cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How the Project Approach Challenges Young Children

In this article, educators at University Primary School in Champaign, Illinois, share examples and understandings of the ways The Project Approach challenges young children to think critically about topics of importance in their world. Project investigations that provoke academic and social challenges for individuals and classroom communities of children are provided as a means to foster interest in children’s experiences, questioning, research, and representations.
Epigenome-wide DNA methylation analysis implicates neuronal and inflammatory signaling pathways in adult murine hepatic tumorigenesis following perinatal exposure to bisphenol A

Developmental exposure to the endocrine-active compound bisphenol A (BPA) has been linked to epigenotoxic and potential carcinogenic effects in rodent liver, prostate, and mammary glands. A dose-dependent increase in hepatic tumors in 10-month mice perinatally exposed to one of three doses of BPA (50 ng, 50 µg, or 50 mg BPA/kg chow) was previously reported. These tumors represent early-onset disease and lack classical sexual dimorphism in incidence. Here, adult epigenome-wide liver DNA methylation profiles to identify gene promoters associated with perinatal BPA exposure and disease in 10-month mice with and without liver tumors were investigated. Mice with hepatic tumors showed 12,822 (1.8%) probes with differential methylation as compared with non-tumor animals, of which 8,656 (67.5%) were hypomethylated. A significant enrichment of differential methylation in Gene Ontology (GO) terms and biological processes related to morphogenesis and development, and epigenomic alteration were observed. Pathway enrichment revealed a predominance of hypermethylated neuronal signaling pathways linked to energy regulation and metabolic function, supporting metabolic consequences in the liver via BPA-induced disruption of neuronal signaling pathways. Hypothesis-driven pathway analysis revealed mouse and human genes linked to BPA exposure related to intracellular Jak/STAT and MAPK signaling pathways. Taken together, these findings are indicators of the relevance of the hepatic tumor phenotype seen in BPA-exposed mice to human health. This work demonstrated that epigenome-wide discovery experiments in animal models were effective tools for identification and understanding of paralagous epimutations salient to human disease. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 57:435-446, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Traffic Allocation: An efficient adaptive network-on-chip routing algorithm design

In recent years, system-on-chip designs have migrated from fairly simple single processor and memory designs to relatively complicated systems with higher communication requirements. Network-on-chip architectures emerged as promising solutions for future system-on-chip communication architecture designs. However, the switching and routing algorithm design of network-on-chip communication architectures are still facing great challenges. To address the deficiencies of the existing routing algorithms, a new adaptive network-on-chip routing algorithm: Traffic Allocation routing algorithm is proposed in this paper. The specifics of Traffic Allocation routing as well as the simulation results and analysis are also presented. For the proposed algorithm, traffic allocation registers are added to each of the routers to keep track of communication traffic loads for the four outgoing directions. Instead of monitoring the buffer depth of the neighboring routers, the proposed Traffic Allocation routing measures traffic loads based on local computation so as to reduce extra communication overhead. Simulation of the proposed Traffic Allocation routing algorithm and three existing routing algorithms has been carried out on NIRGAM network-on-chip simulator. Simulation results illustrate that the performance of the Traffic Allocation routing algorithm matches or exceeds the performance of the existing routing algorithms.
A stochastic mesoscale model of transiently networked fluids

Abstract Macroscale models of physically networked fluids suffer from the inability to connect directly to mesoscale processes due to nonlinearity and thus the need for closure approximations. In this paper physically networked complex fluids are modeled stochastically at the mesoscale, thus avoiding the need for closure assumptions. In the modeling and simulations the network consists of linear chains of Hookean bead-spring dumbbells. The linear chains break and reform stochastically subject to prescribed local attractive potentials. In the simulations the topology of the network is tracked allowing for quantification of the distribution of chain lengths and of individual dumbbell stretch. This formulation allows for breakage and recombination associated with local stress. Model predictions of the distributions of chain lengths and of dumbbell stretch both in equilibrium and in steady shearing are presented. As well, shear thickening and shear thinning regimes in steady shearing and relaxation after step strain are examined.
Analysis of errors in estimating wearout characteristics of time-dependent dielectric breakdown using system-level accelerated life test

Abstract Reliability issues exacerbated by small feature sizes in modern VLSI circuits challenge an accurate reliability assessment using the conventional approach of employing device-level accelerated life test. Since such device-level reliability assessment ignores tolerance of a circuit or a system to device wearout failures, to accurately estimate circuit/system reliability, we need to directly test a circuit or a system for extraction of wearout parameters in operating environments. In this paper, we propose a system-level accelerated life test to compliment device-level accelerated life test. We also investigate errors in estimating wearout parameters from time-dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) from experimental results from system-level accelerated life test and note differences from device-level reliability assessment.
Correlating Crack Onset Strain and Cohesive Fracture Energy in Polymer Semiconductor Films

