cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Respecting the Circle of Life trial for American Indian adolescents: rationale, design, methods, and baseline characteristics

This paper describes the rationale, design, methods, and baseline results of a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of an adapted evidence-based intervention (EBI), “Respecting the Circle of Life” (RCL) to reduce behavioral risks for HIV/AIDS among American Indian (AI) adolescents. A participatory approach shaped intervention adaptation and study design. A total of 267 participants (aged 13–19) were randomized by peer groups of the same sex to receive the RCL intervention or a control condition. Self-report assessments were administered at four intervals. The sample was predominately female (57%), had low HIV knowledge prevention scores, early sexual initiation (mean 14.6 years), and 56% reported intention to use a condom at next sex. Baseline characteristics were evenly distributed between groups with the exception of age and extrinsic reward scores. This is the first rigorous evaluation of an adapted EBI for HIV/AIDS prevention among AI adolescents, an at-risk and understudied population.
Geographic Variation in the Dwarf Crayfish, Cambarellus Puer Hobbs (Decapoda, Cambaridae) 1)

Geographic variation in the dwarf crayfish, Cambarellus puer, was studied. Computations were based on ten morphologic measurements from 583 adult specimens representing 34 localities. Analyses were conducted using univariate and multivariate statistical techniques on scaled and non-scaled data for comparison of results. A matrix of correlation among nine scaled morphologic characters was computed and the first three principal components extracted; these accounted for 71.6% of the variation in the character set among males and 70.9% among females. Three-dimensional projections of localities onto principal components show that animals from southeastern Texas are longer and more narrow in proportion to cephalothorax length, while animals from southern Arkansas and northern Louisiana are proportionately shorter and wider. Populations occurring along the Mississippi River and west into southern Louisiana are intermediate in shape. The first three principal components extracted from the matrix of correlation among ten non-scaled characters accounted for 94.2% of the variation in males and 96.2% of the variation in females. Three-dimensional projections onto principal components of non-scaled characters indicate that animals from eastern populations are larger than animals from western populations. Projections on components I, II, and III of scaled data for males and females and on component I of non-scaled data for both sexes were analyzed with respect to 11 environmental variables. Evapotranspiration and longitude were significantly correlated with morphologic variation in C. puer. Net primary productivity appeared to influence body size in these animals.
Role of AKT1 in 17β-estradiol- and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I)-dependent proliferation and prevention of apoptosis in MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells

AKT1 (c-AKT, PKBalpha) is the cellular homolog of the protein-serine/threonine kinase oncogene, v-akt. AKT1 is activated through the insulin and platelet-derived growth factor signaling pathways in transfected fibroblasts, but little is known about the regulation of endogenous AKT1 in tumor cells. AKT1 levels were higher in a panel of human breast carcinoma cell lines than in breast epithelial cells, particularly those with higher HER2 expression. AKT1 activity was increased by either estradiol or IGF-I in estrogen-dependent MCF-7 cells, and both factors acted synergistically to increase AKT1 activity and promote cell proliferation. Stimulation of AKT1 activity by estradiol and IGF-I was blocked by the antiestrogen ICI 182780 and by the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin. MCF-7 cells transfected with AKT1 exhibited partial estrogen- and IGF-I-independent growth and were more responsive to the combination of IGF-I and estradiol. AKT1-overexpressing MCF-7 cells were less sensitive to apoptosis induced by wortmannin. These findings suggest that AKT1 is a downstream effector of estrogen- and IGF-I-dependent proliferation and survival in hormone-responsive MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells.
A Transponder-Based, Nonradiative Wireless Power Transfer

A transponder-based system is proposed for wireless nonradiative power transfer. The system consists of three elements: a transmitter, a receiving loop, and a transponder at a fixed distance from the transmitter. The transmitter and the transponder are made of concentric, reactively loaded wire loops. One loop of the transmitter is directly fed by a power source, while its remaining loops and those of the transponder act as parasitic loops. The reactive impedances of the parasitic loops comprising the transmitter and transponder are chosen to maximize power transfer from the source to the receiving loop. The equivalence of the system with a two-port network is used to derive the required reactive impedances. A conjugate impedance match is applied to both input and output ports of the equivalent two-port network for maximum power transfer. The proposed transponder-based scheme overcomes the monotonic decay of efficiency with distance that is seen in classical wireless power transfer systems. An improvement in efficiency exceeding 50% is achieved at larger distances when compared to similar systems without a transponder.
Multivariate probability density estimation for associated processes : Strong consistency and rates

Abstract We consider the estimation of the multivariate probability density function f ( x 1 ,…, x d ) of X 1 ,…, X d of a stationary associated random process { X i } i =−∞ ∞ . Uniform strong rates of convergence over compact sets in R d are established for the estimates of f and all its partial derivatives up to a given order s .
Evaluation of mitral leaflet motion by echocardiography and jet direction by doppler color flow mapping to determine the mechanism of mitral regurgitation

