cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Viral Vectors for Cancer Gene Therapy

Cancer gene therapy is the transfer of genetic material to the cells of an individual with the goal of eradicating cancer cells. This can be accomplished directly by transferring genetic material into the cancer cells themselves to bring about their destruction, or indirectly, either by stimulating the immune system to recognize and eliminate the cancer cells or by targeting the nonmalignant stromal cells that support the growth and metastasis of cancer cells. Each of these approaches exploits the expanding knowledge of the genetic basis of cancer, thereby allowing rationally targeted interventions at the molecular level. Thus, cancer gene therapy offers the potential to achieve a much higher level of specificity of action than afforded by conventional drug therapeutics. Cancer gene therapy therefore mandates a gene delivery vehicle, or vector, capable of delivering the therapeutic gene into the target cell such that an appropriate level of the gene product is expressed for a sufficient length of time to achieve its desired effect. Moreover, this should be accomplished within an acceptable safety margin.
How Effective Are Noninvasive Tests for Diagnosing Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors in Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1? Diagnosing MPNST in NF1 Patients.

Background. Distinguishing between benign and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) in neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) patients prior to excision can be challenging. How can MPNST be most accurately diagnosed using clinical symptoms, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings (tumor size, depth, and necrosis), positron emission tomography (PET) measures (SUVpeak, SUVmax, SUVmax tumor/SUVmean liver, and qualitative scale), and combinations of the above? Methods. All NF1 patients who underwent PET imaging at our institution (January 1, 2007–December 31, 2016) were included. Medical records were reviewed for clinical findings; MR images and PET images were interpreted by two fellowship-trained musculoskeletal and nuclear medicine radiologists, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were created for each PET measurement; the area under the curve (AUC) and thresholds for diagnosing malignancy were calculated. Logistic regression determined significant predictors of malignancy. Results. Our population of 41 patients contained 34 benign and 36 malignant tumors. Clinical findings did not reliably predict MPNST. Tumor depth below fascia was highly sensitive; larger tumors were more likely to be malignant but without a useful cutoff for diagnosis. Necrosis on MRI was highly accurate and was the only significant variable in the regression model. PET measures were highly accurate, with AUCs comparable and cutoff points consistent with prior studies. A diagnostic algorithm was created using MRI and PET findings. Conclusions. MRI and PET were more effective at diagnosing MPNST than clinical features. We created an algorithm for preoperative evaluation of peripheral nerve sheath tumors in NF1 patients, for which additional validation will be indicated.
W świetle tomosu

Thanks to the autocephaly of Ukrainian Orthodoxy in 2019, there is a fundamental change in the whole local Church in the religious, ecclesial, organizational, administrative and jurisdictional aspects. At the same time, there is a completely new perspective of self-realization in a fully autonomous Church based on communication with the Constantinopolitan patriarchate. This reality creates the right conditions for establishing proper relations with other Churches in the country, including Eastern Catholic and Latin, which previously had an ambiguous character. Ultimately, join the multilateral dialogue within the Christian, which aims to bring together and unite all Christians into one community of people of faith.
Stem cell based therapy for lung disease preclinical evidence for the role of stem/stromal cells clinical application of stem/stromal cells in lung fibrosis

Preclinical studies suggest that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may represent a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of chronic lung diseases including Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). IPF is an inexorably progressive lung disease of unknown origin. Despite the recent availability of two approved treatment options, median survival remains poor at 3–5 years.
Biomarkers in Food Allergy Immunotherapy

Investigational allergen immunotherapies (AITs) including oral immunotherapy (OIT), sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), and epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT) have proven to increase allergen thresholds required to elicit an allergic reaction in a majority of subjects. However, these studies lack consistent biomarkers to predict therapy outcomes. Here, we will review biomarkers that are currently being investigated for AIT. The mechanisms underlying the therapeutic benefit of AIT involve various cell types, including mast cells, basophils, T cells, and B cells. Skin prick and basophil activation tests assess effector cell sensitivity to allergen and are decreased in subjects on AIT. Allergen-specific IgE increases initially and decreases with continued therapy, while allergen-specific IgG and IgA increase throughout therapy. Allergen-induced regulatory T cells (Tregs) increase throughout therapy and were found to be associated with sustained unresponsiveness after OIT. Subjects on OIT and SLIT have decreased Th2 cytokine production during therapy. Although trends have been reported, a common limitation of these biomarkers is that none are able to reproducibly predict prognosis during AIT. Further studies are needed to expand the currently available biomarker repertoire to provide personalized approaches to AIT.
Chapter 3 – Traffic Flow Characteristics II

In Chapter 2, flow q and time mean speed vt were defined on the basis of point sensor data. Similarly, density k and space mean speed vs were defined on the basis on space sensor data. This chapter presents a generalized definition of these traffic flow characteristics that is more consistent and does not rely on sensor type.
DiffGR: Detecting differentially interacting genomic regions from Hi-C contact maps

