cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Statements as questions in interviews with celebrities: A Mandarin Chinese and American English comparative perspective on a questioning strategy

Abstract Drawing on eleven television/radio celebrity interviews (316 min), broadcast in American English and Mandarin Chinese in the US and in China, the current study is a comparative discourse analysis of an indirect questioning strategy in media interview discourse, i.e., the interviewers’ deployments of statements that effectuate turn-transfer and function as information-soliciting questions. The findings show parallels between the two datasets regarding the types of statement-questions prevalent, such as formulations of the interviewee's experiences ( Heritage and Roth, 1995 ), appraisals of the interviewee-associated events, and third-party attributed/descriptive statements. Differences in the two datasets lie in the particular discursive formulations and subsequent functions of these similar types of statement-questions. For instance, the American English interviewers' third-party attributed/descriptive statements focus on public controversies, while the same types, in the Mandarin interviews, may evoke others' (hypothetical) perceptions of the guest as a person, effectuating a normative ideology. Overall, the study contributes to a broader understanding of the universality of indirect speech acts and the potential cultural specificity of indirect speech acts. The findings also expand the literature of media interviews by illustrating the types of statement-questions arguably particular to the celebrity interview genre, including use of positive addressee-assessments to organize topics and support the interviewee's public persona.
Ashman phenomenon of the T wave

Abstract In 1947 Gouaux and Ashman1 described a patient with atrial fibrillation in whom the sequence of long-short cycle lengths led to QRS aberration of the QRS complex terminating the short cycle. The long cycle causes the action potential2 and refractory period3–5 of the next beat to lengthen. The impulse that terminates the short cycle is thus likely to meet relatively refractory ventricular conduction tissue.6 Such QRS aberration has been referred to as the Ashman phenomenon. Because the form of the T wave is influenced by both the ventricular repolarization process and the ventricular activation sequence, aberrated QRS complexes of the Ashman phenomenon are usually accompanied by T-wave abnormalities. We report here 2 patients in whom T-wave aberration occurred in the absence of QRS aberration, when short ventricular cycles followed beats of relatively longer cycles. This is the first description of the Ashman phenomenon of the T wave without aberration of the corresponding QRS complex.
Evidence for heterogeneity of low-density lipoprotein metabolism in the cynomolgus monkey.

Abstract Preliminary studies were performed to establish whether there was kinetic heterogeneity in the metabolism of subclasses of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in the cynomolgus monkey. Previous studies of the effects of inhibition of hepatic triglyceride lipase in this species had shown an increase in the mass of lighter LDL ( S f ⪢ 9) and a decrease in the mass of denser LDL. LDL (1.019 d d 2 (1.035 d 125 I-labeled very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) were injected into chow-fed cynomolgus monkeys, apoB radioactivity appeared in LDL 1 prior to its appearance in LDL 2 . [ 125 I)LDL 1 injected into the monkey was removed from the LDL 1 density subclass with a half-life of 5.5–10.3 h. Much of the radioactivity injected as LDL 1 was converted to denser LDL (LDL 2 ). Labeled LDL 2 injected into the monkey was not converted to LDL 1 . Thus, at least two kinetically distinct subpopulations of LDL circulate in the plasma of this species. The lighter LDL is to a large extent a metabolic precursor of the more dense LDL (LDL 2 ).
Organic–inorganic hybrid nanoparticles with enhanced rare-earth emissions

Abstract LaF3 nanoparticles were grown in aqueous solutions containing different surfactants to realize stronger absorption cross-sections and energy transfer to the optical center. Benzoic acid and phthalic acid were selected as the surfactants attached to the nanoparticles. RE-doped LaF3 samples prepared with these surfactants showed enhanced emissions due to energy transfer from the organic ligand.
Buprenorphine versus methadone in the treatment of opioid-dependent cocaine users

This study compared the efficacy of buprenorphine to methadone for decreasing cocaine use in patients with combined opioid and cocaine use. Participants (n = 51) were enrolled in a 26-week treatment program and randomly assigned to either buprenorphine or methadone. Dosing was double-blind and double-dummy. Patients were stabilized on either 8 mg sublingual buprenorphine or 50 mg oral methadone, with dose increases given in response to continued illicit cocaine use or opioid use through week 16 of treatment. Maximum doses possible were 16 mg buprenorphine and 90 mg methadone. Average doses achieved were 11.2 mg buprenorphine and 66.6 mg methadone; 49% of the patients received the maximum doses possible. Urine samples were collected three times per week, and there was no significant difference in the rate of cocaine positive urines for the intent-to-treat sample (69% for buprenorphine versus 63% for methadone). For patients who remained in treatment through the flexible dosing period (n = 28), there were significant decreases in cocaine positive urines over time (P < 0.01), but no significant differences between groups or group x time effects. Buprenorphine and methadone were equally effective on measures of treatment retention, urine results for opioids, and compliance with attendance and counseling. These results demonstrate no selective efficacy of either buprenorphine or methadone in attenuating cocaine use in this population, but do provide further support for the equivalent efficacy of buprenorphine and methadone in the treatment of opioid dependence.
The impact of institutional change: Opportunities for acquisitions

