yield.
Genocide A Useful Legal Category

This article explores the utility of genocide as a vehicle for the prosecution of individual persons and legal action against a state. It is suggested in the article that for prosecution of individual persons, other categories of offenses may be more effective, hence that genocide may be superfluous. It is suggested that, even though the Genocide Convention (1948) aimed primarily at defining an offense for which individuals would be prosecuted, genocide is an act for which states as well are legally responsible. Legal action against states in the International Court of Justice may be a more useful application of genocide, particularly because such action may aid in stopping atrocities as they are occurring whereas, criminal prosecutions typically are brought only after the fact. Several technical impediments, however, restrict the Court's capacity to deal with genocide, and they, it will be suggested, limit the Court's effectiveness in this regard.
An examination of associations between the inability to taste phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) and clinical characteristics and trait markers in first-episode, nonaffective psychotic disorders

Research findings are mixed as to whether or not the inability to taste phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) might represent an endophenotypic trait marker for schizophrenia. We hypothesized associations between PTC-tasting status and select clinical characteristics and trait markers in patients with psychotic disorders that, if present, would provide support for the inability to taste PTC as a trait marker. In a first-episode psychosis sample (n=93), we measured PTC tasting, family history of psychosis, age at onset of prodrome and psychosis, severity of positive and negative symptoms, global impairment in functioning, neurological soft signs, and four neurocognitive domains (verbal learning/memory, visual learning/memory, verbal working memory, and spatial working memory). Associations between PTC-non-tasting and clinical/neurocognitive variables were examined with χ(2) tests and independent samples t tests. Among participants, 67.7% tasted PTC in comparison to a strip of control paper, and 25.8% were non-tasters. Tasters and non-tasters did not show statistically significant differences with respect to family history, age at onset, severity of symptoms, neurological soft signs, or the four neurocognitive domains. In conjunction with other findings, it is unlikely that PTC-non-tasting is a trait marker of schizophrenia, though a conclusive study is warranted.
Therapeutic potential of hepatocyte transplantation

Liver repopulation with transplanted cells offers unique opportunities for treating a variety of diseases and for studies of fundamental mechanisms in cell biology. Our understanding of the basis of liver repopulation has come from studies of transplanted cells in animal models. A variety of studies established that transplanted hepatocytes as well as stem/progenitor cells survive, engraft, and function in the liver. Transplanted cells survive life-long, although cells do not proliferate in the normal liver. On the other hand, the liver is repopulated extensively when diseases or other injuries afflict native hepatocytes but spare transplanted cells. The identification of ways to repopulate the liver with transplanted cells has greatly reinvigorated the field of liver cell therapy. The confluence of insights in stem/progenitor cells, transplantation immunology, cryobiology, and liver repopulation in specific models of human diseases indicates that the field of liver cell therapy will begin to reap the promised fruit in the near future.
Photoactivity passivation of TiO2 nanoparticles using molecular layer deposited (MLD) polymer films

Pigment-grade anatase TiO2 particles (160 nm) were passivated using ultra-thin insulating films deposited by molecular layer deposition (MLD). Trimethylaluminum (TMA) and ethylene glycol (E.G) were used as aluminum alkoxide (alucone) precursors in the temperature range of 100–160 °C. The growth rate varied from 0.5 nm/cycle at 100 °C to 0.35 nm/cycle at 160 °C. Methylene blue oxidation tests indicated that the photoactivity of pigment-grade TiO2 particles was quenched after 20 cycles of alucone MLD film, which was comparable to 70 cycles of Al2O3 film deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Alucone films would decompose in the presence of water at room temperature and would form a more stable composite containing aluminum, which decreased the passivation effect on the photoactivity of TiO2 particles.
The prevalence and disability of bipolar spectrum disorders in the US population: re-analysis of the ECA database taking into account subthreshold cases

