cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exploring consumers' answers to survey questions: Are uninformed responses truly uninformed?

Researchers have observed that consumers often give answers to questions about which they are uninformed. Drawing from work in cognitive psychology, this research explores why, how, and when consumers answer survey questions about which they are uninformed. Results from a telephone survey of 1348 consumers suggest that the effects of stimulus factors designed to increase item response rates (pressure to respond in the introduction to the survey, absence of a DK option) are moderated by consumers' familiarity with other similar-sounding attitude objects. Implications for future research are discussed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Son of George and V = L

This paper has three parts. In this first part, we formulate and prove from V= L a new combinatorial principle, O ++. In the second part, we discuss the topological problem which led to the formulation of O +. Finally, we use O ++ to construct a space solving the topological problem. ?1. 0 ++: Formulation and proof from V = L. The combinatorial principles 0 * and 0 + can be thought of as giving an c1-sequence of countable approximations to the set a(cwl). To construct the space of this paper, this is not enough; we need filters which approximate the club filter and which define an accurate notion of stationary. Specifically what we need is 0 ++, which asserts There are A and C such that: 1(a) A is a function with domain Wi; for all ax E w1, A(ac) E [2(oc)]'. (b) C is a function from 9(wi) to the family of club subsets of oi1. (c) For all X E 9(w1), if r E C(X), then X n r E A(T) and C(X) n r E A(r). Part I is simply a statement of 0 +. Given A and C as above, define for s E c W, Va = {c E A(d): c is club in ct}, and for X EA 9(cw1), define S(X) = e c1: for all c ,ac c n X# 0}. 0 ++, continued. Additionally, there is D such that: 2(a) D is a stationary subset of w1. (b) For all s e D, Wj is afilter. (c) If f is a countable family of stationary subsets of Wi, then n {S(X): X E a} n D is stationary. In outline, the proof of 0 ++ from V = L is the same as that of 0 +. However, to get part 2 of 0 ++, we need a few definitions and a lemma. For c E c 1, set Sa = {e E cw,: a= cxLw and L, l= ZF-}. Set D = {ox: Sa 7 0 and Sa has no last element}. LEMMA 1. D is not empty. Moreover, for any a E L,,2, there is ca E D with a cofinal subset, N, of Sa such that if v E N, then there is an elementary embedding of L, to a transitive model of ZF+ V = L containing a in the range. PROOF. We will prove the second assertion. Let a E L,,2. Define P,,, n E c, so that Received November 10, 1980. AMS(MOS) subject classifications (1970). Primary 03E45; Secondary 54E30.
L-Arginine Attenuates Endothelial Dysfunction and Prolongs Survival in Rats Subjected to Traumatic Shock

We investigated the effects of L-arginine administration in a rat model of traumatic shock. Pentobarbital-anesthetized rats subjected to drum trauma developed a severe shock condition characterized by marked hypotension to 55–70 mmHg, a survival time of only 90 ± 21 min, and significant increases in ileal myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity (P < 0.01). In addition, superior mesenteric artery (SMA) rings isolated from rats subjected to traumatic shock relaxed to the endothelium-dependent vasodilator acetylcholine significantly less than rings isolated from control rats (p < 0.01). Administration of L-arginine (30 mg/kg bolus + 10mg/kg/hr, i.v.) 10 min following trauma prolonged survival time to 213 ±33 min (p < 0.05) and attenuated ileal MPO activity (p < 0.01) indicative of reduced neutrophil infiltration. Furthermore, SMA endothelial function was significantly (p < 0.01) preserved in L-arginine treated traumatic shock rats. These results indicate that L-arginine plays a key role in the endothelial dysfunction...
Utilization of Woody Debris by Peromyscus leucopus in a Fragmented Urban Forest

Small nocturnal mammals, such as Peromyscus leucopus (White-footed Mouse), tend to avoid open spaces due to the threat of predation. Previous studies have shown that Peromyscus and other small-mammal species are captured at higher frequencies at mature forest sites with higher densities of woody debris. Reported trapping frequencies along forest edges relative to continuous forest have varied in previous literature, possibly due to regional differences in forest composition and Peromyscus distribution. We hypothesized that mice in an urban forest setting would be captured at a higher frequency in trapping sites with higher volumes of woody debris and capture rates would be lower at the edge than the interior. We trapped mice in 100 to 121 Sherman live traps in a permanent 1-ha plot in an urban, fragmented forest on the Meredith College campus in Raleigh, NC over a two-year period. We also measured volume of woody debris at each trapping site in one (2007) of the two years. Between the two years (2007 and 2008), trapping rates of P. leucopus were lower in 2008 than in 2007, but we estimated a higher population size in 2008 than in 2007. We found no correlation between volume of woody debris and number of P. leucopus captured in 2007 and that capture rates did not vary with distance from the forest edge in both years. Our results support previous findings that P. leucopus are nonspecific users of microhabitat, but are contrary to other research that found a positive correlation between amount of woody debris and abundance of Peromyscus.
Understanding the Preamble as a Rhetorical Context for Political Action

