cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
c-Met inhibition reduces constitutive NF-kB transcriptional activity in esophageal adenocarcinoma

4235 Introduction: Constitutive activation of Nuclear Factor - kappa B (NF-kB) has been shown to contribute to tumorigenesis and tumor progression. We hypothesized that constitutive NF- kB activity in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) cells would be attenuated by inhibition of the Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF)/c-Met tyrosine kinase signaling pathway using a small molecular inhibitor of c-Met, PHA665752. Methods: Three EA cell lines, Seg-1, Bic-1, and Flo-1 were utilized. The effect of c-Met inhibition (by PHA665752) and stimulation with recombinant HGF on NF-kB transcriptional activity was assessed by luciferase reporter activity and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. These effects were compared to direct inhibition of NF-kB transcriptional activity using adenoviral delivery of IkB Super Repressor and pharmacologic inhibition using BAY117802. Effects of c-Met and NF-kB inhibition on cell viability over time and survival were compared. Results: HGF stimulation induced NF-kB transcriptional activity in all 3 EA cell lines, and this effect was blocked by PHA665752 treatment. Differential, cell-line-dependent effects of these treatments on p38 MAP-Kinase and ERK 1/2 phosphorylation were observed. PHA665752 treatment led to decreased cell viability as measured by MTT assay, but only was associated with cell death in Flo-1 cells. Infection with the Ad-IkB Super Repressor blocked NF-kB activity in each of the cell lines, and this was associated with decreased cell viability by MTT assay, but not cell death. These effects were comparable to those observed with Met inhibition. In contrast, BAY117802 also inhibited NF-kB activity and cell proliferation, but led to significant cell death in a dose-dependent fashion in all 3 cell lines. Conclusion: HGF/Met signaling contributes to constitutively activated NF-kB transcriptional activity in EA, and this effect is blocked by a small molecule HGF/Met inhibitor. Thus, the anti-tumoral effects of c-Met inhibition may be due, in part, to attenuation of the IκB/NF-kB pathway.
Differential item functioning of the CAHPS® In-Center Hemodialysis Survey

End-stage renal disease patients’ experience of care is an integral part of the assessment of the quality of the care provided at hemodialysis centers and is needed to promote patient choice, quality improvement, and accountability. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the In-Center Hemodialysis Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (ICH-CAHPS®) survey and its equivalence in different age, gender, race, and education subgroups. The ICH-CAHPS survey was administered to 1454 patients from 32 dialysis facilities. For the characteristics compared, the sample had 756 participants younger than 65 years old, 739 men, 516 Black, 567 White, and 970 with less than high school diploma. Three different patient experience constructs were studied including nephrologist’s communication and caring, quality of care and operations, and providing information to patients. We used item response theory analysis to examine the possibility of differential item functioning (DIF) by patient age, gender, race, and education separately after controlling for the other DIF characteristics and additional confounding variables including survey mode, mental, and general health status as well as duration on dialysis. The three constructs studied were unidimensional and no major DIF was observed on the composites. Some non-equivalences were observed when confounders were not controlled for, suggesting that such covariates can be important factors in understanding the possibility of disparity in patients’ experience. The ICH-CAHPS is a promising survey to elicit hemodialysis patients’ experience that has good psychometric properties and provides a standardized tool for assessing age, gender, race, or education disparity.
Calculation of the extreme-ultraviolet radiation conversion efficiency for a laser-produced tin plasma source

Abstract This article presents the calculation results on the conversion efficiency (CE) of 1.064 μm laser-produced plasmas (LPPs) extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) tin (Sn) light sources with the Gaussian and a triangular-flat-topped like laser pulse temporal shapes. The computational model includes a collisional-radiative model and 1D hydrodynamics code that predicts reported experimental and theoretical results on the CE of 1.064 μm and 10.6 μm LPP EUV sources with the planar and mass-limited spherical Sn targets. The calculations for the case of a spherical target reveal that an optimum triangular-flat-topped like laser pulse generates a higher CE compared to the Gaussian pulse, especially, for the longer laser pulse duration than ≈ 30 ns. The study demonstrated that a rising intensity rate of the laser pulse has a vital role to optimize the CE as well as to prolong the in-band (13.5 ± 0.135 nm) spectral emission of a small Sn spherical target. The model predicts a ≈ 30 ns rising time duration for a linearly increasing intensity of triangular-flat-topped 1.064 μm laser pulse is necessary to obtain a maximum CE with a typical ≈ 40 μm diameter liquid Sn droplet.
The Needle in the Haystack for Theory of High-Temperature Superconductivity: Negative Nuclear Magnetic Moments

