cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis C Virus

Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects approximately 170 million people worldwide and is the most frequent indication for liver transplantation in the United States and Europe. It is estimated that up to four million persons in the United States have been infected with HCV, and analysis of existing data on the current prevalence and duration of infection projects a substantial burden from the late manifestations of this disease over the next 10 to 20 years, including liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis C has been a regular topic of previous issues of Clinics in Liver Disease based on the rapid pace of new knowledge regarding this disease. The goal of this issue is to update selected areas of new or enhanced knowledge regarding hepatitis C. There have been significant scientific and clinical advances in the understanding of the virology, natural history and diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C, which are featured in the first part of this issue of Clinics in Liver Disease. Dr. Jeffrey Glenn reviews how better understanding of the basic virology of HCV has the potential to lead to novel therapies. Dr. Pawlotsky describes the currently available tools to diagnose and monitor HCV infection during therapy. Study of the natural history of chronic hepatitis C has always been a challenge because of the long duration of infection and variability in the rate of progression; Dr. Seeff updates current information of this challenging topic. There is also recent recognition of the frequency and impact of hepatic steatosis on the natural history and response to therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C, which is reviewed by Dr. McHutchison.
Influence of thyroid and growth hormone status on the rate of regulated Ca2+ efflux from rat liver mitochondria

Abstract Measurements were made of Ca 2+ efflux from liver mitochondria of normal, surgically thyroparathyroidectomized and hypophysectomized rats. Release of Ca 2+ from preloaded mitochondria was initiated by the addition of ruthenium red, which blocks Ca 2+ influx, and oxaloacetate, which stimulates Ca 2+ efflux by bringing the mitochondrial pyridine nucleotides to a relatively oxidized steady-state. The time required to release a small amount of Ca 2+ from mitochondria isolated from thyroparathyroidectomized or hypophysectomized rats was far longer than that observed with mitochondria from normal animals. Treatment of such rats with either triiodothyronine or bovine growth hormone for 3–4 days resulted in restoration of Ca 2+ efflux to a near normal level.
Steroid use before pediatric cardiac operations using cardiopulmonary bypass: an international survey of 36 centers.

Objective:Steroid administration before pediatric cardiac operations using cardiopulmonary bypass has been shown to modulate the inflammatory response and reduce myocardial injury. We hypothesized that current steroid administration practices among pediatric cardiac surgical centers are highly varia
Lying About the Past

Among the many worthy goals colleges and universities set for themselves is challenging their students to think critically about important ethical questions across the disciplines. But how true are...
Teacher Education Graduates Sex, Career Plans, and Preferences for Job Factors

Differing prospective job rewards guide women into elementary or secondary teaching. Among prospective high school teachers there are no gender-linked job reward preferences.
Sexual behaviors, substance use, and condom use in a sexually transmitted disease clinic sample

In many studies, alcohol and drug use is clearly associated with behaviors that put individuals at risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). However, the nature of the association remains unclear. In this study we examined the relationship of condom use with substance use in adults with other sex partners (N = 508) who were seeking services in an STD clinic, engaged in high levels of risky sexual behaviors, and also engaged in high levels of alcohol and drug use with sex. We also compared the behaviors with steady and casual partners. We hypothesized that condom use would decrease with increasing levels of substance use with both partner types. That hypothesis was not supported: Condom use was not associated with substance use with either partner type. Although respondents reported significantly higher levels of substance use and intoxication with casual than with steady partners, they also reported significantly higher levels of condom use with casual partners. Interventions based on the assumption ...
INTERPERSONAL AFFECT AND PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL: A FIELD STUDY

Interpersonal affect has been found, in prior laboratory research, to be related to ratings of job performance. Such findings have been taken to mean that affect creates bias in ratings. The present study was conducted to determine if this relationship would hold up in a field setting. The present study was also designed to examine how structured diary-keeping, and the nature of the appraisal instrument, might be related to affect-appraisal relationships. The results for 85 raters, and 404 ratees, suggested that affect was significantly related to all ratings, but more strongly related to trait-like ratings than task/outcome-like ratings, and that having raters keep performance diaries actually increased the strength of the relationship between affect and ratings. We concluded that affect may not be a biasing influence on ratings, but may be a result of better subordinate performance. Results from an analysis of the diary content supported this conclusion. Implications for the role of affect on ratings and the nature of the relationship between past performance and interpersonal affect in field settings are discussed.
“But they claimed to be police, not la migra!” The Interaction of Residency Status, Class, and Ethnicity in a (Post–PATRIOT Act) New Jersey Neighborhood

In Chambersburg, a neighborhood in Trenton, New Jersey, an ethnic transition is under way. Just several decades ago, the district was a solidly Italian enclave. Today, the few remaining Italians must contend with an influx of new immigrants from Latin America. The transition from Italian to Latino has been infused with conflict that is not immediately obvious but rather lingers just under the surface. Add to this already tense situation the activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which has been conducting frequent immigration raids, banging on doors with deportation orders for individual Guatemalans in the wee hours of the morning. This article explores the implications of residency status in a post–PATRIOT Act United States and argues that it is fundamental to understanding ethnic relations both among migrants from different nations and between immigrants and nonimmigrants.
CO on Pt(111): TDS and ESD study