Andrew Cline of Missouri State University crosses a number of disciplinary boundaries, especially rhetorical analysis and political science. Dr. Cline examines the Constitution of the United States and discusses the need to address poverty by concentrating upon the Constitution's meaning for contemporary society.
The Influence of High- and Low-molecular-weight Inhibitors on Dissolution Kinetics of Hydroxyapatite and Human Enamel in Lactate Buffers: A Constant Composition Study:

The kinetics of dissolution of hydroxyapatite (HAP) and human enamel (HE) powders in lactate buffers was investigated by means of a Constant Composition technique. The rates were interpreted in terms of a surface-controlled dissolution mechanism. It was shown that the overall dissolution of both HAP and HE crystallites in lactate buffers resulted from an interplay of the calcium chelating action of lactate ion, its interaction with surface calcium sites, and the retardation effects of both ionized (L-) and un-ionized (HL) lactic acid due to adsorption at phosphate surface sites. The presence of lactate in demineralizing solutions also influenced the "acquired crystallite resistance" for dissolution, and the rates decreased as the reaction proceeded. The influence of surface protective agents [methanehydroxydiphosphonate (MHDP) and polyacrylic acid (PAA)] on HAP and HE dissolution rates was also extensively studied in partially saturated lactate buffer (0.05 mol L-1). Although the overall kinetic effects of both additives appeared to be similar, there were considerable mechanistic differences. MHDP might interact with lactate by competition for surface calcium sites. In contrast, PAA appeared to act independently of lactate under the experimental condition used. This would tend to support the recommendation of White (1987), that PAA was more suitable as a surface protective agent for artificial caries lesion preparation.
WEIGHTS OF BROILER PARTS AS RELATED TO CARCASS WEIGHTS AND TYPE OF CUT

960 broiler carcasses weighing from less than 450 to 2000g were individually tagged and cut using eight commercial cutting techniques. Percentages of the different pieces to whole carcass weight ranged from 17.2% for split breast with back to 5.4% for drumstick portions. Percentages of the smaller breast pieces, particularly the quartered breast, the keel and the wishbone, approached those of the wing, thigh and drumstick, thus facilitating portion control. The validity of using one mean percentage for each piece over all carcass weights was established by statistical analysis of all data relating piece weight to carcass weight, For all pieces the predictability of weights was greatest when the piece was obtained by cutting through well defined anatomical features such as a joint.
Generalized dual-phase lag bioheat equations based on nonequilibrium heat transfer in living biological tissues

Based on a nonequilibrium heat transfer model in the living tissue obtained by performing volume average to the local instantaneous energy equations for blood and tissues, the dual-phase lag bioheat equations with blood or tissue temperature as sole unknown temperature are obtained by eliminating the tissue or blood temperature from the nonequilibrium model. The present dual-phase model successfully overcame the drawbacks of the existing dual-phase lag bioheat equation obtained by simply modifying the classical Pennes bioheat equation. Under the dual-phase model developed in this work, the phase lag times are expressed in terms of the properties of blood and tissue and the interphase convective heat transfer coefficient and blood perfusion rate. The phase lag times for heat flux and temperature gradient for the living tissue are estimated using the available properties from the literature. It is found that the phase lag times for heat flux and temperature gradient for the living tissue are very close to each other.
Determination of the 5 d 6 s 3 D 1 state lifetime and blackbody-radiation clock shift in Yb

The Stark shift of the ytterbium (Yb) optical clock transition due to room-temperature blackbody radiation is dominated by a static Stark effect, which was recently measured to high accuracy [J. A. Sherman et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 153002 (2012)]. However, room-temperature realization of the clock at ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}18}$ uncertainty requires a dynamic contribution to this static approximation. This dynamic term largely depends on a single electric dipole matrix element for which theoretically and experimentally derived values disagree significantly. We determine this important matrix element by two independent methods, which yield consistent values. Along with precise radiative lifetimes of $6s6p\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{}^{3}\phantom{\rule{-0.16em}{0ex}}{P}_{1}^{}$ and $5d6s\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{}^{3}\phantom{\rule{-0.16em}{0ex}}{D}_{1}^{}$, we report the clock shift due to an ideal 300 K blackbody environment to 0.05$%$ precision.
“It's cookin' now”: A performance analysis of the speech events of a Black teacher in an urban community college