A prior theory for high-temperature superconductivity (HTSC) was given based on substances having nuclei of nonzero nuclear magnetic moments (NMM) for strong relativistic reversible, nonclassical scattering of superconducting Cooper pairs beyond 40 K limit for recovery of coupling due to nonzero NMM of atoms in heat bath. Type II and type I superconductors were reasoned to involve relativistic, quantal, fractionally fissing, and fusing nuclei of both positive and negative NMM for more effectively transforming thermal energy to gravitational, magnetic, and quantum energies for effecting superconductivity and superfluidity. On the basis of such model, all high-temperature superconductivity was explained and the critical temperature (Tc), and its variation by elemental and isotopic compositions were reasoned. This prior 2005 theory and model is supported by recent 2018 observations of superconductivity in silver nanoparticles of all negative NMM in gold nano-matrix of all positive NMM. New superconductors of elements and compounds are predicted on basis of enriching isotopes of positive and negative NMM in such substances.
Carbon Mineralization Associated with Aquaculture of the Northern Quahog Mercenaria mercenaria

Molluscs mineralize carbon as calcium carbonate in shells within a protein matrix that is a small portion of the total shell mass. In parts of Florida, the northern quahog Mercenaria mercenaria is cultured in mesh bags in shallow coastal marine habitats. These habitats were selected by the State of Florida for their pre-existing lack of large molluscan populations, so most of the shell material harvested by aquaculture operations would not otherwise exist. The carbonate content of shell material was quantified by coulometry, and shell production was estimated per harvested clam, and per unit area per year. The majority of the shell material harvested (about 91%) was M. mercenaria, and the remainder came from other species of molluscs that grew in or on the mesh bags. Of the non-Mercenaria shell material, most (8.5% of total percentage) came from oysters (Crassostrea virginica and Ostrea stentina), and the rest from at least 37 other species of molluscs and other shelled taxa. Each harvested market-size clam represented approximately 2.93 g of mineralized carbon, including shell material that was not part of the marketed clams. Clam leases in full production produced about 1.0 × 103 g of mineralized carbon per square meter per year, including nonclam shell material, and the Florida northern quahog industry produced about 534 metric tons of mineralized carbon in 2008. This mineralization resulted in an estimated atmospheric efflux of 374 tons of metabolic-independent carbon in the form of carbon dioxide, from the Florida northern quahog industry in 2008.
Exploring microstructural variations in highly transparent AlN/SiO2 nano multilayers

The microstructure of optically optimized transparent AlN/SiO2 nano multilayers were investigated and compared with baseline repeated bilayer configurations. The multilayered films were synthesized by magnetron sputtering and characterized by transmission electron microscopy and spectrophotometry with multifunctional behavior evaluated by nanoindentation and residual stress analysis. The optically optimized AlN/SiO2 multilayers exhibit higher transmittance (%T300-800nm≈95%), distinct crystalline/amorphous interfaces, and changes in the grain morphology as compared to the periodic baseline samples (%T300-800nm≈70-80%). Varying both layer thickness and layer ratio to maximize transparency showed a significant impact on microstructure and interface character.
Amphiphilic Polyacrylamide Excipients Lead to a Record-Breaking Fast-Acting Insulin

Fast-acting insulins are central to the regulation of prandial glucose in diabetic patients. Current fast-acting insulins require 20-30 min for the onset and longer for the peak blood concentrations. The recent work by Mann et al. used high-throughput synthesis and screening of polyacrylamide-based excipients to yield a formulation with pharmacokinetics that is faster than the currently available fast-acting insulins.
Women’s Empowerment as a Mitigating Factor for Improved Antenatal Care Quality despite Impact of 2014 Ebola Outbreak in Guinea

Improving maternal outcomes and reducing pregnancy morbidity and mortality are critical public health goals. The provision of quality antenatal care (ANC) is one method of doing so. Increasing women's empowerment is associated with positive women's health outcomes, including the adequate timing and amount of ANC use. However, little is known about the relationship between women's empowerment and quality ANC care. Despite a history of political instability, low women's equality and poor maternal health, the Republic of Guinea has committed to improving the status of women and access to health. However, the 2014 Ebola outbreak may have had a negative impact on achieving these goals. This study sought to examine factors in the relationship between women's empowerment and the receipt of quality ANC (indicated by the number of health components) within the context of the Ebola outbreak. This study conducted multiple logistic regressions examining associations between covariates and the number of ANC components received using data from the 2012 and 2018 Guinea Demographic Health Surveys. Several aspects of women's empowerment (healthcare decision-making, literacy/access to magazines, monogamous relationship status, contraceptive use, socio-economic status/employment) were significantly linked with the receipt of a greater number of ANC components, highlighting the importance of women's empowerment in accessing quality maternity care.
Cognitive Processing Speed Is Strongly Related to Driving Skills, Financial Abilities, and Other Instrumental Activities of Daily Living in Persons With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Dementia.