Abstract Objectives. This study was designed to assess the accuracy of two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography in determining the mechanism of mitral regurgitation, as compared with direct inspection of the valve at operation. Background. Valve repair for mitral regurgitation offers substantial advantages over valve replacement, but it is technically more demanding and requires understanding of the mechanism of dysfunction. Methods. We studied 286 patients undergoing mitral valve repair. Intraoperative two-dimensional echocardiography was used to classify mitral leaflet motion as excessive, normal or restricted. Doppler color flow mapping was used to evaluate the direction and origin of the mitral regurgitant jet. Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography were compared with intraoperative surgical determination of the mechanism of dysfunction, which also classified leaflet motion as excessive, normal or restricted. Results. Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography accurately diagnosed the mechanism of mitral regurgitation in 123 (93%) of 132 patients with posterior leaflet prolapse or flail, 30 (94%) of 32 patients with anterior leaflet prolapse or flail, 11 (44%) of 25 patients with bileaflet prolapse or flail, 6 (75%) of 8 patients with papillary muscle elongation or rapture, 31 (91%) of 34 patients with restricted leaflet motion or rheumatic thickening, 21 (72%) of 29 patients with ventricular-annular dilation and 8 (62%) of 13 patients with a leaflet perforation or cleft. Of 13 patients with two mechanisms of dysfunction by surgical inspection, two-dimensional and Doppler echocarediography correctly diagnosed one of the two mechanisms in 12 patients (92%), and both mechanisms in 5 patients (38%). Overall, echocardiographic determination of leaflet motion and Doppler determination of jet direction accurately diagnosed the mechanism of dysfunction in 242 (85%) of 286 patients. Conclusions. Echocardiography before mitral valvuloplasty provides a dynamic appraisal of the mechanism of dysfunction, enabling the surgeon to systematically understand the dysfunction and successfully apply the correct procedures to eliminate mitral regurgitation without valve replacement.
Social influences on morphine-conditioned place preference in adolescent BALB/cJ and C57BL/6J mice

Among human adolescents, drug use is substantially influenced by the attitudes and behaviors of peers. Social factors also affect the drug-seeking behaviors of laboratory animals. Conditioned place preference (CPP) experiments indicate that social context can influence the degree to which rodents derive a rewarding experience from drugs of abuse. However, the precise manner by which social factors alter drug reward in adolescent rodents remains unknown. We employed the relatively asocial BALB/cJ (BALB) mouse strain and the more prosocial C57BL/6J (B6) strain to explore whether “low” or “high” motivation to be with peers influences the effects of social context on morphine CPP (MCPP). Adolescent mice were conditioned by subcutaneous injections of morphine sulfate (0.25, 1.0, or 5.0 mg/kg). During the MCPP procedure, mice were housed in either isolation (Ih) or within a social group (Sh). Similarly, following injection, mice were conditioned either alone (Ic) or within a social group (Sc). Adolescent B6 mice expressed a robust MCPP response except when subjected to Ih–Sc, which indicates that, following isolation, mice with high levels of social motivation are less susceptible to the rewarding properties of morphine when they are conditioned in a social group. By contrast, MCPP responses of BALB mice were most sensitive to morphine conditioning when subjects experienced a change in their social environment between housing and conditioning (Ih–Sc or Sh–Ic). Our findings demonstrate that susceptibility to morphine-induced reward in adolescent mice is moderated by a complex interaction between social context and heritable differences in social motivation.
Effect of polyene macrolides on growth and reproduction of Musca Domestica and on the uptake of cholesterol in Galleria Mellonella larvae