Ethnographic research conducted in the classroom of a Black woman teacher in an urban community college reveals the presence of two distinct but culturally appropriate ways of speaking. Drawing on performance theory, this article analyzes two speech events through which the teacher establishes and maintains congruent face-to-face interaction. It compares the speech events and discusses their effect on student participation and the interpretations and meanings that the participants attach to each. (Performance, ways of speaking, speech events, ethnography of communication)
Genetic counseling in the cross cultural context: The case of highly observant Judaism

Abstract The highly observant practice of Judaism influences how genetic counseling and birth defects are understood and affects patient decisions regarding treatment and prevention. This study is based upon interviews and observations of 18 highly observant Israeli families who have a child with Down's Syndrome or an oral cleft. Participant observation at two birth defects clinics plus interviews with ten rabbis and a review of relevant religious writings clarify how belief relates to observance. Religion and culture are found to influence explanatory models, attitudes about disability and deviance, sex roles and health behaviors.
Validation of a Light Questionnaire with Real-life Photopic Illuminance Measurements: the Harvard Light Exposure Assessment Questionnaire

Background: Shift work, which necessitates light exposure at night, is now considered a probable carcinogen. To study the effects of light on chronic diseases like cancer, methods to measure light exposure in large observational studies are needed. We aimed to investigate the validity of self-reported current light exposure. Methods: We developed a self-administered semiquantitative light questionnaire, the Harvard Light Exposure Assessment (H-LEA) questionnaire, and compared photopic scores derived from this questionnaire with actual photopic and circadian measures obtained from a real-life 7-day light meter application among 132 women (85 rotating night shift workers and 47 day workers) participating in the Nurses' Health Study II. Results: After adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI), collection day, and night work status, the overall partial Spearman correlation between self-report of light exposure and actual photopic light measurements was 0.72 (P < 0.001; Kendall I� = 0.57) and 0.73 (P < 0.0001; Kendall I� = 0.58) when correlating circadian light measurements. There were only minimal differences in accuracy of self-report of light exposure and photopic or "circadian" light measurement between day (r=0.77 and 0.78, respectively) and rotating night shift workers (r = 0.68 and 0.69, respectively). Conclusions: The results of this study provide evidence of the criterion validity of self-reported light exposure using the H-LEA questionnaire. Impact: This questionnaire is a practical method of assessing light exposure in large-scale epidemiologic studies. Â©2011 AACR.
Ex vivo enzymatic treatment of aged CD4 T cells restores cognate T cell helper function and enhances antibody production in mice.

Previous in vitro studies showed that CD4 T cells from old mice have defects in TCR signaling, immune synapse formation, activation, and proliferation. We reported that removing a specific set of surface glycoproteins by ex vivo treatment with O -sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase (OSGE) can reverse many aspects of the age-related decline in CD4 T cell function. However, the specific mechanism by which this process occurs remains unclear, and it is unknown whether this enzymatic treatment can also restore important aspects of adaptive immunity in vivo. By using an in vivo model of the immune response based on adoptive transfer of CD4 T cells from pigeon cytochrome C–specific transgenic H-2(k/k) TCR-Vα 11 Vβ 3 CD4 + mice to syngeneic hosts, we demonstrate that aging diminishes CD28 costimulatory signals in CD4 T cells. These age-associated defects include changes in phosphorylation of AKT and expression of glucose transporter type I, inducible T cell costimulatory molecule, and CD40L, suggesting that the lack of CD28 costimulation contributes to age-dependent loss of CD4 function. All of these deficits can be reversed by ex vivo OSGE treatment. Blocking B7–CD28 interactions on T cells prevents OSGE-mediated restoration of T cell function, suggesting that changes in surface glycosylation, including CD28, may be responsible for the age-related costimulation decline. Finally, we show that the age-related decline in CD4 cognate helper function for IgG production and long-term humoral immunity can also be restored by OSGE treatment of CD4 T cells prior to adoptive transfer.
Primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and Libmann-Sachs endocarditis.

Primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is defined by the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies in the absence of systemic lupus erythematosus. Thrombotic phenomena, stroke, and rarely chorea are components of this syndrome. Libmann-Sachs endocarditis is present in 35% to 50% of these patients, with a potential for systemic embolization. A 27-year-old patient presented with chorea, headache, and visual disturbances. Retinoscopy demonstrated a cotton wool spot (A, black circle), suggesting occlusion of the retinal artery branch. Three-dimensional echocardiography depicted vegetation (1.5 × 0.7 cm) (B, blue arrow) in the midportion of the anterior mitral leaflet (B, white arrows) with severe mitral regurgitation. Intraoperative photography confirmed this (blue arrow, C) and a smaller vegetation on the posterior mitral leaflet (C, orange arrow). Figure D shows the repaired mitral valve with resuspension of the anterior mitral leaflet with neo-chordae (*) with suture annuloplasty (D, white arrows).
Velocity imaging of the shallow subsurface using 3D inversion of VSP data to visualize a saturated portion of the vadose zone at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has occupied its Livermore, California (USA) site since 1952. Over the years, activities at the lab have released a variety of pollutants into the subsurface, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), metals, pesticides, gasoline, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and radionuclides. Earlier occupation of the site by the U.S. Navy (in the 1940s) also resulted in hazardous waste, including cleaning solvents. Since the 1980s, environmental characterization and cleanup at the Livermore site have addressed the impact of these pollutants and enhanced the safety of drinking water in the vicinity.
Radiation properties of open microstrip discontinuities