Cet article analyse l'influence qu'exerce l'universite en tant qu'institution sur la politique d'acquisitions de la bibliotheque. Trois domaines se distinguent: la strategie de planification, le financement et les programmes internationaux, ou l'universite fait valoir ses priorites sur le developpement des collections
The Forces that will Change Architectural Education

Rarely do architecture schools use the design skills of our own facultyand students to reshape architectural education itself. While many radical ideas about the world get proposed in design studios, it seems far too radical to suggest that these studios might meet some other time than Monday/Wednesday/Friday afternoon or that there might be a differentcomposition to studio than a dozen or so architecture students taught by one faculty member. The profoundly conservative structure andformat of architectural education stems, in part, from the conservativenature of universities generally, with their societal obligation to preserveknowledge of the past and to counter reckless change. But, we are in the midst of a transformation in our economy that willrequire an equally dramatic transformation of architectural education . . .
Effect of pelleting calf rations on minimum protein requirements.

Abstract Calf starter rations containing 7.9% (Ration I) and 8.8% digestible protein (Ration II) were fed to 12 Holstein heifer calves per treatment from an average initial weight of 59kg to a constant terminal weight of 100kg. Six calves were fed each ration in 1.0cm pellets, and 6 were fed the rations as rolled grain and hay chopped through a 2.6cm screen. Calves fed pellets were pair-fed with those offered meal to equalize daily feed intake. Average gains (kg/day) and feed efficiency (kg feed/kg gain) were: 1.0, 3.5 (Ration I, meal); 0.9, 3.6 (Ration I, pellets); 0.7, 3.3 (Ration II, meal); and 0.9, 3.1 (Ration II, pellets). Protein levels significantly (P
Irradiated Silicon Gate MOS Device Bias Annealing

N-channel silicon gate MOS transistors exhibit positive threshold shifts when bias annealed following ionizing irradiation exposure. The threshold shift is probably due to electrons tunneling into the oxide and recombining at trapping centers near the Si/Sio2 interface. The threshold shifts are large enough in some cases to cause functional failures of MOS integrated circuits.
Ground‐based nitric oxide measurements at Wallops Island, Virginia

In July of 1983, ambient measurements of nitric oxide (NO) were obtained at Wallops Island, VA, during the NASA GTE/CITE ground-based instrument intercomparison field study. The instrument, which was designed for measurements in the remote troposphere from an aircraft platform, is briefly described. Ten days of ambient air observations showed broadly uniform diurnal behavior, although considerable variability was encountered. Two distinct synoptic meteorological conditions resulted in markedly different levels of nitric oxide abundance. When the local winds were from the north to west sectors, which placed the sampling site within 130 to 300 km of large urban centers, the midday mixing ratios were typically in the range of 200-300 pptv. In contrast, when the air mass sustained a 1- or 2-day period over the Atlantic Ocean, the mixing ratios were substantially lower and in the 50-60 pptv range.
Infrared cyclotron resonances in InSb at megagauss magnetic fields

Abstract Cyclotron resonance was studied in reflection in InSb at room temperature using pulsed magnetic fields of up to 1.4 MG and laser-obtained wavelengths of 10.6 and 5.56 μ. At 10.6μ, four resonances were found while one resonance was found at 5.56 μ.
Reaction of Thin Films of Solid-State Benzene and Pyridine with Calcium

The reaction between small organic molecules and low work function metals is of interest in organometallic, astronomical, and optoelectronic device chemistry. Here, thin, solid-state, amorphous ben...
The concept of pharmacologic cocaine interception as a treatment for drug abuse

Cocaine access to brain tissue and associated cocaine-induced behaviors are substantially reduced in rats and mice by significant plasma levels of an enzyme that rapidly metabolizes the drug. Similar results have been obtained in rodents and humans with therapeutic anti-cocaine antibodies, which sequester the drug and prevent its entry into the brain. We show that an efficient cocaine hydrolase can lead to rapid unloading of anti-cocaine antibodies saturated with cocaine, and we provide a theoretical basis for the hypothesis that dual therapy with antibody and hydrolase enzyme may be especially effective.
Predicting adolescent profiles of risk: looking beyond demographics

