cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A low interleukin-2 receptor signaling threshold supports the development and homeostasis of T regulatory cells.

Summary Interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) signaling is essential for T regulatory (Treg) cell development and homeostasis. Here, we show that expression of IL-2Rβ chains that lack tyrosine residues important for the association of the adaptor Shc and the transcription factor STAT5 in IL-2Rβ-deficient mice resulted in production of a normal proportion of natural Treg cells that suppressed severe autoimmunity related with deficiency in IL-2 or IL-2R. These mutant IL-2Rβ chains supported suboptimal and transient STAT5 activation that upregulate the transcription factor Foxp3 to normal amounts in natural, but not induced, Treg cells. Nevertheless, gene expression profiling revealed many targets in peripheral natural Treg cells that were IL-2 dependent and a substantial overlap between the Treg cell IL-2-dependent gene program and the Treg cell transcriptional signature. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that a critical, and perhaps minor, subset of IL-2-dependent targets is indexed to a low IL-2R signaling threshold and that a substantial proportion of the Treg cell gene program is regulated by IL-2.
Molecular and cellular basis of hepatic fibrogenesis in experimental schistosomiasis mansoni infection.

Morbidity in schistosomiasis mansoni occurs primaryly as a result of the complications of hepatic fibrosis. Yet, the pathogenesis of schistosomal hepatic fibrosis is poorly understood. The fact that hepatic egg granuloma is the hallmark of this infection suggests a potential role for granulomatous inflamation in hepatic fibrogenesis. Our studies in a murine schistosomiasis model indicate that hepatic granuloma cells secrete a variety of fibrogenic cytokines that may initiate the scarring process. Among these cytokines, we identified a novel protein that we designated fibroplast stimulating factor-1 (FsF-1). FsF-1 is a lymphokine that can stimulate fibroplast growth and matrix synthesis. A notable feature of hepatic fibrosis in this model is that production of FsF-1 and other granuloma-derived fibrogenic cytokines is down-regulated in chronic infection, an event that may be under immunological control. The spontaneous reduction of FsF-1 secretion presumably accounts for reduced scar formation late in infection of mice. In the context of relevant clinical studies, our findings engender the hypothesis that Symmer's fibrosis may develop in a small suppopulation of individuals as a result of immunogenetically-determined dysregulation of fibrogenic cytokine production.
Heterogeneous rates of time preference and the decision to smoke.

Individuals with higher personal rates of time preference will be more likely to smoke. Although previous studies have found no evidence of a relationship between smoking and rates of time preference, analysis of implicit rates of time preference associated with workers’ wage fatality risk trade-offs indicates that smokers have higher rates of time preference with respect to years of life. Current smokers have an implied rate of time preference of 13.8% as compared to 8.1% for nonsmokers. Current smokers who are blue-collar workers have rates of time preference with respect to years of life of 16.3% compared to 7.8% for nonsmoking blue-collar workers. (JEL I12, D81, D91) Smoking imposes substantial health risks, many of which are not immediate and will also have long-term effects on smokers’ well-being. Recent estimates of the lost life expectancy due to smoking are 2.4 years for women and 4.4 years for men, with some studies indicating even more substantial losses. 1 Given the latency period before many of the most severe smoking risks are manifested, people with greater individual rates of time preference will be less influenced by the discounted value of the health losses and will be more likely to be smokers. This paper examines whether this relationship between rates of time preference and smoking behavior is in fact borne out by developing empirical estimates of how smokers and nonsmokers discount years of life lost due to the fatality risks that they incur on the job. A variety of researchers have theorized that individuals with higher rates of time preference
A simulation method of image construction for passive millimeter-wave imaging system

In this paper, utilizing a simple simulation method for the passive millimeter-wave (PMMW) imaging construction is presented. According to the application requirements for the imaging system, a specific dielectric lens is designed by using commercial software “CODEV”, and the simple simulation method combining Ray tracing and Huygens' Principle is used to investigate the point spreading function of this lens. The simulation results show that the characteristic of lens can be simulated by this simple method and the image is easy to construct. In addition, the antenna pattern can be considered in this simulation method.
Recent Research on Intergovernmental Relations in Education Policy

he history of intergovernmental relations in education policy has been dominated by regulations, categorical programs, and technical assistance by higher levels of government to stimulate or require lower levels to make changes in policy and practice (Kirst & Jung, 1986). There have been many metaphors to depict education policy within intergovernmental relations including marble cake or a picket fence. The marble cake recognizes that the federal, state, and local levels are not distinct, and policy spills over from one level to another. The picket fence metaphor is based on categorical programs like Title I or special education whereby the federal and state levels try to mandate or stimulate specific local programs. Each picket in the fence includes administrators (e.g., vocational education) at all levels of government, and auditors to ensure that federal/state funds are spent within a separate picket. Intergovernmental policies have more to do with legitimating change or with structure than with the nature of teaching or classroom practice. A useful metaphor is that of an "ecology of games" that are largely separate, but do interact and provide inputs to each intergovernmental unit. For example, there is a state legislative game, a state administrative game, a district and school administration
Acute Kingella kingae endocarditis with recurrent cerebral emboli in a child with mitral prolapse