Abstract Electron stimulated desorption of ionic species from CO adsorbed on Pt(111) has been studied and comparison made with EELS results. The “on-top” site which, according to EELS data, fills first is observed to yield O + ion. The bridge adsorption site appears to release CO + during electron bombardment. Coadsorption of H 2 and CO was also examined and compared with the polycrystalline platinum case. Only very weak coadsorption effects are seen on the Pt(111) surface, as evidenced by presence of a weak low energy component associated with the O + ESD energy distribution.
Ribosomal RNA genes in soybean and common bean: chromosomal organization, expression, and evolution

Ribosomal RNA (5S and 45S) genes were investigated by FISH in two related legumes: soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and common bean (Phaseolis vulgaris L.). These species are both members of the same tribe (Phaseoleae), but common bean is diploid while soybean is a tetraploid which has undergone diploidization. In contrast to ploidy expectations, soybean had only one 5S and one 45S rDNA locus whereas common bean had more than two 5S rDNA loci and two 45S rDNA loci. Double hybridization experiments with differentially labelled probes indicated that the soybean 45S and 5S rDNA loci are located on different chromosomes and in their distal regions. Likewise, the common bean 45S and 5S rDNA loci were on unique chromosomes, though two of the 5S rDNA loci were on the same chromosome. FISH analysis of interphase nuclei revealed the spatial arrangement of rDNA loci and suggested expression patterns. In both species, we observed one or more 5S rDNA hybridization sites and two 45S rDNA hybridization sites associated with the nucleolar periphery. The 45S rDNA hybridization patterns frequently exhibited gene puffs as de-condensed chromatin strings within the nucleoli. The other condensed rDNA sites (both 5S and 45S) were spatially distant from the nucleolus in nucleoplasmic regions containing heterochromatin. The distribution of rDNA between the nucleoplasm and the nucleoli is consistent with differential gene expression between homologous alleles and among homoeologous loci.
Maternal deficiency of protein or protein and calories during lactation: effect upon CNS myelin subfraction formation in rat offspring

Abstract The present study has examined the effects of maternal protein and protein-calorie deficiency during lactation on the development of CNS myelin subfractions in rat offspring. The offspring of both the protein and protein-calorie deficient rats had decreased brain and body weights, as well as delayed CNS myelination. Delayed active CNS myelination was demonstrated by the fact that 53-day-old nutritionally stressed pups incorporated significantly more [ 3 H]leucine and [ 14 C]glucose into all myelin subfractions than age-matched controls. Delayed myelination was also supported by the tremendous accretion of myelin proteins in the nutritionally deprived pups between 25 and 53 days of age. Despite the delayed active synthesis of myelin, the myelin deficit persisted in the offspring of protein deficient rats. These offspring had a deficiency of light + medium myelin throughout the study. At 17 days, both groups of nutritionally stressed rats had an excess of the high molecular weight proteins in heavy myelin. Heavy myelin from 17 day offspring of protein-calorie deficient rats had a deficiency of basic proteins, while that from the offspring of protein deficient rats had a deficiency of proteolipid protein. The protein composition of all myelin subfractions was normal at 53 days.
Morphisms on semiorthoposets

A survey concerning morphisms on a semiorthoposet (SOP) is presented. It is pointed out that various types of SOPs possess an order-determining set of morphisms with a specified range. This result is applied to obtain representations of SOPs in terms of SOPs of sets and SOPs of functions. Connections between SOPs and effect algebras as well as tensor products of SOPs are obtained. Proofs of results are omitted and will be presented in a later publication.
Diethyldithiocarbamate and dithizone augment the toxicity of kainic acid.

Abstract Male Fischer-344 rats were injected i.p. with diethyldithiocarbamate or dithizone 15 min after kainic acid (KA), s.c. Diethyldithiocarbamate and dithizone reduced both the number of wer dog shakes and the latency to onset of seizures induced by KA. Moreover, they increased the severity of seizures. These compounds may be useful tools for investigating the role of zinc in central nervous system excitatory transmission and/or convulsive phenomena.
Inhibition of rat mammary carcinogenesis by inositol hexaphosphate (phytic acid). A pilot study