BACKGROUND Cognitive processing speed is important for performing everyday activities in persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, its role in daily function has not been examined while simultaneously accounting for contributions of Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk biomarkers. We examine the relationships of processing speed and genetic and neuroimaging biomarkers to composites of daily function, mobility, and driving. METHOD We used baseline data from 103 participants on the MCI/mild dementia spectrum from the Applying Programs to Preserve Skills trial. Linear regression models examined relationships of processing speed, structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and genetic risk alleles for AD to composites of performance-based instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), community mobility, and on-road driving evaluations. RESULTS In multivariable models, processing speed and the brain MRI neurodegeneration biomarker Spatial Pattern of Abnormality for Recognition of Early Alzheimer's disease (SPARE-AD) were significantly associated with functional and mobility composite performance. Better processing speed and younger age were associated with on-road driving ratings. Genetic risk markers, left hippocampal atrophy, and white matter lesion volumes were not significant correlates of these abilities. Processing speed had a strong positive association with IADL function (p < .001), mobility (p < .001), and driving (p = .002). CONCLUSIONS Cognitive processing speed is strongly and consistently associated with critical daily functions in persons with MCI in models including genetic and neuroimaging biomarkers of AD risk. SPARE-AD scores also significantly correlate with IADL performance and mobility. Results highlight the central role of processing speed in everyday task performance among persons with MCI/mild dementia.
Women with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) experience a shorter reproductive period compared with nondiabetic women: the Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications (EDC) study and the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN).

OBJECTIVE Evidence suggests that insulin deficiency and hyperglycemia may disrupt the female reproductive system's normal function, leading to delayed menarche and premature ovarian aging. We thus compared the length of the reproductive period of women with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to women without diabetes. METHODS Women with childhood-onset T1D (diagnosed in 1950-80) from the prospective Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications (EDC) study and nondiabetic women from the Pittsburgh site of the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) were studied. Exclusion criteria comprised not having reached natural menopause, hysterectomy/oophorectomy before menopause, and sex hormone therapy during the menopausal transition. Reproductive history was self-reported. The historical and Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation hormonal algorithms were also used to assess menopause status. RESULTS Women in the T1D cohort (n = 105) were younger, more likely to be White, never smokers, with lower BMI and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (all P values < 0.05) compared with women without diabetes (n = 178). After covariate adjustment, T1D women were also older at menarche (0.5-y delay, P = 0.002) but younger at natural menopause (-2.0 y, P < 0.0001). Women with T1D thus experienced 2.5 fewer reproductive years compared to those without diabetes (P < 0.0001). These findings were restricted to the subgroup of women who were diagnosed with T1D before reaching menarche (n = 80). CONCLUSION Women with T1D onset before menarche have a shorter reproductive period compared with nondiabetic women, exhibiting delayed menarche and earlier natural menopause. Factors that may be related to a shorter reproductive period in T1D should be investigated.
Generalized Linear Mixed Models: Part II

As mentioned in Sect. 3.4, the likelihood function under a GLMM typically involves integrals with no analytic expressions. Such integrals may be difficult to evaluate, if the dimensions of the integrals are high. For relatively simple models, the likelihood function may be evaluated by numerical integration techniques. See, for example, Hinde (1982) and Crouch and Spiegelman (1990). Such a technique is tractable if the integrals involved are low-dimensional. The following is an example.
Something Else: Specific Relief for Breach of Human Rights Terms in Supply Chain Agreements

Contracts may include clauses designed to address human rights-related conduct, such as the treatment of a party’s employees, which are difficult to enforce. Model Contract Clauses recently promulgated by the ABA Business Law Section Working Group to Draft Human Rights Protections in International Supply Contracts seek to address these challenges through innovative specific performance terms. This Article assesses these clauses and observes that, while they are unlikely to be enforceable in any ordinary sense, they nevertheless have value because they can induce more constructive settlements ex post and more thoughtful bargaining, ex ante.
GNOMO: Greater-than-NOMinal Vdd operation for BTI mitigation.

This paper presents a novel scheme for mitigating delay degradations in digital circuits due to bias temperature instability (BTI). The method works in two alternating phases. In the first, a greaterthan-nominal supply voltage, Vdd,g is used, which causes a task to complete more quickly but causes greater aging than the nominal supply voltage, Vdd,n. In the second, the circuit is power-gated, enabling the BTI recovery phase. We demonstrate, both at the circuit and the architectural levels, that this approach can significantly mitigate aging for a small performance penalty.
Chemical Ecology of the Asian Longhorn Beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis

The Asian longhorn beetle (ALB), Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky), is a destructive forest pest in its native range, East Asia, or a high-risk invasive species in many other parts of the world. Extensive research has been directed toward the development of ALB management strategies. However, semiochemical-based trap lures, which are one of the effective tools for detecting, monitoring, and potentially assisting in eradicating cerambycids, have not reached operational efficacy for ALB to date, which is probably due to a grossly incomplete understanding of its chemical ecology. Here, we summarize the current progress in ALB chemical ecology including host selection and location, pheromone identification, trapping techniques, olfactory system, and related biology and behavior. We also briefly review the known semiochemicals in the subfamily Lamiinae, particularly the ALB congener, A. chinensis. Based on this knowledge, we highlight a potentially important role of some host-original chemicals, such as sesquiterpenes, in ALB host and mate location, and emphasize the basic studies on the biology and behavior of adult ALB. Last, we formulate suggestions for further research directions that may contribute to a better understanding of ALB chemical ecology and improved lure efficacy.
A History of the Department of Agricultural Economics of the University of Kentucky