The polyene macrolides, filipin and flavofungin, have larvicidal activity when added to the diet of Musca domestica larvae. Filipin also prevents the uptake of dietary 14C-labeled cholesterol into the hemolymph of Galleria mellonella larvae. Filipin, but not amphotericin, prevents ovarian development and reproduction of adult houseflies. These findings suggest that the larvicidal and chemosterilant activities of filipin are due to the formation of a complex of filipin and cholesterol which prevent the uptake and utilization of sufficient dietary cholesterol for vital processes. It is proposed that selected polyene macrolides may have potential as control agents for some insect populations by limiting sterol availability.
Abstract 4445: Dual ALK and EGFR inhibition targets a mechanism of acquired resistance to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor crizotinib in ALK translocated lung cancer.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC ABSTRACT Introduction: The multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) crizotinib is active against ALK translocated non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however acquired resistance invariably develops over time. ALK mutations have previously been implicated in only a third of resistant tumors. We sought to evaluate alternative mechanisms of resistance and preclinical strategies to overcome these in a cell line driven by EML4-ALK. Methods: We selected the NSCLC cell line NCI-H3122 (H3122: EML4-ALK E13;A20) and derived resistant variants that were able to grow in the presence of 1μM crizotinib. These were analyzed for ALK mutations, sensitivity to crizotinib in combination to other TKIs (imatinib, sorafenib, erlotinib and afatinib), and for activation of alternative tyrosine kinases. Results: All H3122 crizotinib resistant (CR) clones lacked mutations in the kinase domain of ALK. To evaluate if possible alternative kinases functioned as “bypass” tracks for downstream signaling activation in these resistance cells, we used a functional approach of dual ALK TKI (with crizotinib) with combinatory TKI inhibition to screen for possible targets. Crizotinib + sorafenib (BRAF, RET, PDGFR, VEGFR TKI) and crizotinib + imatinib (ABL, PDGFR, KIT TKI) were ineffective. In contrast, crizotinib + erlotinib (reversible EGFR TKI) and crizotinib + afatinib (irreversible EGFR/ERBB2 TKI) were able to inhibit the growth of H3122 CR clones, indicating potential EGFR activation as a mechanism of resistance. Analyses of phosho-receptor tyrosine kinase arrays demonstrated that CR clones had 5-25 times higher phospho-EGFR signal than H3122 parental cells did after the exposure to 1μM crizotinib, indicating phospho-EGFR was the most predominant phosphorylated signal in crizotinib-resistant cells. Conclusions: Using a functional approach of combining ALK and EGFR TKIs, we identified activation of EGFR as a mechanism of resistance to crizotinib in preclinical models of ALK translocated NSCLC. If EGFR activation is confirmed as a predominant mechanism of crizotinib resistance in patient-derived tumors, the use of crizotinib + EGFR TKIs should be tested in future clinical trials for this important cohort of NSCL Citation Format: Norihiro Yamaguchi, Sohei Nakayama, Lorena L. de Figueiredo-Pontes, Susumu Kobayashi, Daniel B. Costa. Dual ALK and EGFR inhibition targets a mechanism of acquired resistance to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor crizotinib in ALK translocated lung cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4445. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4445
Changes in Male Foot Shape and Size with Weightbearing

Accurate, consistent measurement of foot-ankle geometry is essential for the design and manufacture of well-fitting, functional, comfortable footwear; for the diagnosis of certain biomechanical disorders; and for consistent longitudinal monitoring and assessment of pedorthic treatment outcomes. We sought to formulate a basic set of measures characterizing the principal geometric dimensions of the foot, to investigate how these measures vary with increasing weightbearing, and to explore the implications of weightbearing changes in pedal geometry for orthopedic footwear design and manufacture. The right feet of 40 healthy men aged 22 to 71 years were scanned using the Department of Veterans Affairs Pedorthics Optical Digitizer in neutral alignment, sequentially bearing 0%, 10%, 25%, 50%, and 100% of the subjects’ body weight. With support of the full body weight, the following mean changes in the pedal parameters were observed: heel-to-toe length, 1.5%; ball width, 4.3%; maximum heel width, 4.8%; and instep...
Grammaticality judgements of mildly aphasic individuals under dual-task conditions

Abstract This study examined the grammaticality judgements of mildly aphasic individuals under dual-task conditions in order to examine the relationship between syntactic processing and resource capacity and allocation in aphasia. Individuals with aphasia and age-matched control subjects performed a listening task that required grammaticality judgements under isolation, focused attention, and divided attention conditions. Subjects were also required to rate task difficulty following completion of each listening condition. Although grammatical sensitivity was similar between groups during the isolation condition, introduction of a secondary, competing task resulted in significantly greater dual-task interference for the aphasic than for the control subjects. Despite these group differences in dual-task performance, aphasic and control subjects' perceptions of task difficulty failed to differ significantly. These findings provide further support for a resource limitation model of syntactic processing defici...
APPROXIMATION OF SECOND-ORDER DIFFRACTION LOADS ON ARRAYS OF VERTICAL CIRCULAR CYLINDERS

The second-order hydrodynamic interactions between the members of an array of bottom-mounted, surface-piercing vertical circular cylinders subjected to nonlinear waves are investigated theoretically. The method of solution for the first-order velocity potential in the vicinity of any array member involves replacing the waves scattered by the other array members at this order by equivalent plane waves together with non-planar correction terms, and is essentially a large-spacing approximation. At the second-order the full diffraction problem for the cylinder array is replaced by a set of equivalent isolated cylinder problems where the formulation has been modified to take into account hydrodynamic interference effects. Results for the total hydrodynamic forces obtained through the present technique show good agreement with published experimental data for a pair of vertical cylinders. Finally, numerical results based on the approximate method are presented for arrays of 2–4 cylinders which illustrate the influence of the various wave and structural parameters on the hydrodynamic loads to the second-order.
Reporting for Sale: the market for news coverage