Polymer semiconductors are an attractive material system for flexible and stretchable electronic devices owing to their potentially favorable mechanical attributes. Establishing the thermomechanical behavior of polymer semiconductors is thus an important consideration to ensure successful operation in these applications. One of the most common mechanical characterization methods for these materials is to manipulate the thin films while on an elastomer substrate. A primary measurement with this approach is the film’s crack onset strain (COS), a measure of ductility. It is simple and effective; however, it is a highly qualitative view of film mechanical stability, particularly in flexible device applications. Alternatively, cohesive fracture energy (Gc) provides a direct quantitative measure of the mechanical integrity of the film. While fracture energy provides important insight into mechanical stability, it typically requires a more complex measurement method than the film on elastomer tests. Here, we com...
The effect of antenna mutual coupling in a mimo radar system

This paper develops a mathematical model, complete with antenna mutual coupling and radio frequency circuit blocks, for a multiple-input multiple-output radar system. Simulations using the model demonstrate that mutual coupling causes the observed angle of a target to shift from its actual angle and increases the side lobe level of the MIMO radar virtual array response.
Reported Incidence and Survival of Fallopian Tube Carcinomas: A Population-Based Analysis From the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries

Background Recognition that serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC) may represent the first manifestation of many high-grade cancers that were once considered ovarian primary tumors has led to changes in diagnostic practices that could dramatically increase the reporting of tubal carcinomas in US population-based cancer registries. Further, increased detection of early-stage tubal carcinomas through increased recognition coupled with meticulous pathology processing protocols raises important unanswered questions about the clinical behavior of such lesions, which can only be answered using large data sets. However, rates of tubal carcinomas have not been recently analyzed. Accordingly, we analyzed population-based incidence and survival data for fallopian tube carcinoma in situ (CIS; an imperfect surrogate of STIC), tubal carcinomas, and for comparison, ovarian carcinomas, in the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR) registries. Methods Total counts, standardized incidence rates, and stage-specific survival were computed using 30 NAACCR registries (1999-2012). Temporal incidence rate patterns were analyzed by joinpoint regression with estimates of annual percentage change (APC). All statistical tests were two-sided. Results Fallopian tube CIS incidence rates were stable from 1999 to 2002, then increased from 2002 to 2012 (APC = 16.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 10.9% to 21.7%, P < .001). Rates of early- and late-stage tubal carcinomas showed similar patterns, whereas high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma rates were relatively stable. Five-year cause-specific survival was 97.9% (95% CI = 93.7% to 99.3%) for tubal CIS and 83.2% (95% CI = 77.3% to 87.7%) for early-stage high-grade serous tubal carcinoma. Conclusions Reporting of tubal CIS and tubal carcinoma have increased in recent years, likely reflecting changes in pathology processing of specimens and diagnosis. Developing standardized reporting for tubal neoplasms is needed to enable analysis of outcomes for these comparatively uncommon but increasingly recognized tumors.
Microencapsulated indicators and inhibitors for corrosion detection and control

Abstract: This chapter concerns the development of microcapsules and microparticles for the incorporation of corrosion indicators and inhibitors into a multifunctional smart coating for the autonomous indication and control of corrosion. The incorporation of these microcapsules/microparticles into a corrosion protective coating will result in a smart coating that has the inherent ability to detect the chemical changes associated with the onset of corrosion and respond autonomously to indicate it and control it. The microcapsules/microparticles were specifically designed for corrosion control applications. Their design has, in addition to the usual advantages of other microencapsulation technologies, the corrosion controlled release function that triggers the delivery of corrosion indicators or inhibitors on demand, at the onset of corrosion. This chapter summarizes the development, optimization and testing of pH-sensitive microcapsules and microparticles, specifically designed for early detection and indication of corrosion and to deliver corrosion inhibitors on demand when incorporated into a coating.
Experimental Infections of the Common Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

Abstract Interest in the use of marmosets for experimental infectious disease has dramatically increased in the last decade. These animals are native to the Atlantic coastal forests in northeastern Brazil. The majority of experimental animals come from the National Primate Research Centers and other breeding facilities. They are advantageous because of their relative small size, weighting 350–400 g as adults, their life span is compact compared with other nonhuman primate (NHP), and they produce offspring by 3 years of age. They are free of Herpes B virus and, it is believed, to date, other dangerous human pathogens (Abbot et al., 2003) [1]. We describe here the experimental infections of marmosets to human pathogens. While it is always interesting to compare various NHPs with each other, the importance of an animal model is always in comparing its similarities to human infections.
Wideband polarizers, switches and waveguide for overmoded corrugated transmission lines