An 11-year-old girl had sudden onset of right hemiplegia and dysphasia with fever. Blood cultures grew Kingella kingae. Echocardiography showed a prolapsed mitral valve vegetation, which became larger during a prolonged course of antibiotics. After seven weeks of therapy, when surgery was being planned, the child deteriorated abruptly. A repeat echocardiogram showed that the vegetation had disappeared. Conservative medical management is usually inadequate in treating vegetations associated with bacterial endocarditis; surgery is advised.
Ultrasonic Sound Field Mapping Through Coarse Grained Cast Austenitic Stainless Steel Components

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has been involved with nondestructive examination (NDE) of coarse-grained cast austenitic stainless steel (CASS) components for over 30 years. More recent work has focused on mapping the ultrasonic sound fields generated by low-frequency phased array probes that are typically used for the evaluation of CASS materials for flaw detection and characterization. The casting process results in the formation of large grained material microstructures that are nonhomogeneous and anisotropic. The propagation of ultrasonic energy for examination of these materials results in scattering, partitioning and redirection of these sound fields. The work reported here provides an assessment of sound field formation in these materials and provides recommendations on ultrasonic inspection parameters for flaw detection in CASS components.
Cloning and localization of hFPS: A six-transmembrane mRNA splice variant of the human FP prostanoid receptor

Abstract FP prostanoid receptors are G-protein coupled receptors that mediate the actions of prostaglandin F 2α . Two isoforms, designated FP A and FP B , have been previously described. We now report the cloning of a FP receptor mRNA alternative splice variant from human heart and placenta cDNA, named hFP S . The cDNA encoding hFP S has a 71 bp insert that produces a frame shift resulting in a truncated receptor lacking transmembrane-7 and the intracellular carboxyl tail. This 71 bp sequence has been identified as a distinct exon localized in the human FP receptor gene on chromosome one. Northern blot analysis suggests that hFP S is expressed in skeletal muscle as well as human heart and placenta. Immunohistochemical microscopy showed positive immunoreactivity on vascular endothelial, trophoblast, and decidual cells from human placenta. hFPs represents the first confirmed alternative splice variant of the human FP prostanoid receptor gene, however, its function is presently unknown.
Lattice Heat Conductivity in Annealed and Quenched Gold-Platinum Alloys

The heat conductivity of dilute gold-platinum alloys, containing 0.11 and 1.02 at.% Pt, has been measured between 4.2 and 80\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The influence of vacancies on the lattice heat conductivity ${K}_{g}$ of the alloy with the higher platinum concentration was determined from measurements with specimens which were quenched and subsequently annealed. Above about 30\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, ${K}_{g}$ in the annealed alloy Au+1.02 at.% Pt is found to be about 20% smaller than in pure gold. Whereas the lattice heat conductivity is clearly reduced at higher temperatures by quenched-in vacancies, it is practically unaffected by quenching below about 15\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The phonon-scattering cross section of vacancies is estimated from the data, assuming a Rayleigh-type scattering law. It is found to be in reasonable agreement with the value obtained earlier from the phonon-drag thermopower of quenched and annealed pure gold.
Regulation of T H 2 development by CXCR5 + dendritic cells and lymphotoxin-expressing B cells

Although cognate encounters between antigen-bearing dendritic cells (DCs) that express the chemokine receptor CCR7 and CCR7(+) naive T cells take place in the T cell zone of lymph nodes, it is unknown whether the colocalization of DCs and T cells in the T cell area is required for the generation of effector cells. Here we found that after infection with an intestinal nematode, antigen-bearing DCs and CD4(+) T cells upregulated the chemokine receptor CXCR5 and localized together outside the T cell zone by a mechanism dependent on the chemokine CXCL13, B cells and lymphotoxin. Notably, lymphotoxin-expressing B cells, CXCR5-expressing DCs and T cells, and CXCL13 were also necessary for development of interleukin 4 (IL-4)-producing type 2 helper T cells (T(H)2 cells), which suggests that T(H)2 differentiation can initiate outside the T cell zone.
FAB at CHI: digital fabrication tools, design, and community

This workshop explores the implications and opportunities of digital fabrication for the field of human-computer interaction. We highlight five themes: design tools and interfaces, online collaboration around physical objects, prototyping in the interaction design process, hands-on learning, and unique, personalized artifacts. For each, we provide an overview and a survey of related work. The workshop seeks to foster a network of researchers and others working in these and related areas. It explores potential research directions and ways that the CHI community can make a positive impact on design, craft, and maker culture.
Pure Java-based streaming MPEG player