The radiation properties of a variety of open microstrip discontinuities have been studied. The full electromagnetic analysis performed has been shown to characterize microstrip corners, steps, and matching sections accurately. The technique used solves Pocklington's integral equation for the unknown current distribution of the conducting sections by an application of the method of moments in the space domain. The radiated field is evaluated using a steepest descent method. The analysis accurately accounts for all substrate effects. The technique is used to characterize a single-loop meander inductor. The radiated power over a wide frequency range is shown, and the radiated power above 30 GHz is found to be quite significant. >
Proteins involved in synaptic vesicle trafficking

Neurotransmitter release relies on a series of synaptic vesicle trafficking reactions. We have determined the molecular basis of these reactions by microinjecting, into ‘giant’ nerve terminals of squid, probes that interfere with presynaptic proteins. These probes affect neurotransmitter release and disrupt nerve terminal structure. From the nature of these lesions, it is possible to deduce the roles of individual proteins in specific vesicle trafficking reactions. This approach has revealed the function of more than a dozen presynaptic proteins and we hypothesize that neurotransmitter release requires the coordinated action of perhaps 50–100 proteins.
The Transcriptional Coactivator Cbp Interacts with β-Catenin to Activate Gene Expression

β-Catenin plays a pivotal role in the transcriptional activation of Wnt-responsive genes by binding to TCF/LEF transcription factors. Although it has been suggested that the COOH-terminal region of β-catenin functions as an activation domain, the mechanisms of activation remain unclear. To screen for potential transcriptional coactivators that bind to the COOH-terminal region of β-catenin, we used a novel yeast two-hybrid system, the Ras recruitment system (RRS) that detects protein–protein interactions at the inner surface of the plasma membrane. Using this system, we isolated the CREB-binding protein (CBP). Armadillo (Arm) repeat 10 to the COOH terminus of β-catenin is involved in binding to CBP, whereas β-catenin interacts directly with the CREB-binding domain of CBP. β-Catenin synergizes with CBP to stimulate the activity of a synthetic reporter in vivo. Conversely, β-catenin–dependent transcriptional activation is repressed by E1A, an antagonist of CBP function, but not by an E1A mutant that does not bind to CBP. The activation of Wnt target genes such as siamois and Xnr3 in Xenopus embryos is also sensitive to E1A. These findings suggest that CBP provides a link between β-catenin and the transcriptional machinery, and possibly mediates the oncogenic function of β-catenin.
Prevalence of Noise-Induced Hearing-Threshold Shifts and Hearing Loss Among US Youths

OBJECTIVE: We investigated trends in noise-induced threshold shifts (NITSs), high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL), and low-frequency hearing loss (LFHL). METHODS: A total of 4310 adolescents 12 to 19 years of age completed audiometric testing during National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys in 1988–1994 and 2005–2006. NITS criteria were audiometric patterns of decreased 3- to 6-kHz thresholds but preserved 0.5- to 1-kHz and 8-kHz thresholds; HFHL and LFHL criteria were high and low pure-tone averages, respectively, of >15 dB HL. RESULTS: There were no significant increases in NITSs (odds ratio [OR]: 0.81 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.53–1.22]; P = .29), HFHL (OR: 1.21 [95% CI: 0.87–1.69]; P = .25), or LFHL (OR: 1.37 [95% CI: 0.77–2.45]; P = .28) between survey periods. However, a significant increase in the prevalence of NITSs occurred among female youths (11.6% [95% CI: 9.0%–14.1%] vs 16.7% [95% CI: 13.2%–20.3%]; P CONCLUSIONS: Increased exposure to recreational noise and minimal use of hearing protection might have lead to an increase in NITS prevalence among female youths.
A Discussion of Simulation Results for Various Aspects of the Neutral Alleles Model.