Abstract Purpose: To identify vulnerability and protective factors related to profiles of risk encapsulating the co-occurrence of health risk behaviors. Methods: The current sample includes 12,578 high school students from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, a nationally representative sample. Four profiles of risk behaviors (sexual activity, general alcohol use, binge-drinking, cigarette use, marijuana use, other illicit drug use, fighting, and suicide) were compared separately by gender for factors in four domains: psychosocial adjustment, daily activities, school, and family. Data were analyzed using ordinary least-squares regression with follow-up contrast statements and multinomial logit regression. Results: Results indicate that profiles are related to factors in the psychosocial adjustment, school, and family domains. Students in the lowest risk profiles reported consistently higher levels of protective factors and lower levels of vulnerability factors than students in any other profiles. Likewise, students in the highest risk profiles reported consistently lower levels of protective factors and higher levels of vulnerability factors than those in any other profiles. Students in profiles of risk distinguished by higher levels of suicidal thoughts and behaviors reported similar levels of vulnerability and protection as the highest risk profiles. Students in profiles consisting of sexually active, substance-using teens reported higher levels of protective factors and lower levels of vulnerability factors than both the highest risk profiles and the profiles distinguished by suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Conclusion: Program staff and policymakers should recognize that different profiles of risk behaviors are related to varying levels of vulnerability and protective factors which have potential implications for preventive interventions.
Magnetohydrodynamic/steam power plant modeling and control

Abstract A dynamic power-flow simulation of an overall magnetohydrodynamic (MHD)/steam electrical power generating plant is developed. Time domain solutions to the set of system equations are given. Several control configurations are applied to the system and their effects on system dynamic response are presented. The overall combined-cycle system model utilizes an input-output characterization of the Combustor/Nozzle/Channel/Diffuser. This characterization is developed from polynomial approximations of data resulting from the solutions of energy balance, state, and continuity equations for the combustor and the quasi one-dimensional MHD equations for the nozzle, channel and diffuser. The boiler and turbine valve model has turbine valve area and power available to generate steam as inputs, and throttle pressure, power to the turbines, and boiler and stack losses as outputs. Regenerative air preheater cycling is also modeled, and the effect of cycling on plant output is given.
Planning, designing, and implementing heat-straightening repair of bridges

The use of heat straightening to repair damaged steel bridges requires careful planning and design of the repair. This planning begins with the engineer, who provides guidelines for both supervision and implementation of the repair through the supervisor and contractor. The process begins with damage assessment and includes checking for fractures, measuring the degree of damage, evaluating the degree of material degradation, and checking geometric distortion. The second step is to plan the repair by analyzing the degree of damage, determining maximum strains, selecting heating patterns, and developing a constraint plan. A methodology is provided for this planning and design. In addition, the responsibilities of the supervisor and the contractor are given. Practitioners are primarily targeted and guidelines are provided for implementing heat-straightening repairs.
The Correlation of Simultaneous Heat and Mass Transfer Experimental Data for Aqueous Lithium Bromide Vertical Falling Film Absorption

A study of simultaneous heat and mass transfer was conducted on a vertical falling film absorber to better understand the mechanisms driving the heat and mass transfer processes. Thermographic phosphors were successfully used to measure the temperature profile along the length of the absorber test tube. These measures of the local variations in temperature enabled calculation of the bulk concentration along the length of the absorber. The bulk concentration varied linearly, which infers that the concentration gradient in the direction of flow is approximately constant. The implication is that the mass flux and therefore the absorber load can be solved for using a constant flux approximation. Design data and correlations are sparse in the open literature. Some experimental data are available; however, all literature data to date have been derived at mass fractions of lithium bromide ranging from 0.30 to 0.60. Experiments were therefore conducted with no heat and mass transfer additive on an internally cooled smooth tube of 0.01905-m outside diameter and of 1.53-m length. The data, for testing at 0.62 and 0.64 mass fraction, were scaled and correlated into both Nu and Sh formulations. The average absolute error in the Nu correlation is about ±3.5% of the Nu number reduced from the experimental data. The Sh correlation is about ±5% of the reduced Sh data. Data from the open literature were reduced to the authors Nu and Sh formulations, and were within 5% of the correlations developed in the present study. The study therefore provides test data with no heat and mass transfer additive and correlations for the coupled heat- and mass-transfer process that are validated against the extensive experimental data.
High-efficiency quantum state engineering

Efficiently creating optical quantum states, both simple (e.g., pure single-photon states) and complex (e.g., polarization-entangled but spectrally unentangled photon pairs), remains an experimental challenge. We report on a novel method that allows for efficiently preparing certain classes of states: by weakly driving repeated downconversion in a cavity, we can pseudo-deterministically add photons to a state, preparing Fock states of definite photon number. We discuss expected performance and experimental limitations, including the difficulty of creating pure photons at a high rate. Additionally, we report on our progress in engineering high-rate spatio-spectrally unentangled downconversion, a key technology for optical quantum information processing, and propose a novel 4-photon experimental scheme to test the intrinsic indistinguishability of the photons from this source.
Retrieval of Clear Sky Moisture Profiles using the 183 GHz Water Vapor Line

A technique for retrieving vertical moisture profiles from downlooking radiometric measurements of atmospheric radiation near the 183 GHz water vapor line is described. A simulation experiment utilizing this retrieval technique and temperature and moisture profiles from tropical radiosonde stations has been carried out. Assuming the atmospheric temperature profile is known to 2 K rms (state-of-the-art with present remote sensors) and the instrument noise is 1-2 K rms brightness temperature (achievable with current technology), the humidity between the 700 and 1000 mb pressure levels was retrieved to within about 20 percent of true value over ocean and within about 45 percent of true value over land. The precipitable water content was retrieved to within about 10 percent rms of true value over the ocean and within about 45 percent rms of true value over land.
Neonatal Bisphenol A exposure alters sexually dimorphic gene expression in the postnatal rat hypothalamus.