Abstract Recent advances in Hi-C techniques have allowed us to map genome-wide chromatin interactions and uncover higher-order chromatin structures, thereby shedding light on the principles of genome architecture and functions. However, statistical methods for detecting changes in large-scale chromatin organization such as topologically-associating domain (TAD) are still lacking. We proposed a new statistical method, DiffGR, for detecting differentially interacting genomic regions at the TAD level between Hi-C contact maps. We utilized the stratum-adjusted correlation coefficient (SCC) to measure similarity of local TAD regions. We then developed a nonparametric approach to identify statistically significant changes of genomic interacting regions. Through simulation studies, we demonstrated that DiffGR can robustly and effectively discover differential genomic regions under various conditions. Furthermore, we successfully revealed cell type-specific changes in genomic interacting regions using real Hi-C datasets. DiffGR is publicly available at https://github.com/wmalab/DiffGR.
Dependence of Core Electronics of Gold Nanoparticles on Ligand, Solvent, and Sample Preparation

Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy is used to probe the electronic properties of the metallic cores of small (∼2 nm) gold nanoparticles protected by 1-hexanethiol and 1-dodecanethiol, suspe...
School–family partnerships to support positive behavior: assessing social validity and intervention fidelity

One critical feature of Schoolwide Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) is the inclusion of families in the implementation of schoolwide systems and practices. However, research on fa...
Novel RNA viruses associated with avian haemosporidian parasites

Avian haemosporidian parasites can cause malaria-like symptoms in their hosts and have been implicated in the demise of some bird species. The newly described Matryoshka RNA viruses (MaRNAV1 and MaRNAV2) infect parasites that in turn infect their vertebrate hosts. MaRNAV2 was the first RNA virus discovered associated with parasites of the genus Leucocytozoon. By analyzing metatranscriptomes from the NCBI SRA database with local sequence alignment tools, we detected two novel RNA viruses; we describe them as MaRNAV3 associated with Leucocytozoon and MaRNAV4 associated with Parahaemoproteus. These had ~40-60% amino acid identity to the RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase (RdRp) of MaRNAV1 and 2, respectively. These findings lead us to hypothesize that MaRNAV_like viruses are widespread and tightly associated with the order Haemosporida since they have been described in human Plasmodium vivax, and now two genera of avian haemosporidians.
Battered Women and Feminist Lawmaking

As recently as the 1960s the harm of domestic violence was not legally recognized. This book examines how path-breaking feminist activists and lawyers have brought the severity of domestic violence to public attention since then and have led the US Congress, the Supreme Court, and the United Nations to address the problem.
Lightweight Collaborative Filtering Method for Binary-Encoded Data

A lightweight method for collaborative filtering is described that processes binary encoded data. Examples of transactions that can be described in this manner are items purchased by customers or web pages visited by individuals. As with all collaborative filtering, the objective is to match a person's records to customers with similar records. For example, based on prior purchases of a customer, one might recommend new items for purchase by examining stored records of other customers who made similar purchases. Because the data are binary (true-or-false) encoded, and not ranked preferences on a numerical scale, efficient and lightweight schemes are described for compactly storing data, computing similarities between new and stored records, and making recommendations tailored to an individual.
Long-Term Enhancement of Central Synaptic Transmission by Chronic Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Treatment

Acute effects of neurotrophins on synaptic plasticity have recently received much attention, but the roles of these factors in regulating long-lasting changes in synaptic function remain unclear. To address this issue we studied the long-term (days to weeks) and short-term (minutes to hours) effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on excitatory synaptic transmission in autaptic cultures of hippocampal CA1 neurons. We found that BDNF induced long-term enhancement of the strength of non-NMDA receptor-mediated glutamatergic transmission. This upregulation of EPSC amplitude occurred via an increase in the size of unitary synaptic currents, with no significant contribution from other aspects of neuronal electrical and synaptic function including cell size, voltage-gated sodium and potassium current levels, the number and size of synaptic contacts, and the frequency of spontaneous neurotransmitter release. Chronic BDNF treatment also decreased the degree of synaptic depression measured in response to paired stimuli. Thus, BDNF induced long-term synaptic enhancement of both basal and use-dependent synaptic transmission via specific changes to the synapse rather than through generalized potentiation of neuronal growth and differentiation. Finally, we showed that the long-term effects of BDNF are functionally and mechanistically distinct from its acute effects on synaptic transmission, suggesting that, in vivo, BDNF activation of Trk receptors can have different functional effects depending on the time course of its action.
Estimating Project-Specific Absorption

In performing an absorption analysis for a real estate investment, conventional appraisal approaches assume that space will be absorbed evenly across the market and evenly across the absorption per...
Equity Analysis Using Traditional and Value‐Based Metrics