This paper proposes a formal model of the market for political news. Under reasonable market conditions and when the audience has psychological biases, it may be profitable for outlets to differentiate their coverage. Moreover, the implications of the model speak to a deeper impact of political polarization of the electorate.
Content Extraction and Summarization of Instructional Videos

This paper presents a robust approach to extracting and summarizing the textual content of instructional videos for handwritten recognition, indexing and retrieval, and other e-learning applications. Content extraction from instructional videos is challenging due to image noise, light condition changes, camera movements, and unavoidable occlusions by instructors. In this paper, we develop a probabilistic model to accurately detect board regions and an adaptive thresholding technique to extract the written chalk pixels on black-boards. We further compute instructional video key frames by analyzing the fluctuation of the number of chalk pixels. By matching the textual content of video frames using a Hausdorff-distance-based technique, we reduce the content redundancy among the key frames. Performance evaluation on three full-length instructional videos shows that our algorithm is highly effective in summarizing instructional video content and achieves very low content missing rates.
PC version of ionospheric model available

A version of the Penn State Mk III Ionospheric Model is now available that will run on the IBM personal computer (PC) and its XT and AT versions or on compatible computers fitted with an 8087 or equivalent coprocessor. A version is also available that will run without a coprocessor; however, it takes about 10 times longer to run.
Description of tokamak discharges in present and future devices at Princeton PPL

Abstract The evolution in time and space of plasma temperatures and densities in typical discharges of presently operating tokamak is reviewed. The characteristics of the concomitant bombardment of vacuum walls and aperture limiters by electrons ions, neutral atoms, and photons are described together with the behavior impurities of wall and adsorbed materials in the discharge. The influence of the impurities on the plasma properties is discussed, with special consideration for cumulative effects. The discussion is extended to the extrapolated behavior of the discharges in the next generation of tokamaks at PPL.
Membrane-based separation scheme for processing sweeteners from stevia leaves

In existing processes, extraction and refining of glycoside based sweeteners from stevia leaves involves many process steps including extraction by organic solvents. The purpose of the present study was to develop a process of extraction and refining of sweeteners with reduced number of unit operations and minimization and/or elimination of chemical usage including organic solvents. It was found that water was very effective for extracting glycosides at selected pH and temperatures. It was also shown that a multi-stage membrane process was successfully able to concentrate the glycoside sweeteners. Based on the preliminary results, it appears that bitter-tasting components were washed out from the sweetener concentrate in the nanofiltration process. This work also has demonstrated that a membrane-based separation process for refining glycoside-based sweeteners could be viable and needs to be investigated further.
Effects on the offspring of female rats fed phenylalanine

Abstract Feeding pregnant and lactating female rats 7 per cent L-phenylalanine causes some increase in the plasma phenylalanine levels of the suckling young during the first six days. Adding DL-phenylalanine to the diet of the dams receiving L-phenylalanine caus causes a greater increase in blood levels of the suckling young than if L-phenylalanine is fed alone.
Simultaneous occurrence of Henoch-Schönlein purpura and acute appendicitis

We report a case of simultaneous occurrence of Henoch-Schonlein purpura and acute appendicitis in a 6-year-old girl. Her complaints and the findings on physical examination were typical of acute appendicitis. Ultrasonic examinations showed a swollen appendix with fluid collection. Emergency laparotomy demonstrated perforating appendicitis with abscess formation. Melena had started the day before the operation, and skin purpura developed on the 4th postoperative day. The serum factor XIII level was reduced to 48%. The administration of both steroids and factor XIII concentrate alleviated the associated symptoms. Immunohistochemical examination of the excised appendix revealed deposits of immunoglobulin A on the vascular wall.
Surfactant-enabled epitaxy through control of growth mode with chemical boundary conditions

Property coupling at interfaces between active materials is a rich source of functionality, if defect densities are low, interfaces are smooth and the microstructure is featureless. Conventional synthesis techniques generally fail to achieve this when materials have highly dissimilar structure, symmetry and bond type-precisely when the potential for property engineering is most pronounced. Here we present a general synthesis methodology, involving systematic control of the chemical boundary conditions in situ, by which the crystal habit, and thus growth mode, can be actively engineered. In so doing, we establish the capability for layer-by-layer deposition in systems that otherwise default to island formation and grainy morphology. This technique is demonstrated via atomically smooth {111} calcium oxide films on (0001) gallium nitride. The operative surfactant-based mechanism is verified by temperature-dependent predictions from ab initio thermodynamic calculations. Calcium oxide films with smooth morphology exhibit a three order of magnitude enhancement of insulation resistance.
Structural basis for fibroblast growth factor receptor activation