Since phytic acid (inositol hexaphosphate, InsP6) and inositol (Ins) have been demonstrated to have anti-tumor and anti-cell proliferative action in several experimental models of carcinogenesis, in a pilot study we have examined their effect on 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced rat mammary tumor model. Starting a week prior to induction with DMBA, the drinking water of female Sprague-Dawley rats was supplemented with either: 15 mM InsP6, 15 mM Ins, or 15 mM InsP6 + 15 mM Ins; a control group received no inositol compounds. Animals (55-day-old) were given a single dose of DMBA (20 mg) in 1 ml of sesame oil by oral intubation. Four additional groups not receiving DMBA, but drinking tap water, InsP6, Ins, or InsP6 + Ins of the same molarity as experimental groups were observed for the duration of the study to monitor for any putative toxicity following this long-term treatment. As opposed to the DMBA-only group, rats treated with InsP6 +/- Ins showed a 48% reduction in the number of tumors/tumor bearing animal (tumor multiplicity) and a 40% reduction in the number of tumors/rat. In contrast to 20% rats in DMBA-only group, only 0-8% animals in the treatment group had 5 or more tumors. Likewise, the tumor incidence was reduced by 19% in InsP6 +/- Ins as compared to control untreated animals. The tumors in the treated groups were also 16% smaller in size. Data from this pilot study suggest that in addition to being effective against colon cancer, InsP6 +/- Ins may be protective against mammary carcinoma as well; additional studies are however warranted.
ABJ anomalies and superfield formalism in gauge theories

Abstract We find a natural setting for Adler-Jackiw anomalies of a recently proposed superfield formalism for gauge field theories.
TiO 2 nanotube height effect on the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells

Performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) based on TiO2 nanotubes (NTs) filled with TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) was studied as a function of NT height (h). The NT height was varied in the range of 1.5–7.0 μm, while the NT diameter was kept constant at ~80 nm. The studies showed that DSSC efficiency, current density, and fill factor linearly increased with h and ranged in 1.76–6.5%, 3.62–13.2 mA/cm2, and 0.66–0.76, respectively, within the h range studied. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was also performed to study DSSC electron transport properties. Based on both photovoltaic and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data, the results were explained as being due to the increased dye loading that led to higher light-harvesting efficiency.
The fate of uric acid in the normal and gouty human being.

Abstract A normal subject was intravenously injected on three occasions with a relatively small dose of N15 uric acid. The recovery of N15 as urinary uric acid was 72 to 78 per cent and as fecal nitrogen was 16 to 19 per cent. Less than 4 per cent was recovered as urinary urea and ammonia. When N15 uric acid was injected into a normal subject after cholecystectomy, N15 was found in the bile collected from a T tube in the common duct. The recovery of intravenously injected N15 uric acid as urinary uric acid in six gouty subjects was less than in the normal subject (34 to 54 per cent). In the three of these subjects who were thus studied, the recovery of N15 as fecal nitrogen was somewhat above normal (25 to 38 per cent). It is concluded that in the normal subject uric acid is mainly disposed of as urinary uric acid or fecal nitrogen. This cannot be said for the gouty subject. Whether this inability to recover completely the injected dose of uric acid in these two fractions in the gouty subject is due to an artifact of the experimental conditions or to a novel feature of metabolism cannot be decided with the present data.
On the effect of shear center location on the values of axial and lateral cantilever buckling loads for singly symmetric cross-section beams

A generalization of Kirchhoff's beam equations, in which account is taken of deformations due to cross sectionalforces, in addition to those due to cross-sectionalmoments, is used to obtain results on the effect of cross-sectional shear center location on the values of Euler and Michell-Prandtl buckling loads. The analysis of these problems appears to be outside the scope of the original Kirchhoff equations.
Technique of ultrasound-guided peripheral venous access in the emergency room

In emergency situations, patients may need a fast and reliable peripheral venous access, which sometimes may be difficult to obtain, because of poor visualization of the superficial veins due to edema, obesity, hypovolemia or local abnormalities. In such cases, insertion of a central line is potentially time consuming and possibly associated with complications. Furthermore, central lines inserted in emergency are known to be at high risk of infection, so guidelines recommend that they should removed within 24 to 48 hours. In this setting, ultrasound-guided placement of a peripheral venous access might be more rapid, safer and more cost-effective than a central line.
A pilot test of an integrated self-care intervention for persons with heart failure and concomitant diabetes

Studies show 30% to 47% of people with heart failure (HF) have concomitant diabetes mellitus (DM). Self-care for persons with both of these chronic conditions is conflicting, complex, and often inadequate. This pilot study tested an integrated self-care program for its effects on HF and DM knowledge, self-care efficacy, self-care behaviors, and quality of life (QOL). Hospitalized HF-DM participants (N = 71) were randomized to usual care or intervention using a 1:2 allocation and followed at 30 and 90 days after intervention. Intervention was an integrated education and counseling program focused on HF-DM self-care. Variables included demographic and clinical data, knowledge about HF and DM, HF- and DM-specific self-efficacy, standard HF and DM QOL scales, and HF and DM self-care behaviors. Analysis included descriptive statistics, multilevel longitudinal models for group and time effects, post hoc testing, and effect size calculations. Sidak adjustments were used to control for type 1 error inflation. The integrated HF-DM self-care intervention conferred effects on improved HF knowledge (30 days, p = .05), HF self-care maintenance (30 and 90 days, p < .001), HF self-care management (90 days, p = .05), DM self-efficacy (30 days, p = .03; 90 days, p = .004), general diet (30 days, p = .05), HF physical QOL (p = .04), and emotional QOL scores (p = .05) at 90 days within the intervention group. The participants in the usual care group also reported increased total and physical QOL. Greater percentages of participants in the intervention group improved self reported exercise between 0 and 30 days (p = .005 and moderate effect size ES = .47) and foot care between 0 and 90 days (p = .03, small ES = .36). No group differences or improvements in DM-specific QOL were observed. An integrated HF-DM self-care intervention was effective in improving essential components of self-care and had sustained (90 day) effects on selected self-care behaviors. Future studies testing HF-DM integrated self-care interventions in larger samples with longer follow-up and on other outcomes such as hospitalization and clinical markers are warranted.
A hybrid method for refrigerant flow balancing in multi-circuit evaporators: Upstream versus downstream flow control