Informed investors need a prism for discerning value within the companies that they invest in. Historically, investors and analysts alike have evaluated company and stock performance in terms of two seemingly distinct types of financial analysis—namely, traditional fundamental analysis and value-based metrics analysis. Keywords: value-based metrics (VBM); growth rates; margins; return on equity (ROE); Dupont formula; price multiples; comparables; forecasted fundamentals; regression analysis; common factors; fundamental stock return (FSR), undervalued; overvalued stock; Economic Value Added (EVA®); economic value added spread; market value added; cash flow return on investment (CFROI®); residual income (RI); residual income spread; EVA momentum; good company growth; bad company growth; good stocks; bad stocks
Transparency and Business in International Environmental Law

Transparency has been an important element in the construction of hard and soft law and norm regimes in the international sphere. This chapter considers transparency and business in international environmental law. It is divided into five sections. Section A considers conventional sources of international environmental law for its transparency effects, looking at both hard law and soft law frameworks. Section B examines other potentially applicable transparency rules, principally the recent efforts at transnational regulation of economic actors. It concentrates on two examples — the OECD framework and the recently endorsed Guiding Principles of Business and Human Rights. Section C examines transparency at the intersection of domestic and international law. It concentrates on the environmental transparency effects of extraterritoriality, of the incorporation of international norms within domestic legal orders, and the internationalization of domestic rule frameworks. Section D then considers transparency and governance beyond the state. For that purpose three distinct regimes are identified and examined. The first are hybrid governance efforts — the ISO and Global Compact systems. The second are private non-corporate governance regimes, principally the GRI and product certification programs. Third, private corporate governance transparency regimes are examined. The potential and tensions in transparency are examined more closely in the context of environmental disclosure by BP during the time of the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill of 2010, which also suggests both the possibilities and limits of domestic and international law, in its transparency aspects. The chapter ends with Section F’s consideration of miscommunication and coherence in moving toward the future of environmental transparency at the international sphere.
Integration of thermal and visible imagery for robust foreground detection in tele-immersive spaces

Tele-immersive systems are designed to facilitate communication and collaboration between people. Therefore, the central objects of interest in a tele-immersive system are these people, the things they jointly manipulate, and the tools they need to perform this manipulation. This paper presents a multi-modal image fusion framework to detect these objects of interest. Experimental results with a prototype tele-immersive system show that fusion of visible and thermal imagery enables robust foreground detection in unstructured environments. The contribution of this work lies in designing the integration framework, prototyping hardware and software components, and evaluating quantitatively the multi-modal foreground detection for a set of standard scenarios.
Skin blood flow response following repeated local heating (LB803)

Dynamic control of skin blood flow is necessary to maintain thermoregulatory homeostasis in humans through reflexive and local mechanisms. Local heating of the skin elicits vasodilation via local s...
Structural studies on osmium carbonyl hydrides

Abstract The complex CpWOs 3 (CO) 9 (μ-H)(μ-O)(μ-CHCH 2 C 6 H 4 Me), previously prepared by hydrogenation of CpWOs 3 (CO) 9 (μ-O)(μ 3 -CCH 2 C 6 H 4 Me), has been subjected to a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. The complex crystallizes in the non-centrosymmetric monoclinic space group Cc ( C s 4 ; No. 9) with a 14.1510(27), b 13.9257(22), c 13.3179(19) A, β 92.023(13)°, V 2622.8(7) A 3 and D (calcd) 3.06 g cm −3 for Z = 4 and mol. wt. 1206.8. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction data were collected with a Syntex P2 1 automated four-circle diffractometer and the structure was refined to R 3.5% for all 2476 independent observations (Mo- K α radiation, 2θ = 4.5–40.0°) and R 3.4% for those 2430 data with | F 0 | > 3.0σ(| F 0 |). The molecule contains a tetrahedral WOs 3 core associated with 60 valence electrons. Each osmium atom is associated with three terminal carbonyl ligands and the tungsten atom is linked to an η 5 -C 5 H 5 ligand. In addition, the μ-oxo ligand is involved in a WO: → Os bridge (in which WO(B) 1.737(17), Os(3)← :O(B) 2.167(16) A and WO(B)Os(3) 96.0(7)°), the μ-hydride ligand spans the Os(1)Os(3) linkage and the μ-CHCH 2 C 6 H 4 Me ligand bridges the WOs(2) linkage (WC(1) 2.068(26) and Os(2)C(1) 2.281(26) A).
l/sup 1/ state-feedback control with a prescribed rate of exponential convergence

Presents sufficient conditions for the existence of state-feedback controllers that achieve a level of l/sup 1/ performance subject to the constraint that the unforced closed-loop is exponentially stable with a prescribed rate of convergence. A constructive algorithm is developed to compute an upper bound for the achievable constrained performance. A variable structure linear controller that achieves this bound is presented. The authors show that, if certain orthogonality conditions are satisfied, this upper bound is actually equal to the achievable constrained performance. For an illustrative example that satisfies these conditions, the authors construct controllers, that achieve an arbitrarily fast rate of convergence, without sacrificing input-output performance.
Statistical Shape Analysis of Manufacturing Data