Abstract Overmoded corrugated waveguide is efficient at transmitting power over a large frequency bandwidth. This operational flexibility becomes important in multi-frequency systems. For 50-mm diameter aluminum corrugated waveguide nominally designed for the ITER 170 GHz ECH system, the theoretical ohmic loss of the HE11mode is around 0.3e-3 dB/m. In a possible dual-frequency system at ITER, the theoretical loss in the same waveguide increases to a manageable 0.8e-3 dB/m at 104 GHz. As examples of other wideband components, General Atomics has built several pairs of 63.5-mm diameter waveguide polarizers for the TCV tokamak’s ECH transmission line that are designed to operate for 1 MW at frequencies ranging from 82.6 to 118 GHz. In addition, polarizers have been designed for ITER’s 50-mm diameter transmission line. A computer code that calculates both the required mirror rotation angles and the ohmic losses predicts that these polarizers will function effectively at both 170 GHz and 104 GHz. A new class of wideband waveguide switches with rotary actuators have been supplied for the 82.6–126 GHz transmission lines at TCV, further emphasizing the broadband capabilities of corrugated waveguide components.
beRBP: binding estimation for human RNA-binding proteins

Identifying binding targets of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) can greatly facilitate our understanding of their functional mechanisms. Most computational methods employ machine learning to train classifiers on either RBP-specific targets or pooled RBP-RNA interactions. The former strategy is more powerful, but it only applies to a few RBPs with a large number of known targets; conversely, the latter strategy sacrifices prediction accuracy for a wider application, since specific interaction features are inevitably obscured through pooling heterogeneous datasets. Here, we present beRBP, a dual approach to predict human RBP-RNA interaction given PWM of a RBP and one RNA sequence. Based on Random Forests, beRBP not only builds a specific model for each RBP with a decent number of known targets, but also develops a general model for RBPs with limited or null known targets. The specific and general models both compared well with existing methods on three benchmark datasets. Notably, the general model achieved a better performance than existing methods on most novel RBPs. Overall, as a composite solution overarching the RBP-specific and RBP-General strategies, beRBP is a promising tool for human RBP binding estimation with good prediction accuracy and a broad application scope.
Modeling transcriptional factor cross-talk to understand parabolic kinetics, bimodal gene expression and retroactivity in biosensor design

Abstract Transcriptional factor-based biosensor has been widely used to reprogram and adjust cellular activity to the changing environment. These biosensors translate an internal cellular signal to a transcriptional reporter output. Previous examples have demonstrated transcriptional factor (TF) cross-talk could lead to complex gene expression dynamics. In this report, we formulated a mechanism-based kinetic model to simulate and predict how TF cross-talk reshape the transcriptional dynamics of an engineered biosensor. Our model comprises TF cross-talk and Hill-type equation to quantify the degree of gene repression and de-repression; it also accounts for protein degradation, cell growth (dilution) effect and the carrying capacity of the system. Our simulation fits well with the biphasic parabolic gene expression pattern of an experimentally validated malonyl-CoA sensor. We discovered that exponential growth could lead to hysteresis in the TF cross-talk model. With Logistic growth to limit the carrying capacity, we find that bimodal gene expression pattern could arise, and this phenomenon is rooted in the hysteresis characteristics of the TF cross-talk model. The computational insights obtained in this study will guide us to design accurate, sensitive TF-based biosensors and may serve as a diagnostic platform to troubleshoot the complex transcriptional dynamics in biosensor design. The computational framework developed here will also provide an educational toolbox for synthetic biologist and biochemical/biomolecular engineering students to understand biosystem design and transcriptional regulation.
Making sense of relativistic composition of velocities

What does it mean to ``add'' velocities relativistically -- clarification of the conceptual problems, new derivations of the related formulas, and identification of the source of the non-associativity of the standard vector version of the addition formula are addressed.
The safety and efficacy of using negative pressure incisional wound VACs in pediatric and neonatal patients.

Abstract Background Surgical site infection (SSI) rates are an important surgical quality metric. Decreased SSI rates have been demonstrated using negative pressure incisional wound vac device (NPIWV) dressings in adults but have not been studied in children. Materials and methods A retrospective review of patients treated with NPIWV at our institution between February 2016 and February 2018 was performed. NPIWV dressings were applied by previously described techniques. Using the same CPT codes from our study patients, we queried the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric (NSQIP-P) data between January 2014 and January 2016 to identify preimplementation controls (PIC). NPIWV patients were compared to historical controls to assess safety and efficacy of SSI prevention. Results There were 32 patients managed with NPIWV, and 65 patients in the PIC group. There were no NPIWV-associated complications. There was a trend toward reduced incidence of SSI in NPIWV patients, with 1 SSI in 32 cases (3.1%) versus 7 SSIs in the 65 historical control patients (10.8%) (p = 0.22). Conclusions Our study shows that NPIWV dressings can be used safely in pediatric and neonatal patients undergoing surgery, with a trend toward decreased SSI rates. These findings should be confirmed in a larger, prospective trial. Type of study Retrospective comparative study. Level of evidence Level III.
An Energy-Efficient Comparator With Dynamic Floating Inverter Amplifier