Abstract In this paper a number of simulation results relating to the theory of neutral alleles are discussed. In particular, results derived from the distribution of Karlin, McGregor, and Ewens for the number and configuration of alleles in a sample of genes from a selectively neutral locus are considered. The problems discussed concern efficiencies of estimation, an approximation to the distribution of a test-statistic for neutrality, and the effect of changes in population size on an index of neutrality.
Regulation of Thromboxane Receptor Trafficking Through the Prostacyclin Receptor in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Role of Receptor Heterodimerization

Background— Prostacyclin (PGI2) and thromboxane (TxA2) effect disparate outcomes for atherogenesis and the response to vascular injury; PGI2, a vasodilator and inhibitor of platelet aggregation, limits the deleterious actions of TxA2, a vasoconstrictor and platelet activator. Dimerization of their G protein-coupled receptors, IP and TP, evokes a modified cellular response through which IP/TP counter-balance may be effected. We examined the consequence of IP/TP interaction for the regulatory pathways of both receptors. Methods and Results— TPα overexpressed in HEK293 cells or expressed endogenously in aortic smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) was internalized after selective activation of either TP or IP. Homologous trafficking of TP was unaltered by coexpression of IP. Heterologous sequestration of TPα required the physical presence of activated IP, in transfected and native cells, but was independent of IP signaling to adenylyl cyclase. Reciprocal heterologous regulation of IP, via activated TP, was evident in both HEK293 cells and ASMCs. Homologous TP internalization led to receptor retention and degradation. In contrast, when internalization was IP-induced, TPα was recycled to the cell surface in coexpressing HEK293 cells, but not in ASMCs, in accord with the postendocytotic pathway of IP. Conclusions— IP/TPα interaction permits reciprocal regulation of receptor endocytosis via the trafficking pathway determined by the activated dimeric partner.
Dealing with surgical left ventricular assist device complications

Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) will undoubtedly have an increasing role due to the aging population, anticipated concomitant increase in the prevalence of end-stage heart failure, and improvements in LVAD technology and outcomes. As with any surgical procedure, LVAD implantation is associated with an adverse event profile. Such complications of LVAD therapy include bleeding, infection, pump thrombosis, right heart failure, device malfunction, and stroke. Although each has a unique management, early recognition and diagnosis of these complications is uniformly paramount. In this review, we provide an overview of managing surgical complications of LVADs.
A Multicenter, Rater-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Study of Auditory Processing-Focused Cognitive Remediation Combined With Open-Label Lurasidone in Patients With Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder.

OBJECTIVE Small-scale studies of auditory processing cognitive remediation programs have demonstrated efficacy in schizophrenia. We describe a multicenter, rater-blinded, randomized, controlled study of auditory-focused cognitive remediation, conducted from June 24, 2010, to June 14, 2013, and approved by the local institutional review board at all sites. METHOD Prior to randomization, participants with schizophrenia (DSM-IV-TR) were stabilized on a standardized antipsychotic regimen (lurasidone [40-160 mg/d]), followed by randomization to adjunctive cognitive remediation: auditory focused (Brain Fitness) versus control (nonspecific video games), administered 1-2 times weekly for 30 sessions. Coprimary outcome measures included MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) and the University of California, San Diego, Performance-Based Skills Assessment-Brief scale. RESULTS 120 participants were randomized and completed at least 1 auditory-focused cognitive remediation (n = 56) or video game control session (n = 64). 74 participants completed ≥ 25 sessions and postrandomization assessments. At study completion, the change from prestabilization was statistically significant for MCCB composite score (d = 0.42, P < .0001) across groups. Participants randomized to auditory-focused cognitive remediation had a trend-level higher mean MCCB composite score compared to participants randomized to control cognitive remediation (P = .08). After controlling for scores at the time of randomization, there were no significant between-treatment group differences at study completion. CONCLUSIONS Auditory processing cognitive remediation combined with lurasidone did not lead to differential improvement over nonspecific video games. Across-group improvement from prestabilization baseline to study completion was observed, but since all participants were receiving lurasidone open label, it is difficult to interpret the source of these effects. Future studies comparing both pharmacologic and behavioral cognitive enhancers should consider a 2 × 2 design, using a control for both the medication and the cognitive remediation. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01173874.
Age and the gender gap in the sense of personal control

The theory of personal control predicts that women have a lower sense of control than men, but the evidence is equivocal. Inconsistencies in research results suggest that women's sense of control is lower than men's under some conditions, but not others. We hypothesize that the gender gap in perceived control is greater for older persons than for younger. Compared with their male counterparts, older women may face more educational, employment, economic, and health disadvantages than do younger women. To test the hypotheses that men have a higher sense of personal control than women, that the gap between men and women is larger in older age groups than in younger, and that education, work, economic conditions, and health account for the age-based effect of gender on perceived control, we use the survey of Aging, Status, and the Sense of Control (ASOC), in which a representative sample of U.S. respondents were interviewed in 1995 and again in 1998. We find support for the hypothesis that the gender gap in personal control is greater among older persons than younger, and that over time women's sense of control declines more than men's. Education, personal employment history, household income, and physical functioning account for some of the age-based effect of gender on perceived control. Work fulfillment, fairness of domestic labor, economic hardship, and self-reported health do not, however.
Abstract 1278: Simultaneous downregulation of uPAR and cathepsin B inhibits angiogenesis and migration and induces caspase 8-mediated apoptosis in U87 stem cells and 4910 glioma xenograft stem cells