We present a pure Java-based streaming MPEG-1 video player. By implementing the player entirely in Java, we guarantee its functionality across platforms within any Java-enabled web browsers, without the need for native libraries. This allows greater sue of MPEG video sequences, because the users will no longer need to pre-install any software to display video, beyond Java compatibility. This player features a novel forward-mapping IDCT algorithm that allows it to play locally stored, CIF-sized video sequences at 11 frames per second, when run on a personal computer with Java 'just-in-time' compiler. The IDCT algorithm can run with greater speed when the sequence is viewed at reduced size; e.g., performing approximately 1/4 the amount of computation when the user resizes the sequence to 1/2 its original width and height. We are able to play video streams stored anywhere on the Internet with acceptable performance using a proxy server, eliminating the need for large-capacity auxiliary storage. Thus, the player is well suited to small devices, such as digital TV set-top decoders, requiring little more memory than is required for three video frames. Because of our modular design, it is possible to assemble multiple video streams from remote sources and present them simultaneously to the viewers, subject to network and local performance limitations. The same modular system can further provide viewers with their own customized view of each sessions; e.g., moving and resizing the video display window dynamically, and selecting their preferred set of video controls.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Prevalence and Prediction of Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease in Patients Referred for Valvular Heart Surgery

Current guidelines recommend a coronary evaluation before valvular heart surgery (VHS). Diagnostic coronary angiography is recommended in patients with known coronary artery disease (CAD) and those with high pretest probability of CAD. In patients with low or intermediate pretest probability of CAD, the guidelines recommend coronary computed tomographic angiography. However, there are no tools available to objectively assess a patient's risk for obstructive CAD before VHS. To address this deficit, 5,360 patients without histories of CAD who underwent diagnostic coronary angiography as part of preoperative evaluation for VHS were identified. Obstructive CAD was defined as ≥50% stenosis in ≥1 artery. Of the patients assessed, 1,035 (19.3%) were found to have obstructive CAD. Through multivariate analysis, age, gender, diabetes, renal dysfunction, hyperlipidemia, and a family history of premature CAD were found to be associated with the presence of obstructive CAD (p <0.001 for all). After adjustment, the specific dysfunctional valve was not associated with the presence of obstructive CAD. Patients were then randomly split into derivation and validation cohorts. Within the derivation cohort, using only age, gender, and the presence or absence of risk factors, a model was constructed to predict the risk for obstructive CAD (C statistic 0.766, 95% confidence interval 0.750 to 0.783). The risk prediction model performed well within the validation cohort (C statistic 0.767, 95% confidence interval 0.751 to 0.784, optimism 0.004). The bias-corrected C statistic for the model was 0.765 (95% confidence interval 0.748 to 0.782). In conclusion, this novel risk prediction tool can be used to objectively risk-stratify patients who undergo preoperative evaluation before VHS and to facilitate appropriate triage to computed tomographic angiography or diagnostic coronary angiography.
Short Term Memory Limits in Performance

The present experiment showed that people can remember six letters for subsequent ordered recall and simultaneously process digits in memory during the retention interval for the letters. This lack of mutual interference was observed when the digits but not their order of presentation must be retained. When the order of the digits was also required, mutual interference between the letter and digit tasks occurred. These results were interpreted as evidence against the common assumption of a unitary working memory (short-term memory) which is limited to about seven items and which is required in cognitive operations such as decision making.
A direct micropipette-based calibration method for atomic force microscope cantilevers

In this report, we describe a direct method for calibrating atomic force microscope (AFM) cantilevers with the micropipette aspiration technique (MAT). A closely fitting polystyrene bead inside a micropipette is driven by precisely controlled hydrostatic pressures to apply known loads on the sharp tip of AFM cantilevers, thus providing a calibration at the most functionally relevant position. The new method is capable of calibrating cantilevers with spring constants ranging from 0.01 to hundreds of newtons per meter. Under appropriate loading conditions, this new method yields measurement accuracy and precision both within 10%, with higher performance for softer cantilevers. Furthermore, this method may greatly enhance the accuracy and precision of calibration for colloidal probes.
Databases applicable to quantitative hazard/risk assessment—Towards a predictive systems toxicology