Abstract Developmental exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA), a component of polycarbonate and epoxy resins, has been purported to adversely impact reproductive function in female rodents. Because neonatal life is a critical window for the sexual dimorphic organization of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis, interference with this process could underlie compromised adult reproductive physiology. The goal of the present study was to determine if neonatal BPA exposure interferes with sex specific gene expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), ER beta (ERβ) and kisspeptin (Kiss1) in the anterior and mediobasal hypothalamus. Long Evans (LE) neonatal rats were exposed to vehicle, 10 μg estradiol benzoate (EB), 50 mg/kg BPA or 50 μg/kg BPA by subcutaneous injection daily from postnatal day 0 (PND 0) to PND 2. Gene expression was assessed by in situ hybridization on PNDs 4 and 10. Within the anterior hypothalamus ERα expression was augmented by BPA in PND 4 females, then fell to male-typical levels by PND 10. ERβ expression was not altered by BPA on PND 4, but significantly decreased or eliminated in both sexes by PND 10. Kiss1 expression was diminished by BPA in the anterior hypothalamus, especially in females. There were no significant impacts of BPA in the mediobasal hypothalamus. Collectively, BPA effects did not mirror those of EB. The results show that neonatal hypothalamic ER and Kiss1 expression is sensitive to BPA exposure. This disruption may alter sexually dimorphic hypothalamic organization and underlie adult reproductive deficiencies. Additionally, the discordant effects of EB and BPA indicate that BPA likely disrupts hypothalamic organization by a mechanism other than simply acting as an estrogen mimic.
Problem solving within a verbal response hierarchy

Upon being given a stimulus word, Ss were given three guesses to discover the strongest or the second strongest associate of the word. As expected from response-hierarchy approach to problem solving, improvement over successive guesses was greater for the weaker associate.
The response of a NaI(T1) crystal to monoergic neutrons

Abstract The response of a 1 3 4 ″ × 2″ NaI(T1) cylinder to neutrons in the pulse height region between 2.5 and 7 MeV gamma energy equivalent was studied as a function of incident neutron energy for a range of neutron energies between room scattered neutrons and 1.162 MeV. The Li7(p, n) Be7 reaction was used as a source of neutrons since it is relatively free from high energy gamma ray background. Monoergic neutron response curves were obtained for neutron energies of 166 keV, 341 keV, and 469 keV. All other distributions were for proton energies giving rise to two neutron groups. The pulse height distributions were measured for a fixed number of counts of a shielded long counter at each neutron energy. The long counter was calibrated against Ilford C2 emulsions for the case of 1.162 and 0.698 MeV neutrons in order to obtain the neutron flux from the long counter counts. The pulse height distributions are nearly linear between 4 and 6.6 MeV. The extrapolations of these distributions intersect the gamma equivalent axis at approximately the binding energy of the last neutron in I128.
Projection neurons of the nucleus accumbens: an intracellular labeling study

Projection neurons of nucleus accumbens (NAC) of the rat were identified by either antidromic activation from stimulation of midbrain ventral tegmental area-substantia nigra (VTA-SN) regions, or by tracing axons of intracellularly labeled NAC neurons into the ventral pallidum. The morphology of these NAC projection neurons were determined to be medium spiny neurons similar to those identified in the caudate-putamen.
Minimum energy operation for clustered island-style FPGAs

Despite the advantages offered by field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) for low-power systems requiring flexible computing resources, applications with the lowest power budgets still favor microprocessors and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). In order for such systems to exploit FPGAs, an FPGA achieving minimum energy operation is needed. Minimum energy points have been found for ASICs and microprocessors to occur at operating voltages that are typically below the transistor threshold voltage. This paper presents two clustered island-style test chips capable of operating with a single supply voltage as low as 260 mV. This supply voltage represents the lowest voltage at which an FPGA has been successfully programmed. Test chip measurements show that the minimum energy point of both circuits is at or below this minimum operating voltage. Operation at 260 mV leads to a 40X power-delay product reduction vs. 1.5V operation. The results demonstrate a clear path forward for fabricating low voltage FPGAs that are fully compatible with existing tool flows.
School Counseling Programs as Spiritual and Religious Safe Zones

The authors present a model for creating spiritual and religious safe zones in school counseling programs that implements the Association for Spiritual, Ethical and Religious Values in Counseling's (ASERVIC; 2009) Competencies for Addressing Spiritual and Religious Issues in Counseling in a school setting. The authors frame the model within the context of issues related to the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and posit that students' ability to discuss and explore spiritual and religious issues promotes their personal and social-emotional development.
Preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections: an executive summary of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc, Elimination Guide.