Abstract Background: Despite emerging international consensus on the high prevalence of the bipolar spectrum in both clinical and community samples, many skeptics contend that narrowly defined bipolar disorder with a lifetime rate of about 1% represents a more accurate estimate of prevalence. This may in part be due to the fact that higher figures proposed for the bipolar spectrum (5–8%) have not been based on national data and have not included all levels of manic symptom severity. In the present secondary analyses of the US National Epidemiological Catchment Area (ECA) database, we provide further clarification on this fundamental public health issue. Methods: All respondents in the first wave (first interview) of the ECA household five site sample (n=18,252) were classified on the basis of DSM-III criteria into lifetime manic and hypomanic episodes, as well as those with at least two lifetime manic/hypomanic symptoms below the threshold for at least 1 week duration (subsyndromal manic symptoms [SSM] group). Odds ratios were calculated on lifetime service utilization for mental health problems, measures of adverse psychosocial outcome, and suicidal behavior compared to subjects with no mental disorders or manic symptoms. Results: As originally reported nearly two decades ago by the primary investigators of the ECA, the lifetime prevalence for manic episode was 0.8%, and for hypomania, 0.5%. What is new here is the inclusion of subthreshold SSM subjects, which accounted for 5.1%, yielding a total of 6.4% lifetime prevalence for the bipolar spectrum. All three (manic, hypomanic and SSM) groups had greater marital disruption. There were significant increases in lifetime health service utilization, need for welfare and disability benefits and suicidal behavior when the SSM, hypomanic and manic subjects were compared to the no mental disorder group. Suicidal behavior was non-significantly highest in the hypomanic (bipolar II) group. Otherwise, hypomanic and manic groups had comparable level of service utilization and social disruption. Limitations: Comorbid disorders, which might influence functioning, were not included in the present analyses. Conclusion: These secondary analyses of the US National ECA database provide convincing evidence for the high prevalence of a spectrum of bipolarity in the community at 6.4%, and indicate that subthreshold cases are at least five times more prevalent than DSM-based core syndromal diagnoses at about 1%. These SSM subjects, who met the criteria of “caseness” from the point of view of harmful dysfunction, are of great theoretical and public health significance.
Cognitive frailty: frontiers and challenges.

An international consensus group comprised of investigators from the International Academy of Nutrition and Aging (IANA) and the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics (IAGG) recently convened in Toulouse, France to establish a definition for cognitive frailty in older adults. This effort was motivated by growing awareness that many people with physical frailty are also prone to cognitive problems. In “Cognitive Frailty: Rationale and Definition” [1], an initial working definition was developed, and a framework proposed for future studies of cognitive frailty.
HIV Regulation of Amyloid Beta Production

The use of antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection has extended the survival of individuals living with HIV. However, the effects of chronic HIV infection and aging are introducing another facet of HIV complications. HIV therapy can calm the immune system and lower viral replication to undetectable but the virus is still present. In the brain, amyloid beta (Abeta) increases during normal aging but Abeta accumulation appears to accelerate in HIV infection. HIV Tat protein inhibits the major Abeta-degrading enzyme neprilysin with the cysteine-rich domain of Tat being essential for this inhibition. In this minireview, we also include new data that the beta chemokine, CCL2/MCP-1, associated with HIV migration to the brain, also causes an increase in Abeta. These findings may explain the continued cognitive dysfunction found in HIV-infected individuals controlled on antiviral therapy.
Social stress and CRF-dopamine interactions in the VTA: role in long-term escalation of cocaine self-administration.

The nature of neuroadaptations in the genesis of escalated cocaine taking remains a topic of considerable interest. Intermittent social defeat stress induces both locomotor and dopaminergic cross-sensitization to cocaine, as well as escalated cocaine self-administration. The current study examines the role of corticotropin releasing factor receptor subtypes 1 and 2 (CRFR1, CRFR2) within the ventral tegmental area (VTA) during social defeat stress. This study investigated whether injecting either a CRFR1 or CRFR2 antagonist directly into the VTA before each social defeat would prevent the development of later (1) locomotor sensitization, (2) dopaminergic sensitization, and (3) escalated cocaine self-administration in rats. CRFR1 antagonist CP376395 (50 or 500 ng/side), CRFR2 antagonist Astressin2-B (100 or 1000 ng/side), or vehicle (aCSF) was microinjected into the VTA 20 min before social defeat stress (or handling) on days 1, 4, 7, and 10. Ten days later, rats were injected with cocaine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and assessed for either locomotor sensitization, measured by walking activity, or dopaminergic sensitization, measured by extracellular dopamine (DA) in the nucleus accumbens shell (NAcSh) through in vivo microdialysis. Locomotor sensitization testing was followed by intravenous cocaine self-administration. Intra-VTA antagonism of CRFR1, but not CRFR2, inhibited the induction of locomotor cross-sensitization to cocaine, whereas both prevented dopaminergic cross-sensitization and escalated cocaine self-administration during a 24 h “binge.” This may suggest dissociation between locomotor sensitization and cocaine taking. These data also suggest that interactions between CRF and VTA DA neurons projecting to the NAcSh are essential for the development of dopaminergic cross-sensitization to cocaine.
A 0.5V 8bit 10Msps Pipelined ADC in 90nm CMOS