This article presents an energy-efficient comparator design. The pre-amplifier adopts an inverter-based input pair powered by a floating reservoir capacitor; it realizes both current reuse and dynamic bias, thereby significantly boosting $g_{m}/I_{D}$ and reducing noise. Moreover, it greatly reduces the influence of the process corner and the input common-mode voltage on the comparator performance, including noise, offset, and delay. A prototype comparator in 180 nm achieves 46- $\mu \text{V}$ input-referred noise while consuming only 1 pJ per comparison under a 1.2-V supply. This represents greater than seven-time energy efficiency boost compared with a strong-arm (SA) latch. It achieves the highest reported comparator energy efficiency to the best of our knowledge.
Heterogeneous oxidation of amorphous organic aerosol surrogates by O 3 , NO 3 , and OH at typical tropospheric temperatures

Abstract. Typical tropospheric temperatures render possible phase states of amorphous organic aerosol (OA) particles of solid, semisolid, and liquid. This will affect the multiphase oxidation kinetics involving the organic condensed-phase and gaseous oxidants and radicals. To quantify this effect, we determined the reactive uptake coefficients ( γ ) of O3 , NO3 , and OH by substrate films composed of single and binary OA surrogate species under dry conditions for temperatures from 213 to 313 K. A temperature-controlled coated-wall flow reactor coupled to a chemical ionization mass spectrometer was applied to determine γ with consideration of gas diffusion transport limitation and gas flow entrance effects, which can impact heterogeneous reaction kinetics. The phase state of the organic substrates was probed via the poke-flow technique, allowing the estimation of the substrates' glass transition temperatures. γ values for O3 and OH uptake to a canola oil substrate, NO3 uptake to a levoglucosan and a levoglucosan / xylitol substrate, and OH uptake to a glucose and glucose / 1,2,6-hexanetriol substrate have been determined as a function of temperature. We observed the greatest changes in γ with temperature for substrates that experienced the largest changes in viscosity as a result of a solid-to-liquid phase transition. Organic substrates that maintain a semisolid or solid phase state and as such a relatively higher viscosity do not display large variations in heterogeneous reactivity. From 213 to 293 K, γ values of O3 with canola oil, of NO3 with a levoglucosan / xylitol mixture, and of OH with a glucose / 1,2,6-hexanetriol mixture and canola oil, increase by about a factor of 34, 3, 2, and 5, respectively, due to a solid-to-liquid phase transition of the substrate. These results demonstrate that the surface and bulk lifetime of the OA surrogate species can significantly increase due to the slowed heterogeneous kinetics when OA species are solid or highly viscous in the middle and upper troposphere. This experimental study will further our understanding of the chemical evolution of OA particles with subsequent important consequences for source apportionment, air quality, and climate.
An Institutional Perspective and Global Education

Adopting an institutional perspective to advance a program of global education leads to identifying the norms, structures, organization, and elements of the system which can support global education. Those elements include standards and curriculum, instructional resources, assessments, staff and development, school organization, governance, and funding. Key in this perspective is seeking alignment and coherence between these various elements of the system.
Microrheology of gel electrolyte biomaterials based on deep eutectic solvents

We report optical tweezers based microrheology measurements of gelatin supported deep eutectic solvent-based gels. These ionically conducting gels are intended for application in the design of flexible biosensors. Gels with 10wt% gelatin from porcine skin in a liquid mixture of choline chloride, 1,2-propanediol, and water in a 1:2:1 molar ratio showed viscosity of the order of 1.1 Pa.sec and shear modulus of greater than 100Pa. Methods included oscillating bead phase and amplitude response measurements, as well the use of particle tracking to monitor Brownian motion. The design of a temperature controlled microscope sample cell is also presented.
Effects of Intercept pathogen reduction treatment on extended cold storage of apheresis platelets.

Background Platelets pose the greatest transfusion-transmitted infectious risk among blood products. Refrigeration of platelets can mitigate bacterial contamination and extend platelet shelf life. Implementation of pathogen reduction technologies (PRTs) at blood banks has become increasingly popular to protect against emerging and reemerging infectious diseases. In this study, we sought to evaluate the effects of Intercept PRT on platelets collected on different platforms and cold-stored for up to 21 days in plasma and platelet additive solution (PAS). Methods Double-dose apheresis platelets were collected with use of a Trima or Amicus system into either 100% plasma or 65% InterSol PAS/35% plasma and split equally between two bags. One bag served as control, while the other received Intercept PRT treatment. Bags were stored unagitated in the cold and evaluated on Days 1, 7, 14, and 21 to assess platelet metabolism, activation, aggregation, and clot formation and retraction. Results By Day 14 of storage, lactate levels reached approximately 13 mmol/L for all samples irrespective of Intercept treatment. Mean clot firmness dropped from the 62.2- to 67.5-mm range (Day 1) to the 28.4- to 51.3-mm range (Day 21), with no differences observed between groups. Clot weights of Intercept-treated Trima/plasma samples were significantly higher than control by Day 14 of storage (P = .004), indicating a reduced clot retraction function. Intercept treatment caused a higher incidence of plasma membrane breakdown in plasma-stored platelets (P = .0013; Trima/plasma Day 14 Control vs Intercept). Conclusions Intercept treatment of platelets and subsequent cold storage, in plasma or PAS, results in comparable platelet metabolism platelets for up to 14 days of storage but altered clotting dynamics. Pathogen-reduced platelets with an extended shelf life would be beneficial for the deployed setting and would greatly impact transfusion practice among civilian transfusion centers.
Excavating the Mural of Paradise by Lee Jung-Seob