Abstract A hybrid method for optimizing refrigerant distribution in evaporators is presented that involves the use of small balancing valves in each circuit along with a primary expansion device to control the overall superheat from the evaporator. The flow balancing valves could be located upstream or downstream of the evaporator. This paper presents the results of a study to investigate the benefits of this hybrid scheme for both upstream and downstream flow balancing for the case of air flow mal-distribution. In order to perform this investigation, a simulation model was developed to consider evaporator flow mal-distributions for a 10.55 kW residential R410A heat pump and then validated through comparisons of predicted results with measurements. Simulation results show that there are significant benefits in controlling the superheat of each circuit of evaporators through the hybrid–individual superheat control method. Furthermore, the upstream refrigerant flow control consistently outperforms the downstream refrigerant flow control, and recovers most of the loss in cooling capacity and COP due to non-uniform air flow distribution.
Strong fluctuation theory for electromagnetic wave scattering by a layer of random discrete scatterers

The strong fluctuation theory is applied to the study of electromagnetic wave scattering from a layer of random discrete scatterers. The singularity of the dyadic Green’s function is taken into account in the calculation of the effective permittivity functions. The correlation functions for the random medium with different scatterer constituents and size distributions are derived. Applying the dyadic Green’s function for a two‐layer medium and using the bilocal and distorted Born approximations, the first and the second moments of the fields are then calculated. Both the backscattering and bistatic scattering coefficients are obtained, and the former is shown to match favorably with experimental data obtained from snow fields.
NUCLEAR RELAXATION RATES, PENETRATION DEPTH, AND ENERGY-DEPENDENT GAP FUNCTIONS IN HIGH-Tc SUPERCONDUCTORS

We study the experimental consequences of a gap function which is odd in energy. This type of gap may occur in high temperature superconductors. We show that nuclear spin relaxation experiments can be used to probe the "particle-hole parity" of a gap function. We find that an exponent α=1/3 which characterizes the energy dependence is in agreement with the currently available experimental data of both the nuclear spin relaxation rate (∝T(2-α)/α) and the electromagnetic penetration depth (∝T(1-α)/α).
Online Monitoring of Network Impedances Using Digital Network Analyzer Techniques

This paper presents an extension to the cross-correlation method for switching power converter identification which allows monitoring of Thevenin source and load impedances. This information can be used for fault localization, converter health monitoring, and load estimation. Additional insight into performance degradation due to subsystem interaction can also be obtained. To verify the proposed approach, impedances of three commonly encountered loads and an undamped input filter are measured and compared to results from a conventional network analyzer. Some practical techniques for improved high-frequency measurements are given, and a method to measure the Minor Loop Gain at an interface is proposed.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor gene expression in human ovary and granulosa-lutein cells.

GnRH regulates gonadotropin biosynthesis and release in the anterior pituitary via specific receptors. Although extrapituitary expression and action of GnRH have been shown in some species, in the human it is not clear whether GnRH has a peripheral action. In this study we sought to determine whether the human ovary expresses GnRH receptor (GnRHR) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA). Ovarian tissues from 11 women (32-61 yr old) and granulosa-lutein (GL) cells purified from follicular aspirates of 51 women undergoing oocyte retrieval for in vitro fertilization were analyzed by ribonuclease protection assay and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Human pituitaries, lymphocytes, and placenta were also studied. Measurable levels of GnRHR mRNA were found by ribonuclease protection assay in 2 of 10 ovaries, in 2 of 4 GL cells preparations from women whose ovarian hyperstimulation involved a GnRH agonist, in GL cells from 3 women whose ovarian hyperstimulation involved a GnRH antagonist, and ...
THE ROLE OF EXHUMATION IN THE TEMPORAL DISTRIBUTION OF ORE DEPOSITS

We show here that the temporal (age-frequency) distribution of ore deposits is controlled largely by exhumation, the combination of burial, uplift, and erosion that exposes subsurface rocks and ore deposits. Exhumation rates calculated from modal ages and emplacement depths for epithermal, porphyry copper, and orogenic gold deposits of Phanerozoic age are 167, 158, and 63 m/m.y., respectively. These rates agree with rates estimated for continent-scale terranes by numerous independent methods. Thus, the scarcity of Precambrian epithermal and porphyry copper deposits is probably due to their removal by exhumation. Archean and Pale-oproterozoic orogenic gold deposits are more abundant than indicated by the exhumation record of their Phanerozoic counterparts, suggesting that the Precambrian deposits formed in greater numbers. Recognition of the pivotal role of exhumation requires that the temporal distribution of ore deposits be corrected for this effect before it can be used as an indicator of large-scale changes in Earth history.
The elastic behavior of the urinary bladder for large deformations