A true low voltage 0.5 V 8 bit pipelined A/D converter is realized in 90 nm CMOS technology using regular Vtau devices. A cascaded sampling technique is used to combat the OFF leakage of the switches. The converter prototype occupies 0.85 mm2; operating at 10 Msps, it consumes 2.4 mW and achieves an SNDR of 48.1 dB with a 0.4 Vppdiff full-scale input.
PPAR-α Ligands as Potential Therapeutic Agents for Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR's) are members of the steroid/thyroid nuclear receptor, superfamily of transcription factors. There are currently three known PPAR subtypes, 𝛼, 𝛽, and 𝛾. The PPARs are now recognized participants in a number of biological pathways some of which are implicated in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These include immune modulation, lipid regulation, and oxidant/antioxidant pathways important to the onset and progression of &#x201c;dry&#x201d; AMD, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mediated pathways that stimulate choroidal neovascularization (CNV), characteristic of &#x201c;wet&#x201d; AMD. PPAR-𝛼 is found in retina and also on vascular cells important to formation of CNV. At this time, however, relatively little is known about potential contributions of PPAR-𝛼 to the pathogenesis of dry and wet AMD. This review examines current literature for potential roles of PPAR-𝛼 in the pathogenesis and potential treatment of AMD with emphasis on prevention and treatment of wet AMD.
Chemical processes in peanut under thermal treatment

Raw peanuts are processed to satisfy consumer preference; therefore, it is important to research their nutritive and physiological qualities during processing. In the present study, the changes in the peanuts properties have been investigated during frying period (2, 4, 6, 9, 12, and 15 min) at 150 °C. The amino acid content of hydrolyzed proteins, except for basic amino acid content, and the fatty-acid composition did not change during frying. After 15 min frying, sucrose content was reduced by 25 %, free amino acid content was reduced by 89 %, and basic amino acid content of hydrolyzed proteins was reduced by 12 %, due to the Maillard reaction and caramelization. In the peanut oil, the characteristic spectra in the visible range (absorbance decreased with an increase in the wavelength without any peaks) and increase in the p-anisidine value (aldehyde index) implied that a Maillard-like reaction may have occurred during frying. The nutritive function and/or physiological function based on fatty-acid composition and amino-acid composition consisting of proteins and peptides were scarcely affected during frying.
Translational medicine: Double protection for weakened bones

The protein Sema3A both restrains bone degradation and stimulates bone building in mice, suggesting a potential therapy for conditions such as osteoporosis. See Article p.69 Drugs with the capacity to maintain and increase bone density are urgently needed in this ageing society. Here it is shown that semaphorin 3A (Sema3A), a signalling protein involved in the regulation of axonal growth, protects bone by suppressing osteoclastic bone resorption and increasing osteoblastic bone formation. The binding of Sema3A to its neuropilin-1 receptor inhibits osteoclast differentiation while stimulating osteoblast and inhibiting adipocyte differentiation. Intravenous Sema3A administration increases bone volume and expedites bone regeneration, making Sema3A a potentially promising therapeutic agent for bone and joint diseases.
Microsatellite instability in primary neoplasms from HIV+ patients

AIDS is associated with a high risk of certain malignancies, notably Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) and B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). The pathogenesis of these malignancies is not fully understood. One mechanism of malignant transformation recently described in colon tumorigenesis results from defects in DMA mismatch repair, manifest as widespread microsatellite instability. We demonstrate a high rate of microsatellite instability in KS and aggressive lymphomas obtained from HIV-infected patients, whereas there is no evidence of instability in similar lesions from HIV-negative patients. Further elucidation of the underlying mechanisms responsible for HIV-associated instability in primary tumours may provide insight into the pathogenesis of these AIDS-related neoplasms.
Preparing General Education Teacher To Meet The Challenges Of ADHD In The Classroom

This article seeks to provide the general classroom teacher with better insight into the difficulties that ADHD behaviors create for children, their families, their teachers and their peers. It will also help teachers learn to recognize ADHD behavior early on and to inform them of some of the methods and techniques that can be helpful in managing ADHD, particularly in the classroom. However, children with ADHD aren’t deliberately seeking attention: they’re truly wired differently.
Paying the piper: Performing rights organizations and their role in the retail function

Abstract Music has become a central element in consumer marketing for its ability to influence consumers' attitudes and behaviors. Research has shown that music adds value to the retail and service environments. In most instances, however, the cost to use music extends beyond the expenses incurred from purchasing CDs, stereo equipment or engaging musicians to perform. Most industrialized nations have statutes that protect music under copyright. The present research presents a review and comparative analysis of the licensing efforts of performing rights organizations in two industrialized nations—the United States and India. The licensing efforts of these organizations have been a source of criticism for their impact on small businesses and retailers. Recommendations for improving the current situation are offered.
Potential application of Bayesian influence diagram in a pavement management system