We show how statistical shape analysis, a set of techniques used to model the shapes of biological and other kinds of objects in the natural sciences, can also be used to model the geometric shape of a manufactured part. We review Procrustes-based methods, and emphasize possible solutions to the basic problem of having corresponding, or matching, labels in the measured “landmarks”, the locations of the measured points on each part acquired with a coordinate measuring machine or similar instrument.
A reexamination of the double‐helix model for agarose gels using optical rotation

The diffuse x-ray diffraction patterns of agarose gels are compatible with both the “chicken-wire” gel model consisting of associated double-helix chain conformations and a network of more extended, but unentwined helices. Preference f or the double-helix model has largely rested on an early interpretation of optical rotation data. Applying a recent, less empirical, chiroptical model of saccharide rotation, we confirm the earlier analysis by concluding that the rotation observed in the gel can be satisfactorily accounted for in terms of wide-diameter agarose helices, capable of intertwining. In addition, we have found that the extended helices found in dried sols do not yield the observed gel rotations. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Integrins regulate opioid receptor signaling in trigeminal ganglion neurons.

Cells interact with the extracellular matrix via heterodimeric (αβ) transmembrane receptors, termed integrins (Giancotti and Rouslahti, 1999). Integrins are expressed by virtually every cell type and are known to be involved in the regulation of several vital cell functions, including adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation (Milam et al., 1991, Hynes, 1992, Curley et al., 1999, Giancotti and Rouslahti, 1999, Schlaepfer et al., 1999, Coppolino and Dedhar, 2000, Bouvard et al., 2001, Zamir and Geiger, 2001, Alenghat and Ingber, 2002, Martin et al., 2002, Miranti and Brugge, 2002). Eighteen α and eight β subunits have been identified forming at least 24 different αβ integrins (van der Flier and Sonnenberg, 2001, Miranti and Brugge, 2002). However, splice variants of integrins are known to exist that potentially increase the functional diversity of these important molecules (Melker and Sonnenberg, 1999). Integrins composed of α4, α5, α8, αIIb, or αv subunits (ten of the known 24 integrins contain one of these α subunits) bind to molecules containing an arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) sequence (van der Flier and Sonnenberg, 2001). This RGD peptide sequence is exposed in intact fibronectin and vitronectin, and is contained as cryptic, or inaccessible, primary structure in some intact laminins and collagens. Integrins that are bound to domains on the extracellular matrix (or to RGD peptides bound to a solid substrate) initiate intracellular signals (i.e., “outside-in” signaling) (Coppolino and Dedhar, 2000). The application of soluble RGD-peptides to neuronal cultures evoked a rapid and substantial increase in the spontaneous discharges of parietal motor neurons (Wildering et al., 2002). Furthermore, administration of soluble RGD peptides, but not the inactive control peptide sequence (i.e., DGR), enhanced high-voltage-activated Ca++ currents in these neurons. Application of RGD peptides, or anti-integrin antibodies, but not inactive control peptides, have also been shown to block N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents in hippocampal neurons (Chavis and Westbrook, 2001) suggesting that RGD-binding integrins are important in neurotransmission. With respect to their potential significance in opioid receptor signaling, it is important to note that integrins may modulate G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling in the CNS (McPhee et al., 1998) as well as in other tissues (Della Rocca et al., 1999, Litvak et al., 2000, Short et al., 2000, Slack and Siniaia, 2005). In the present study, we addressed two major issues related to integrin regulation of sensory neurons. First, we characterized the expression pattern of integrin in sensory neurons, specifically trigeminal ganglion neurons. Second, we tested the hypothesis that the RGD class of integrins regulates the signaling of the GPCR mu opioid receptor (MOR) in trigeminal ganglion neurons.
Reactive desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) of natural products of a marine alga

Presented here is the optimization and development of a desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) method for detecting natural products on tissue surfaces. Bromophycolides are algal diterpene-benzoate macrolide natural products that have been shown to inhibit growth of the marine fungal pathogen Lindra thalassiae. As such, they have been implicated in antimicrobial chemical defense. However, the defense mechanisms are not yet completely understood. Precise detection of these compounds on algal tissue surfaces under ambient conditions without any disruptive sample processing could shed more light onto the processes involved in chemical defense of marine organisms. Conventional DESI-MS directly on algal tissue showed relatively low sensitivity for bromophycolide detection. Sensitivity was greatly improved by the addition of various anions including Cl−, Br−, and CF3COO− into the DESI spray solvent. Chloride adduction gave the highest sensitivity for all assayed anions. Density functional optimization of the bromophycolide anionic complexes produced during DESI supported this observation by showing that the chloride complex has the most favorable binding energy. Optimized DESI protocols allowed the direct and unambiguous detection of bromophycolides, including A, B, and E, from the surface of untreated algal tissue.
Three-dimensional micro-electrode array for recording dissociated neuronal cultures.