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to investigate the theoretical basis for the pressure-distension behavior of the urinary bladder. A finite strain theory is developed for hollow spherical structures and it is shown that the Treloar model is a good prototype only for rubber balloons. The pressure-extension ratio relationship is inverted to lead a general form of strain energy function, and fitted by an empirical relation involving one exponential. The following form of strain energy function is derived: W(λ,λ,λ −2 )=C 1 (P(1),a)+P(1)C 2 (a,λ)e a(λ−1) Where C1 (P(1), a) is a constant (Nm−2), P(1) is the initial pressure, a is the rate of pressure increase and C2 (a, λ) a third degree polynomial relation. P(1) and a are experimentally determined through volumetric pressure-distension data. It is verified that this type of energy function is also valid for uniaxial loading experiments by testing strips coming from the same bladder for which P(1) and a were computed. There is a good agreement between the experimental points and the theoretical stress-strain relation. Finally, the strain energy function is plotted as a function of the first strain invariant and appears to be of an exponential nature.
Mechanisms regulating drug and pesticide residue uptake by egg yolks: development of predictive models

Drug and pesticide residues in edible poultry tissues and eggs are a human food safety concern. Quantifying and predicting the concentrations of residues in eggs is a particular challenge because of the unique aspects of egg development and compartmentalisation of the yolk and white. For a number of years, research efforts have been directed at examining residue incorporation nto eggs and developing models to predict residue incursion. This paper will review the physiology of egg yolk formation as it relates to residue incursion, the models developed to understand and quantify residue patterns, and the use of magnetic resonance imaging to detect residue incorporation into eggs.
Peak set without peak points

We give an example of a natural Banach function algebra on the unit disc such that a smaller disc is a peak set for the algebra, but it does not contain any peak point. A Banach function algebra on a compact Hausdorff space X is a Banach algebra A consisting of continuous functions on X, such that A separates points of X and contains the constant functions. If the norm of the algebra A coincides with the sup norm on X , it is called a uniform algebra. If any linear and multiplicative functional on A is of the form f 7→ f(x) for some x ∈ X, the algebra is called natural. A subset K of X is a peak set for A if there is an f ∈ A such that f ≡ 1 on K and |f(x)| < 1 for x / ∈ K; if K = {x0} , then x0 is a peak point. If no proper subset of K is a peak set we call it a minimal peak set for A. It is well known [2] that if A is a uniform algebra on a metrizable set X then any peak set contains a peak point. In [1] H. G. Dales constructed a natural Banach function algebra on a compact subset of C having a peak set without any peak point. T. G. Honary [3] provided an example in R, however his algebra is not natural. In this note we give a very simple example of a natural Banach function algebra on the unit disc with peak sets not containing any peak point. Let K be an open nonempty subset of the complex plane C. By C(K) we denote the algebra of all bounded complex valued functions on K with continuous and bounded first order partial derivatives on K. C(K) is a Banach function algebra on K if equipped with the norm ‖f‖ = ‖f‖∞ + ‖fx‖∞ + ‖fy‖∞ , where ‖·‖∞ is the sup norm. By A(K) we denote the uniform algebra of all continuous functions on K which are analytic on K. We put Dr = {z ∈ C : |z| < r} and C− = {z : Re z < 0}. Theorem 1. Let A be a subalgebra of C(D1) consisting of all functions which are analytic on D 1 2 . Then D 1 2 is a minimal peak set for A; in particular D 1 2 does not contain any peak point. Lemma 2. There is no h ∈ A(D1) such that h(1) = 0 and |1 + (z − 1)h(z)| < 1 for z 6= 1. Proof of the lemma. Assume that such a function does exist. If we compose 1 + (z − 1)h(z) with a suitable fractional linear transformation we get an f ∈ A (C−) Received by the editors November 8, 1995. 1991 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 46J10. c ©1997 American Mathematical Society
Effect of xanthohumol and isoxanthohumol on 3T3-L1 cell apoptosis and adipogenesis

Xanthohumol (XN), the chalcone from beer hops has several biological activities. XN has been shown to induce apoptosis in cancer cells and also has been reported to be involved in lipid metabolism. Based on these studies and our previous work with natural compounds, we hypothesized that XN and its isomeric flavanone, isoxanthohumol (IXN), would induce apoptosis in adipocytes through the mitochondrial pathway and would inhibit maturation of preadipocytes. Adipocytes were treated with various concentrations of XN or IXN. In mature adipocytes both XN and IXN decreased viability, increased apoptosis and increased ROS production, XN being more effective. Furthermore, the antioxidants ascorbic acid and 2-mercaptoethanol prevented XN and IXN-induced ROS generation and apoptosis. Immunoblotting analysis showed an increase in the levels of cytoplasmic cytochrome c and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) by XN and IXN. Concomitantly, we observed activation of the effectors caspase-3/7. In maturing preadipocytes both XN and IXN were effective in reducing lipid content, XN being more potent. Moreover, the major adipocyte marker proteins such as PPARγ, C/EBPα, and aP2 decreased after treatment with XN during the maturation period and that of DGAT1 decreased after treatment with XN and IXN. Taken together, our data indicate that both XN and IXN inhibit differentiation of preadipocytes, and induce apoptosis in mature adipocytes, but XN is more potent.
Unity and Hierarchy in Modelling. Olek Zienkiewicz’s Contributions and Impact

