cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spin gaps and quantum fluctuations in a frustrated magnet

Sr 2 Cu 3 O 4 Cl 2 consists of two weakly coupled spin 1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnetic subsystems, Cu I and Cu II. In the high temperature (HT) regime (40 K < T < 386 K) only the Cu I subsystem orders antiferromagnetically. In the low-temperature (LT) regime (T < 40 K) both subsystems are antiferromagnetically ordered, but the interactions between them are frustrated. The observed coupling between sublattices results from quantum fluctuations (QFs). This picture is confirmed by observations (mostly via inelastic neutron scattering) of the spin-wave gaps at zero wave vector. In the HT regime the in-plane gap results from QF and is observed by antiferromagnetic resonance (AFMR). In the LT regime, QFs play a crucial role in determining the energies at zero wave vector of the low-energy modes. This system therefore dramatically illustrates the effects of QFs.
Zoonoses acquired from pet primates.

The nonhuman primate is susceptible to many biological agents that infect human beings but are not infectious to lower animals. Active disease and latent carrier states in primates potentially have severe consequences for the contact person. This potential for human transmission makes it imperative that medical and veterinary professionals collaborate to educate the public on the danger of the primate as a pet. This article reviews those zoonoses that are found in the pet primate and present potential hazards to human beings.
Toxic Effects of Wound Irrigation Solutions on Cultured Tibiae and Osteoblasts

Irrigating wounds with solutions of antiseptic or antibiotic agents is routinely performed in orthopaedic surgery to reduce the incidence of microbial infection. The effects of these agents on healthy bone tissue is unknown. Three commonly employed antiseptic agents (hydrogen peroxide, Betadine solution, Betadine scrub) and one antibiotic solution (bacitracin) were tested on tibiae and osteoblasts isolated from embryonic chicks. Osteoblast function was evaluated by glycolytic energy metabolism (lactate production), cell number (DNA content), and collagen synthesis ([3H]proline hydroxylation). Two series of experiments were performed. To study concentration-related effects, tibiae or cells were exposed to a range of concentrations of the agents (diluted in saline, 0.9% NaCl) for 2 min, rinsed with saline, and incubated for 24 h in medium containing [3H]proline. For the recovery study, the cells were exposed to an effective, but nonlethal, concentration of the antiseptic agents for 2 min, rinsed with saline, and the incubation was continued in complete culture medium for 6, 12, 24, 48, or 72 h with [3H]proline added for the final 6 h. Solutions containing the antiseptic agents were cytotoxic to both bones and cells at concentrations well below those used clinically in irrigation solutions. In contrast, bacitracin at the concentrations tested was safe for osteoblasts and tibiae. These results suggest that the use of irrigation solutions containing H2O2, Betadine solution, or Betadine scrub on exposed bone tissue should be considered with caution.
Argos: An optimized time-series photometer

We designed a prime focus CCD photometer, Argos, optimized for high speed time-series measurements of blue variables (Nather & Mukadam 2004) for the 2.1 m telescope at McDonald Observatory. Lack of any intervening optics between the primary mirror and the CCD makes the instrument highly efficient. We measure an improvement in sensitivity by a factor of nine over the 3-channel PMT photometers used on the same telescope and for the same exposure time. The CCD frame transfer operation triggered by GPS synchronized pulses serves as an electronic shutter for the photometer. This minimizes the dead time between exposures, but more importantly, allows a precise control of the start and duration of the exposure. We expect the uncertainty in our timing to be less than 100μs.
Relative Solubility of Cations in Class F Fly Ash

Coal utilization byproducts (CUB), such as fly ash, contain cations that may be released during exposure to fluids such as acid rain or acid mine drainage. Researchers at the Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory (DOE/NETL) have conducted a long-term column leaching study of 32 Class F fly ash samples from pulverized coal (PC) combustion, and quantified the release of 19 cations in four leachants with a pH between 1.2 and 12. The relative solubility (M(L/T)) of each cation was defined as the total mass leached (M(L)) relative to the concentration (M(T)) of that element in the fly ash sample. A frequency distribution of relative solubility values was computed with ranges defined as insoluble, slightly soluble, moderately soluble, and very soluble. On the basis of this sample set, Ba, Cd, Fe, Pb, Sb, and Se in PC fly ash are insoluble. The elements Al, Be, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, and Zn are slightly to moderately acid soluble. Only Ca and Na are water soluble; As and Ca are soluble in the basic solution, The results of this study indicate that the extent to which cations in Class F PC fly ash can be leached by naturally occurring fluids is very limited.
Quantitative determination of phenolic compounds by UHPLC-UV–MS and use of partial least-square discriminant analysis to differentiate chemo-types of Chamomile/Chrysanthemum flower heads