This is a history of the University of Kentucky Department of Agricultural Economics from 1908-1969, written by Professor Emeritus Lawrence Allen Bradford.
The Development of International Law Through the Unauthorised Conduct of International Institutions

The law, including international law, is subject to continuous change. It can be adapted to changing circumstances through formal amendments of or additions to existing norms and practices. It can also be changed through the conduct of international institutions that is not within their legally defined competencies, provided - it will be argued - that the unauthorised conduct (a) is not expressly forbidden by existing rules of international law, and (b) is accepted or condoned by a cross-section of the international community of states.The creation by the Security Council of the United Nations of ad hoc international criminal tribunals, for example, cannot even with a stretch of the imagination be justified on the basis of the powers of the Council stipulated in the UN Charter. However, their creation was applauded by the nations of the world as a feasible and practical way of responding to the atrocities of the early 1990's in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. The creation of international criminal tribunals by the Security Council has thus come to be accepted as a new rule of international law.The same reasoning is applied to the newly acquired competence of NATO forces to intervene militarily on humanitarian grounds as exemplified by the NATO bombing campaign of 1999 in Serbia, while not one of the NATO countries was being attacked or under threat of an attack, and the competence of States to attack terrorist groups in a foreign country if the government of that country is either unwilling or unable to prevent the ongoing acts of terror violence.
Mosquito transgenesis for malaria control

Malaria is one of the deadliest diseases. Because of the ineffectiveness of current malaria-control methods, several novel mosquito vector-based control strategies have been proposed to supplement existing control strategies. Mosquito transgenesis and gene drive have emerged as promising tools for preventing the spread of malaria by either suppressing mosquito populations by self-destructing mosquitoes or replacing mosquito populations with disease-refractory populations. Here we review the development of mosquito transgenesis and its application for malaria control, highlighting the transgenic expression of antiparasitic effector genes, inactivation of host factor genes, and manipulation of miRNAs and lncRNAs. Overall, from a malaria-control perspective, mosquito transgenesis is not envisioned as a stand-alone approach; rather, its use is proposed as a complement to existing vector-control strategies.
The Face Lattice of Polyhedral Cones in the Theory of Cooperative Games

Whether or not a given cooperative game with transferable utility is balanced; i.e. possesses a nonempty core, is a central question in the literature. The answer was furnished, independently, by Bondareva (In Vestnik Leningradskii Universitet, in Russian, 13:141–142, 1962) and Shapley (Nav Res Logist Q 14:453–460, 1967), who provided necessary and sufficient conditions in the form of a set of linear inequalities involving the game’s characteristic function. The purpose of this paper is to show how these inequalities arise naturally from the representation of a certain polyhedral cone as the intersection of half spaces. In the course of doing so we also show how each balanced collection of subsets corresponds to the complement of a face of the cone and how the set of coalitional excesses of a game coincides with its set of combination vectors. Finally, we utilize our framework to prove a notable result of Keane (Ph.D. Dissertation, Field of Math, Northwestern University, Evanston) concerning the L1-center of a cooperative game.
Cardiac Arrest: A Treatment Algorithm for Emergent Invasive Cardiac Procedures in the Resuscitated Comatose Patient

Patients who are comatose after cardiac arrest continue to be a challenge, with high mortality. Although there is an American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Class I recommendation for performing immediate angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (when indicated) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, no guidelines exist for patients without ST-segment elevation. Early introduction of mild therapeutic hypothermia is an established treatment goal. However, there are no established guidelines for risk stratification of patients for cardiac catheterization and possible percutaneous coronary intervention, particularly in patients who have unfavorable clinical features in whom procedures may be futile and affect public reporting of mortality. An algorithm is presented to improve the risk stratification of these severely ill patients with an emphasis on consultation and evaluation of patients prior to activation of the cardiac catheterization laboratory.
In situ studies of metabolism in benthic reef communities

1. Rates of net photosynthesis and respiration were determined in situ forTridacna and coral species and their contained zooxanthellae at depths from 9 to 18 m. 2. Integrated daily total net photosynthesis to respiration ratios (P/R ratio) were calculated from these data to obtain the potential contribution of algal photosynthesis to the energy budget of the coral-algal symbiotic association. 3. The integrated daily P/R ratios varied between 0.79 and .89. Maximum ratios of photosynthesis to respiration rates ranged from 1.15 forMussa arrgulosa to 2.91 forManicina areolata. 4. Similar measurements were made on mixed benthic communities off southeastern Florida (USA) in a clean, unpolluted area and in an area influenced by the effluent of Biscayne Bay (USA). Very significant differences were found.
In Vitro Polyoma DNA Synthesis: Studies on an Early Temperature-Sensitive Mutant