A major objective of a pavement management system (PMS) is to assist highway managers in making consistent and cost-effective decisions related to maintenance and rehabilitation of pavements. Decision making in PMS involves uncertainties, subjective judgements, and risks. The author presents key ideas of Bayesian influence diagrams, and develops, with the use of an influence, a probabilistic model to analyze uncertainties and subjective judgement in PMS decision-making. The value of information concept is used to examine the risk tolerance. The Bayesian influence diagram is a representation of a belief network with uncertainty. The nodes in the diagram represents uncertain and decision variables, and the arcs indicate probabilities dependence. The essential concept underlying the influence diagram is the representation of variables critical to the problem under consideration, and their inter-relationship in a graph-theoretic manner. >
Antiresonant ring interferometric nonlinear spectroscopy for nonlinear-optical measurements.

We describe a sensitive and simple single-beam technique to measure simultaneously the real and the imaginary contributions to the complex optical nonlinearity (the nonlinear refraction and absorption). We call this technique antiresonant ring interferometric nonlinear spectroscopy (ARINS). An antiresonant ring interferometer, which has improved stability, is used to detect very small changes in the phase and the amplitude of an optical beam. This allows very low intensities to be used and eliminates many interfering processes present in other techniques that require higher intensities. We demonstrate ARINS by measuring the optical nonlinearities of bulk ZnS, KDP, and C70 thin films.
The lived ICU experience of nurses, patients and family members: A phenomenological study with Merleau-Pontian perspective

Summary Aim To describe and understand the lived intensive care unit experience of nurses, patients and family members during critical illness. Background There is a paucity of research studies in the literature conducted on the triad of nurses, patients and family members looking at the experience of critical illness and their perspective of each, from the other. Methodology A phenomenological approach and Merleau-Ponty's existentials of corporeality, temporality, relationality and spatiality was used for this study. In-depth, open-ended interviews were, conducted and analysed using van Manen's wholistic, selective and detailed line-by-line approach. Results Five common themes (a) and three specific themes (b) emerged from the data: (a) family as a, unit, physical care/comfort, physiological care, psychosocial support and transformation; and, (b) advocacy, uncertainty and confidence in the nurse and the healthcare team. Conclusion Examining embodied experience of corporeality, temporality, spatiality and relationality, opens new ways for coping amongst patients and their families, as well as care giving possibilities for the, nurses. This study affirms the mutual influence amongst the family, patient and nurses during a critical, illness experience and supports the tenets of family-centred care, which mandates the purposeful, inclusion of the family in all aspects of their loved one's care.
Smoothing spline estimation in varying-coefficient models

Summary. Smoothing spline estimators are considered for inference in varying-coefficient models with one effect modifying covariate. Bayesian ‘confidence intervals’ are developed for the coefficient curves and efficient computational methods are derived for computing the curve estimators, fitted values, posterior variances and data-adaptive methods for selecting the levels of smoothing. The efficacy and utility of the methodology proposed are demonstrated through a small simulation study and the analysis of a real data set.
Evaluation of a demonstration primary health care project in rural Guatemala: the influence of predisposing, enabling and need factors on immunization coverage, equitable use of health care services and application of treatment guidelines.

Abstract In high- and low-resource settings, care is often provided inequitably, with more and higher-quality services being offered to those who need them less. We evaluated the influence of predisposing, enabling and need characteristics on immunization coverage and use of health services in a population-based primary health care model called the Inclusive Health Model in rural Guatemala. We also analyzed providers’ application of treatment guidelines for children with pneumonia. A longitudinal cohort design was used from 2006 to 2009 to analyze data from the model's two demonstration sites. We found a significant positive association between families’ health risk level and their use of health care services, with the model providing more services to those with greater need. Services are not provided differentially for those families with a higher or lower wealth level or selected sociodemographic characteristics. Distance from a clinic is significantly associated with lower service use, but this constraint decreases with time. Implementation of treatment guidelines does not vary with different provider characteristics. The Inclusive Health Care model's aim of offering care equitably to families living in its catchment area is reflected in these findings. This study offers an approach and conceptual model for tracking equity in service delivery that may be applicable in other settings.
Understanding the efficiency of GPU algorithms for matrix-matrix multiplication