This work demonstrates the design, fabrication, packaging, characterization, and functionality of an electrically and fluidically active three-dimensional micro-electrode array (3D MEA) for use with neuronal cell cultures. The successful function of the device implies that this basic concept—construction of a 3D array with a layered approach—can be utilized as the basis for a new family of neural electrode arrays. The 3D MEA prototype consists of a stack of individually patterned thin films that form a cell chamber conducive to maintaining and recording the electrical activity of a long-term three-dimensional network of rat cortical neurons. Silicon electrode layers contain a polymer grid for neural branching, growth, and network formation. Along the walls of these electrode layers lie exposed gold electrodes which permit recording and stimulation of the neuronal electrical activity. Silicone elastomer micro-fluidic layers provide a means for loading dissociated neurons into the structure and serve as the artificial vasculature for nutrient supply and aeration. The fluidic layers also serve as insulation for the micro-electrodes. Cells have been shown to survive in the 3D MEA for up to 28 days, with spontaneous and evoked electrical recordings performed in that time. The micro-fluidic capability was demonstrated by flowing in the drug tetrotodoxin to influence the activity of the culture.
MOBIES: mobile-interface enhancement service for hidden web database

Many web databases are hidden behind form-based interfaces which are not always easy-to-use on mobile devices because of limitations such as small screen sizes, trickier text entry, etc. In this demonstration, we have developed MOBIES, a third-party system that generates mobile-user-friendly interfaces by exploiting data analytics specific to the hidden web databases. Our user studies show the effectiveness of MOBIES on improving user experience over a hidden web database.
Urinary Immunoglobulins in Healthy Individuals and Children with Acute Pyelonephritis

Urine samples obtained from children with acute pyelonephritis and from healthy children and adults were analysed with regard to the molecular form and specific antibody activity of urinary immunoglobulins. The urinary IgA and IgG levels were quantified in unconcentrated urine by radioimmunoassay. The children with urinary tract infection had significantly higher levels of IgG and IgA than age-matched controls but not higher than healthy adults. After tenfold concentration, the urine was fractionated on an Ultrogel AcA 22 column, and the IgA, secretory IgA, and IgG in the fractions were determined by radioimmunoassay. IgA in urine from healthy adults was predominantly represented by polymeric IgA linked to secretory component; small quantities of monomeric IgA were also present. IgG eluted in the position of the serum standard. Increased proportions of IgG and monomeric IgA were found in the infected patients. Specific antibody activity of the IgG and IgA classes to antigens of the infecting Escherichia coli strain was detected in whole and in fractionated urine from children with acute pyelonephritis. The specific antibody activity in healthy adults and children was low.
CHANGE IN SPOUSE AGE DIFFERENCE AT MARRIAGE: A CHALLENGE TO TRADITIONAL FAMILY AND SEX ROLES?

The authors hypothesize that marriage postponement by women the dispersion of divorce through the life cycle more equal distribution of power between the sexes and wide swings in fertility will affect age differences by sex in U.S. marriages. Data from a Florida county for the period 1930-1980 show an increasing percentage of women marrying men younger than themselves a trend confirmed by 1985 data. An analysis of these changes is presented and some explanations for them are provided. (ANNOTATION)
Calcium ion binding by tobacco mosaic virus.

Calcium ion titrations were performed on solutions of tobacco mosaic virus using a calcium-specific ion-exchange electrode. Scatchard analyses were used to obtain the number of calcium ion binding sites per protein subunit (n) and the apparent stability constant for complex formation (β′Ca). These experiments were performed on unbuffered solutions, in either water or 0·01 m -KCl, to allow a determination of the number of hydrogen ions released per calcium ion bound (χ). The results indicate that near neutrality, the virus particle possesses two calcium ion binding sites per subunit having apparent stability constants greater than 104 m −1. The results are interpreted as if these two sites are non-identical and titrate independently. The higher affinity site for the virus in water has a value of log β′Ca, which varies from about 8·5 at pH 8·5 to about 3·9 at pH 5·0, and for the virus in 0·01 m -KCl has a value that varies from about 6·2 at pH 8·0 to about 3·7 at pH 5·5. The higher affinity site for the virus in water binds up to two competing hydrogen ions, one with an apparent pKH value greater than 8·5 and the other with a value that varies from 6·0 at pH 5·5 to 7·3 at pH 8·0. For the virus in 0·01 m -KCl, only the competing hydrogen ion binding with an apparent pKH value greater than 8·5 remains. The results could be interpreted as indicating that the electrical charge on the virus particle has a constant value in the pH range 5·5 to 8·0 despite the fact that hydrogen ion titration curves for the intact virus particle indicate that the charge should vary from about −1 per subunit at pH 5·5 to about −4 at pH 8·0.
Correlation of heat transfer and gas holdup data from slurry bubble columns

Abstract Our recently reported gas holdup and heat transfer data for the air-water-magnetite system extending over a range of air velocities, particle diameters, and slurry concentrations have been correlated. The gas holdup correlation is based on the drift-flux theory, while the heat transfer correlation is based on an empirical modification of the Higbie's theory of unsteady-state mass transfer as applied to heat transfer and Kolmogoroff's theory of isotropic turbulence as developed by Deckwer and Deckwer et al.
Explicit and implicit evaluation of physician adherence to hypertension guidelines