The polyoma ts-a function was investigated by using an in vitro DNA-synthesizing system. A comparison of systems derived from ts25 (a ts-a group mutant)-and ts1260 (a late group mutant)-infected cells showed that the activation energies for DNA chain elongation and the mechanisms of discontinous growth were identical for both mutants.
Dissimilation by surface correspondence in Aghem velarized diphthongs

Aghem exhibits a static co-occurrence restriction involving an intrusive velar segment present in two of the language's falling diphthongs. I provide a brief descriptive overview of these unusual phonetic structures and an Agreement by Correspondence (ABC) analysis of the phenomenon as dissimilation with the intent of avoiding suboptimal correspondence.
Preprostate Biopsy Rectal Culture and Postbiopsy Sepsis

Transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy of the prostate (TRUSP) remains the primary procedure for the accurate histologic diagnosis of prostate cancer. Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are still recommended as the agents of choice for antimicrobial prophylaxis for TRUSP despite the alarming increasing incidence of FQ-resistant organisms among men undergoing TRUSP. This article reviews the current TRUSP antimicrobial prophylaxis guidelines, antimicrobial resistance and its implications for these guidelines, the incidence of post-TRUSP infectious complications including urosepsis, the seminal data supporting pre-TRUSP rectal swab (RS), RS technique and protocol, and the current available literature surrounding the efficacy of RS in reducing post-TRUSP infectious complications.
Possible nanoelectronic implementation of neuromorphic networks

Neuromorphic networks of high connectivity may be implemented using CMOS circuits as cell bodies, nanowires as axons and dendrites, and self-assembled single-molecule latching switches as synapses. The integration scale of such "CrossNet" circuits of acceptable size (/spl sim/30/spl times/30cm/sup 2/) may be comparable with that of the mammal's cerebral cortex (up to 10/sup 10/ neurons), despite the quasi-2D structure of the artificial networks. At the same time, the speed of information processing and network adaptation may be about 6 orders of magnitude higher than that of the brain, at high but manageable power consumption /spl sim/100 W/cm/sup 2/. We present an overview of the hardware implementation prospects, and possible strategies of CrossNet training. Two suggested Hopfield-mode training methods have been verified on numerical models of the networks. The results are consistent with our estimates of the maximum network capacity with an account for finite interconnect locality.
Factors Affecting the Relationship Between Childhood and Adult Cholesterol Levels: The Muscatine Study

A group of 2,446 subjects initially examined at 8 to 18 years of age were reexamined as young adults of 20 to 25 or 26 to 30 years of age. Measurements of cholesterol, height, weight, and triceps skinfold thickness were obtained during childhood. Lipids, lipoprotein fractions, and family history, as well as medication, alcohol, and tobacco use, were determined during the adult examination. Elevated levels of cholesterol during childhood were associated with elevation in adult life. Obesity acquired in adolescence and the young adult years, oral contraceptive use, and cigarette smoking had deleterious effects on adult cholesterol levels and lipoprotein fractions.
Non-linear dynamics of the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability in supernovae

We report analytical and numerical solutions describing the evolution of the coherent structure of bubbles and spikes in the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability in supernovae. It is shown that the dynamics of the flow is essentially non-local, and the nonlinear Richtmyer-Meshkov bubble flattens and decelerates.
Terahertz heterodyne imager for biomedical applications

A wealth of useful spectral information exists at submillimeter-wave frequencies: 300 GHz-3000 GHz (wavelengths from 1mm to 100 microns), and astronomers have long pursued programs to develop this technology for Earth, planetary and space science applications [1]. Over the past three years there has been an explosion of interest in this wavelength range in the biological and biomedical areas [2,3]. However the very properties that make this frequency regime so interesting-high absorption from many gaseous species, liquids and solids, especially water (Fig. 1)-make it extremely difficult for significant penetration or propagation of terahertz energy, thus severely limiting imaging, radar or communications applications. Nevertheless, significant progress has been made in the examination of biological and other material samples through the use of ultra-fast-pulse time domain spectroscopy (TDS) [4,5]. This technique yields wide spectral coverage but has limited frequency resolution and signal-to-noise ratio (limited penetration depth). As a contrast to TDS, CW heterodyne imaging [6] is an old technique that offers the potential for extremely large dynamic range and high signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining fast data acquisition, stable magnitude and phase measurements, reasonable frequency flexibility and mm scale penetration in wet tissues and other biomaterials. This paper describes a CW terahertz heterodyne imaging system based around two custom fabricated 2.5 THz planar Schottky diode mixers [7] and two commercially available opti cally pumped far IR lasers [8]. One laser is used for the signal beam and supplies as much as 70mW at 2.5 THz. The other laser acts as a local oscillator (LO) source for the two mixers. Line pairs very close to each other (CH
Engineering needs for potato production from true seed