A new rapid UHPLC-UV-QTOF/MS method has been developed for the simultaneous analysis of nine phenolic compounds [(Z)-2-β-d-glucopyranosyloxy-4-methoxycinnamic acid (cis-GMCA), chlorogenic acid, (E)-2-β-d-glucopyranosyloxy-4-methoxycinnamic acid (trans-GMCA), quercetagetin-7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, luteolin-7-O-β-d-glucoside, apigenin-7-O-β-d-glucoside, chamaemeloside, apigenin 7-O-(6″-O-acetyl-β-d-glucopyranoside), apigenin] and one polyacetylene (tonghaosu) from the flower heads of Chamomile/Chrysanthemum samples. The chromatographic separation was achieved using a reversed phase C18 column with a mobile phase of water and acetonitrile, both containing 0.05% formic acid. The ten compounds were completely separated within 15min at a flow rate of 0.25mL/min with a 2μL injection volume. The different chemo-types of Chamomiles/Chrysanthemum displayed variations in the presence of chemical constituents. German Chamomile samples confirmed the presence of cis-GMCA, trans-GMCA, apigenin-7-O-β-d-glucoside and tonghaosu as major constituents whereas Roman chamomile samples confirmed the presence of chamamaeloside and apigenin as major compounds. The Chrysanthemum morifolium samples showed the presence of luteolin-7-O-β-d-glucose as the major compound. The method was applied for the analysis of various commercial products including capsules, tea bags, body and hair care products. LC-mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (ESI) interface method is described for the evaluation of ten compounds in plant samples and commercial products. This method involved the detection of [M+Na](+) and [M+H](+) ions in the positive mode. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used to visualize commercial samples quality and may be of value for discriminating between chamomile types and Chrysanthemum with regards to the relative content of individual constituents. The results indicated that the method is suitable as a quality control test for various Chamomile/Chrysanthemum samples and market products.
Prospective treatment in carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase deficiency

Carnitine–acylcarnitine translocase (CACT) deficiency is a rare disorder that results in long-chain fatty acids being unavailable for mitochondrial β-oxidation and ketogenesis. It can present in the neonatal period or infancy with a severe clinical form, typically with convulsions, hypothermia, encephalopathy, cardiomyopathy and liver dysfunction, or with a milder phenotype with episodes of hypoglycaemia and hyperammonaemia during intercurrent illness. Investigations show hypoketonaemia, intermittent dicarboxyluria and hypocarnitinaemia with grossly elevated acylcarnitines. Enzyme assay or DNA analysis confirms the diagnosis. The severe phenotype results in severe disability or death. The less severe phenotype can also cause significant disability secondary to hypoglycaemia and/or hyperammonaemia at presentation. We report the outcome of two siblings with CACT deficiency. The index patient presented at the age of 2 months during a respiratory illness with hypoglycaemia, hyperammonaemia and cardiorespiratory collapse. Acylcarnitine profiles showed decreased free carnitine but striking elevations of long-chain acylcarnitines. Urine organic acids showed dicarboxylic aciduria. Fatty acid oxidation studies showed reduced oleate and myristate oxidation. His acylcarnitine profile normalized after he was started on a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) low-fat diet and carnitine supplementation. Low CACT activity on enzyme assay confirmed the diagnosis. He has resulting profound developmental delay and epilepsy. The sibling was prospectively treated with a low-fat MCT diet and carnitine supplementation. Acylcarnitine profile at birth also showed elevated long-chain acylcarnitines. Fatty acid oxidation studies confirmed the diagnosis. To date he has normal development and has not had any significant periods of hypoglycaemia or hyperammonaemia.
Pax2 and Pea3 synergize to activate a novel regulatory enhancer for spalt4 in the developing ear

The transcription factor spalt4 is a key early-response gene in otic placode induction. Here, we characterize the cis-regulatory regions of spalt4 responsible for activation of its expression in the developing otic placode and report the isolation of a novel core enhancer. Identification and mutational analysis of putative transcription factor binding sites reveal that Pea3, a downstream effector of FGF signaling, and Pax2 directly activate spalt4 during ear development. Morpholino-mediated knock-down of each factor reduces or eliminates reporter expression. In contrast, combined over-expression of Pea3 and Pax2 drives ectopic reporter expression, suggesting that they function synergistically. These studies expand the gene regulatory network underlying early otic development by identifying direct inputs that mediate spalt4 expression.
Chemical sputtering by impact of excited molecules

We study chemical sputtering of deuterated amorphous carbon surfaces by D atoms, vibrationally excited D2, and dissociating D3 molecules, in a range of impact energies, 7.5–30 eV/D. We analyze the role of the internal state, i.e. the vibrationally excited and dissociating states of the neutral molecules resulting from above-surface neutralization of impacting molecular ions in typical sputtering experiments. The sputtering yields are shown to considerably increase with the internal vibrational energy at the lowest impact energies. By comparison of calculated and measured yields we draw conclusions regarding the possible mechanisms for neutralization.
Communal Societies and the Emergence of Elites in the Prehistoric American Southeast