This study evaluated physician adherence to the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7) hypertension guidelines in 6 community-based clinics. Explicit review of retrospective medical record data for patients with uncontrolled hypertension measured guideline adherence using 22 criteria. Mean overall guideline adherence was 53.5% and did not improve significantly over time. Random-effects models demonstrated significant associations between guideline adherence and various demographic and medical predictors, including age, minority status, comorbid conditions, and number of medications. A subsequent implicit review evaluated the degree to which nonadherence was justifiable and identified factors that might have affected adherence. Nonadherence was rated as justifiable for only 6.6% of the failed explicit criteria. In general, adherence to the JNC 7 guidelines was modest even when barriers that might have affected adherence were taken into consideration.
Established theory of radiation-induced decay is not generalizable to Bolton-Hunter labeled peptides.

Abstract Peptide hormones radiolabeled with 125 I are widely used for the pharmacological characterization of cognate receptors. As a prerequisite for calculating ligand affinities from competition binding assays, and for estimating receptor densities from such studies, it is necessary to know the concentration of bioactive radioligand that is used in respective experiments. It has been demonstrated previously that radioiodinated peptides undergo decay catastrophe, i.e. disintegration of the radioactive label leads to the concomitant destruction of the carrier peptide. Here, we demonstrate that decay catastrophe does not apply to two peptide hormones that are iodinated by Bolton–Hunter conjugation: cholecystokinin octapeptide and glucagon-like peptide 2. The function of aged samples of these radioligands at corresponding recombinantly expressed receptors was assessed by measuring ligand-induced inositol phosphate production or generation of cyclic AMP, respectively. Both of the tested compounds, although predicted by decay catastrophe to contain little or subthreshold remaining bioactivity, stimulated an unexpectedly high level of receptor-mediated second messenger signaling. Quantitative comparison of observed functions with those of corresponding unlabeled peptides suggested that the bioactivity of each radioligand had been largely conserved despite the radioactive decay of the iodine label. Consistent with an apparent absence of decay catastrophe, we noted that the specific radioactivity, when determined immediately following peptide iodination, was close to the theoretical maximum but exponentially decreased over time. These findings raise the possibility that attachment of a Bolton–Hunter conjugate may shield labeled peptides from radiation-induced damage, a scenario that should be considered when performing radioligand binding experiments.
The psychological underpinnings of relative thinking in price comparisons

Abstract This article investigates the psychological underpinnings of relative thinking—the tendency of consumers to consider relative savings, and not just absolute savings, in their decisions to search for a deal or purchase an item. We examine how (i) cognitive load , (ii) the affective-richness of the product , and (iii) the consumer's propensity for intuitive decision-making influence relative thinking. As hypothesized, high cognitive load and affect-rich (vs. affect-poor) products, and individual level preference for intuitive decision-making aggravate this behavior. Our results present clear managerial implications along with developing a better understanding of the behavioral foundations of relative thinking.
Nylon 7, a fiber forning polyamide

Eight esters of 7-aminoheptanoic acid were prepared as monomers for nylon 7 (polyheptanamide). They were made from e-caprolactone via the route; 6-chlorohexanoic acid, alkyl-6-chlorohexanoate, alkyl-6-cyanohexanoate, alkyl-7-aminoheptanoate. The stability of these esters against polymer formation during distillation and at room temperature increased with the number of C atoms in the alcohol. When the esters were heated at 270°C. to form the polyamide, the same trend in stability was observed; the polyamides obtained were of too low molecular weight for melt spinning. Upon heating ethyl-7-aminoheptanoate with water (mole ratio 1 to > 3) at 100°C., a mixture of 7-aminoheptanoic acid with mainly dimeric acid and ester was obtained. This product (“precursor”) was a stable solid at room temperature which could readily be converted at atmospheric pressure within 2 hr. to high molecular weight, spinning grade nylon 7. The melting point, density, moisture regain, and sticking temperature of nylon 7 were compared with those of nylons 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11. Nylon 7 was melt spun into high tenacity yarn and its textile properties were discussed in comparison with those of nylons 6 and 66. The low oligomer content of nylon 7 (1.5%) made extraction of the resin before spinning unnecessary.
Human organic anion transporter 1 mediates cellular uptake of cysteine-S conjugates of inorganic mercury