Lee Jung-Seob (1916–1956) cultivated his artistic talent in the dynamic and progressive environment of Pyongyang and Tokyo during the Japanese colonial period (1910–45), presenting expressionistic ...
A double-edged sword: Amylostereum areolatum odors attract both Sirex noctilio (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) and its parasitoid, Ibalia leucospoides

Abstract The Eurasian woodwasp, Sirex noctilio, is an invasive pest of pines in temperate regions of the Southern Hemisphere, and has been introduced to North America. A parasitoid, Ibalia leucospoides, has been broadly employed for biological control of this pest. Volatiles emitted from the fungal symbiont of S. noctilio, Amylostereum areolatum, are reliable cues for S. noctilio and I. leucospoides females to optimize their foraging behavior (host location and host habitat finding) in a chemically complex environment. The headspace volatiles of A. areolatum, were analyzed using coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and GC-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) for both S. noctilio and I. leucospoides females. Analyses revealed that both species could detect several fungal volatiles. In olfactometer bioassays, S. noctilio females were attracted to a 4-component blend of 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, trans-3-hexenyl acetate, linalool, and geraniol, while the addition of ρ-anisaldehyde to the blend was necessary for attraction of I. leucospoides females. The results of trap catches in field experiments confirmed that these fungal volatiles in combination with host tree volatiles are attractive to both species, although the release rate of the fungal volatiles is important. These volatiles can serve as a basis for the development of improved lures for both species.
The potential for frontal QRS-T angle as a prognostic indicator in patients with left ventricular non-compaction

Background: Left ventricular noncompaction is a rare cardiomyopathy is characterized by an excessive number of abnormally prominent trabeculations with deep intertrabecular recesses in the left ventricular apex. Adverse outcomes include LV dysfunction, ventricular arrhythmias, and systemic emboli. High spatial QRS-T angles have been identified as a potential prognostic predictor of ventricular tachycardia and cardiac mortality in patients with INVM. Furthermore, multiple studies have demonstrated increased morbidity and mortality associated with elevated QRS-T angles in multiple cardiac disease states. Objective: We sought to assess the …
Evidence of Effects of Human Rights-Based Short-Term Study Abroad

Within this chapter, results from our study that examined prior participants’ perceptions of benefits gained, knowledge/skills learned, and practice applied following participation in short-term study abroad trips that utilized a human rights-based framework will be shared. Further, we offer various ways to measure effectiveness of the human rights-based framework from the perspective of key constituents: students, faculty leaders, and community members.
Black-White Differences in Ischemic Stroke Risk Factor Burden in Young Adults.

Background and Purpose: Although the US Black population has a higher incidence of stroke compared with the US White population, few studies have addressed Black-White differences in the contributi...
Simulated response of the ocean carbon cycle to anthropogenic climate warming

A 1995 report1 of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change provides a set of illustrative anthropogenic CO2 emission models leading to stabilization of atmospheric CO2 concentrations ranging from 350 to 1,000 p.p.m. (1–4). Ocean carbon-cycle models used in calculating these scenarios assume that oceanic circulation and biology remain unchanged through time. Here we examine the importance of this assumption by using a coupled atmosphere–ocean model of global warming5 for the period 1765 to 2065. We find a large potential modification to the ocean carbon sink in a vast region of the Southern Ocean where increased rainfall leads to surface freshening and increased stratification6. The increased stratification reduces the downward flux of carbon and the loss of heat to the atmosphere, both of which decrease the oceanic uptake of anthropogenic CO2 relative to a constant-climate control scenario. Changes in the formation, transport and cycling of biological material may counteract the reduced uptake, but the response of the biological community to the climate change is difficult to predict on present understanding. Our simulation suggests that such physical and biological changes might already be occurring, and that they could substantially affect the ocean carbon sink over the next few decades.
Specific immunosuppression by passive antibody. IV. Mechanism of reversal by spleen or peritoneal exudate cells from immune animals.