Utilizing graphics hardware for general purpose numerical computations has become a topic of considerable interest. The implementation of streaming algorithms, typified by highly parallel computations with little reuse of input data, has been widely explored on GPUs. We relax the streaming model's constraint on input reuse and perform an in-depth analysis of dense matrix-matrix multiplication, which reuses each element of input matrices O(n) times. Its regular data access pattern and highly parallel computational requirements suggest matrix-matrix multiplication as an obvious candidate for efficient evaluation on GPUs but, surprisingly we find even near-optimal GPU implementations are pronouncedly less efficient than current cache-aware CPU approaches. We find the key cause of this inefficiency is that the GPU can fetch less data and yet execute more arithmetic operations per clock than the CPU when both are operating out of their closest caches. The lack of high bandwidth access to cached data will impair the performance of GPU implementations of any computation featuring significant input reuse.
Caloric compensation for lunches varying in fat and carbohydrate content by humans in a residential laboratory

Two groups of three subjects participated in a residential study that assessed the effects of varying the macronutrient and caloric content of a required lunch meal on subsequent food choice and intake. Lunches contained 431 or 844 kcal, with the caloric differential created by manipulating the calories derived from either fat or carbohydrate (CHO). Each lunch condition (high-fat, high-CHO, low-fat, and low-CHO) was examined for 3 consecutive days. Subjects controlled their own patterns of food intake and could consume any item or number of items at any time during the day or night. There were no significant differences in total daily caloric intake across conditions, indicating that subjects compensated for the caloric content of the lunch regardless of the macronutrient content. Total daily caloric intake under the high-fat and high-CHO conditions was 2824 +/- 151 (mean +/- SEM) and 2988 +/- 187 kcal, respectively, whereas intake under the low-fat and low-CHO conditions was 2700 +/- 131 and 2890 +/- 247 kcal, respectively.
Using health-related quality of life and quality-adjusted life expectancy for effective public health surveillance and prevention.

After major successes in the 20th century – increased life expectancy and decreased infant mortality and infectious disease burden – public health faces new challenges. Chief among these is reducin...
A 900-MHz RF front-end with integrated discrete-time filtering

Discrete-time analog filters, rather than off-chip components, have been used to perform frequency selection and down conversion in the integrated front-end for a 900-MHz RF receiver. The first stage of frequency down conversion is implemented with a subsampling switched-capacitor sample-and-hold circuit clocked at 78 MHz. Subsequent stages of discrete-time filtering are realized using switched-capacitor biquadratic filters. An experimental prototype of the front-end had been integrated in a 0.6-/spl mu/m BiCMOS technology. The circuit provides a system gain of 36 dB and 32 dB suppression of interfering channels over a 40 MHz bandwidth. Referred to the system input, the third-order intercept-point is -16 dBm, and the spot input-referred noise is -82 dBm over a 30 kHz bandwidth. The experimental circuit dissipates 90 mW from a 3.3-V supply and occupies an active area of 1.9/spl times/1.9 mm/sup 2/.
PION-NUCLEON VERTEX FUNCTIONS

A quantitative study of the pion-nucleon vertex function with one nucleon off the mass shell is presented using dispersion-theoretical techniques. The discussion is based on the unitarity conditions for the vertex function and for the one-nucleon irreducible parts of the pion-nucleon scattering amplitudes with $I=J=\frac{1}{2}$. It is shown in terms of the $\frac{N}{D}$ method that the vertex function has a sharp maximum in the low-energy region. Its existence is found to be crucial for a certain inequality, which is due to the requirement of no ghosts in the theory, to be satisfied. The nucleon propagator is strongly suppressed at the energy of this maximum. Reasonable results obtained seem to suggest that ghosts are not present in pion physics, although the present calculation is still incomplete. The pion-nucleon vertex function with pion off the mass shell is also discussed and some early attempts are re-examined. The importance of a pole or a resonance-like behavior in this vertex is suggested.
Merging microarray data from separate breast cancer studies provides a robust prognostic test.

There is an urgent need for new prognostic markers of breast cancer metastases to ensure that newly diagnosed patients receive appropriate therapy. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential value of gene expression signatures in assessing the risk of developing distant metastases. However, due to the small sample sizes of individual studies, the overlap among signatures is almost zero and their predictive power is often limited. Integrating microarray data from multiple studies in order to increase sample size is therefore a promising approach to the development of more robust prognostic tests.
Impact of K+ homeostasis on net acid secretion in rat terminal inner medullary collecting duct: Role of the Na+,K-ATPase