Malignant gliomas are characterized by invasive and infiltrative behavior. Gliomas are considered to be heterogeneous bulk tumors that comprise differentiated and undifferentiated cells with self-renewal and partial differentiation capabilities. These glioma-initiating cells (GIC) are responsible for the initiation and recurrence of gliomas even after various treatments. As such, novel therapies should target GIC. Cathepsin B and urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) are overexpressed in gliomas, including GIC. We isolated GIC from U87 (U87S) and 4910 (4910S) by sorting the cells for both CD133 and STRO-1 by FACS analysis. The stem cell nature of these cells was confirmed by neurosphere formation assay and western blot analysis for CD133 and STRO-1 expression. GIC cells expressed 2 to 3-fold increased levels of CD133 and STRO-1 as compared to glioma cells (U87N and 4910N). By isolating and utilizing GIC, we demonstrate that downregulation of uPAR (pU) and cathepsin B (pC) individually and simultaneously (pCU) lead to remarkable inhibition of angiogenesis and migration and activated caspase 8-mediated apoptosis in GIC and U87N and 4910N cells. The treatment retarded the expression of pro-angiogenic molecules in both stem cells and glioma cells but responded differently in terms of expression of certain molecules, such as angiogenin and TIMP-1. Similarly, an apoptotic antibody array revealed that stem cells and glioma cells respond differently to pCU treatment, but both sets of cells exhibited increased expression of pro-apoptotic molecules. This induction of apoptosis was also confirmed by cleavage of caspase 8, caspase 3 and PARP as well as TUNEL assay. Similarly, spheroid migration and matrigel invasion assays, revealed that downregulation of uPAR and cathepsin B inhibited cell migration by 70-75% and 45-50% and invasion by 75-80% and 45-50% in GIC and normal glioma cells, respectively. Untreated glioma stem cells were more migratory (∼30%) and invasive (30-40%) as compared to normal glioma cells. In vivo studies showed few to no tumor cells in brain sections of mice implanted with either GIC or normal glioma cells treated with pCU as determined by HE 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1278.
Managing technical professionals: how to react when one of your top performers decides to leave

ORGANIZATIONS depend on top performers to accomplish organizational goals. Top performers can be managers or individual contributors, and they distinguish themselves in the way they lead teams to successfully execute on projects, lead projects, or contribute to projects as technical contributors. And since organizations depend on these top performers they demonstrate their appreciation by assigning them the most challenging projects, giving them visibility to help them advance in their careers, keeping them satisfied financially by giving large bonuses, company stock, etc., and giving a positive message to the top performers that they are making a difference in the company and that they are valued in the organization.
Synthesis of p-Xylene from Ethylene

As oil supplies dwindle, there is a growing need to develop new routes to chemical intermediates that utilize alternative feedstocks. We report here a synthesis of para-xylene, one of the highest volume chemicals derived from petroleum, using only ethylene as a feedstock. Ethylene is an attractive alternative feedstock, as it can be derived from renewable biomass resources or harnessed from large domestic shale gas deposits. The synthesis relies on the conversion of hexene (from trimerization of ethylene) to 2,4-hexadiene followed by a Diels–Alder reaction with ethylene to form 3,6-dimethylcyclohexene. This monoene is readily dehydrogenated to para-xylene uncontaminated by the ortho and meta isomers. We report here a selective synthesis of para-xylene, uncontaminated by the ortho or meta isomers, using ethylene as the sole feedstock.
Microtubule-binding proteins from carrot : I. Initial characterization and microtubule bundling.