The emergence of elites in the prehistoric American Southeast takes place within the context of communal societies. Incipient elites exacerbate contradictions that appear under conditions of population growth, subsistence intensification, decreased mobility, and technological reorganization within the communal mode of production to undermine egalitarianism and consolidate their positions of status. Archaeological data from the Plum Bayou culture of central Arkansas suggest that the elite had not completely transformed communal life despite attempts at accumulation and monopolization. Their strategies of aggrandizement were effectively resisted by non-elites and communalism was ultimately restored in the region. The dynamic that pushes egalitarian, kinbased societies towards inequality in the Southeast appears to be cyclical rather than linear.
EXPERIMENTAL HSV ENCEPHALITIS: EFFECTS OF TREATMENT WITH CYTOSINE ARABINOSIDE

The effects of cytosine arabinoside (cytarabine) on survival and brain virus concentration were studied in groups of young mice with experimental herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis. Toxic dosages of drug were purposely employed in order to ensure maximum anti-viral activity in the brain. Encephalitis was established by direct intracerebral innoculation of previously titered virus, known to be sensitive to this drug in vitro. Treatment was begun at intervals prior to and following introduction of virus. The concentration of virus per gram of brain was determined at intervals during the 4 day treatment course and on completion of drug administration. During the initial 3 days of infection, the brain virus concentration in treated animals was significantly lower than in the infected, untreated control group. This was also noted when a more concentrated drug dosage was used. There were no survivors in either group although the clinical courses differed. The brains of infected animals showed a necrotizing encephalitis with polymorphonuclear and mono-nuclear cells, focal hemorrhage and rare inclusion bodies. Large doses of cytosine arabinoside administered in this way have a significant but transient effect on brain virus concentration but do not alter the clinical course of disease. This is the first in vivo demonstration of the activity of this agent against HSV replication in the CNS.
A glucagon analog chemically stabilized for immediate treatment of life-threatening hypoglycemia.

For more than half a century glucagon has been used as a critical care medicine in the treatment of life-threatening hypoglycemia. It is commercially supplied as a lyophilized powder intended to be solubilized in dilute aqueous hydrochloric acid immediately prior to administration. We have envisioned a “ready-to-use” glucagon as a drug of more immediate and likely use. Through a series of iterative changes in the native sequence we have identified glucagon analogs of appreciably enhanced aqueous solubility at physiological pH, and of chemical stability suitable for routine medicinal use. The superior biophysical properties were achieved in part through adjustment of the isoelectric point by use of a C-terminal Asp-Glu dipeptide. The native glutamines at positions 3, 20 and 24 as well as the methionine at 27 were substituted with amino acids of enhanced chemical stability, as directed by a full alanine scan of the native hormone. Of utmost additional importance was the dramatically enhanced stability of the peptide when Ser16 was substituted with alpha,aminoisobutyric acid (Aib), a substitution that stabilizes peptide secondary structure. The collective set of changes yield glucagon analogs of comparable in vitro and in vivo biological character to native hormone but with biophysical properties much more suitable for clinical use.
A Policy-Based Sensor Selection System with Goal Oriented Singular Value Decomposition Technique

Modern data center relies on the use of numerous sensors to collect system and environment data to guide the optimal operations of the data centers to meet the desired business goals. The amount of sensors and monitored systems in the data center could be huge, and it includes many types of sensors generating seemingly unrelated data. This presents a challenge to the efficient utilization of these data to determine problems and how well the data center will deliver to the business. In this demo, we present an automatic policy selection management approach with goal guided singular value decomposition technique integrated into IBM Tivoli Monitoring System (ITM) to efficiently utilize the sensor data.
Knowledge Based Search Engine: Granular Computing on the Web

Granular computing is an emerging technology. This paper summarizes its applications to the Web. A high frequent co-occurring ordered set of keywords is called a keyword set;it represents some concept in the given document set. These concepts forms a simplicial complex of concepts,which is regarded as a knowledge base for a new search engine.The return of a query will be organized ino meaningful clusters. A fundamental difference of this approach from semantic web is that the search engine carries the semantic of a Website, instead of the website has to be organized in the sense of semantic Web, namely, the semantics is machine readable.
Parallel holographic image calculation and compression

The authors describe the parallel implementation of an algorithm suitable for hologram creation on a 16384 processor SIMD (single-instruction multiple-data) MasPar machine. When computing an image of typical complexity, the parallel implementation sacrifices up to 11% efficiency in data compression to gain a performance up to 250 times greater than that achieved on a uniprocessor workstation. The MasPar can achieve pattern generation more than 750 times faster than the fully optimized Sparc C code. >
Impact force analysis during low-velocity impact of woven carbon/vinylester

This study is focused on the impact force response of two woven plain weave composites consisting of carbon fibers (T700) in vinylester 510A and 8084 matrices. Quasi-static loading was conducted to...
A strategic human resource perspective of firm competitive behavior