Abstract Thioglycollate-stimulated peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) or spleen cells, harvested from mice immunized against sheep erythrocytes (SRbc) and transferred to normal syngeneic or F1 hybrid recipients, reversed the immunosuppression caused by passively administered anti-sheep cell antibody. Spleen cells transferred to F1 hybrid recipients induced splenic enlargement because of a graft-versus-host reaction (GVH); PEC did not. Parental strain cells were transferred from SRbc-immunized donors to antibody-treated (C57 × B10.D2) F1 recipients, which were then challenged with SRbc. If the donor was B10.D2(H-2 d ), most of the antibody-forming cells (PFC) seen early in the response were derived from donor B cells; later in the response some of the PFC were host derived. If the donor was C57(H-2 b ), all PFC detected were derived from host B cells. It is concluded that the mechanism by which transferred PEC or spleen cells confer resistance to the immunosuppressive effect of passive antibody involves educated macrophages and, usually, B cells.
Abstract 2666: Monoclonal antibodies specific for the oncofetal antigen - immature laminin receptor: Tumor selectivity, rapid internalization and in vivo efficacy

A series of murine monoclonal antibodies were generated using recombinant oncofetal antigen - immature laminin receptor protein (OFA/iLRP) as the immunogen. Several of the antibodies detected the 37kD OFA/iLRP but did not recognize the structurally related 67kD mature laminin receptor protein (LRP), as determined by western blot analysis. Additional antibodies demonstrated reactivity with both proteins. Those antibodies specific for the 37kD moiety bound to recombinant OFA/iLRP with high affinity (K aff = 1-2 x 10 -10 M; Biacore technology). These antibodies also reacted with native OFA/iLRP on the surface of human tumor cells with high affinity (K aff = 1-2 x 10 -9 M) but did not show significant reactivity with normal human epithelial cells or fibroblasts. In contrast, antibodies that interacted with both 37kD OFA/iLRP and 67kD mature LRP were reactive with both tumor cells and normal cells. Antibodies specific to OFA/iLRP were internalized upon binding to the target protein on human tumor cells. Two monoclonal antibodies from this group were tested for anti-tumor activity in a murine model of B-cell leukemia. BALB/c mice were injected with A20 leukemia cells either intramuscularly or intravenously. Mice were given a total of six intraperitoneal 100µg antibody injections over a two-week period following tumor initiation. Both antibodies slowed growth of the intramuscular primary tumor by approximately 45%. More importantly, in the intravenous tumor model, the treatments reduced systemic blood tumor levels by greater than 70% and suppressed liver tumor formation by up to 46%. These high affinity tumor-selective antibodies potentially provide a front-line or adjuvant therapy for hematological malignancies. Citation Format: Shannon D. McClintock, Michael K. Dame, Muhammad N. Aslam, Saqib Ali, Randall N. Knibbs, Roscoe L. Warner, James Varani. Monoclonal antibodies specific for the oncofetal antigen - immature laminin receptor: Tumor selectivity, rapid internalization and in vivo efficacy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2666. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2666
Zero Comments: Blogging and Critical Internet Culture, Geert Lovink

Geert Lovink's most recent book, Zero Comments: Blogging and Critical Internet Culture, is a wide ranging and largely disconnected collection of essays that attempts to theorize and critique the va...
Hydrogels for Healing

Hydrogels are widely used in medicine and offer advantages in many implant situations. However, the body responds to them as with any other material — by walling them off in a foreign body capsule. We show here that by making hydrogels with uniform, interconnected spherical pores of about 35 microns, the healing reaction can be shifted to one of vascularization and little fibrosis. We have also developed a biodegradable form of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) that can be used to fabricate these pro-healing, spherically pored materials.
Turnover of Several Glycolytic Enzymes in Rat Liver

Abstract Antibodies were used to isolate three glycolytic enzymes from rat liver after single injections of 3H-leucine. From the rates of decay of specific radioactivity, the following apparent half-lives were determined: lactic dehydrogenase, 6.0 days; aldolase, 4.9 days; and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, 5.4 days. Corrections for reutilization of isotope based on the relative turnover rates of total liver protein determined with 3H-leucine and with 14C-guanido arginine reduced these figures by 42%. The turnover rates show no correlation with the thermal stabilities of the enzymes at physiological temperatures because the thermal half-lives for aldolase and lactic dehydrogenase were estimated to be 130 days and 12,000 days at 37°. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that turnover involves a random enzymatic attack of cellular proteins, possibly following engulfment by lysosomes. The concentration of aldolase in rat liver is nearly 10 times that of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Our results indicate that this is due to a more rapid synthesis, rather than a slower rate of degradation of the former enzyme compared to the latter.
Human simulation exercises help improve medical pharmacology learning (LB630)