At the time of Olek’s 70th birthday celebrations, I decided to express briefly, my subjective views, on what I have admired and learnt from him, particularly in the pursuit of unity and hierarchy, be it in numerical modelling or constitutive modelling for material behavior.
Chemoautotrophic Production Incorporated by Heterotrophs in Gulf of Mexico Hydrocarbon Seeps: An Examination of Mobile Benthic Predators and Seep Residents

Abstract The continental slope of the Gulf of Mexico supports dense aggregations of tubeworms and mussels that have symbiotic chemoautotrophic bacteria. Associated with these communities are numerous heterotrophic fauna and free-living bacteria. Here we examine the stable C, N, and S isotope compositions of fauna from two chemoautotrophic communities to identify isotope ranges of chemoautotrophic primary production and determine the usage of that primary production by heterotrophic invertebrates. The range in isotope values of the chemoautotrophic production is different between sites. A brine seep (GC233) dominated by mussels symbiotic with methanotrophic bacteria has 13C and 15N depleted nutrient sources (−50 to −65‰ and −9 to −12‰, respectively), indicating methanotrophy using biogenic methane and suggesting ammonium as the dominant nitrogen source. However, those same sources were 34S-enriched (6‰–11‰), as indicated by resident heterotrophs (Munidopsis sp., Methanoaricia dendrobranchiata Blake 2000, A...
XML and relational database management systems: inside Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2005

Microsoft® SQL Server™ has a long history of XML support dating back to 1999. While first concentrating on enabling the transport of relational data via XML with the SQL Server 2000 release, SQL Server 2005 now additionally provides native XML storage and query support. This part of the tutorial will provide an insight into how SQL Server 2005 fits XML functionality into its core relational database management framework.
Prevention of pericardial adhesions with N-O carboxymethylchitosan in the rabbit model.

The presence of mediastinal adhesions significantly increases the morbidity and mortality of reoperative cardiac surgical procedures. Previous investigations have reported on the therapeutic utility of topical hydrogels in reducing the formation of postsurgical adhesions. The goal of the present study is to evaluate the ability of N-O carboxymethylchitosan (a glycosaminoglycan hydrogel derivative) to reduce the formation of postsurgical pericardial adhesions in a large-animal model. Sixteen adult New Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. Group 1 subjects (n = 8) had N-O carboxymethylchitosan directly applied to the heart and retrosternal surfaces after sternotomy was performed, while subjects in group 2 (n = 8) had saline applied to these areas. After a period of 14 days the animals were sacrificed under anesthesia, and independent observers, blinded to treatment, graded the formation of pericardial adhesions. The severity of adhesion formation was significantly less...
Potential for dose escalation in the postprostatectomy setting with intensity-modulated radiation therapy: a dosimetric study using EORTC consensus guidelines for target volume contours.

Abstract Purpose Radiation therapy (RT) is delivered as adjuvant and salvage therapy after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. Interest in dose escalation in this setting may necessitate more advanced RT techniques, such as intensity modulation. This study was designed to compare intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) versus 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) planning. Methods Twenty patients were identified who received post--radical prostatectomy RT with 4-field, 3DCRT plans to 68.4 Gy. Contours were revised to comply with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer consensus guidelines. The IMRT plans with 5 versus 9 coplanar fields were compared for 10 patients. Then the 9-field IMRT plans were compared to 3DCRT in all 20 patients. Differences in dose-volume histogram values were evaluated using 2-tailed paired t tests. Cone beam computed tomographic images were analyzed to evaluate rectum doses in the treatment position during the RT course. The IMRT plans to 72.0 Gy were compared to 3DCRT to 68.4 Gy to be able to consider potential use in dose escalation. Results The 9-field IMRT plans (vs 3DCRT) improved bladder mean dose and volume receiving 65 Gy or more (V65), as well as rectum mean dose (31.6 Gy vs 36.1 Gy; P P P Conclusions The IMRT improves dosimetric parameters for the rectum and bladder, which may allow dose escalation after radical prostatectomy. Future studies should determine whether these advantages translate into improved clinical outcomes for prostate cancer patients.
Data Integration: The Relational Logic Approach