Potatoes grown from true potato seed (TPS) are generally small and nonuniform in size and shape, compared to the ones produced conventionally from seed tubers. Potato production from TPS would be considerably less expensive than from seed tubers because of the negligible storage and handling costs of the TPS. Potato production from TPS would therefore have the greatest potential in the developing countries. In developed countries, this production method would have some potential in commercial production as well as in home gardening. Research related to the TPS potato production has been mostly directed toward investigating suitable cultural practices, screening breeding lines for higher yield and warm climate adaptability, weed control in the field, and other similar production areas. Research concerning mechanization of TPS potato production has been limited. Engineering input to the TPS potato production, handling and storage needs considerable attention to develop practical and economical practices. This paper highlights some research areas which the authors believe are worth investigating. Engineering research that is conducted at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station related to the TPS potato production has been outlined along with future plans.
Preventing Progression and Improving Survival with BCG Maintenance

BCG immunotherapy provides a superior reduction in tumour recurrence compared with chemotherapy. Unlike chemotherapy, however, it also appears to reduce disease progression. The benefit of BCG is long-term, but protection from disease progression without maintenance therapy is lost when comparisons are made after 15 years. Data suggest that optimal maintenance therapy with BCG provides even better protection from tumour recurrence, reduces disease progression and improves survival. Maintenance BCG schedules using single instillations at 1-3 month intervals have not been proved to be better than induction alone. However, a Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) study using three, weekly instillations of Connaught BCG, found this regimen to be markedly superior. Before the introduction of BCG, carcinoma in situ (CIS) would progress to muscle invasion in 52% of patients. In the SWOG study, the additional instillations increased the complete response rate in CIS from the expected 68% to 84%. With maintenance BCG, long-term (7 years) tumour recurrence in high-risk patients reduced from the expected 52% with a single 6-week course to only 25% (p < 0.000001). Worsening-free survival, defined as the absence of evidence of disease progression, including pathologic stage T2 or greater disease, or the need for systemic chemotherapy, radiation therapy or cystectomy, significantly increased (p < 0.049, log rank test). In 391 randomized patients, the already excellent 86% survival at 4 years observed with induction therapy improved to 92% in patients receiving maintenance BCG (p < 0.04). There is thus increasingly good evidence that BCG maintenance therapy, at the optimal treatment schedule, provides superior protection from tumour progression and recurrence, and improves long-term survival.
AES measurements of adsorption isobars for oxygen on tungsten at low pressure and high temperature

Abstract Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) has been employed to determine the relative coverage of oxygen on polycrystalline tungsten at high temperatures (1200 ⩽ T ⩽ 2500 K) and low O 2 pressures (5 × 10 −9 ⩽ po 2 ⩽5 × 10 −6 Torr). We believe that this is the first demonstration that chemical analysis of solid surfaces by AES is possible even at temperatures as high as 2500 K. It is assumed that the relative oxygen coverage is directly proportional to the peak-to-peak amplitude of the first derivative of the 509 eV oxygen Auger peak. The experimental results illustrate the dependence of coverage on temperature and pressure, and it is shown that the results for low coverages may be described reasonably well by a simple first-order desorption model plus a semi-empirical expression for the equilibration probability (or sticking coefficient). On the basis of this approximate model, the binding energy of oxygen on tungsten is estimated as a function of coverage, giving a value of ∼ 140 kcal mole in the limit of zero coverage.
Heterogeneity of myotubes generated by the MyoD and E12 basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors in otherwise non-differentiation growth conditions.

Abstract We used a synthetic biology approach to produce myotubes from mammalian C2C12 myoblasts in non-differentiation growth conditions using the expression of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors, MyoD and E12, in various combinations and configurations. Our approach not only recapitulated the basics of muscle development and physiology, as the obtained myotubes showed qualities similar to those seen in striated muscle fibers in vivo , but also allowed for the synthesis of populations of myotubes which assumed distinct morphology, myofibrillar development and Ca 2+ dynamics. This fashioned class of biomaterials is suitable for the building blocks of soft actuators in micro-scale biomimetic robotics. This production line strategy can be embraced in reparative medicine as synthetic human myotubes with predetermined morphological/functional properties could be obtained using this very approach. This methodology can be adopted beyond striated muscle for the engineering of other tissue components/cells whose differentiation is governed by the principles of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors, as in the case, for example, of neural or immune cell types.
Chemotherapy of virus diseases.

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of current screening methodology and major advances in the area of viral chemotherapy. This presentation will be limited to those drugs which are currently in use and those which having shown activity against major human pathogenic viruses are now being evaluated in man.
Io: a surface evaporite deposit?