Abstract Embedded within firms are unique stores of intangible human assets that likely influence the way firms compete. We argue that the human and social capital of a firm, particularly at the upper echelon and board of director (BOD) levels, contribute to the firm's awareness of the competitive environment and its motivation and ability to undertake numerous, complex, and forceful competitive actions. We also suggest that the firm's executive compensation systems moderate the effects of these intangible human assets on firm competitive behavior. By examining how human capital, intra-firm social capital, and executive compensation influence firm competitive behavior, we advance a strategic HRM perspective of firm competitive behavior and outline several implications for future research.
TWO PLASMODIUM SPECIES OF THE CROCODILE SKINK TRIBOLONOTUS GRACILIS FROM IRIAN JAYA, INDONESIA

Two undescribed Plasmodium species were present in 1 of 8 New Guinea skinks, Tribolonotus gracilis. Plasmodium tribolonoti n. sp. is characterized by rounded or oblong schizonts 6.1 × 5.3 μm (5–7 × 4–7) that produce on average 14.3 merozoites (10–21), in no particular arrangement of nuclei. All parasitized proerythrocytes and had no effect upon dimensions of host cells or their nuclei. Gametocytes, mostly erythrocytic, averaged 7.2 × 6.3 (6.5–9.0 × 5.5–7.5), with length × width (LW) 45.5 μm2 (38–63) and L/W 1.15 (1.0–1.5). Gametocytes are not sexually dimorphic in size or shape and had no effect upon dimensions of host erythrocytes or their nuclei. Schizonts of P. gracilis n. sp. averaged 4.3 × 3.5 (3–6 × 3–5), with 4.9 merozoites (3–8) usually arranged as a fan, and had no effect upon dimensions of host erythrocytes or their nuclei. Gametocytes averaged 5.9 × 5.5 (5.0–6.6 × 5.0–6.0), with LW 31.9 μm2 (25–40) and L/W 1.06 (1.0–1.2). Gametocytes are not sexually dimorphic in size or shape and had no effect...
Practical chemical sensors from chemically derived graphene

We report the development of useful chemical sensors from chemically converted graphene dispersions using spin coating to create single-layer films on interdigitated electrode arrays. Dispersions of graphene in anhydrous hydrazine are formed from graphite oxide. Preliminary results are presented on the detection of NO2, NH3, and 2,4-dinitrotoluene using this simple and scalable fabrication method for practical devices. Current versus voltage curves are linear and ohmic in all cases, studied independent of metal electrode or presence of analytes. The sensor response is consistent with a charge transfer mechanism between the analyte and graphene with a limited role of the electrical contacts. A micro hot plate sensor substrate is also used to monitor the temperature dependence of the response to nitrogen dioxide. The results are discussed in light of recent literature on carbon nanotube and graphene sensors.
Using administrative health care system records to recruit a community-based sample for population research.

Abstract Purpose Epidemiologists often seek a representative sample of particular persons from geographically bounded areas. However, it has become increasingly difficult to identify a sample frame that truly represents the underlying target population. We assessed the degree to which a clinic-based sample represents a target community. Methods Our sample frame is from a large health care provider from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota, metropolitan area. We used U.S. Census data to examine the sociodemographic and geospatial distribution of the sampling frame and among those who did and did not respond. Results Our study's overall response rate was 57%. The most impoverished areas of the target population were under-represented in our sample frame, but this under-representation was similar for both respondents and nonrespondents. In addition, our sampled population was slightly older compared to the target population. Using ecological-level census-derived markers of sociodemographic characteristics, members of the sample frame were similar to that of the target population except for being somewhat more highly educated. However, the distributions of available individual-level data such as race and education were different between respondents and the target population. Conclusions Although the use of health care administrative records for identifying a sampling frame that represents a target population has limitations, our findings suggest that this method had strengths. More comparisons of methods for identifying and recruiting target populations are needed.
Exploring the binding site structure of the PPAR gamma ligand-binding domain by computational solvent mapping.

Solvent mapping moves molecular probes, small organic molecules containing various functional groups, around the protein surface, finds favorable positions, clusters the conformations, and ranks the clusters based on the average free energy. Using at least six different solvents as probes, the probes cluster in major pockets of the functional site, providing detailed and reliable information on the amino acid residues that are important for ligand binding. Solvent mapping was applied to 12 structures of the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor A (PPARA) ligand-binding domain (LBD), including 2 structures without a ligand, 2 structures with a partial agonist, and 8 structures with a PPAR agonist bound. The analysis revealed 10 binding "hot spots", 4 in the ligand-binding pocket, 2 in the coactivator-binding region, 1 in the dimerization domain, 2 around the ligand entrance site, and 1 minor site without a known function. Mapping is a major source of information on the role and cooperativity of these sites. It shows that large portions of the ligand-binding site are already formed in the PPARA apostructure, but an important pocket near the AF-2 transactivation domain becomes accessible only in structures that are cocrystallized with strong agonists. Conformational changes were seen in several other sites, including one involved in the stabilization of the LBD and two others at the region of the coactivator binding. The number of probe clusters retained by these sites depends on the properties of the bound agonist, providing information on the origin of correlations between ligand and coactivator binding.
Sensible Tools of Engagement: Three Channels for Online Education, and Why You Should Use Them