The Workshop on The Power of Aggregated Toxicity Data addressed the requirement for distributed databases to support quantitative hazard and risk assessment. The authors have conceived and constructed with federal support several databases that have been used in hazard identification and risk assessment. The first of these databases, the EPA Gene-Tox Database was developed for the EPA Office of Toxic Substances by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and is currently hosted by the National Library of Medicine. This public resource is based on the collaborative evaluation, by government, academia, and industry, of short-term tests for the detection of mutagens and presumptive carcinogens. The two-phased evaluation process resulted in more than 50 peer-reviewed publications on test system performance and a qualitative database on thousands of chemicals. Subsequently, the graphic and quantitative EPA/IARC Genetic Activity Profile (GAP) Database was developed in collaboration with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). A chemical database driven by consideration of the lowest effective dose, GAP has served IARC for many years in support of hazard classification of potential human carcinogens. The Toxicological Activity Profile (TAP) prototype database was patterned after GAP and utilized acute, subchronic, and chronic data from the Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards. TAP demonstrated the flexibility of the GAP format for air toxics, water pollutants and other environmental agents. The GAP format was also applied to developmental toxicants and was modified to represent quantitative results from the rodent carcinogen bioassay. More recently, the authors have constructed: 1) the NIEHS Genetic Alterations in Cancer (GAC) Database which quantifies specific mutations found in cancers induced by environmental agents, and 2) the NIEHS Chemical Effects in Biological Systems (CEBS) Knowledgebase that integrates genomic and other biological data including dose-response studies in toxicology and pathology. Each of the public databases has been discussed in prior publications. They will be briefly described in the present report from the perspective of aggregating datasets to augment the data and information contained within them.
The i th Ramsey number for matchings

Abstract The i th Ramsey number for matchings is determined. In addition, our results lead to the calculation of the Ramsey index for matchings.
Relationship of Reaction Time and Movement Time in a Gross Motor Skill

The purpose of the study was to investigate the independence of reaction time (RT) and movement time (MT) in a gross motor skill, the racing start in swimming. RT and MT were quantified for each S ...
The electrical conductivity of protoplasm

The specific conductance of the protoplasm, apart from the cell membrane ofAmoeba proteus, Euplotes, Spirostomum teres, Frontonia, of the plant cellNitella and the starfish oogonia has been determined. The conductivities of all these forms except the starfish eggs, vary from one that is equivalent to a ·01 N KCl solution to one that is equivalent to a ·06 N KCl solution. The average is equivalent to about a ·05 N KCl solution. The conductivity of the starfish eggs is very high, being equivalent to a ·25 KCl solution. It is pointed out that the conductance of the protoplasm is not affected by the viscosity. This and other evidence is advanced pointing to a micellar structure of protoplasm.
Near-Complete Obstruction of an Aortic Homograft

Aortic valve replacement in the setting of aortic valve endocarditis frequently is managed with an aortic homograft. However, late operation is not uncommon and may be very difficult because of calcification of the wall of the aortic homograft and the valve leaflets.1–3 We report a patient with a heretofore unreported complication with near-complete obstruction of his aortic homograft. A 38-year-old man was referred to the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Northwestern University for surgical management of suspected aortic prosthesis dysfunction. He had undergone aortic valve replacements at 16 and 24 years of age, and at 25 years of age, he developed prosthetic valve endocarditis, which was treated with cryopreserved homograft aortic valve and root replacement. He required partial sternectomy for sternal osteomyelitis weeks later and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for perioperative ventricular arrhythmias. He recovered fully. In 2009, the patient developed weekly episodes of numbness, paresthesia, and weakness lasting from 15 minutes to several hours. In the fall of 2010, progressive fatigue and dyspnea on exertion progressed to near syncope. Echocardiographic (Figure 1) and computed tomography (Figure 2) scans suggested obstruction of the aortic homograft. At Northwestern, echocardiographic imaging from the apical transducer position demonstrated no aortic stenosis or regurgitation with a mean gradient of 6 mm Hg across the valve (Figure 1A). …
The Colonial Vision of Edgar Wallace

L'A. propose une analyse critique de l'oeuvre (tant litteraire, que d'adaptation filmique) de l'ecrivain britannique Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) a partir de 2 points de vue : 1. En tant que representant de la litterature victorienne et coloniale, E. Wallace inscrit dans son oeuvre l'essentiel du discours colonial et une image des structures hegemoniques du colonialisme britannique de l'epoque. Les structures narratives de Wallace integrent les regles et les valeurs latentes et non exprimees du discours colonial. 2. En raison de son origine sociale, issu d'un milieu defavorise, E. Wallace inscrit aussi, et paradoxalement, une dimension de critique sociale dans son oeuvre, qui remet en cause les valeurs (racistes, inegalitaires, orientalistes et homophobes) de la societe victorienne.
Thermomechanical Behavior of 'BBB' Polymer.