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) began publishing their series of Elimination Guides in 2007. Since then, 9 Elimination Guides have been developed that cover a range of important infection prevention issues, including the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), as well as mediastinitis surgical site surveillance. Multidrug-resistant organisms, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium difficile, and multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, also have been the focus of APIC Elimination Guides. The content of each of these Elimination Guides will be summarized in a series of upcoming Brief Reports published in The Journal. This article provides an executive summary of the APIC Elimination Guide for CAUTIs. Infection preventionists are encouraged to obtain the original, full-length APIC Elimination Guide for more thorough coverage of CAUTI prevention.
Dental Crowding: The Restorative Approach

Crowded dentition is commonly found in the esthetic zone. Many forms of therapy can be used to treat the overlap of teeth caused by insufficient space within the dental arch. A careful analysis of patients with dental crowding is necessary to determine the most appropriate treatment of each individual case. Clinical considerations, advantages, disadvantages, and alternative treatment modalities for crowding dentition are discussed in this article and a clinical case is presented to illustrate the application of these techniques.
High-ratio bandwidth reduction of video imagery for remote driving

In an effort to remove the soldier, to the extent possible, from harm's way, some of the Army's future combat vehicles will be tele-operable. Video or Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) sensors will be mounted on the vehicle, and imagery of the surrounding scene will be transmitted to a control station via a radio frequency (RF) link. However, visual imagery is a large user of bandwidth, and bandwidth on the battlefield is very limited. Therefore, a means must be found of achieving a low-data-rate transmission. We have developed a system that accomplishes this by using two distinct techniques. First, a 25-to-1 bandwidth reduction ratio is achieved by compressing the transmitted image using a combination of the Discrete Cosine Transform and Huffman encoding. Second, a 90-to-1 bandwidth reduction ratio is achieved by transmitting only one frame every 3 second rather than the usual 30 frames per second. The intervening 3 seconds are filled with 89 synthetically created frames (synthetic optic flow) which appear very much like those that would have been transmitted using full bandwidth transmission. The result of these two steps is an overall bandwidth reduction ratio of 25 X 90 equals 2250 to 1.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Trace porphyrin complexes - Fluorescence detection by demetallation with methanesulfonic acid.

A method is described for the detection and spectral examination of traces of porphyrin complexes by controlled demetallation and spectrofluorometry. By carrying out the demetallation with methanesulfonic acid in the optical cell, difficulties connected with handling losses and introduction of contamination are minimized. The method is sensitive to quantities as low as 0.05 ng.
Targeting the PI3K signaling pathway in cancer

The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway is activated in a variety of different human cancers, and inhibitors of this pathway are under active development as anti-cancer therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the data supporting the use of PI3K pathway inhibitors in genetically and clinically defined cancers. This review focuses on their efficacy as single agents and in combination with other targeted therapies, specifically those targeting the MEK-ERK signaling pathway.
Model of Weak - and Electromagnetic - Interaction Symmetry

A model that unites the intermediate boson of the weak interaction and the photon of the electromagnetic interaction into a multiplet of gauge fields is considered. Weak leptonic currents and hadronic Cabibbo currents are handled in a parallel manner and generate an SU(2) symmetry group. It is suggested how the $K$-spin-triplet hypothesis emerges from such an approach. The symmetry between the weak and electromagnetic interaction is spontaneously broken resulting in a massive electron and an intermediate boson.
Differentiation of organics from functional psychiatric patients across various IQ ranges using the Bender‐Gestalt and hutt scoring system

This study investigated the effectiveness of the Hutt Scoring System (Hutt, 1977) in differentiating organic from functional psychiatric patients, the relationship of IQ to Bender-Gestalt errors as measured by this scoring system, and examined the discriminative power of this scoring system for various IQ ranges. One hundred eighty patients were utilized, 90 of whom had been classified as organics and matched with the remaining 90 subjects on the basis of age, education, and IQ range. In addition, the organic subjects' secondary diagnosis was matched with the primary diagnosis of the nonorganic patients. Results between WAIS IQ and Hutt error scores for organic subjects yielded an r = -.34 (p less than .01); between WAIS IQ and Hutt error scores for the nonorganic subjects, r = -.61 (p less than .001). No significant results were obtained for organics and nonorganics simultaneously within the same IQ cells.
PTEN tumor suppressor associates with NHERF proteins to attenuate PDGF receptor signaling

PTEN, a tumor suppressor frequently inactivated in many human cancers, directly antagonizes the activity of phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase (PI3K) by dephosphorylating phosphoinositides. We show here that PTEN interacts directly with the NHERF1 and NHERF2 (Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor) homologous adaptor proteins through the PDZ motif of PTEN and the PDZ1 domain of NHERF1 or both PDZ domains of NHERF2. NHERFs were shown to interact directly with platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), and we demonstrate the assembly of a ternary complex between PTEN, NHERFs and PDGFR. The activation of the PI3K pathway after PDGFR stimulation was prolonged in NHERF1(−/−) mouse embryonic fibroblasts as compared to wild-type cells, consistent with defective PTEN recruitment to PDGFR in the absence of NHERF1. Depletion of NHERF2 by small interfering RNA similarly increased PI3K signaling. Phenotypically, the loss of NHERF1 enhanced the PDGF-induced cytoskeletal rearrangements and chemotactic migration of the cells. These data indicate that, in normal cells, NHERF proteins recruit PTEN to PDGFR to restrict the activation of the PI3K.
Influence of potassium supply on growth and nutrient storage by water hyacinth