In teaching both traditional undergraduates(17-25 years old) and non-traditional graduate students, I've found that age is not necessarily the deciding factor for judging a student's comfort level with technology. Some of my more media-savvy students have been my age or older, while some of those who struggled most were younger. In my experience, the following three types of technology (beyond the threaded discussions that take place online) are within the reach of the majority of my students and are the most useful teaching tools: podcasts, wiki-based group projects, and social bookmarking.
Multifocal, multi-modal, photon counting, multiphoton microscopy

High-speed nonlinear imaging systems capable of dynamically imaging multiple focal planes simultaneously, in multiple modalities (two photon excitation fluorescence, second harmonic generation, and third harmonic generation), are demonstrated for the first time.
Computer Simulation of Flow Field in Tower Continuous Vacuum Dryer

The simulation method of CFD was used to investigate the gas pressure and velocity 3D field of tower continuous vacuum dryer. The standard turbulence model was adopted. Material zone was set as porous medium zone. Darcy law, Ergun equation and porous medium interface jump boundary condition was applied. The result shows that the pressure of vacuum outlet should lower the pressure of material inlet and outlet. It should be used 8000 Pa of vacuum outlet, 9000 Pa of grain inlet and outlet. At the bottom of last drying stage, it should set vacuum pipeline to improve the gas field to improve the device the performance. The pressure and velocity of air is uniformly distributed along height of dryer. It is not the main factor of drying quality. On the top of every drying stage of the vacuum dryer, adopting three horny pipelines has better velocity uniformity for cross section of drying room.
Optimization of a multiband wireless link for neuroprosthetic implantable devices

In this paper we have presented the methodology and detailed simulation and measurement results for optimizing the coils that we have used in a new multiband wireless link for high performance implantable neural interfacing. In this method, three individual carrier signals and coil/antenna pairs have been dedicated to the major functions of the link: power transmission, forward data transmission from outside into the body, and back telemetry from inside towards outside. Wireless power is transmitted through printed spiral coils, optimized for carriers operating at 5, 10, and 13.56 MHz. Two different designs have been evaluated for forward data coils. One is a pair of 3-D vertical coils that are wound perpendicular to the power PSCs, and the other is a pair of planar figure-8 coils that are in parallel with the power PSCs. We have compared these designs with respect to their robustness against worst case horizontal misalignments. Finally, measurements are done on a miniature spiral antenna that is designed to operate in an ultra wideband (UWB) spectrum for short range back telemetry across the skin.
Mining electronic medical records for patient care patterns

A novel approach for generating full Electronic Medical Records of synthetic victims is described. Special emphasis is put on the data mining steps that build patient care models and perform clustering of this highly dimensional data set. A methodology for cluster validation is proposed. Results for a large data set with Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections are presented.
Student Affairs and Asian American Studies: An Integrative Perspective

The increase in the number of Asian American students in higher education(Monaghan, 1999; U.S. Department of Education, 1999) has been paralleledby an expansion of Asian American studies (AAS) as an academic discipline.The growth of the Asian American student body, coupled with a politicizedconsciousness about race, gender, and class, has led to renewed interest inestablishing AAS at universities across the nation (Monaghan, 1999).Indeed, collaboration among students, student affairs professionals, faculty,and community advocates has been central to the success of establishingAAS courses and programs at such universities as Northwestern (Garza,1995), Princeton (“Princeton Students,” 1995), Columbia (Yip, 1996), theUniversity of California–Irvine (Lindgren, 1993; Tran and Laitt, 1993), andthe University of Maryland, College Park (Lee, 2000). However, to capital-ize on this success, continued collaboration between academic and applieddisciplines will be crucial in the ongoing development and implementationof Asian American studies.Thus the goal of this chapter is to outline a rationale for a continuingdialogue between student affairs and AAS. A central assumption of thischapter is that an integration of student affairs as an applied profession withAsian American studies as an academic discipline can assist all students, butin particular Asian Americans, in integrating their intellectual growth withtheir psychosocial development. Assuming that readers are somewhat famil-iar with student affairs history and literature, this chapter begins with a briefoverview of AAS, followed by a general exploration of collaboration pointsbetween AAS and student affairs. The authors address two main questionsin exploring the integration of the two ﬁelds: “What can AAS offer studentaffairs?” and “What can student affairs offer AAS?”
Interdependence of Bad and Puma during Ionizing-Radiation-Induced Apoptosis