FGF signaling plays a ubiquitous role in human biology as a regulator of embryonic development, homeostasis and regenerative processes. In addition, aberrant FGF signaling leads to diverse human pathologies including skeletal, olfactory, and metabolic disorders as well as cancer. FGFs execute their pleiotropic biological actions by binding, dimerizing and activating cell surface FGF receptors (FGFRs). Proper regulation of FGF-FGFR binding specificity is essential for the regulation of FGF signaling and is achieved through primary sequence variations among the 18 FGFs and seven FGFRs. The severity of human skeletal syndromes arising from mutations that violate FGF-FGFR specificity is a testament to the importance of maintaining precision in FGF-FGFR specificity. The discovery that heparin/heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans are required for FGF signaling led to numerous models for FGFR dimerization and heralded one of the most controversial issues in FGF signaling. Recent crystallographic analyses have led to two fundamentally different models for FGFR dimerization. These models differ in both the stoichiometry and minimal length of heparin required for dimerization, the quaternary arrangement of FGF, FGFR and heparin in the dimer, and in the mechanism of 1:1 FGF-FGFR recognition and specificity. In this review, we provide an overview of recent structural and biochemical studies used to differentiate between the two crystallographic models. Interestingly, the structural and biophysical analyses of naturally occurring pathogenic FGFR mutations have provided the most compelling and unbiased evidences for the correct mechanisms for FGF-FGFR dimerization and binding specificity. The structural analyses of different FGF-FGFR complexes have also shed light on the intricate mechanisms determining FGF-FGFR binding specificity and promiscuity and also provide a plausible explanation for the molecular basis of a large number craniosynostosis mutations.
Hazardous waste site identification using aerial photography: A pilot study in Burlington County, New Jersey, USA

The objective of the project was to identify all hazardous waste sites in Burlington County, New Jersey that could be detected on existing, medium-scale aerial photographs of the county. The complete set of over 1000 black- and-white stereopairs at a scale of 1:12,000 was carefully examined for initial identification of possible sites. All suspicious sites were examined again on color transparencies of the county at the same 1:12,000 scale. Out of the 1094 black- and-white photos, 250 required further checking on color transparencies using a zoom stereoscope. This examination resulted in a final identification of 67 sites, the locations of which were delineated on 1:24,000 USGS maps. The use of air photo interpretation techniques provided an effective procedure for identifying waste sites quickly as well as providing a useful demonstration program for county and state officials.
Differential regulation of evoked peptide release by voltage-sensitive calcium channels in rat sensory neurons

To determine whether the sensitizing actions of prostaglandins on sensory neurons are due to modulation of voltage-sensitive calcium channels (VSCC) we examined the effects of inhibiting these channels on PGE,-induced enhancement of evoked peptide release from isolated dorsal root ganglion neurons. The inhibitory effects of the VSCC blockers on stimulated release were dependent upon the type of chemical agent used to evoke the release. Bradykinin-stimulated release of immunoreactive substance P(iSP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (iCGRP) was attenuated by the N-type VSCC blocker, ω-conotoxin GVIA (100 nM), but was unaffected by blockade of L-type (1 μM nifedipine) or P-type (200 nM ω-agatoxin IVA) VSCC. In contrast, potassium-stimulated release of peptides was inhibited by nifedipine, but not by co-conotoxin GVIA or ω-agatoxin IVA. None of the VSCC blockers tested attenuated capsaicin-stimulated release of iSP and iCGRP. The combination of 1 μM nifedipine and 100 nM ω-conotoxin GVIA reduced the whole cell calcium current 89% ± 1.7%. Administration of 100 nM PGE2 potentiated bradykinin- and capsaicin-evoked peptide release by 2–3-fold. Neither nifedipine nor ω-conotoxin GVIA attenuated the PGE2-mediated potentiation of bradykinin-evoked release, and neither ω-conotoxin GVIA nor w-agatoxin IVA blocked the potentiation of capsaicin-evoked release induced by PGE2. These results indicate that the sensitizing actions of PGE2 as measured by enhanced peptide release, are not mediated by L-, N-, or P-type VSCC.
In vivo analysis of key elements within the renin regulatory region.

Renin is responsible for initiating the enzymatic cascade that results in the production of angiotensin II, the major effector molecule of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Extensive information ...
STATISTICAL AND NEURAL CLASSIFIERS TO DETECT TRAFFIC OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS ON URBAN ARTERIALS