A model is suggested for Io's surface composition involving evaporite salt deposits, rich in sodium and sulfur. According to this model, these deposits were produced as a result of the migration of salt-saturated aqueous solutions to Io's surface from a warm or hot interior followed by loss of the water to space. This model satisfies cosmochemical constraints based on Io's initial composition, current density, and thermal history. Salt-rich assemblages are easily derivable from the leaching of carbonaceous chondritic material. The chemical and optical properties of such deposits, after modification by irradiation, can be used to explain Io's overall albedo and spectral reflectance, its dark reddish poles, and the observed sodium emission as well as or better than other currently suggested materials.
Sequence and structural analysis of the presumed downstream promoter of the canine mdr1 gene

The product of the canine mdr1 gene, P-glycoprotein (P-gp), plays an important role in chemotherapeutic drug resistance of several canine tumours. Increased expression of P-gp by tumour cells is associated with the multidrug-resistant phenotype. Because of its importance in cancer chemotherapy, a great deal is known about the regulation of mdr1 gene expression in human cancer patients and rodent cancer models. In contrast, there is no information regarding the regulation of P-gp expression in dogs. Initial information regarding the regulation of mdr1 gene expression can be gained by evaluating the mdr1 promoter. The downstream promoter of the canine mdr1 gene was sequenced. Several regulatory elements were identified, including an AP-1 site, AP-2 site and SP-1 site. The presumed canine mdr1 promoter was similar to that of other species; however, low overall sequence homology may suggest that aspects of P-gp regulation are distinctive in dogs.
HUMORAL MECHANISMS CONCERNED IN OVULATION IN THE RABBIT

The female of most mammalian species exhibits a definitely regular rhythm in ovarian activity in which ovulation is an incident. It has long been accepted that the cyclic variations in the ovary and in the accessory reproductive organs are effected by some hormonal influences, although the identity of the hormones was not known. Even today one could not say definitely what these hormones are. Yet, as a result of the stimulating researches of Smith and Engle (19), and Zondek and Ascheim (21), as well as the works which these researches provoked, it has become increasingly apparent that one must consider the anterior lobe of the hypophysis among those elemental forces that pulse the rhythms in the generative system of the female.
Surface-micromachined free-space fibre-optic switches

A novel 2 × 2 free-space fibre-optic switch has been fabricated using surface-micromachining technology. The switch is monolithically patterned on the Si substrate. With this approach, the switch can be made compact, light weight and low cost. In addition, it is potentially integrable with other micro-optical elements and interface electronics. The switch is attractive for fibre-optic local area network applications.
Glucose and insulin changes in infants and children undergoing hypothermic open-heart surgery

Marked hyperglycemia was observed in patients undergoing hypothermic open-heart surgery. To evaluate potential mechanisms responsible for hyperglycemia, paired samples were evaluated for glucose and insulin levels in 3 groups of patients. Group 1 consisted of 8 patients less than 2 years of age undergoing cardiac surgery requiring total circulatory arrest; Group 2 consisted of 9 patients less than 2 years of age undergoing open-heart procedures but not requiring total circulatory arrest; Group 3 consisted of 10 patients greater than 2 years of age, none of whom required total circulatory arrest. All 3 groups had striking hyperglycemia during cardiac surgery and in the first few hours after the operation. Despite elevated glucose levels during surgery, insulin levels failed to increase proportionately in response to hyperglycemic stimulus. Subsequently, in a fourth group of 10 patients less than 2 years of age not undergoing total circulatory arrest, the amount of glucose infused was restricted and they did not have hyperglycemia. In children, osmotic diuresis resulting from hyperglycemia after open-heart surgery may be misinterpreted as an index of satisfactory cardiorenal performance. Accordingly, it is recommended that the diluent added to the pump blood prime solution contain no supplemental glucose; also, intraoperative fluid should consist of a balanced electrolyte solution but no glucose.
Young People, Trouble, and Crime: Restorative Justice as a Normative Theory of Informal Social Control and Social Support.

Restorative justice has emerged in recent years as a promising approach to youth crime focused on repairing harm and rebuilding relationships. Although the practice of restorative justice has already demonstrated significant effect on individual crime victims and offenders in a number of jurisdictions around the world, a greater community-building potential has yet to be realized as a result of the failure to understand and apply restorative principles in diverse contexts. This article presents an overview of the normative theory of restorative justice focusing on three core principles. It then considers the connection between restorative theories of intervention and informal social control and social support mechanisms and the application of restorative justice practices as a means of strengthening both as core components of social capital in the response to youth crime and troublesome behavior.
Physico-chemical requirements and kinetics of membrane fusion of flavivirus-like particles.

Flaviviruses deliver their RNA genome into the host-cell cytoplasm by fusing their lipid envelope with a cellular membrane. Expression of the flavivirus pre-membrane and envelope glycoprotein genes in the absence of other viral genes results in the spontaneous assembly and secretion of virus-like particles (VLPs) with membrane fusion activity. Here, we examined the physico-chemical requirements for membrane fusion of VLPs from West Nile and Japanese encephalitis viruses. In a bulk fusion assay, optimal hemifusion (or lipid mixing) efficiencies were observed at 37 °C. Fusion efficiency increased with decreasing pH; half-maximal hemifusion was attained at pH 5.6. The anionic lipids bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate and phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate, when present in the target membrane, significantly enhanced fusion efficiency, consistent with the emerging model that flaviviruses fuse with intermediate-to-late endosomal compartments, where these lipids are most abundant. In a single-particle fusion assay, VLPs catalysed membrane hemifusion, tracked as lipid mixing with the cellular membrane, on a timescale of 7–20 s after acidification. Lipid mixing kinetics suggest that hemifusion is a kinetically complex, multistep process.
Electron and light microscopy studies on particulate EPR spin probes lithium phthalocyanine, fusinite and synthetic chars