Abstract The net productivity and nutrient storage of potassium (K), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) by water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes [Mart.] Solms) were evaluated at several K concentrations in the culture medium (between 2 and 52 mg K liter−1) using 1000-liter outdoor tanks for a period of about 4 months. Maximum plant biomass (3·1 kg (dw) m−2) was reached at culture medium K concentrations of 12–52 mg K liter−1. Potassium storage in water hyacinth tissue steadily increased at K supplies of up to 52 mg K liter−1 with a maximum tissue K content of 72 mg K g−1. Maximum N and P storage in the plant biomass was reached at K concentrations of 12 and 22 mg K liter−1, respectively; further increases in K concentration did not increase either N or P storage.
Mitogenic property of a known sequence polymer, poly(TyrGluAlaGly)

Abstract Spleen cell cultures from mice of H-2 a, b, d, k, p, q, r, s haplotypes and BALB/c athymic nu/nu mice were stimulated by poly(TyrGluAlaGly), (TGAGly) n , as measured by an increase in the in vitro [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation. A kinetic study indicated that, as was the response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 2-day cultures gave the best response. (TGAGly) n and LPS when cultured together gave rise to synergistic responses during thymidine uptake. The synergism of LPS and (TGAGly) n occurred at both suboptimal and optimal concentrations. Of the strains tested for synergism between LPS and (TGAGly) n , mice of H-2 a, b, d, q, r, and s haplotypes showed positive reaction while H-2 k haplotype showed no synergism. Lipid A-associated protein component was found to be the active moiety in the synergistic response with (TGAGly) n . The synergism of LPS and (TGAGly) n was limited to the thymidine uptake only. There was no synergistic polyclonal response as assayed by PFC. The mitogenic responses to (TGAGly) n do not lead to polyclonal antibody responses. Two other related known-sequence polymers poly(TyrAlaGluGly), (TAGGly) n and poly(PheGluAlaGly), (PheGAGly) n , were also found to be mitogenic.
Asymptotic calculation of free convection in laminar three-dimensional systems

Abstract Boundary-layer solutions are given for free convection in laminar three-dimensional systems, driven by a temperature-dependent or composition-dependent density. Effects of rapid mass transfer and centrifugal forces are determined, and the results of Acrivos [1] for power-law fluids are generalized. The results hold asymptotically for large Prandtl or Schmidt number; they are strikingly confirmed by previous measurements of diffusion-limited electrochemical reactions.
Thermal probe or combination therapy for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage

Nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal (UGI) hemorrhage is a common reason for emergency care and hospitalization. Ulcer bleeding accounts for about 50% of the cases, and less common causes are angiomas, Mallory-Weiss tears, Dieulafoy's lesion, and UGI cancers. My specific purposes are: (1) to consider the details of care before emergency endoscopy and the timing of therapeutic endoscopy, (2) to describe the techniques that the Center for Ulcer Research and Education (CURE) Hemostasis Research Group uses for endoscopic hemostasis of different stigmata of ulcer hemorrhage, and (3) to detail the techniques for treatment of bleeding Mallory-Weiss tears and Dieulafoy's lesions. The emphasis is more on the methods than the results of endoscopic hemostasis. There has been significant progress and changes in the care of patients with nonvariceal UGI hemorrhage in the last 2 decades and these developments will be discussed. Examples of changes that have become the standard of care are the following: using stigmata of ulcer hemorrhage for prognostication, choosing different techniques for endoscopic hemostasis of different stigmata of ulcer hemorrhage, and use of algorithms for endoscopic treatment of bleeding Mallory-Weiss tears and Dieulafoy's lesions. Standardized approaches to the diagnosis and treatment are now recommended because they have been show to significantly improve the condition of patients with severe nonvariceal hemorrhage.
Abstract 2564: High-throughput siRNA library screen for discovery and identification of new melanoma therapeutic targets in combination with antioxidant pretreatment