This paper proposes using artificial neural networks in a modular architecture to assist in detecting different types of operational problems on signalized urban arterials. A traffic surveillance infrastructure that includes inductive loop detectors on intersection approaches as well as mid-block system loops for traffic monitoring is used. For arterials, problems that require the attention of a traffic management center operator include lane-blocking incidents, special event conditions, and detector malfunctioning. Problem detection depends on factors such as operating conditions, configuration of sensors within the network, and block or link length. The feasibility of training and testing neural network models as components of a modular architecture, with an appropriate model for each sub-problem of pattern recognition, is demonstrated. The performance of this modular architecture exceeded that of any single architecture applied to the detection of different types of operational problems. The paper also reports on the performance of each type of model considered and the effect traffic flow levels and detector configuration have on the performance of the incident detection model. The results show that with the selection of a suitable architecture, the modular neural classifier outperforms alternative discriminant analysis-based classifiers. This is demonstrated using cyclic data from microscopic simulation and field data from Urban Traffic Control System (UTCS) implementations in the Cities of Los Angeles and Anaheim, California.
Spontaneous T-cell lymphokine production and enhanced macrophage la expression and tumoricidal acitivity in MRL-Ipr mice

Abstract Three macrophage functions were studied in MRL-Ipr mice with autoimmune lymphoproliferative disease: surface expression of I-region-associated (Ia) antigens, tumor cytotoxicity, and interleukin-1 (IL-1) production. MRL-Ipr mice had a significantly increased representation of Ia-positive macrophages in the peritoneal cavity, compared to all normal strains of mice. In order to study the basis of this increase, thymocytes or splenocytes from MRL-Ipr mice were transplanted intraperitoneally into normal mice. Three days later the recipient mice had peritoneal exudates rich in Ia-positive macrophages. The cells which induced this response were T cells which elaborated a lymphokine responsible for the recruitment of Ia-positive macrophages. In previous studies from our laboratory using normal mice, lymphokine was secreted only following the interaction of immune T cells with antigen. The resident macrophages of MRL-Ipr mice were activated and killed tumor cells if triggered by an interaction with bacterial products, even without the addition of lymphokines. Secretion of IL-1 was normal. Our results indicate that the diseased MRL-1pr mice are characterized by (i) activated T cells that spontaneously secrete macrophage stimulatory molecules; and (ii) activated macrophages that show both an increased expression of Ia and lymphokine-independent triggering of tumoricidal activity.
Toward a Molecular Photochemical Device: A Triad for Photoinduced Charge Separation Based on a Platinum Diimine Bis(acetylide) Chromophore

A donor−chromophore−acceptor triad (D−C−A) in which the chromophore is a Pt diimine bis(acetylide) moiety (red), the donor is phenothiazine (blue), and the acceptor is nitrophenyl (green) has been synthesized and studied spectroscopically. Irradiation leads to a charge-separated state that has a 70 ns lifetime as measured by transient absorption spectroscopy.
Time-varying Fourier transform

A time-varying Fourier transform is defined along with its related power and phase spectra. A convenient recursive technique to compute this transform is also presented.
Strategic risk management: A foundation for improving enterprise risk management and governance

This article discusses the steps to success for organizations that want to improve their enterprise risk management. Management teams and boards of organizations of all types and sizes need to challenge themselves and their organizations to excel at strategic risk management. Developing strategic risk management processes and capabilities can become a strong foundation for improving risk management and governance. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improving quality of life for persons with Alzheimer's disease and their family caregivers: brief occupational therapy intervention.

OBJECTIVE. This study examined the extent to which adherence to occupational therapy recommendations would increase the quality of life of persons with Alzheimer's disease living in the community and decrease the burden felt by family members caring for them. METHOD. Using a pretest-posttest control group design, the Assessment of Instrumental Function (AIF) was administered to two groups of persons with Alzheimer's disease in their own homes (n = 40). Caregivers completed measures of their feelings of burden and the quality of life, including level of function of the persons with Alzheimer's disease. RESULTS. A significant (MANCOVA) main effect was obtained for caregiver burden and three components of quality of life, positive affect, activity frequency and self-care status, by the treatment group, F(4, 31) = 7.34, p <.001. CONCLUSIONS. Individualized occupational therapy intervention based on the person-environment fit model appears effective for both caregivers and clients. This is especially important in light of a recent directive for more favorable reimbursement for occupational therapy services for persons with dementia.
Comparisons between local linear estimator and kernel smooth estimator for a smooth distribution based on MSE under right censoring

We propose a local linear estimator for a smooth distribution function based on censored data. This new estimator applies local linear techniques to observations from a regression model where the value of the product limit estimator equals the value of the true distribution plus an error term. We show that the advantage of using the local linear estimator over the smooth kernel estimator is that, for most commonly used kernel functions, local linear estimator has a smaller mean squared error than the kernel smooth estimator studied by Ghorai and Susarla (1990).
Deformation of a Polydomain, Smectic Liquid Crystalline Elastomer