Human organic anion transporter 1 mediates cellular uptake of cysteine- S conjugates of inorganic mercury. Background The epithelial cells lining the renal proximal tubule have been shown to be the primary cellular targets where mercuric ions gain entry, accumulate, and induce pathologic effects in vivo. Recent data have implicated at least one of the organic anion transport systems in the basolateral uptake of inorganic mercury (Hg 2+ ). Methods Using a line of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) II cells transfected stably with the human organic anion transporter 1 (hOAT1), and oocytes from Xenopus laevis microinjected with cRNA for hOAT1, we tested the hypothesis that hOAT1 can transport biologically relevant mercuric conjugates of cysteine (Cys). Results Indeed, MDCK II cells expressing a functional form of hOAT1 gained the ability to transport the mercuric conjugate 2-Amino-3-(2-amino-2-carboxy-ethylsulfanyl-mercuricsulfanyl)-propionic acid (Cys- S -Hg- S -Cys), but not the corresponding di-glutathione S -conjugate of Hg 2+ (G- S -Hg- S -G). Moreover, p -aminohippurate (PAH), adipate, and glutarate (but not succinate or malonate) inhibited individually the uptake of Cys- S -Hg- S -Cys in a dose-dependent manner. Uptake of Cys- S -Hg- S -Cys, but not G- S -Hg- S -G, was also documented in Xenopus oocytes expressing hOAT1. Conclusion These data represent ostensibly the most direct line of evidence implicating a specific membrane protein (i.e., hOAT1) in the transport of a biologically relevant molecular species of Hg 2+ in a mammalian cell. Moreover, these data indicate that the organic anion transporter(s) likely play a prominent role in the basolateral transport of mercuric ions by proximal tubular cells and in the nephropathy induced by Hg 2+ .
A Multiple Hypothesis Approach to Satellite Navigation Integrity

A general methodology has been developed for failure mitigation in satellite-based navigation systems. This new approach is founded on the direct evaluation of integrity risk under the unified consideration of all single-element failure hypotheses and the no-failure hypothesis. It is applicable to fault-tolerant estimation and integrity monitoring. In particular, the algorithm has been investigated for application as an airborne element of the Local Area Augmentation System (LAAS) integrity monitoring architecture. In this system, GPS ranging measurements from multiple ground-based reference receivers are to be used to mitigate the effects of reference receiver failures. The multiple hypothesis algorithm has been evaluated through analysis and simulation and has been shown to provide the tightest realizable protection limits for LAAS. The operational performance of the new algorithm has been compared with that of the approach currently under consideration by RTCA Special Committee-159. The performance of the multiple hypothesis algorithm has been demonstrated using experimental data collected during a series of LAAS prototype flight tests in a Beechcraft King Air.
Molecular species composition of glycerophospholipids in rat sciatic nerve and its alteration in streptozotocin-induced diabetes

The molecular species composition of glycerophospholipid classes in nerves of normal and experimentally diabetic rats was determined. sn-1,2-Diacylglycerol (DAG) moieties of purified phospholipids were liberated enzymatically and analyzed as the benzoate derivatives by high-performance liquid chromatography. The most abundant molecular species in phosphatidylinositol (PI) from normal nerve were 18:0/20:4 (54%) and 16:0/18:1 (17%), whereas in phosphatidylcholine (PC), 16:0/18:1 (52%), 16:0/16:0 (12%) and 18:0/18:1 (11%) predominated. In phosphatidylethanolamine and ethanolamine plasmalogen, 18:1/18:1, 16:0/18:1 and 18:0/18:1 comprised more than 60% and 75% of the molecular species, respectively. Phosphatidylserine was characterized by a high content of 18:0/18:1 (38%) and a relative abundance of the 18:1/20:0, 18:1/22:0 and 18:1/24:0 molecular species, which together accounted for over 30% of the total. The molecular species profile of phosphatidic acid did not closely resemble that of any other phospholipids or DAG. In diabetic nerve, the molecular species composition of all diacylphospholipids showed a significant decline in the content of one or more arachidonoyl-containing molecular species. The largest decline occurred in PC and the least in PI. Except in PC, 16:0/20:4 was more depressed than 18:0/20:4. In combination with previous analyses of DAG molecular species which showed a similar decline in the content of arachidonoyl-containing molecular species in nerve from experimentally diabetic rats (Zhu, X. and Eichberg, J. (1990) J. Neurochem. 55, 1087-1090), the results suggest that nerve DAG arises largely, but not entirely, from phosphoinositides and that PC could be a significant precursor, especially in diabetic nerve.
The Fabulous Nuclear Odyssey of Belgium

This paper reviews the Belgian history of nuclear technology and its use for power generation, from the beginning in 1942 until now. It identifies the main players in the field, and the major milestones of this history, both from the power generation side and the nuclear fuel side. It demonstrates the genuine contribution of Belgium to this technology (typical examples are shown), and the significant role of its engineers and scientists.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Refractory immune thrombocytopenic purpura : current strategies for investigation and management

There is currently no consensus on how best to manage refractory immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). In part, this reflects the need for individualized treatment due to the wide spectrum of patients' requirements and responsiveness to therapies. The objective of this review is to provide a clinically useful guide to current management strategies. This article suggests investigations to identify factors that may exacerbate thrombocytopenia and underlie poor therapeutic responses, and highlights emerging therapies, including the thrombopoietic agents, which are anticipated to dramatically alter the natural history of "refractory" ITP. Morbidity, mortality and heath-related quality of life are also discussed.
Can Wage Increases Pay For Themselves? Tests with a Productive Function