Abstract For the past 50 years, the mechanism of ammonium (NH 4 + ) transport along the collecting duct has been thought to occur through active H + secetion in parallel with the nonionic diffusion of ammonia (NH 3 ). This model is supported by two basic experimental observations. First, NH 4 + secretion generally correlates with the NH 3 concentration gradient between the interstitium and the collecting duct lumen. This NH 3 gradient is generated through both luminal acidification, which reduces luminal NH 3 concentration, and through countercurrent multiplication, which increases interstitial NH 3 concentration. The result is secretion of NH 3 into the collecting duct lumen down its concentration gradient. Second, because NH 4 + permeability is low relative to that of NH 3 , there is significant secretion of NH 3 into the collecting duct lumen with minimal back-diffusion of NH 4 + . However, our laboratory, as well as others, has shown that this model is an oversimplification of the mechanism of NH 4 + transport along the collecting duct. NH 4 + is transported through a variety of K + transport pathways including Na,K-ATPase. K + and NH 4 + compete for a common extracellular binding site on Na,K-ATPase. During hypokalemia, interstitial K + concentration is reduced, which augments NH 4 + uptake by the Na + pump. In K + restriction, Na,K-ATPase–mediated NH 4 + uptake provides an important source of H + for net acid secretion and for the titration of luminal buffers in the terminal inner medullary collecting duct. This pathway contributes to the increase in NH 4 + excretion and metabolic alkalosis observed during hypokalemia.
Bile Salt Hydrolase Activity and Resistance to Toxicity of Conjugated Bile Salts Are Unrelated Properties in Lactobacilli

Bacteria of numerous species isolated from the human gastrointestinal tract express bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity. How this activity contributes to functions of the microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract is not known. We tested the hypothesis that a BSH protects the cells that produce it from the toxicity of conjugated bile salts. Forty-nine strains of numerous Lactobacillus spp. were assayed to determine their capacities to express BSH activities (taurodeoxycholic acid [TDCA] hydrolase and taurocholic acid [TCA] hydrolase activities) and their capacities to resist the toxicity of a conjugated bile acid (TDCA). Thirty of these strains had been isolated from the human intestine, 15 had been recovered from dairy products, and 4 had originated from other sources. Twenty-six of the strains expressed both TDCA hydrolase and TCA hydrolase activities. One strain that expressed TDCA hydrolase activity did not express TCA hydrolase activity. Conversely, in one strain for which the assay for TDCA hydrolase activity gave a negative result there was evidence of TCA hydrolase activity. Twenty-five of the strains were found to resist the toxicity of TDCA. Fourteen of these strains were of human origin, nine were from dairy products, and two were from other sources. Of the 26 strains expressing both TDCA hydrolase and TCA hydrolase activities, 15 were resistant to TDCA toxicity, 6 were susceptible, and 5 gave inconclusive results. Of the 17 strains that gave negative results for either of the enzymes, 7 were resistant to the toxicity, 9 were susceptible, and 1 gave inconclusive results. These findings do not support the hypothesis tested. They suggest, however, that BSH activity is important at some level for lactobacillus colonization of the human intestine.
Analysis of Rubber Friction by the Fast Fourier Transform

A numerical method for solving contact problems is developed and then used to predict friction (without adhesion) between rubber in plane strain and periodic arrays of parabolic and triangular substrate asperities; the numerical method itself, which is based on the fast Fourier transform algorithm is not limited to these asperity shapes. Also, effects of superposing two and more scales of texture are described. Some generalizations and related applications, such as analysis of tire traction, are then discussed.
Simulated Annealing And Resource Location In Computer Networks

This paper examines the problem of locating resources such as databases, controllers, and data processors on a computer network. The integer programming problem in location variables y and interconnection variables x is solved using two simulated annealing algorithms. Pure simulated annealing for this problem has complexity O(2N2+N). In hybrid simulated annealing (HSA), for fixed y, the problem in x becomes a special case of the transporation problem; the worst case solution for HSA is O(N.2N). In parallel simulated annealing (PSA), a decomposition procedure yields knapsack problems for x when y = 1, and x = 0 when y = 0; this is solved in O(Nk2N). Numerical results show that the computation time taken by the simulated annealing algorithms are comparable to a Lagrangian relaxation procedure, and the solutions are on the average within 8 % of a lower bound.
A new method to characterize c-Si PV cell and module

The photovoltaic (PV) industry is expanding rapidly to meet the growing renewable-energy demands globally. The failure-rate analysis indicated that a large portion of the accelerated PV module qualification failures was related to the failure of the cell itself, which was leading to the yield loss of cells during shipping. Therefore, damaged cell or module caused by shipping is always one of the serious problems to impact their long-term reliability in the field. This paper aims to propose a new test method to characterize c-Si PV cell and module, especially for the application scenarios occurred inside a factory (for process and handling cases) or from a factory to the other factory (for transportation case). Results not only document the best practices for reducing costs to benefit the end customers, but also are helpful to evaluate the performance of reliability for c-Si PV cell and module. Consequently, results have been applied to SEMI Doc. 5431 and passed as SEMI PV 56-1214 [1] successfully in December 2014.
Les Groupements et Coalitions d'États à l'OMC: la Recherche d'un Cadre Juridique (State Groupings and Coalitions at the WTO: In Search of a Legal Framework)