A main-chain, polydomain, smectic liquid crystalline elastomer (LCE) was prepared by reacting the LC epoxy monomer, diglycidyl ether of 4,4'-dihydroxy-R-methylstilbene, with the aliphatic diacid, sebacic acid. When deformed in uniaxial tension, a "polydomain-to-monodomain" transition took place leading to bulk, macroscopic orientation. With this process was associated a plateau in the nominal stress-versus-strain curve and a dramatic change in optical properties from opaque to translucent. Polarized optical microscopy showed that the transition took place by an elongation of the LC domains and a rotation of the local director orientations along the stress axis. The strain and orientation of the deformed samples were retained upon unloading, even after annealing above Tg for extended periods. Upon heating, the oriented LCEs disordered at the same temperature as the undeformed polydomains and "remembered" their original polydomain microstructure and sample dimensions when subsequently cooled from the isotropic state.
Large scale production of phage antibody libraries using a bioreactor

One of the limitations of the use of phage antibody libraries in high throughput selections is the production of sufficient phage antibody library at the appropriate quality. Here, we successfully adapt a bioreactor-based protocol for the production of phage peptide libraries to the production of phage antibody libraries. The titers obtained in the stirred-tank bioreactor are 4 to 5 times higher than in a standard shake flask procedure, and the quality of the phage antibody library produced is indistinguishable to that produced using standard procedures as assessed by Western blotting and functional selections. Availability of this protocol will facilitate the use of phage antibody libraries in high-throughput scale selections.
Advances in Parasite Genomics: From Sequences to Regulatory Networks

Parasites have kept many secrets from the researchers who have sought to eradicate them over past decades. The mechanisms by which they evade drugs, escape the immune system, regulate switching between genes involved in immune evasion, and orchestrate development have been difficult to elucidate. They have been successful at this in part because they are difficult to keep in the laboratory, difficult to breed, and difficult to raise in sufficient quantities for biochemistry, and because they parasitize hosts that are not ideal experimental subjects. While Plasmodium falciparum is less tractable than one would wish, genetic manipulation can still be performed. On the other hand, Plasmodium vivax, which cannot be maintained in culture, is even less accessible, and there are few research tools available. While these difficulties present impediments to drug, vaccine, and basic research, the availability of parasite genome sequences and related genome-based tools have provided substantial opportunities to overcome the lack of a robust culture system needed for traditional molecular biology, the shortage of material for biochemistry, and the lack of traditional genetic methods for studying gene function. The advent of new technologies for examining and detecting genetic variation, measuring transcript abundance, and measuring protein or metabolite abundance on a genome-wide scale, or for sequencing genomes in combination with new computational methods, may lift some of the barriers to working on actual pathogens. Here, I will review some recent discoveries that were facilitated by industrial-scale molecular biology approaches.
Superlattice Material for the Multi-Junction Thermophotovoltaics Lattice Matched to InP

Power conversion in a thermophotovoltaic (TPV) or any other photovoltaic device can be increased by implementing monolithically series connected multi-bandgap structure in the device. The main concern for the multi-band gap device is the availability of different band gaps for the optimal operation of the device. Based on the recent work, GaAsN/InAsN superlattice lattice matched to InP has shown the potential of achieving band gaps in the range of 0.7-0.35eV, which is technologically important range for the TPV structure due to the availability of the photon energies in this range from the heat source. Integration of such a strain balanced superlattice structures in the conventional 0.74eV InGaAs p-i-n junction diode to produce multi-bandgap monolithically series connected devices is discussed. It is shown that these devices could surpass the performance of the bulk-like lattice mismatched InGaAs TPV converters, enabling the multi-junction tandem cell on InP.
Effects of television violence on memory for commercial messages.

Three experiments tested whether television violence impairs memory for commercials. Participants saw commercials embedded in violent or nonviolent film clips. The film clips were similar on other dimensions that might influence commercial memory (e.g., arousal and involvement). After viewing a film clip, participants completed several recall and recognition memory tests. In all experiments, participants who saw a violent film clip had poorer memory for commercials than did participants who saw a nonviolent film clip. In Experiment 3, participants also reported their mood after viewing a film clip but before completing the memory tests. Anger mediated between television violence and commercial memory. Television violence increased anger, and anger, in turn, impaired memory for commercials. These results suggest that sponsoring violent programs might not be a profitable venture for advertisers.
Global Clustering of Countries By Culture - An Extension of the GLOBE Study

In the “Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness" (GLOBE) Research Program (House et al., 2004; Chokkar et al., 2007), research collaborators around the world studied leadership attributes by first grouping 62 societies around the world into 10 country clusters based on their cultural similarities. Because the groupings were based on empirical cultural dimensions obtained from individuals surveyed from these countries, the extension of their methodology to include additional countries would similarly require such survey data. The difficulty of obtaining such data has hitherto prevented their cultural groupings from being extended to other countries beyond those included initially.The objective of this study is to derive a statistical model of their country cultural clustering using observable and easily obtained data from the countries included in the original study. We use multivariate discriminant analysis to examine the observable attributes of the countries used in the original GLOBE clusters, using the following factors: (1) racial/ethnic distribution; (2) religious distribution; (3) geographic proximity of the countries; (4) major language distribution; and (5) colonial heritage. Based on the degree of fit of the statistical model (discriminant analysis), we classify all other countries into the 10 cultural clusters identified in the GLOBE study. Finally, using the results from the statistical analysis, we derive general rules of thumb for classifying countries into the same 10 cultural clusters. This extension enables researchers seeking to apply global cultural groupings in their study to have a more reliable basis to do so.
Complex interactions in Parkinson's disease: a two-phased approach.