In order to evaluate the effect of human simulation as an active learning method on student performance, simulation exercises were included as a mandatory component of the medical pharmacology course taught in the second year of medical school in the previous discipline-based curriculum at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. Students in groups of 5 or 6 managed cardiovascular, respiratory, infectious, endocrine, CNS, and toxicology emergency cases. In addition to history taking, physical examination, performance of procedures, and laboratory data analysis, each exercise also included writing detailed prescriptions of emergency and chronic treatment for the simulated patients’ conditions. Pathophysiology and pharmacology related to each case were discussed under the guidance of faculty preceptors during the debriefing sessions. Impact of the human simulation exercises were evaluated by student perception of their usefulness in learning and by NBME medical pharmacology subject examination p...
Epistemic Context, Defeasible Inference and Conversational Implicature

Recent foundational work on the nature of defeasible inference has appealed to an epistemic context principle (ECP): β follows defeasibly from α (α |~ β) if and only if β follows classically from C(α), where C(α) is the given epistemic context for α. Since nothing requires that C(α) ⊆ C(α Λ γ), the induced notion of consequence is nonmonotonic. We will focus on a particular manner of articulating ECP where C(α) is an autoepistemic (AE) extension of {α}. Robert Stalnaker proposed in [25] a substantial way of understanding this defeasible notion of AE-consequence. The gist of the proposal is: (P) what is non-monotonically entailed by a sentence α is what is meant or implicated, but not explicitly said by uttering α. He suggested that a defeasible notion of consequence (explicated via ECP) could be used to formally encode Grice's notion of conversational implicature - and to understand its context-dependent behavior. This article makes three main contributions. First, we will focus on the tenability of (P). Paul Grice considered in [10] some minimal constraints on implicature needed in order to handle G.E. Moore's paradox of 'saying and disbelieving'. We will show that (P) is incompatible with those constraints. Secondly we will offer an alternative account of AE consequence based on several remarks made by Grice in [10]. According to this account C(α) encodes the body of full beliefs to which someone is committed after uttering α. Thirdly we will offer a preliminary account of the formal properties of this new notion of consequence. AE logic assumes that introspective reasoners do not subscribe to the alethic principle (T) - establishing that the AE-operator L obeys L(A) → A. This is due to a tacit interpretation of L as an operator of 'weak' belief. This is done even when (T) is satisfied post hoc in every AE-extension. The price paid by this maneuver is that AE logic, unlike most defeasible logics, is not cumulative - although (T) is satisfied in every extension, the principle cannot be used in the reasoning to arrive at the extension (see [13], page 228). We verify that our notion of AE-consequence is not affected by this problem by showing that (with certain provisos) the notion is cumulative.
Computer-Assisted, Self-Interviewing (CASI) Compared to Face-to-Face Interviewing (FTFI) with Open-Ended, Non-Sensitive Questions

This article reports results from research on cultural models, and assesses the effects of computers on data quality by comparing open-ended questions asked in two formats—face-to-face interviewing (FTFI) and computer-assisted, self-interviewing (CASI). We expected that for our non-sensitive topic, FTFI would generate fuller and richer accounts because the interviewer could facilitate the interview process. Although the interviewer indeed facilitated these interviews, which resulted in more words in less time, the number of underlying themes found within the texts for each interview mode was the same, thus resulting in the same models of national culture and innovation being built for each mode. Our results, although based on an imperfect research design, suggest that CASI can be beneficial when using open-ended questions because CASI is easy to administer, capable of reaching more efficiently a large sample, and able to avoid the need to transcribe the recorded responses.
Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn

Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN, less commonly called erythroblastosis fetalis) is a condition when fetal and neonatal red blood cells are hemolyzed by maternally derived antibodies. Dozens of blood groups have been implicated in HDFN. Following widespread implementation of RhD immunoprophylaxis given to RhD-negative pregnant women, the incidence of RhD-associated HDFN has decreased significantly. HDFN caused by other blood groups, including ABO, non-RhD Rh, and Kell, is now seen relatively more frequently. Prevention of maternal alloimmunization is best; however, treatment is successful today with early diagnosis and in utero intervention.
ARID3B increases ovarian tumor burden and is associated with a cancer stem cell gene signature