Ionizing radiation (IR)-induced DNA double-strand breaks trigger an extensive cellular signaling response that involves the coordination of hundreds of proteins to regulate DNA repair, cell cycle arrest and apoptotic pathways. The cellular outcome often depends on the level of DNA damage as well as the particular cell type. Proliferating zebrafish embryonic neurons are highly sensitive to IR-induced apoptosis, and both p53 and its transcriptional target puma are essential mediators of the response. The BH3-only protein Puma has previously been reported to activate mitochondrial apoptosis through direct interaction with the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins Bax and Bak, thus constituting the role of an “activator” BH3-only protein. This distinguishes it from BH3-only proteins like Bad that are thought to indirectly promote apoptosis through binding to anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members, thereby preventing the sequestration of activator BH3-only proteins and allowing them to directly interact with and activate Bax and Bak. We have shown previously that overexpression of the BH3-only protein Bad in zebrafish embryos supports normal embryonic development but greatly sensitizes developing neurons to IR-induced apoptosis. While Bad has previously been shown to play only a minor role in promoting IR-induced apoptosis of T cells in mice, we demonstrate that Bad is essential for robust IR-induced apoptosis in zebrafish embryonic neural tissue. Moreover, we found that both p53 and Puma are required for Bad-mediated radiosensitization in vivo. Our findings show the existence of a hierarchical interdependence between Bad and Puma whereby Bad functions as an essential sensitizer and Puma as an essential activator of IR-induced mitochondrial apoptosis specifically in embryonic neural tissue.
A pharmacologic comparison of 2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine and LSD in the chronic spinal dog

Abstract Intravenous infusions of 2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine (2.4 mg/kg) and LSD (10 μg/kg) in the chronic spinal dog facilitated the flexor reflex, elicited the stepping reflex, increased respiration, produced a modest pupillary dilation and raised body temperature and were approximately equieffective. Cyproheptadine (0.2 mg/kg) alone antagonized the effects of LSD and 2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine (DMA) on the stepping reflex, and both cyproheptadine and phenoxybenzamine (1.0 mg/kg) reduced the actions of LSD and DMA on respiration and pupillary diameter. In another group of chronic spinal dogs tolerant to 30 μg/kg/day of LSD, cross tolerance was present to the effects of DMA on the flexor and stepping reflexes, respiration, mydriasis, temperature and behavior. Additional evidence suggested that direct tolerance to DMA can be produced and that these animals are cross tolerant to LSD. In intact dogs DMA exerted an anorexigenic effect, but was less potent than d -amphetamine. Generally the LSD-like actions of DMA were more pronounced than its amphetamine-like qualities and some actions are indicative of a mixture of drug effects.
The Impact Of Merit Pay On Research Outcomes For Accounting Professors

Merit pay for professors to encourage better teaching, research and service is controversial. Its effectiveness can be examined empirically. In this study, the existence of a merit plan and ACT scores of incoming freshmen were strongly associated with measurable research outcomes. Additional study is needed to test the association with the other dimensions of faculty performance.
Interface evaluation for soft robotic manipulators

The results of two usability experiments evaluating an interface for the operation of OctArm, a biologically inspired robotic arm modeled after an octopus tentacle, are reported. Due to the many degrees-of-freedom (DOF) for the operator to control, such 'continuum' robotic limbs provide unique challenges for human operators because they do not map intuitively. Two modes have been developed to control the arm and reduce the DOF under the explicit direction of the operator. In coupled velocity (CV) mode, a joystick controls changes in arm curvature. In end-effector (EE) mode, a joystick controls the arm by moving the position of an endpoint along a straight line. In Experiment 1, participants used the two modes to grasp objects placed at different locations in a virtual reality modeling language (VRML). Objective measures of performance and subjective preferences were recorded. Results revealed lower grasp times and a subjective preference for the CV mode. Recommendations for improving the interface included providing additional feedback and implementation of an error recovery function. In Experiment 2, only the CV mode was tested with improved training of participants and several changes to the interface. The error recovery function was implemented, allowing participants to reverse through previously attained positions. The mean time to complete the trials in the second usability test was reduced by more than 4 minutes compared with the first usability test, confirming the interface changes improved performance. The results of these tests will be incorporated into future versions of the arm and improve future usability tests.
The Promise of Information Technology in the Travel Industry

Two words best characterize the future for the travel industry: growth and change. Many global forces have driven companies in this industry to adapt quickly to survive and remain competitive. Information technology plays a vital role in the way the travel industry responds as the world is “getting connected” at almost every level. The purpose of this paper is three-fold. First, the effect of network computing, the combination of electronic ticketing and smart cards, corporate travel management systems, and other trends that are transforming the travel industry will be examined. Second, the public policy issues involved such as the liberalization of government regulations, affordability and ease-of-use, and data security and privacy will be examined. Finally, the future direction of underlying technologies such as displays, storage, and microprocessors and advancements in the global networking infrastructure, mobility, and speech recognition will be presented.
Multiple inherited erythrocyte abnormalities in an American Negro family: hereditary spherocytosis, sickling and thalassemia