Abstract : The present communication reports the thermomechanical spectra of a 'dried' form of 'BBB' polymer throughout the temperature range -180C to 600C at about 1 cps, points out problems in preparing solvent-free specimens with infusible polymer, and demonstrates application of the technique of torsional braid analysis in investigating thermally irreversible changes by examining thermohysteresis effects. (Author)
Narcissism and the Motivation to Engage in Volunteerism

Two studies investigated the extent to which narcissism was associated with volunteer motivation. Study 1 investigated a sample of United Way volunteers and Study 2 examined a sample of college student volunteers. As hypothesized, results found that narcissists tend to volunteer for self-interest rather than for humanitarian values. Results remained significant even while controlling for self-esteem (Studies 1 and 2) and empathic concern (Study 2). Discussion involves the current climate for volunteerism, which includes mandated volunteering as part of high school graduation and other requirements.
Giant cell tumor of the uterus: case report and response to chemotherapy

Giant cell tumor (GCT) is usually a benign but locally aggressive primary bone neoplasm in which monocytic macrophage/osteoclast precursor cells and multinucleated osteoclast-like giant cells infiltrate the tumor. The etiology of GCT is unknown, however the tumor cells of GCT have been reported to produce chemoattractants that can attract osteoclasts and osteoclast precursors. Rarely, GCT can originate at extraosseous sites. More rarely, GCT may exhibit a much more aggressive phenotype. The role of chemotherapy in metastatic GCT is not well defined. We report a case of an aggressive GCT of the uterus with rapidly growing lung metastases, and its response to chemotherapy with pegylated-liposomal doxorubicin, ifosfamide, and bevacizumab, along with a review of the literature. Aggressive metastasizing GCT may arise in the uterus, and may respond to combination chemotherapy.
A boron-coated ionization chamber for ultra-cold neutron detection

The design and performance of a boron-coated ionization chamber for the detection of ultra-cold neutrons (UCN) are presented. We detect UCN from the solid deuterium-based UCN source at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. Our results indicate comparable efficiency to ^3He ionization chambers and proportional counters currently used at the UCN source. In addition, the ion chamber is used to detect thermal neutrons; a comparison of the thermal neutron and UCN pulse-height spectra indicates that UCN mostly capture near the layer surface.
Identifying stream types and management implications

Abstract Characteristics of stream types were surveyed within the Chattooga River watershed in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southeastern US. The 728 km 2 watershed is contained within the states of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. The stream types of about 190 streams of various sizes were determined as perennial, intermittent or ephemeral using a combination of physical and biological indicators. The key indicators were defined as channel erosion into the landscape and aquatic insects. Comparisons were made between the measured stream characteristics and their hydrologic orders. The stream data indicated that most headwater order 1 streams were either ephemeral or intermittent. Order 2 streams were divided among intermittent, perennial and ephemeral. All order 3 streams and larger ones were perennial, except for one small, third order intermittent stream with an 18% channel gradient. The data suggest that the total 4670 km stream network was approximately equally divided between defined channels (28% perennial and 17% intermittent) and undefined channels (55% ephemeral). Changes in stream order produced exponential changes in the total number, mean segment length and total length of streams. The fine detail included about 15,630 order 1 channels with a combined length of 2740 km. Comparisons are provided between the estimated extent of stream types and the ‘blue-line’ streams identified on the US Geological Survey topographic contour maps at both 1:24,000 and 1:100,000 scales. Streams indicated on the 1:100,000 scale maps identified about 650 km of streams, while the 1:24,000 scale mapped the blue-line stream extent at 970 km. Of the estimated 1300 km of perennial streams, the topographic maps identified 50–75%, depending on scale. However, only about 14–21% of the entire stream network which includes perennial, intermittent and ephemeral streams were marked on the topographic contour maps. Recommendations are included for improving the consistency of how ‘stream orders’ and ‘stream types’ are delineated. Since water quality protection measures are often related to the stream type, improvement in identifying streams should improve stream protection design and help to prevent impacts on water quality and aquatic habitat.
On the Resolving Power of a Prism Spectrometer for the Infrared

The resolving power of a spectrometer in the infrared is limited by the rate at which energy passes through the exit slit of the spectrometer. Calculation of the energy available for activating a thermocouple, under condition that the exit slit embrace the same frequency range Δν of spectrum at all times, gives information on the attainable resolving power at various wave-lengths and with various prisms. The best dispersing angle for a sylvine prism to be used from 8 to 22μ is from 70° to 75°. A lamellar prism construction is described.
Abstract 5227: Quantitative network models of signaling and drug response in melanoma.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Use of targeted drug combinations are potentially key to preventing emergence of resistance to initially successful single agents such as RAF inhibitors. Thus, systematic nomination of novel drug combinations is important to develop effective therapeutic strategies. Here, we present an experimental-computational network pharmacology method to infer quantitative signaling networks in tumor cells, predict response to perturbations, and ultimately, nominate targeted drug combinations that will generate a desired phenotypic response. We use a series of targeted drugs, singly or in combination to perturb cancer cells. We measure quantitative proteomic (total and phoshpo-protein levels) and phenotypic (e.g. cell viability, apoptosis, cell cycle progression) response profiles to perturbations. Proteomic responses are measured with the reverse phase protein array technology. Next, we infer quantitative network models, using the response profiles as training sets. Solution space of all network model configurations is prohibitively large and Monte Carlo based inference algorithms fail to generate accurate network models in sizes relevant for cancer biology. In order to solve the inference problem, we have adapted an iterative and probabilistic inference algorithm, belief propagation from statistical physics. Resulting network models are based on simple non-linear differential equations and quantitatively link signaling events to phenotypic changes. We have generated quantitative network models of signaling in RAF inhibitor resistant melanoma cell lines in sizes (i.e. ∼100 nodes) unreachable by other network inference algorithms. We have nominated novel combination therapies through combinatorial in silico perturbations of all nodes in derived networks and experimentally tested the predicted phenotypic responses. Citation Format: Anil Korkut, Weiqing Wang, Evan Molinelli, Martin Miller, Poorvi Kaushik, Arman Aksoy, Chris Sander. Quantitative network models of signaling and drug response in melanoma. [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 5227. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-5227
Government Economic Intervention and Corruption