Microtubules (MTs) participate in several processes of fundamental importance to growth and development in higher plants, yet little is known about the proteins with which they associate. Information about these molecules is important because they probably play a role in mediating functional and structural differences between various MT arrays. As a first step in gaining insight into this problem, we have isolated, from suspension-cultured cells of carrot (Daucus carota L.), non-tubulin proteins which bind to and affect microtubules (MTs) in vitro. These proteins were isolated using taxol-stabilized neuronal MTs as an affinity substrate. They cause MT bundling at substoichiometric concentrations, support the assembly of tubulin in vitro, and at low concentrations, decorate single MTs in a periodic fashion. The bundled MTs formed in vitro share similarities with those seen in situ in a variety of plant cells, including a center-center spacing of 34 nm, cold stability, resistance to anti-microtubule drugs, and sensitivity to calcium. The bundling activity is specific; other cationic proteins, as well as poly-L-lysine, do not behave in a similar manner. The bundling activity is insensitive to ATP. By assaying bundling activity with dark-field microscopy and employing standard biochemical procedures, a small number of polypeptides involved in the bundling process were identified. Affinity-isolated antibodies to one of these polypeptides (Mr=76000) were found to co-localize with MTs in the cortical array of protoplasts. Our findings are discussed with reference to the importance of these proteins in the cell and to their relationship to microtubule-associated proteins in other eukaryotes.
Solution to the positive real control problem with unstable weighting matrices

This paper presents a two-Riccati equation solution for the unstably-weighted positive real synthesis problem that arises in /^-synthesis robust control problems: Given an unstable matrix M(s), find a controller such that the unstablyweighted closed-loop system M(s)T(s) is generalized strongly positive real and the closed-loop system T(s) is stable. Therefore, we can directly design a robust controller without having to first compute equivalent stable weighting functions.
Analysis of Harmonic Displacement Factors

In my role as crystallographic editor for the American Mineralogist and The Canadian Mineralogist , I examine many papers that include crystal structure refinement data and discussions about this data. It is clear to me that understanding and working with the displacement parameters is a challenge to many researchers. The purpose of this chapter is to clearly define the meaning of these parameters and the mathematics needed to interpret them. Throughout this chapter, I will provide illustrative examples from the structure of quartz refined by Kihara (1990) at a variety of temperatures. Figure 1. An image of the displacement ellipsoids for a Si2O7 group in α-quartz, SiO2, at 298 K and 838 K (Kihara 1990). The ellipsoids, as drawn, enclose 99.0 % of the probability density. It is well established that an atom in a crystal vibrates about its equilibrium position. This vibration can be attributed to thermal and zero-point energy. For example, in Figure 1 the anisotropic displacement parameters are drawn for the Si and O atoms in quartz at 298 K and 838 K. The displacements are significant, with maximum amplitudes for O of 0.138 A, and 0.259 A, at 298 K and 838 K, respectively, in the direction perpendicular to the Si-Si vector. Therefore, in a crystal structure refinement, it is imperative not only to find the mean position of an atom, but also to describe the region in space where there is a high likelihood of finding it. This region of space can be mathematically defined with a probability distribution function (p.d.f.). If we assume harmonic restoring forces between the atoms, or in other words, that the forces between the atoms are quadratic and obey Hooke’s Law, then it can be shown that the p.d.f. can be represented by a Gaussian function (Willis …
Effect of a patient panel-support tool on care delivery.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of a patient panel-support tool (PST) on care delivery for diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). STUDY DESIGN Retrospective longitudinal cohort study among primary care providers (PCPs), with 2005 as the preintervention, 2006 as the implementation, and 2007 as the postintervention period. METHODS We estimated the intervention effect using electronic medical record data and hierarchical linear models. The intervention was a PST displaying "care gaps" and recommendations for glycosylated hemoglobin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and blood pressure screening and control; retinopathy, nephropathy, and foot screening; aspirin, statin, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or beta-blocker use; and influenza and pneumococcal vaccination. Participants were qualifying PCPs and health maintenance organizations; patients. Patients had DM or CVD and 12 months of membership (n = 30,273 DM; 26,414 CVD). Main measures were mean percentages of care recommendations that were met by PCPs per patient per month (the care score). RESULTS From 2005 to 2007, the mean care score (95% confidence interval) increased for both DM and CVD, from 63.5 (62.7, 64.3) to 70.6 (69.8, 71.4) and from 67.9 (67.2, 68.7) to 72.6 (71.9, 73.3), respectively. After adjustments, DM and CVD patients had improvements in the care score of 7.6 and 5.1, respectively, in 2007 compared with 2005 (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Delivery of care recommendations for DM and CVD improved after implementation of a PST. More research is necessary to optimize results and determine whether patient outcomes improve.
Factors Influencing Chinese Students' Decisions to Study in the United States.