// Lynn Roy 1 , Serene J. Samyesudhas 1 , Martin Carrasco 1 , Jun Li 2 , Stancy Joseph 1 , Richard Dahl 3 and Karen D. Cowden Dahl 1,4,5 1 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, Indiana 2 Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 3 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, Indiana 4 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame University, Notre Dame, Indiana 5 Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, Indiana Correspondence: Karen D. Cowden Dahl , email: // Keywords : Ovarian cancer, transcription factor, cancer stem cells, metastasis, xenografts Received : June 12, 2014 Accepted : July 22, 2014 Published : July 23, 2014 Abstract Ovarian cancer is the most deadly gynecological malignancy since most patients have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. Therefore, identification of critical pathways that contribute to ovarian cancer progression is necessary to yield novel therapeutic targets. Recently we reported that the DNA binding protein ARID3B is overexpressed in human ovarian tumors. To determine if ARID3B has oncogenic functions in vivo , ovarian cancer cell lines stably expressing ARID3B were injected intraperitoneally into nude mice. Overexpression of ARID3B increased tumor burden and decreased survival. To assess how ARID3B contributes to the increased tumor growth in vivo , we identified ARID3B induced genes in tumor ascites cells. ARID3B induced expression of genes associated with metastasis and cancer stem cells ( CD44, LGR5, PROM1 (CD133), and Notch2 ). Moreover, ARID3B increased the number of CD133+ (a cancer stem cell marker) cells compared to control cells. The increase in CD133+ cells resulting from ARID3B expression was accompanied by enhanced paclitaxel resistance. Our data demonstrate that ARID3B boosts production CD133+ cells and increases ovarian cancer progression in vivo .
Virtual library and the medical college curriculum

The virtual library concept of the present and future may ultimately have the heaviest impact on the area of the medical college curriculum. In spite of the obvious advantages of the virtual library concept on research and patient care, one of the fastest growing areas of interest is incorporating seamless electronic resources into the educational process, as part of the required curriculum on all levels of study.
Local Structures of High-Entropy Alloys (HEAs) on Atomic Scales: An Overview

The high-entropy alloys, containing several elements mixed in equimolar or near-equimolar ratios, have shown exceptional engineering properties. Local structures on the atomic level are essential to understand the mechanical behaviors and related mechanisms. In this article, the local structure and stress on the atomic level are reviewed by the pair-distribution function of neutron-diffraction data, ab-initio molecular dynamics simulations, and the atomic probe microscopy.
Facilitating Post-Divorce Transition Using Narrative Therapy

Abstract This paper illustrates the use of narrative therapy when working with an individual in post-divorce transition. The divorce process and divorce therapy are briefly overviewed, and narrative therapy and its components are described. Examples of narrative conversations illustrate ways to integrate narrative therapy with post-divorce transition.
Effect of surfactant and salt concentrations on the drainage and collapse of foams involving ionic surfactants

An improved drainage model for foams involving ionic surfactants is presented which accounts for the effect of surfactant and salt concentrations. The effect of surfactant and salt concentrations o...
Radiation-induced segregation in titanium alloys

Abstract Radiation-induced segregation (RIS) of V, Mo, Nb, Ta, Zr, and Sn in binary titanium alloys was investigated to test the solute size effect correlation in hcp alloys. Undersize Mo segregates weakly toward the sinks. Nb and Ta, which are slightly oversize in Ti, undergo little or no RIS. Oversize Zr solute in Ti segregates away from the sinks, whereas undersize Ti solute in Zr is enriched at sinks. All of these results are in accord with the solute size effect correlation. Surprisingly, Sn, which is significantly oversize in Ti, appears to segregate very little. The postirradiation annealing of Ti-3V and Ti-8Al-1V-1Mo confirmed that segregation of undersize V toward sinks is radiation-induced. Measurements of temperature and dose dependence in binary and complex alloys showed that the degree of V segregation has a maximum at ~ 600 °C and obeys parabolic growth kinetics in its early stages but probably saturates at a rather low dose ( ~ 0.8 dpa).
Severe neonatal protein C deficiency: prevalence and thrombotic risk.

Severe deficiencies of protein C, a pivotal coagulation-regulatory protein, have been reported in neonates as an apparently transient condition. In this prospective study, cord blood was collected at 193 deliveries and assays of protein C were correlated with clinical status, other coagulation results, and outcome. Protein C levels of
Can experiments involving e - e + -->μ - μ + determine whether the neutral weak force is a V, A interaction?

We consider whether experiments involving the reaction ${e}^{\ensuremath{-}}{e}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}$ might tell us whether the neutral weak force involves $V$ and $A$ interactions, or $S$, $P$, and $T$ couplings, or both. Distinctions between the physical effects produced by the different possible interactions suggest that such experiments could be decisive.
Industrial Medium Voltage Cable and Switchgear Maintenance and Testing, Part I

Increasing costs of unscheduled production downtime in manufacturing industries, coupled with high costs for repair of electrical distribution equipment, dictate that planned electrical maintenance and testing play an important role in the industrial manufacturing process. Subject matter important to performing a planned electrical maintenance and testing program of medium voltage industrial cable and switchgear will be reviewed.
Presentism and the Objection from Being-Supervenience

In this paper, we show that presentism—the view that the way things are is the way things presently are—is not undermined by the objection from being-supervenience. This objection claims, roughly, that presentism has trouble accounting for the truth-value of past-tense claims. Our demonstration amounts to the articulation and defence of a novel version of presentism. This is brute past presentism, according to which the truth-value of past-tense claims is determined by the past understood as a fundamental aspect of reality different from things and how things are.