This is the first detailed study on the morphology of the widely used particulate electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) probes lithium phthalocyanine (LiPc), methyl-LiPc, methoxy-LiPc, fusinite and synthetic carbon-based chars, by means of both light and electronmicroscopy (LM and EM). The importance of these EPR probes for the measurement of O2/NO has been reported previously. Under LM, LiPc with its distinct crystalline structure differs significantly from the noncrystalline black flakes of both LiPc derivatives, methyl-LiPc and methoxy-LiPc. Unlike the shiny carbon-based synthetic chars, which have no characteristic morphology, fusinite, a fraction of fossilized coal maceral, displays distinctive fine, parallel channels. SEM studies reveal a striated surface and interlocking multilayered structure of LiPc that is markedly different from either the multilayered stacked methyl-LiPc or botryoidal methoxy-LiPc. The regularly spaced pores and channels of fusinite, a reflection of its plant origin, contrast sharply with the randomly distributed pores of all sizes of the various synthetic chars. Furthermore, the combined results of both LM and EM studies strongly suggest the nonperturbing nature of fusinite and LiPc when they were used as EPR probes to measure oxygen in cells or tissues. We hope that this study, in conjunction with the numerous EPR functional studies of probes reported earlier, provides valuable information for the future development of new particulate EPR spin probes.
Dynamic graciloplasty in children with fecal incontinence: a preliminary report.

Abstract Background: Various therapeutic methods have been developed for anal incontinence. A reconstruction of the sphincter system with functional adaption can be achieved by stimulation of the transposed gracilis muscle with an implanted stimulator. Methods: The authors performed a dynamic graciloplasty in 4 boys, aged between 6 and 10 years. Causes for the incontinence were polytrauma with pelvic rupture, VACTERL syndrome with rectal urethral fistula, anal atresia with primary reconstruction and 6 consecutive operations, and coccygeal teratoma in a premature infant with surgical treatment of the recurrent tumour. All children had grade III incontinence. Postoperatively, the duration of stimulation was increased successively by telemetric programming of the pulse generator up to a continuous mode. Results: One child is now almost continent, 2 show grade I incontinence, 1 is incontinent with frequent soiling (the programming has not been completed yet). Conclusion: An evaluation of this method for children will not be possible until more operations have been performed, under the conditions of a prospective study, which appears indicated in view of the preliminary but encouraging results presented. J Pediatr Surg 36:1036-1039. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Developing a foundational course in information systems

This paper describes one university's approach to building a foundational course in information systems that (1) prepares students with technology skills for subsequent courses, (2) satisfies students with sufficient rigor and real-world application, and (3) corresponds closely to the IT model curriculum.
Sequential Ordinal Modeling with Applications to Survival Data

Summary. This paper considers the class of sequential ordinal models in relation to other models for ordinal response data. Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms, based on the approach of Albert and Chib (1993, Journal of the American Statistical Association88, 669–679), are developed for the fitting of these models. The ideas and methods are illustrated in detail with a real data example on the length of hospital stay for patients undergoing heart surgery. A notable aspect of this analysis is the comparison, based on marginal likelihoods and training sample priors, of several nonnested models, such as the sequential model, the cumulative ordinal model, and Weibull and log-logistic models.
Hibernoma of the neck: A rare cause of neck mass

(Editorial Comment: A hibernoma is an uncommon benign tumor. Its origin in brown fat may cause confusion with a lipoma.) Brown fat is found only in scattered foci in the adult human, commonest in the interscapular region, the mediastinum, and the neck. Tumors originating from these fat deposits are called hibernomas; approximately 100 are reported in the world literature with a small proportion occurring in the neck. A case of a hibernoma forming in the neck will be presented and the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features of this unusual tumor discussed.
Symbolic Violence and the Making of the French Agriculturalist: An Enquiry into Pierre Bourdieu's Sociology

This paper is a discussion of Pierre Bourdieu's sociology, with emphasis on his theory of symbolic violence. Using Sylvain Maresca's work on delegation and representation among the French peasantry as an empirical illustration, I examine Bourdieu's key concepts (capital, field, habitus, symbolic power), his approach to social organisation and dynamics (social space, strategies of conversion and reproduction), and map out the basic structure of his framework. Several difficulties are discussed: the closure of the conceptual system, the form of explanations, the oversight of the state, the underestimate of material determinations, and the lack of a theory of historical transformation. Having underlined the meta- theoretical grounding of his model, I conclude by arguing that Bourdieu offers the means for a dialectical transcendence of interpretive and structural sociologies.