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Melanoma is one of the most prevalent cancers in the United States, having the fifth highest cancer incidence in males and sixth highest incidence in females. Primary cutaneous melanoma can often be cured by surgery, but for those patients in whom metastasis has occurred, mortality is high in part due to numerous chemoresistance mechanisms. Thus, there is an urgent need to discover and identify novel therapeutic targets for the efficient treatment of this lethal disease. Gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful tool to identify novel genes involved in specific biological processes. In our study, we used high-throughput druggable siRNA library (Dharmacon) targeting 6028 human genes to screen metastatic melanoma cell lines and found that knockdown of gene expression by siRNA pools targeting 885 genes significantly inhibited melanoma growth (p 50% inhibition of cell viability in the melanoma A375 cells which we employed for the screening analysis. We validated the top-six cancer-related genes (RRM2, BCAR3, PSMA2, UBB, RRM1, TCP1) as potential melanoma therapeutic target candidates, as knockdown of these 6 genes significantly inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in multiple melanoma cell lines. We have hypothesized that antioxidant treatment relieves resistance mechanisms, and showed that among the screened >6000 siRNA pools, treatment with 20 pools significantly increased the growth inhibition in the presence of nontoxic levels of bardoxolone methyl (p<0.005), a novel semi-synthetic triterpenoid (previously known as CDDO-Me) with potent antioxidant activity generously provided by Reata Pharmaceuticals. We also selected 5 additional cancer-related genes (GNPAT, SUMO1, SPINT2, FLI1 and SSX1) for further analysis and validated them as additional candidates for therapeutic targeting in the presence of antioxidant. Our results thus demonstrate the feasibility of the high-throughput siRNA library screen system in discovering new melanoma therapeutic targets and shows that these new candidate genes are promising for the development of novel therapeutic targets for melanoma treatment, many of which are revealed by antioxidant pretreatment. Results from our study provide the basis for significant advances in identifying targets for the treatment of melanoma patients. (This study was partially supported by the grant from the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Medical Research Foundation and the NIH Melanoma SPORE grant P50, CA093459). Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2564.
The evolution of polyoma-transformed rat cell lines during propagation in vitro.

Abstract We have previously shown that the presence of a functional viral large T antigen in polyoma-transformed rat cells results in instability of the integrated viral DNA, as manifest by free viral DNA production, excision, and amplification of the integrated viral molecules. It has also been observed that polyoma tumors or transformed cell lines often do not produce functional large T antigen. To determine if an evolution toward the loss of large T-Ag function took place in vitro in polyoma-transformed cell lines, we studied the changes occurring in the integrated viral DNA sequences of a ts-a Py-transformed rat cell line, ts-a H3, upon propagation under conditions permissive (33°) or nonpermissive (39°) for large T function. H3 contains a single insertion of a partial tandem of ∼1.2 viral genomes, and at 33° produces free viral DNA and also undergoes a high frequency of excision and amplification, involving recombination between homologous portions of viral DNA. While the integrated arrangement of viral DNA sequences remains unchanged at 39°, in two independent experiments long-term propagation of H3 at 33° resulted in the emergence of a fully transformed cell population which no longer produced free viral DNA and whose integrated viral DNA pattern was modified. In one of these populations, H3 ∗ , interruption of the integrated viral coding sequences unique to large T antigen by a segment of host DNA resulted in the loss of large T antigen function. In another population, H3A ∗ -3, the integrated viral DNA had undergone some rearrangement which, however, did not apparently affect large T Ag coding sequences. Since the latter cell population did not produce free viral DNA and was unable to “rescue” integrated viral DNA sequences from a T-Ag-negative Py-transformed cell line after cell fusion, the large T antigen produced by H3A ∗ -3 is probably nonfunctional. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the presence of large T antigen leads to instability of the viral DNA integration and that this instability is responsible for the selection of large T antigen-negative cells from Py-transformed populations. Possible mechanisms underlying this type of evolution are presented.
Repeated deletion channels

We consider the question of the capacity of the deletion channel when multiple copies of the codeword are sent independently through the channel. This type of coding problem is straightforward for standard erasure and error channels, but is more challenging in the deletion channel setting. Our results show that when the same codeword is sent k times through the channel, each time with independent deletions with probability d, the optimal communication rate under a random codebook is 1 − αH(dk) + O(dk) for an explicitly given constant α.
Synthesis of dihomoprostaglandins from adrenic acid (7,10,13,16-docosatetraenoic acid) by human endothelial cells

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were found to contain adrenic acid (22:4) in their cellular lipids. Since this fatty acid may be metabolized by cyclooxygenase in the kidney, the metabolism of adrenic acid was studied in endothelial cell cultures. [14C]Adrenic acid was metabolized to several more polar metabolites. Two of these metabolites co-migrated on HPLC with 1 alpha,1 beta-dihomo-8-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha (the metabolite of 1 alpha, 1 beta-dihomoprostaglandin I2) and 1 alpha,1 beta-dihomoprostaglandin E2. Indomethacin (10(-5) M) inhibited the synthesis of these metabolites. When cells were treated with adrenic acid (3 X 10(-5) M), a peak that co-migrated with dihomo-8-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha was detected by radioimmunoassay using an antiserum directed against 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha. The presence of dihomo-8-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha was confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Immunoreactive peaks that co-migrated with dihomoprostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha were identified with antisera against prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin F2 alpha, respectively. [14C]Arachidonic acid was metabolized to [14C]prostaglandin F2 alpha, 6-keto[14C]prostaglandin F1 alpha, and [14C]prostaglandin E2. Similar results were found with unlabelled arachidonic acid using specific antisera. When the two fatty acids were combined, adrenic acid reduced the metabolism of arachidonic acid. The culture media from endothelial cells inhibited thrombin-induced platelet aggregation, an effect blocked by aspirin. The inhibitory activity of the media was enhanced when arachidonic acid was added to the cells, but it was reduced by adrenic acid. Both prostaglandin I2 and dihomoprostaglandin I2 inhibited platelet aggregation, but prostaglandin I2 was 100-times more potent. We conclude that adrenic acid is metabolized in human endothelial cells to 1 alpha, 1 beta-dihomoprostaglandins and can compete with endogenous arachidonic acid for conversion by cyclooxygenase. These findings suggest that adrenic acid may reduce the formation of prostaglandin I2 by the blood vessel.
Short Constraint Length Rate 1/2 "Quick-Look" Codes