With a multipolar international system and a membership ranging from micro-states to superpowers, the WTO is faced with many challenges in ensuring adequate representation and participation of its members. Coalitions have been one tool that small and poor countries have used to increase their power and participation. Such coalitions are beginning to change the organization’s dynamics. This Chapter in French assesses the impact of the WTO’s legal structure on coalition building and offers some suggestions for reform. If smaller or poorer developing countries are to participate more fully in multilateral trade negotiations and if this can better be done through alliances, the organization will have to adapt its law and practice to become more coalition-friendly or risk further marginalizing a large part of its membership.
Directed evolution of the quorum-sensing regulator EsaR for increased signal sensitivity.

The use of cell–cell communication or “quorum sensing (QS)” elements from Gram-negative Proteobacteria has enabled synthetic biologists to begin engineering systems composed of multiple interacting organisms. However, additional tools are necessary if we are to progress toward synthetic microbial consortia that exhibit more complex, dynamic behaviors. EsaR from Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii is a QS regulator that binds to DNA as an apoprotein and releases the DNA when it binds to its cognate signal molecule, 3-oxohexanoyl-homoserine lactone (3OC6HSL). In the absence of 3OC6HSL, EsaR binds to DNA and can act as either an activator or a repressor of transcription. Gene expression from PesaR, which is repressed by wild-type EsaR, requires 100- to 1000-fold higher concentrations of signal than commonly used QS activators, such as LuxR and LasR. Here we have identified EsaR variants with increased sensitivity to 3OC6HSL using directed evolution and a dual ON/OFF screening strategy. Although we targeted Es...
Factors Influencing Host-Virus Interactions. II. Alteration of Coxsackie Virus Infection in Adult Mice by Cold.

Summary1. Exposure of adult mice infected with the Conn. 5 strain of Coxsackie virus to a cold environment resulted in an infection with a persisting viremia, high levels of virus in the liver, pathologic lesions in other organs as well as in the pancreas, and a uniformly fatal outcome. 2. A lethal infection was prevented by neutralization of the virus or passive immunization of adult mice with specific antiserum. 3. The LD50 for adult mice at 4°C was approximately ten times that for suckling mice at 25°C. 4. It was demonstrated that to initiate a fatal infection exposure to cold had to be continuous and begun within a few days after virus inoculation.
Clark Wilson Hetherington: A Pioneering Spirit in Physical Education

(1985). Clark Wilson Hetherington: A Pioneering Spirit in Physical Education. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 56, No. 1, pp. 20-22.
Providing Built Environment Students with the Necessary Skills for Employment: Finding the Required Soft Skills

As the costs of education, class sizes, and competition in a post-recession work force grow, universities will explore the ways in which students may graduate with high opportunities for employment in their chosen field. Students in the Built Environment (B.E.) are graduating from accredited programs, but what skills beyond technical understanding do employers wish to have in their entry level employees? A survey of 8124 respondents of employers, alum, faculty and students allowed these stakeholders to rank order seven soft skills and seven characteristics within each soft skill. This study explores the ways in which the B.E. field ranks the skills and characteristics in comparison to seven other professional fields. The B.E. respondents rank order the soft skills as: communication, decision-making, self-management, experiences, teamwork, professionalism, and leadership. Utilizing ordinal regression, it was found that B.E. respondents rank creative solutions, applying technology, cross disciplinary and international experiences as more important than other fields. Many of the differences are attributed to the need for those in the built environment to think creatively and work collaboratively. The findings can inform educational curriculum to match soft skill training with the professional path of their students.
A Comprehensive Genomic Approach Using Gain of Function and Loss of Function Cell Models and ChIP-on-Chip Technology Identifies Novel Promyelocytic Zinc Finger Protein Target Genes.