IN THE DEVELOPMENT of oumr knowledge concerning tile genetic relationships among the various inherited abnormalities of the red blood cell, the careful stuidy of certain critical pedigrees provides the only decisive approach. The family’ which forms the subject of this report is a case in point. This American Negro family first came to our attention in 1950, in connection with a systematic stu(iy of approximately 100 families in which the sickling phenomenon was present (Family 60).’ The hematologic examination revealed, in several members of the family, microcytosis similar to thalassemia minor altiloumgh in some instances it was not emitirely typical. Tile examination further sumggested that several persons possessed both the gene responsible for this thalassemia-like trait and that for sickling. Since, however, reports available at that time indicated that a moderately severe or moderate hemolytic anemia resumlted when tilese two genes were broumght together, and since in this family tile two individuals thought to ilave both genes showed no striking hematobogic abnormality, it seemed unwise at tile time to term tile hereditary microcytosis in this family thalassemia minor. When later observations on tile resuilts of combinimig a thalassemia and a sickling gene indicated tilat major hematologic abnormality was not always � �
Effects of obesity on hormonally driven cancer in women

Obesity increases the risk of numerous poor health outcomes, including cancer. Obesity is especially problematic in women because both they and their offspring may be at increased risk of cancer. Studying transmission of obesity-induced cancer risk is challenging in humans, but animal studies are beginning to reveal the underlying mechanisms.
Abstract 4536: Combination external beam and internal radiation via 131I-CLR1404 in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma xenografts.

Radiotherapy (RT) is a central treatment modality for head and neck cancer (HNC). However, optimal outcome is commonly limited by the radiation tolerance of adjacent normal tissue structures. Radiation is sometimes valuable in the setting of locoregional tumor recurrence, however the risk of significant normal tissue toxicity is substantial with repeat irradiation and can have a profound adverse impact on patient quality of life. Although technical advances including intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) can reduce normal tissue effects, the problem of repeat exposure of normal tissues to radiation is frequently limiting. The radiolabeled drug 124/131I-CLR1404 is a phospholipid ether analogue (PLE) that accumulates preferentially within malignant tumors and enables internal delivery of radiation. This allows a combination of external and internal radiotherapy delivery with a goal of improving treatment outcome without enhanced normal tissue toxicities. In this study, we characterized the ability of 131I-CLR1404 to augment RT response using xenografted mice harboring human squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). We determined tumor growth delay as well as tumor and normal tissue dose distribution of 131I-CLR-1404 via Monte Carlo simulation using PET data generated with 124I-CLR1404 imaging. Tumor growth delay was extended by 15.5 days using combined 3.7MBq 131I-CLR1404 and RT compared to RT or 131I-CLR1404 alone. In combination therapy, single dose administration of 7.4 MBq 131I-CLR1404 as well as split dosing with 2 x 3.7 MBq separated by one week showed the same additional growth delay of 27 days compared to single dose of 3.7 MBq. Monitoring drug distribution via PET/CT showed high tumor selectivity with a tumor-to-liver ratio of 6.2±0.65 and a tumor-to-muscle ratio of 6.7±0.21. These data illustrate the tumor selectivity of the CLR1404 PLE delivery platform as well as augmentation of tumor response with combined RT and 131I-CLR1404 treatment. De-intensification of external beam radiation dose, with attendant reduction in normal tissue toxicities so common in HNC patients represents a central objective to be tested in controlled clinical trials with the ultimate goal of improving treatment outcome and quality of life for HNC patients. Citation Format: Jarob Saker, Eric Armstrong, Bryan Bednarz, Mohammed Farhoud, Abigail Besemer, Jamey Weichert, Paul Harari. Combination external beam and internal radiation via 131I-CLR1404 in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma xenografts. [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 4536. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4536
Mortality of Rhagoletis Completa Cress. (Diptera: Trypetidae) Through Ingestion of Certain Solid Materials

Ingestion studies in which lead arsenate, barium fluosilicate, cryolite, copper carbonate, hydrated lime, talc, diatomaceaus earth, bentonite, sulfur, and ground tobacco leaves were employed, demonstrated that adult flies (Rhagoletis completa Cress.) actually take undissolved particles into the stomach. Results of toxicity studies in which the above materials were employed are graphically presented.
Molecular mimicry: good artists copy, great artists steal.