The identification of pathogenic mutations in the three genes α-synuclein, parkin, and ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) has elucidated the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) and its potential role as a causal pathway in Parkinson's disease (PD). In addition, polymorphisms of these three genes have been shown to be independently associated with PD. In a sample of 298 unrelated PD cases and 185 controls, we applied a two-phased approach of recursive partitioning and logistic regression analyses to explore complex interactions. For women only, we observed an epistatic interaction of UCHL1 and α-synuclein genotypes with significant effects on PD risk (odds ratio = 2.42; P = 0.003). Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that PD is a multigenic disorder of the UPS. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society
Imitation and social intelligence for synthetic characters

An increasing amount of evidence suggests that in human infants the ability to learn by watching others, and in particular, the ability to imitate, could be crucial precursors to the development of appropriate social behavior, and ultimately the ability to reason about the thoughts, intents, beliefs, and desires of others [Meltzoff 1996]. We have created a number of imitative characters and robots [Breazeal et al. 2004], the latest of which is Max T. Mouse, an anthropomorphic animated mouse character who is able to observe the actions he sees his friend Morris Mouse performing, and compare them to the actions he knows how to perform himself. This matching process allows Max to accurately imitate Morris’s gestures and actions, even when provided with limited synthetic visual input. Furthermore, by using his own perception, motor, and action systems as models for the behavioral and perceptual capabilities of others (a process known as Simulation Theory in the cognitive literature), Max can begin to identify simple goals and motivations for Morris’s behavior, an important step towards developing characters with a full theory of mind.
Fundamentals of Lossy Video Compression

In the previous chapter, we introduced some of the basic concepts in the theory of lossy compression of still-images. These concepts can be readily applied to the compression of image sequences (such as video) as well, by simply treating each image in the sequence as a still-image. This approach is inherently simple; however, it does not provide significant compression. For instance, consider an uncompressed image sequence at a data rate of 166 Mbits per second. Using a DCT-based coding system on an image-by-image basis, for good image fidelity, one can achieve close to 12:1 data compression. Thus, the compressed bit rate is close to 14 Mbits per second, which is too high for most practical uses. For instance, the bandwidth for digital TV broadcasting is close to 4 to 6 Mbits per second. In this case, we need a compression ratio around 41:1. In another example, the typical output rate of a CD-ROM drive is close to 1.5 Mbits per second. In this case, we need a compression ratio around 110:1. Hence, in practical applications with image sequences, we require at least four times better compression ratios than those we can achieve with coders for still-images.
Complementary and alternative medicine for functional gastrointestinal disorders

Patients suffering from functional gastrointestinal disorders are likely to search elsewhere when conventional therapies fail them. Enthusiasm for complementary and alternative medicine use and research is clearly growing. Studies of acupuncture and herbal therapy for functional gastrointestinal disorders in the Western literature have often been limited by poor study design but these interventions may have promise and are discussed here.
Nephrolithiasis: site of the initial solid phase

Most cases of nephrolithiasis are associated with the relatively common metabolic abnormality of idiopathic hypercalciuria (1). These patients generally absorb an excess amount of dietary calcium leading to increased urine calcium excretion and supersaturation with respect to calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate; they subsequently form stones. Other patients with nephrolithiasis, who have had an intestinal bypass procedure, absorb oxalate in excess leading to increased urine oxalate excretion and supersaturation with respect to calcium oxalate; they also subsequently form stones. In these and other causes of nephrolithiasis, the site of the initial solid phase has long been the subject of debate. Over 65 years ago, A. Randall demonstrated that interstitial crystals located at, or adjacent to, the papillary tip, Randall’s plaques, were common in stone formers (2). He found that these crystals were composed not of calcium oxalate, the most common solid phase found in patients with nephrolithiasis, but of calcium phosphate (3). He believed that the calcium phosphate crystals formed in the papillary interstitium and then eroded into the urinary space, serving as a heterogeneous nucleation surface for calcium oxalate. B. Finlayson later argued that, due to rapid flow of the renal ultrafiltrate through the tubule, there was insufficient time for formation of a lumen-obstructing solid phase (4), which also suggested that an intratubular site of stone formation was unlikely. However, other investigators found that calcium oxalate crystals adhered to cultured tubular cells (5), where they could either be endocytosed or remain on the cell surface, serving as a nidus for growth into larger, clinically significant, calculi.