Efficiency wage theories predict that companies that pay high wages will have higher productivity from high work effort, low turnover, and other efficiency-enhancing effects. This paper uses the PIMS line-of-business data set to test whether high wage businesses are more productive. Relative wages were measured by managers' assessments of their relative compensation, holding worker quality constant. A positive relation was found between changes in relative wages and changes in total factor productivity. The elasticity of output with respect to wages was of the magnitude predicted by efficiency wage theories. Also consistent with efficiency wage theories, the relationship between changes in wages and changes in productivity was weaker at businesses with high unionization. Results from two additional data sets imply that high wages are not merely measuring high human capital. Copyright 1992 by Royal Economic Society.
Circadian clock disruption improves the efficacy of chemotherapy through p73-mediated apoptosis

The circadian clock in mammalian organisms is generated by a transcription–translation feedback loop that controls many biochemical pathways at the cellular level and physiology and behavior at the organismal level. Cryptochrome (Cry) is a key protein in the negative arm of the transcription–translation feedback loop. It has been found that Cry mutation in cells with p53-null genotype increased their sensitivity to apoptosis by genotoxic agents. Here we show that this increased sensitivity is due to up-regulation of the p53 gene family member p73 in response to DNA damage. As a consequence, when tumors arising from oncogenic Ras-transformed p53−/− and p53−/−Cry1−/−Cry2−/− cells are treated with the anticancer drug oxaliplatin, p53−/− tumors continue to grow whereas p53−/−Cry1−/−Cry2−/− tumors exhibit extensive apoptosis and stop growing. This finding provides a mechanistic foundation for overcoming the resistance of p53-deficient tumor cells to apoptosis induced by DNA-damaging agents and suggests that disruption of cryptochrome function may increase the sensitivity of tumors with p53 mutation to chemotherapy.
Differential effect of CDP-choline on brain cytosolic choline levels in younger and older subjects as measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho), which is essential for membrane integrity and repair, is reduced in brain cell membranes with age. Evidence from both animal and in vitro studies indicates that cytidine 5′ diphosphate choline (CDP-choline) can increase the synthesis of PtdCho; however, the effect of CDP-choline on brain choline metabolism has not previously been studied in human subjects. In this study, in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) was used to measure brain levels of cytosolic, cholinecontaining compounds before and after single oral doses of CDP-choline. Three hours after dosing, plasma choline increased similarly in younger (mean age 25 years) and older subjects (mean age 59 years). However, while the choline resonance in brain increased by 18% on average in younger subjects, it decreased by almost 6% in older subjects (P=0.028). These results may be explained by a previously observed decrease in brain choline uptake, but not cytidine uptake, in older subjects. Additional intracellular cytidine following the administration of CDP-choline should lead to the increased incorporation of choline already present in brain into membrane PtdCho, which is not MRS-visible, consequently lowering the brain choline resonance below that of pre-treatment values. These results suggest that the cytidine moiety of CDP-choline stimulates phosphatidylcholine synthesis in human brain cell membranes in older subjects.
Torsion of an Angle Bar

Torsion of an angle bar with a rounded elbow is solved by an efficient semi-analytical method based on domain decomposition, eigenfunction expansion, and collocation. Torque and maximum shear stress are accurately determined. It is found that the thin-section approximation is valid only for very low aspect ratios.
Electrical metrics for lithographic line-end tapering

A major source of patterning problems in low-k1 lithography is line-end pullback. Though geometric metrics such as CD at gate edge have served as good indicators, the ever-rising contribution of line-end extension to layout area necessitates reducing pessimism in qualifying line-end patterning. Electrically-aware metrics for line-ends can be helpful in this regard. In this work, we calculate the Ion and Ioff impact of line-end taper shapes as well as line-end length. The proposed models are verified using TCAD simulation in a typical 65nm process. We observe that the device threshold voltage is a weak function of line-end pullback, and that the electrical impact of the taper can vary with overlay errors. We apply a non-uniform channel length model in addition to the proposed taper-dependent threshold voltage model to calculate ΔIon and ΔIoff. Finally, the electrical metric for line-end printing is defined as expected change in Ion or Ioff under a given overlay error distribution. We also propose a super-ellipse form to parameterize taper shapes, and then explore a large variety of taper shapes to characterize electrical impact.
Reconsidering Private Sector Power Business Input and Local Development Policy

This article raises questions about several key assumptions about business involvement in local policy making generally and in local development policy specifically. At issue is the nature and extent of systemic business influence and the nature of public policies that result. Based on data from a survey of 350 cities in Canada and the United States and nine case studies, the authors conclude that business interests are not unitary nor cohesive within cities, the composition and nature of the private sector is not uniform across cities, and that differentiated patterns of business input and policy output can result. The authors ultimately argue that a broader perspective is needed to fully portray the variety of public/private relationships present in cities than the prevalent growth machine or development regime frameworks suggest. The broader construct of local civic culture is provided as a more contextual basis for understanding the myriad roles businesses play in local economic development policy pro...