Over the course of evolution, microorganisms have developed innovative survival strategies to thrive in their hosts.1 The human body is home to many species of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other i...
Synthesis of Nickel-Coated Carbon Nanopaper Sheets by Pulse Laser Deposition

Surface coating of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers can significantly improve their properties such as electrical, thermal, magnetic, acoustic, vibration, catalytic, optical properties. This paper presents a novel method to coat carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers by using as-prepared carbon nanopaper sheets. The carbon nanopaper sheet consisted of randomly oriented single-walled nanotubes and vapor grown carbon nanofibers, which formed into a highly uniform non-woven material. This flexible and lightweight material was coated with nickel by laser pulse deposition. The effects of deposition parameters on the morphology of the nanotubes and nanofibers will be studied using scanning electron microscopy. The electrical conductivities of carbon nanopaper sheets associated with deposition parameters will be characterized using four-point probe method. The deposition parameters will be optimized to achieve a highly conductive carbon nanopaper sheet.
All-Digital Low-Dropout Regulator With Adaptive Control and Reduced Dynamic Stability for Digital Load Circuits

Digitally implementable LDOs embedded within digital functional units augment their analog counterparts for ultrafine-grained power management in digital ICs. Digital load circuits represent load currents with large and infrequent current transients and require a wide voltage range of operation, preferably down to the threshold voltage ( $V_{{\rm TH}}$ ) of the transistor. This paper presents a discrete-time, fully digital, scan-programmable LDO macro in a low-power 0.13-μm technology operating down to 1.07×, the transistor $V_{{\rm TH}}$ , and featuring greater than 90% current efficiency across a 50× current range through fine-grained clock gating and adaptive control. An 8× improvement in transient response time to large load steps is achieved through switched mode control. Both transient and steady-state operation models and measurements of the LDO are presented.
Economic Segmentation and Health Inequalities in Urban Post-Reform China.

During economic reform, Chinese economic labor markets became segmented by state sector associated with a planned redistributive economy and private sector associated with the market economy. By considering an economic sector as a concrete institutional setting in post-reform China, this paper compares the extent to which socioeconomic status, measured by education and income, is associated with self-rated health between state sector and private sector. The sample is limited to urban Chinese employees between the ages of 18 and 55 who were active in the labor force. By analyzing pooled data from the 1991–2006 Chinese Health and Nutrition Survey , I find that there is a stronger association between income and self-rated health in the private sector than in the state sector. This study suggests that sectoral differences between market and redistributive economies are an important key to understanding health inequalities in post-reform urban China.
Regulation of erythropoiesis: The Role of Growth Factors

Erythropoiesis involves a cascade of differentiation steps that are driven by a variety of glycoproteins. The authors discuss erythropoietin, interleukin-3, and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, the best understood of the growth factors regulating erythropoiesis, as well as tumor necrosis factor and other cytokines.
Indications for hematopoietic transplantation for aml

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) is an effective treatment for AML. This approach has been extensively evaluated in patients with AML and is indicated for patients in first remission with intermediate- to high-risk features, those with primary refractory disease or early relapse. Patients have traditionally received transplants from a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched sibling donor. Improvements in HLA typing allowing identification of complete allele level matches have improved the results of unrelated donor transplants and results are now comparable with matched siblings. Recently, there have been major advances using HLA-nonidentical donors including haploidentical, one antigen mismatched unrelated donors or cord blood units, and an acceptable donor can now be identified for nearly all patients in need of a hematopoietic transplant.
Supporting the Use of Scientific Language: Teachers’ Use of Content-Foregrounded Educative Features

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to determine how elementary teachers used scientific language during a whole-class discussion to describe 3 biological phenomena (interactions, dependent relationships, and interdependent relationships) with and without educative curricula. Findings revealed that the ways in which the 6 teachersenacted the discussion reflected and varied from the original written curriculum materials. In addition, teachers provided with curriculum materials that contained educative features foregrounding scientific content tended to use scientific language to describe the 3 phenomena more frequently and more accurately than teachers given curriculum materials without the educative features. Teacher interviews provided insight into teachers’ perceived struggles enacting the whole-class discussion and teachers’ perceived importance of the use of scientific language. These findings have implications for curriculum developers, teacher educators, and teachers. The study highlights the need...
Chapter 18 Synaptic plasticity and protein kinase C

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the role of protein kinase C in the expression of synaptic plasticity. One theme to emerge from the studies presented in the chapter is that protein kinase C specifically regulates the durability or persistence of the enhanced synaptic response, possibly by preventing the decay of the response. It does not appear to play a role in the response initiation stages. Another theme is that protein kinase C, as a multifunctional enzyme, may be capable of organizing the major cellular events underlying the persistence of synaptic plasticity by regulating the phosphorylation state of different substrate proteins. The chapter provides evidence that the durability of synaptic plasticity is regulated by protein kinase C and its substrates and reviews evidence that implicates protein kinase C as participating in the regulation of several different cellular processes. Data from acutely anesthetized and chronic preparations indicated that alterations in protein F1 phosphorylation is not an immediate response to high-frequency stimulation, but have a relatively slow onset and persisted for several days. Moreover, these effects are selective for protein F1.