Corruption is a serious problem worldwide, especially in developing countries. This study investigates the impact of eight forms of government economic intervention on corruption in 157 countries grouped either by per-capita income or by region, for the period 2000 to 2006. The evidence shows that property rights were consistently the most important source of corruption suggesting that anti-corruption efforts should start with reforming the legal system. Corruption was also found associated with government intervention in business and trade and less so in the financial and monetary areas. Government spending and taxation were negatively associated with corruption, implying that what contributes most to corruption is not government size or taxes, but instead regulations and the failure to adequately protect property rights. There appears to be ample room to reduce corruption, especially for developing economies by simplifying and reducing government economic intervention.
Analysis of the mechanism by which melatonin inhibits human eosinophil peroxidase.

Background and purpose: Eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) catalyses the formation of oxidants implicated in the pathogenesis of various respiratory diseases including allergy and asthma. Mechanisms for inhibiting EPO, once released, are poorly understood. The aim of this work is to determine the mechanisms by which melatonin, a hormone produced in the brain by the pineal gland, inhibits the catalytic activity of EPO.
The amino acid sequence of the carboxy-terminal 142 amino acids of the α-chain of human fibrinogen

Abstract The amino acid sequence of the carboxy-terminal 142 residues of the α-chain of human fibrinogen has been determined. The sequence was established by determining the structures of cyanogen bromide fragments and key overlap peptides isolated from enzymatic digests of α-chains. One of the cyanogen bromide fragments is a peptide we have previously shown to participate in the α-chain cross-linking system.
Persistence of flavor neophobia as an indicator of state-dependent retention induced by pentobarbital, stress, and estrus

As fear conditioning paradigms have failed to find state-dependent retention (SDR) in rats dissociated by the estrous state, an attempt was made to establish a paradigm involving the attenuation of flavor neophobia as a more sensitive indicator of SDR. Experiment 1 established that the paradigm did indicate SDR in male rats dissociated by pentobarbital (10 mg/kg). Experiment 2 generalized the utility of the technique by employing an endogenous state, shock-induced stress, as the dissociative state. Having proved to be an indicator of SDR in the first two experiments, the technique was used in Experiment 3 to investigate the possible dissociative characteristics of the estrous state in female rats. Estrus was investigated because, due to the hormonal condition during estrus, it may provide a useful tool in investigating the dissociative aspects of human perimenstrual periodic psychosis. In Experiment 3, using ovariectomized female rats brought into estrus by injection of estrogen and progesterone in a sequence and amount comparable to the natural cycle, estrus was not demonstrated to be dissociative, i.e., did not produce SDR. The implications of these results in relation to perimenstrual periodic psychosis were discussed.
Analysis of stability and dispersion in a finite element method for Debye and Lorentz dispersive media

This is the pre-peer reviewed version of the following article: H. T. Banks, V. A. Bokil and N. L. Gibson, Analysis of Stability and Dispersion in a Finite Element Method for Debye and Lorentz Media, Numerical Methods for Partial Differential Equations, 25(4), pp 885-917, July 2009, which has been published in final form at http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/122341241/issue.
Systemic administration of lipopolysaccharide increases plasma leptin levels: blockade by soluble interleukin-1 receptor.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is known to produce several central and neuroendocrine effects and some of these effects are believed to be mediated through cytokines and other proteins. One such protein, leptin, produced by adipose tissue has been shown to cause anorexia, a central effect associated with LPS treatment. This raised the possibility that LPS-induced effects on feeding behavior may be mediated through leptin. This study was done to investigate the effects of systemic administration of LPS on plasma leptin levels in rats and the possible involvement of interleukin-1 (IL-1) in this mechanism. Adult male rats were implanted with indwelling jugular catheters and after collecting two pretreatment blood samples, the animals were injected (ip) with saline, 5 μg, 10 μg, or 25 μg/kg BW of LPS, or treated with 25 μg of soluble IL-1 receptor (sIL-1R) 5 min before and 90 min after 25 μg/kg BW of LPS. Posttreatment blood samples were collected at 30 min intervals for a period of 6 h. Plasma leptin concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. Treatment with saline did not produce any change in plasma leptin levels. In contrast, each of the three doses of LPS produced a dose-dependent increase in plasma leptin levels within 120 min. Leptin levels remained elevated for the next 4 h. Treatment with sIL-1R completely blocked the LPS-induced increase in leptin levels, indicating that this effect is in fact mediated through IL-1. These results indicate that leptin could be a possible mediator of LPS-induced effects on feeding.
Additional Data on the Radioactive Decay of Ho 166 (27 hr), Nd 147 , and Sm 153