The t(11;17)(q23;q21) form of APL involves the production of reciprocal fusion proteins, PLZF-RARα and RARα-PLZF, which mediate malignant transformation by binding to and dysregulating RARα and PLZF target genes. PLZF is expressed in hematopoietic stem cells and is downregulated as cells differentiate. The identification of PLZF target genes including cyclin A2 and MYC is consistent with the hypothesis that PLZF maintains stem cell quiescence by repressing cell cycle driving genes and provides insight into transcriptional pathways disrupted in leukemogenesis. In order to identify additional target genes of PLZF, we constructed a loss of function model in which we suppressed endogenous expression of PLZF using siRNA in KG1a leukemia cells. Our gain of function model consisted of the ectopic expression of PLZF in U937 leukemia cells which do not naturally express PLZF. Expression profiling using GeneChip™ Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 arrays, which analyze the expression of more than 47,000 transcripts, was performed using both systems. Of the 346 genes identified in the loss of function model, 25% were also regulated by PLZF in the gain of function U937 cell line. Changes in expression of these genes could be direct (through PLZF) or indirect (through secondary effects). In order to determine which genes modulated by changes in PLZF expression are direct transcriptional targets, we immunoprecipitated chromatin using PLZF antibodies in KG1a cells, amplified the products by ligation-mediated PCR and co-hybridized these products with input chromatin to NimbleGen 1.5kB promoter arrays, which represent 24,275 human promoters. Genes bound by PLZF were identified by determining whether consecutively tiled probes were enriched in PLZF-precipitated chromatin as compared to chromatin precipitated with a non-specific antibody. Using a statistical algorithm designed to exclude those probes whose signals of PLZF enrichment might be spuriously identified, we identified 52 genes of the 24,275 on the array as potential PLZF target genes. Strikingly, correlation of these genes with expression analyses revealed that 44% of genes were also significantly regulated by PLZF in the gain of function model and 11% of genes were regulated in the loss of function model. Promoter analyses of a subset of these genes that were identified by ChIP-on-Chip and differentially expressed at least >1.3 fold in PLZF arrays (p RECQL , was directly bound by PLZF in the ChIP-on-Chip assay and transcriptionally regulated by PLZF in both KG1a loss of function and U937 gain of function models. The RECQL protein is a member of the RecQ family of DNA helicases, a class of genes whose mutation is associated with genomic instability tumorigenesis and premature ageing. These data indicate a robust system for the identification of PLZF targets and suggest that PLZF may play a role in genome integrity.
Extrahepatic biliary obstrution secondary to neuroendocrine tumor of the common hepatic duct

Abstract Introduction Primary neuroendocrine tumors (NET) of the extrahepatic biliary tree are a rare entity with less than 100 reported cases in the literature. Presentation of case Here, we report a case of NET of the extrahepatic bile duct in a 64-year-old male patient presenting with painless jaundice, direct hyperbilirubinemia, and mildly elevated transaminases. Diagnostic workup with an ultrasound revealed dilation of the intrahepatic biliary ducts, without cholelithiasis or choledocholithiasis. Additional cross sectional imaging identified a stricture at the confluence of the common hepatic and cystic duct junction. Given lack of additional findings presumptive diagnosis of localized klatskin’s tumor was made. The patient subsequently underwent resection of the common bile duct and roux-en-y hepaticojejunostomy reconstruction. Final pathologic diagnosis showed G2 well-differentiated NET of the extrahepatic bile duct, measuring 1.3 × 1.1 × 1 cm. Discussion When a patient is evaluated for a primary bile duct neoplasm, differentiation between cholangiocarcinoma and an unusual bile duct tumor, such as a NET is very difficult before surgical resection and histologic review. Conclusion NET of the extrahepatic biliary tree are a rare entity. Typical presentation is with painless jaundice and other symptoms related to obstruction of the biliary tree and the diagnosis is usually made post-operatively.
Five Myths of School Turnaround Policy and Practice

ABSTRACTDespite the intensity of funding and numerous intervention efforts in recent school turnaround initiatives, many perspectives, practices, and policies specific to school turnaround appear to be at odds with organizational theory. Yet, many actors in research, policy, and practice arenas appear convinced that their steadfastness will eventually be rewarded. In this article, we identify five myths of school turnaround perpetuated by policy and practice that can often inhibit dramatic positive change in our nation’s lowest-performing schools. We conclude by suggesting alternative ways forward that are better aligned with organization change theory and research.
A wireless, smartphone-aided magnetic strain sensor for biomedical applications

This paper reports an implantable wireless strain sensor comprising laser-machined polymeric magnetic stripes embedded in a dual-silicone stretchable matrix. Each magnetic stripe is encapsulated in a stiffer PDMS package which is then embedded in a softer Ecoflex® band. This unique dual-silicone structure takes advantage of the elastic modulus mismatch between PDMS and Ecoflex®, significantly reducing the dislocation of magnetic stripes which may occur due to poor bonding while keeping the band stretchable. Strains within a physiological relevant range (e.g., cardiac cycle of 60–100 bpm, 40%–60% strain) can be picked up wirelessly by the magnetic sensor of a smartphone at 2.5 cm away, a distance practical for cardiovascular and pulmonary applications.