Data integration is a critical problem in our increasingly interconnected but inevitably heterogeneous world. There are numerous data sources available in organizational databases and on public information systems like the World Wide Web. Not surprisingly, the sources often use different vocabularies and different data structures, being created, as they are, by different people, at different times, for different purposes. The goal of data integration is to provide programmatic and human users with integrated access to multiple, heterogeneous data sources, giving each user the illusion of a single, homogeneous database designed for his or her specific need. The good news is that, in many cases, the data integration process can be automated. This book is an introduction to the problem of data integration and a rigorous account of one of the leading approaches to solving this problem, viz., the relational logic approach. Relational logic provides a theoretical framework for discussing data integration. Moreover, in many important cases, it provides algorithms for solving the problem in a computationally practical way. In many respects, relational logic does for data integration what relational algebra did for database theory several decades ago. A companion web site provides interactive demonstrations of the algorithms. Table of Contents: Preface / Interactive Edition / Introduction / Basic Concepts / Query Folding / Query Planning / Master Schema Management / Appendix / References / Index / Author Biography
ChiYun compact: a novel test compaction technique for responses with unknown values

This paper proposes a response compactor, named ChiYun compactor, to compact scan-out responses in the presence of unknown values. By adding storage elements into an Xor network, a ChiYun compactor can offer multiple chances for a scan-out response to be observed at ATE channels in one to several scan-shift cycles. We also develop a mathematical analysis to predict the percentage of scan-out responses masked by the unknown values for the ChiYun compactor. With this analysis, we can derive the optimal configuration of a ChiYun compactor for minimizing the masking of scan-out responses. We further propose a selection scheme for the ChiYun compactor to selectively observe partial Xor results for improving the fault coverage. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed mathematical analysis and the selection scheme. We also demonstrate that the unknown tolerance of a ChiYun compactor is higher than that of a state-of-the-art response compactor proposed in (Wang, 2003).
International Agreements and Cooperation in Environmental Conservation and Resource Management

Climate change issues differ from the ozone layer precedents in important ways, including a greater degree of human reliance on fossil fuel energy, longer lead times, and demographic projections. Even if industrial countries significantly improve energy practices and reduce the rate of CO2 accumulation, energy dcmands in the developing world by the middle of the next century will resume atmospheric heating at threatening rates. New approaches are needed, and new ideas are on the table. There are proposals to provide the resources needed to encourage future energy strategies more in keeping with greenhouse-gas constraints. The recent Hague Declaration suggests that at least one major power might be willing to divest itself of the veto power for the sake of effective decisions to halt global warming. A major group of actors that have not yet been involaed in this issue are the multilateral and bilateral development institutions whose combined $40B annual budgets assume strategic importance in a world of ind...
Hydride Mobility and Its Relation to Structure and Reactivity in Polymetallic Clusters

Two fundamentally important processes in the chemistry of organic substrates on catalytic surfaces are hydrogenation-dehydrogenation and carbon-hydrogen oxidative addition-reductive elimination. In the course of our studies on the thermal reaction chemistry of organic molecules bound to trimetallic clusters, we have noted that dihydrido metal clusters having face capping organic ligands can exhibit a wide range in the activation energies for hydride site exchange (45–70 kJ/mole). Complexes having relatively mobile hydride ligands tend to undergo hydrogen elimination from the cluster (equation 1) while clusters with relatively rigid hydrides tend to undergo reductive elimination of a carbon hydrogen bond (equation 2)[1].
ESR Insights into Macroradicals in UHMWPE

Electron spin resonance (ESR) is a technique that can directly detect and quantify unpaired or odd electrons in atomic or molecular systems. The materials that contain unpaired electrons are known as paramagnetic materials since they exhibit a net magnetic moment in an external magnetic field. For this reason, ESR is also known as electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Although both names are used in practice, a third name has been introduced to replace them. In line with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), the new name is electron magnetic resonance (EMR) since the magnetic resonance in ESR/EPR results from the electron magnetic moment. In this chapter, the term ESR is used.
Relapse in the central nervous system in melanoma patients successfully treated with biomodulators.

A number of partial or complete remissions have been induced within the past 3 years in patients with metastatic melanoma treated with biomodulators, such as low-dose cyclophosphamide (CY) and interleukin-2 (IL-2), or active specific immunotherapy. Six of the most successfully treated patients, with prolonged remissions in skin, lymph nodes, liver and/or lung, all had relapses in the brain. At the time of relapse in the CNS, remissions were continuing in the other viscera. A large single intracerebral metastasis was found in four of the six patients; the other two patients had three metastases each, one of which also had meningeal seeding. Resection was performed in the four patients with single lesions, without postoperative radiotherapy. Intrathecal IL-2 successfully controlled meningeal disease. To date, the median survival of the group exceeds 7 months, in contrast to the usual reported median of 1 to 4 months, reflecting the predominance of resectable single lesions. Immunological therapy failed to p...
Corners in Organized Futures Markets

Following a concise description of organized futures markets, the traders, and some of the rules and their purposes, necessary and sufficient conditions for corners in these markets are presented. It is shown that a profitable corner depends on what happens in the cash markets from its start to its termination. Activities in the futures market are ancillary. If the supply schedules in these spot markets remain constant then corners are usually not profitable.
Enhanced Lifetime of Polymer Solar Cells by Surface Passivation of Metal Oxide Buffer Layers