By using chemically pure ${\mathrm{Ho}}^{165}$ and enriched isotopes of ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{146}$ and ${\mathrm{Sm}}^{152}$, high-activity samples of ${\mathrm{Ho}}^{166}$, ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{147}$, and ${\mathrm{Sm}}^{153}$ were made by neutron caputre. Studies of the strong sources by both magnetic and scintillation spectrometers showed the existence of some gamma rays not previously reported, yielded more exact energy values for the low-energy gamma rays, and made possible better resolution of the components of the beta spectra. In ${\mathrm{Ho}}^{166}$, gamma rays occur at 80.25, 970, 1377, 1540, and 1620 kev, and the maximum beta energies are 1839, 1756, 869, 412, and 230 kev. ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{147}$ yields gamma rays at 91.3, 120.6, 198.2, 277, 321, 400, 441, 533, and 688 kev, with beta components at 812, 380, and 230 kev. In ${\mathrm{Sm}}^{153}$ gamma rays are found at 69.8, 103.5, 173.6, and 540 kev and beta components at 813, 710, and 640 kev. A level scheme in agreement with the observed data is presented for each nucleus.
Determination of EDTA in vancomycin by liquid chromatography with absorbance ratioing for peak identification

Abstract An LC method is described for the determination of EDTA in vancomycin formulations. EDTA is complexed with iron and the Fe(EDTA)− complex is separated from vancomycin components on a reversed-phase column using an ion pair mobile phase. Quantitation is achieved using UV detection, with absorbance ratioing employed to discriminate between the analyte and vancomycin-related compounds. The complexity of the sample matrix and the trace levels of EDTA that are of interest dictate unique development considerations. This method offers good specificity and precision over the range 20–300 ppm EDTA in vancomycin formulations, while maintaining a degree of simplicity. Wavelength selection is optimized to demonstrate the potential application of absorbance ratioing to trace determinations. This method has been effectively applied to vancomycin formulations containing a wide range of chemical impurities and is not affected by vancomycin degradation products.
The role of resource commitment and innovation in reverse logistics performance

Purpose – Aims to provide empirical evidence of the relationships between and among reverse logistics, resource commitment, and innovation.Design/methodology/approach – Mail surveys were sent to members of the Automobile Aftermarket Industry Association, a large trade association. Factor level results followed by between‐item results, as typically reported in general linear modeling and mediated regression, are developed using a split sample methodology. Ultimately, Resource‐Advantage Theory provided the framework for examining the impact of developing innovative reverse logistics‐related dynamic capabilities.Findings – Resource commitment makes reverse logistics programs more efficient and more effective. However, the resources must be used in such a manner as to develop innovative capabilities/approaches to handling returns. Resource commitment was not found to be significantly related to innovation in reverse logistics at smaller firms. This is likely to be related to the level of resources available. ...
On the stress tensor of a partially ionized gas in the presence of electric and magnetic fields

Explicit expressions for the stress tensors of the constituents of a partially ionized gas and the overall stress tensor are presented. The derivation is based on BURGERS' transfer equations and takes into consideration the presence of electric and magnetic fields. The results include, as a limiting case, the results of BURGERS and HERDAN and LILEY for the fully ionized case.
Methodological Issues in the Study of Cancer and Nutrition: Alternative Designs and Lessons Learned

T HERE IS a conflict between research and the application of knowledge generated by research. The principles of scientific investigation require clearly defined variables manipulated under carefully controlled conditions. The essence of research is simplicity. The application of research results in the real world, however, is quite different. Nowhere is this more true than in nursing. The real world of nursing practice is messy, complicated, multidimensional, and long-lasting. Variables in such a world are very difficult to control. There are often urgent needs in nursing practice for information that has not and perhaps cannot be generated by precise, controlled experiments. Nurses face questions that cannot be answered by attempts to mimic the methodologic approaches of other sciences. The conduct of research that is relevant to these problems may require research perspectives that are multidimensional, longitudinally oriented, reality-based, and patient-centered. 1 Research on the nutritional problems of cancer patients provides an excellent example of this conflict between theory and practice. Factors contributing to nutritional problems are pathophysiologic, behavioral, and situational; a mixture sprinkled with a large component of remaining mystery.2-4 The causes are synergistic with each other, and treatment effects may lead to a further reduced nutritional status that contributes to a vicious cycle of reduced treatment efficacy, less aggressive treatment, and further nutritional decline.5 Assessment approaches in such cases are wide ranging, from biochemical data at one extreme to personal feelings at the other; and the interaction of these diverse elements is included as well.6 Further, these
Safety related drug-labelling changes: findings from two data mining algorithms.