Quick-look nonsystematic convolutional codes have the property that the information sequence may be recovered from the encoded sequence in straightforward fashion and with a minimum of error amplification. In this concise paper we investigate their relevant characteristics for constraint lengths less than eight and rate \frac{1}{2} and obtain a number of interesting and practically useful results. In particular, for the best of these codes, we derive their free distance and error amplification, their decoded bit error probability when used over the binary symmetric channel in conjunction with Viterbi decoding, and show how they can be employed to measure the channel bit error rate.
Reinforcement learning for model building and variance-penalized control

Reinforcement learning (RL) is a simulation-based technique to solve Markov decision problems or processes (MDPs). It is especially useful if the transition probabilities in the MDP are hard to find or if the number of states in the problem is too large. In this paper, we present a new model-based RL algorithm that builds the transition probability model without the generation of the transition probabilities; the literature on model-based RL attempts to compute the transition probabilities. We also present a variance-penalized Bellman equation and an RL algorithm that uses it to solve a variance-penalized MDP. We conclude with some numerical experiments with these algorithms.
Evolving research in nongenomic actions of aldosterone.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Aldosterone is now recognized as an increasingly important contributor to cardiometabolic pathology via inflammatory and fibrosis-related pathways in addition to its classically described role in sodium and volume regulation. Consequently, much effort has been directed towards characterizing the molecular pathways involved in aldosterone-mediated fibrosis and inflammation. What was once viewed as straightforward steroid hormone biology is now appreciated as a highly complex and tightly regulated series of pathways and interactions. These recognitions have fuelled a multidisciplinary effort to identify precisely how aldosterone mediates intracellular activation of both genomic (latent) and nongenomic (rapid) mechanisms of influence. This review will explore recent novel pathways regulating aldosterone action, focusing on the nongenomic pathways. RECENT FINDINGS: Several recent discoveries have redefined our understanding of aldosterone interactions at the cellular level. This includes activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor at the plasma membrane instead of via classical nuclear hormone receptor interaction, and identification of novel cofactor scaffolding proteins that modify aldosterone influence at the cellular level. In addition, aldosterone activation of secondary messenger system cascades can occur directly and independent of mineralocorticoid receptor interaction. SUMMARY: Substantial progress in detailing the molecular biology of aldosterone regulation and action should facilitate study of how it exerts detrimental effects in cardiometabolic diseases. However, to date, the clinical impact of these discoveries has not been validated. Translational efforts are now required to determine if novel therapeutic targets can be developed.
Mechanisms for Pulsatile Regulation of the Gonadotropin Subunit Genes by GNRH1

The frequency of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GNRH1, or GnRH) pulses secreted from the hypothalamus determine the ratios of the gonadotropin subunit genes luteinizing hormone beta (Lhb), follicle-stimulating hormone beta (Fshb) and the common alpha-glycoprotein subunit gene (Cga) transcribed in the anterior pituitaries of mammals. Fshb is preferentially transcribed at slower GNRH1 pulse frequencies, whereas Lhb and Cga are preferentially transcribed at more rapid pulse frequencies. Producing the gonadotropins in the correct proportions is critical for normal fertility. Currently, there is no definitive explanation for how GNRH1 pulses differentially activate gonadotropin subunit gene transcription. Several pathways may contribute to this regulation. For example, GNRH1-regulated GNRH1-receptor concentrations may lead to variable signaling pathway activation. Several signaling pathways are activated by GnRH, including mitogen-activated protein kinase, protein kinase C, calcium influx, and calcium-calmodulin kinase, and these may be preferentially regulated under certain conditions. In addition, some signaling proteins feed back to downregulate their own levels. Other arms of gonadotroph signaling appear to be regulated by synthesis, modification, and degradation of either transcription factors or regulatory proteins. Finally, the dynamic binding of proteins to the chromatin, and how that might be regulated by chromatin-modifying proteins, is addressed. Oscillations in expression, modification, and chromatin binding of the proteins involved in gonadotropin gene expression are likely a link between GNRH1 pulsatility and differential gonadotropin transcription.