The role of electron selective interfaces on the performance and lifetime of polymer solar cells were compared and analyzed. Bilayer interfaces consisting of metal oxide films with cationic polymer modification namely poly ethylenimine ethoxylated (PEIE) were found to enhance device lifetime compared to bare metal oxide films when used as an electron selective cathode interface. Devices utilizing surface-modified metal oxide layers showed enhanced lifetimes, retaining up to 85% of their original efficiency when stored in ambient atmosphere for 180 days without any encapsulation. The work function and surface potential of zinc oxide (ZnO) and ZnO/PEIE interlayers were evaluated using Kelvin probe and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) respectively. Kelvin probe measurements showed a smaller reduction in work function of ZnO/PEIE films compared to bare ZnO films when aged in atmospheric conditions. KPFM measurements showed that the surface potential of the ZnO surface drastically reduces when stored in ambient air for 7 days because of surface oxidation. Surface oxidation of the interface led to a substantial decrease in the performance in aged devices. The enhancement in the lifetime of devices with a bilayer interface was correlated to the suppressed surface oxidation of the metal oxide layers. The PEIE passivated surface retained a lower Fermi level when aged, which led to lower trap-assisted recombination at the polymer-cathode interface. Further photocharge extraction by linearly increasing voltage (Photo-CELIV) measurements were performed on fresh and aged samples to evaluate the field required to extract maximum charges. Fresh devices with a bare ZnO cathode interlayer required a lower field than devices with ZnO/PEIE cathode interface. However, aged devices with ZnO required a much higher field to extract charges while aged devices with ZnO/PEIE showed a minor increase compared to the fresh devices. Results indicate that surface modification can act as a suitable passivation layer to suppress oxidation in metal oxide thin films for enhanced lifetime in inverted organic solar cells.
Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T Cells Targeting the CD19 Antigen for the Treatment of Pediatric Relapsed B Cell ALL

T cells can be genetically modified to target tumor antigens through the expression of a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). CAR T cells targeting the CD19 antigen is a novel therapeutic approach for patients with relapsed B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). We have previously demonstrated that CAR T cells have a significant clinical benefit in adult patients with relapsed B-ALL. The primary objective of this study ([NCT01860937][1]) is to extend the use and test the safety of CD19 specific CAR T cells in children with relapsed CD19+ B-ALL. To date, 11 pediatric patients with very high risk (VHR) or relapsed B-ALL have been enrolled on protocol with a median age of 13 years (range 2-23 years) at time of T cell collection. We have treated 4 pediatric patients with relapsed B-ALL (ages 13, 14, 19, and 22 years) using patient derived T cells expressing a CD19 specific CAR (19-28z). Complete response (complete remission or complete remission with incomplete count recovery) occurred in 2/4 (50%) patients. Severe cytokine release syndrome (sCRS) defined by fever for ≥3 consecutive days, elevated serum cytokine levels, and one clinical sign of toxicity (hypotension, hypoxia, neurologic disorder including altered mental status, obtundation, and/or seizure) occurred in both patients who responded to CAR T cells. Morphologic disease (≥5% bone marrow blasts) at time of treatment was present in three patients including both patients with sCRS. Systemic immunosuppressants (corticosteroids or anti-IL6 receptor antibody tocilizumab) abrogated clinical symptoms of sCRS. Elevated serum cytokines of IFN-g (>20 fold), fractalkine (>20 fold), Flt-3L (>55 fold), IL-5 (>15 fold), IL-6 (>100 fold), and IL-10 (>15 fold) were demonstrated in patients with sCRS. Monitoring of bone marrow demonstrated peak 19-28z CAR T-cell detection within 1-2 weeks following infusion with gradual contracture over 2-3 months. These early results demonstrate the feasibility and significant clinical impact of this approach in patients with relapsed B-ALL. To more rapidly generate statistically relevant data, demonstrate the “exportability” of this technology between academic institutions, and offer this therapeutic option to a broader number of pediatric patients with chemo-refractory B-ALL our trial will expand into a phase I multicenter clinical trial with a collaborating institution. Subsequent cohorts of patients will receive 19-28z CAR T cells and will be evaluated for toxicity, persistence of CAR T cells, and for anti-leukemic efficacy. Disclosures Off Label Use: CAR T cells for relapsed B-ALL. Riviere: Juno Therapeutics: Consultancy, Scientific co-founder and Stock holder Other. Boulad: Genzyme Sanofi: Trials partially funded by Genzyme Sanofi Other. Sadelain: Juno Therapeutics: Consultancy, Scientific co-founder and Stock holder Other. Brentjens: Juno Therapeutics: Consultancy, Scientific co-founder and Stock holder Other. [1]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=CLINTRIALGOV&access_num=NCT01860937&atom=%2Fbloodjournal%2F124%2F21%2F3716.atom
What is Competency-Based Education?

(1973). What is Competency-Based Education? Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation: Vol. 44, No. 8, pp. 87-88.