Introduction: With increasing volumes of postmarketing safety surveillance data, data mining algorithms (DMAs) have been developed to search large spontaneous reporting system (SRS) databases for disproportional statistical dependencies between drugs and events. A crucial question is the proper deployment of such techniques within the universe of methods historically used for signal detection. One question of interest is comparative performance of algorithms based on simple forms of disproportionality analysis versus those incorporating Bayesian modelling. A potential benefit of Bayesian methods is a reduced volume of signals, including false-positive signals.
928-78 Electrocardiographic Identification of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: Test Performance and Variability in Relation to Definition of Hypertrophy

Test performance of the ECG for the detection of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) will vary with the ECG criteria used, but may also vary with how LVH is defined. LVH has been most commonly defined echocardiographically using LV mass indexed to body surface area (LVH-BSA), but LVH has also been defined using LV mass indexed to height (LVH-HT). and more recently, tothe 2.7 power of height (LVH-27). To assess the relationship of test performance of ECG criteria to the definition of LVH, simple Cornell voltage criteria, the product of QRS duration and Cornell voltage (the Cornell product), and the Framingham adjusted Cornell voltage (using gender-specific regression equations incorporating age and body mass index) were examined in 212 patients. Sensitivity of each criterion for each definition of LVH was compared at matched specificity of 95%: Criteria Cornell Voltage p Adjusted Cornell p Cornell Product p vs Cornell Voltage LVH-BSA 45% ** 24% ** 52% * LVH-HT 35% ns 33% ns 43% * LVH-27 36% ns 29% * 39% ns * p l 005 ** p l 0.001 Comparison of overall performance using receiver operating characteristic curves confirmed the superior overall performance of the Cornell product relative to adjusted Cornell voltage for LVH-BSA and LVH-27. Further, the coefficient of variability of overall performance as a function of LVH definition was greater for adjusted Cornell voltage (5.8%) than for the Cornell product (1.5%). These data demonstrate that performance of ECG criteria for LVH will vary with the definition of LVH and suggest that the Cornell product provides the best overall accuracy and least variability between LVH definitions. These findings have important implications for the use of both ECG and echocardiographic criteria for LVH in epidemiologic studies.
Effect of Boutique Seismic Processing On Geometric Attributes

In this case study, we evaluate the effect of careful seismic processing in improving the lateral resolution of subtle features. We focus our attention mainly on three processing steps: ground-roll removal, deconvolution, and velocity picks. We migrated the different seismic volumes followed by the generation of geometric attribute volumes such as coherence, coherent energy gradient, and curvature attributes.
Infrared Spectral Imaging of the Interphase of Epoxy-Glass Fiber-Reinforced Composites under Wet Conditions

Infrared imaging was utilized to analyze the behavior of epoxy-glass fiber composites when exposed to moist conditions. With the use of mapping subtraction, the differences in the water uptake were revealed when different types of glass fibers were used. Composites prepared with as-received glass fibers exhibit the highest water uptake at the interphase as opposed to those prepared with silane-treated glass fibers, which exhibit the lowest uptake. Moreover, the epoxide deformation band was examined in order to analyze the effect of water on the curing of the composites. Water was found to catalyze a polymerization reaction at the interphase, but only if a certain level of water concentration is present is the above phenomenon detectable.
A 22dB PSRR enhancement in a two-stage CMOS opamp using tail compensation

A new compensation technique known as tail compensation is applied to a two-stage CMOS operational amplifier. The compensation is established by a capacitor connected between the output node and the source node of the differential amplifier. For the selected opamp topology, tail compensation allows better performance in terms of bandwidth and power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) when compared to Miller and cascode compensation. Operational amplifiers using Miller, cascode and tail compensation were fabricated in a 0.5-μm 2P3M CMOS process. The circuits operate at a total quiescent current of 90 μA with ±1.5V power supplies. Experimental results show that tail compensation increases the unity-gain frequency by 60% and 25% and improves PSRR from the positive rail by 22 dB and 26 dB over a frequency range from 23 kHz to 3.0 MHz compared to Miller and cascode compensation, respectively.
A numerical study of a separating and reattaching flow by using Reynolds-stress turbulence closure

The numerical study of the Reynolds-stress turbulence closure for separating, reattaching, recirculating and redeveloping flow is summarized. The calculations were made for two different closure models of pressure - strain correlation. The results were compared with the experimental data. Furthermore, these results were compared with the computations made by using the one layer and three layer treatment of k-epsilon turbulence model which were developed. Generally the computations by the Reynolds-stress model show better results than those by the k-epsilon model, in particular, some improvement was noticed in the redeveloping region of the separating and reattaching flow in a pipe with sudden expansion.