The central research question was: Why do Chinese students want to study in the United States? The participants were 20 Chinese students who studied in the U.S. Ten interview questions were used and data were processed in NVivo 10. Five major themes emerged from this study: (a) American culture benefits foreign perceptions of education in the U.S.; (b) increased personal wealth increases demands for educational freedom; (c) Chinese test performance does not indicate education quality; (d) Chinese culture clashes with students’ desire for self-actualization; and (e) an education in the U.S. is considered an immigration stepping stone.
Vertical Crustal Movement in Iceland

The rift zones of Iceland are subsiding at relatively constant rate. The absolute subsidence has not been determined but the rate of tilt of the flanks of the rift zones is 0.2 to 0.7 microradians per year and the width of the zone that is being tilted appears to be more than 40 kilometers. It is estimated that the central part of the rift zone is subsiding 0.5 to 1.0 centimeter per year relative to surrounding areas. The ground deformation associated with this subsidence is characterized by gentle bending of the earth’s crust with no measureable fault displacement except during earthquakes and possibly during a period of one or two years after earthquakes.
Benign Familial Neonatal Convulsions

Linkage studies with the chromosome 20 markers D20S19 and D20S20 were performed in two families with benign familial neonatal convulsions at the Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX.
A MAC and PHY analytical cross-layer model for energy consumption in IEEE 802.11 networks

We have developed a joint medium access control (MAC) and physical (PHY) layer analytical cross-layer model in order to estimate the energy consumption in IEEE 802.11 wireless local area networks (WLANs). A comparison between numerical and simulation results is carried out assuming the IEEE 802.11a physical (PHY) layer.
6.3 The Elusive Interphase/Interface in Polymer Nanocomposites

This chapter provides an overview of the interfacial region/interphase in polymer nanocomposites. The extrinsic and intrinsic interfaces are defined. The thermodynamics of the interface and the role of thermodynamics in controlling dispersion is summarized and a brief introduction of nonequilibrium processing on dispersion is given. Because the state of dispersion/morphology of the nanofillers by definition determines the volume and organization of the interfacial regions, methods for quantifying dispersion are described. The structure of the interfacial region for thermoplastics/thermosets/semicrystalline polymers and elastomers is introduced followed by a summary of the properties of the interfacial region including mobility, mechanical, and dielectic properties. The chapter concludes with an overall picture of how the interfacial region impacts macroscopic properties.
Uniform, uninformed or misinformed?: The lingering challenge of minimally informative priors in data-limited Bayesian stock assessments

Abstract A Bayesian approach to parameter estimation in fisheries stock assessment is often preferred over maximum likelihood estimates, and fisheries management guidelines also sometimes specify that one or the other paradigm be used. However, important issues remain unresolved for the Bayesian approach to stock assessment despite over 25 years of research, development, and application. Here, we explore the consequence of a common practice in Bayesian assessment models: assigning a uniform prior to the logarithm of the parameter representing population scale (log-carrying capacity for biomass-dynamics models, or log-unfished recruits for age-structured models). First, we explain why the value chosen for the upper bound of this prior will affect parameter estimates and fisheries management advice given two properties that are met for many data-poor stock assessment models. Next, we use three case studies and a simulation experiment to show a substantial impact of this decision for data-limited assessments off the US West Coast. We end by discussing four methods for generating an informative prior on the population scale parameter, but conclude that these will not be suitable for many assessments. In these cases, we advocate that maximum likelihood estimation is a simple way to avoid the use of Bayesian priors that are excessively informative.
Infant Regulatory Problems and Obesity in Early Childhood

Abstract Objective Difficult infant temperament is associated with higher weight status in infancy. However, the association of infant temperament, including regulatory capacities, has not been well studied as a possible predictor of future weight status in early childhood. We examined prospective associations of infant regulatory difficulties with obesity in early childhood in a large, diverse cohort. Methods We used data from 5750 children in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study—Birth Cohort, excluding preterm infants and infants small or large for gestational age. Infant regulatory ability was measured at age 9 months by the Infant Toddler Symptom Checklist (ITSC). We created a multivariable logistic regression model comparing risk of obesity at preschool age in infants with ITSC scores ≥6 to infants with scores Results The cohort of children was 48% non-Hispanic white, and 51% were boys. Twenty-one percent of children with ITSC scores ≥6 were obese at preschool age. Infants with ITSC scores ≥6 had 32% increased odds of being obese at preschool age (adjusted odds ratio 1.32 [95% confidence interval 1.03, 1.70]). The strongest association existed among children described as demanding attention constantly. There was no difference in the association when comparing mothers with high or low maternal sensitivity. Conclusions Infant regulatory difficulties are associated with a higher risk of obesity at preschool age. Helping parents manage and respond to difficult infant behaviors before preschool may serve as a focal point for future interventions.
Constant-Time Complete Visibility for Asynchronous Robots with Lights

We consider the distributed setting of N autonomous mobile robots that operate in Look-Compute-Move cycles and communicate with other robots using colored lights following the robots with lights model. We study the fundamental Complete Visibility problem of repositioning N autonomous robots on a plane so that each robot is visible to all others in this model. We assume obstructed visibility where a robot cannot see another robot if a third robot is positioned between them on the straight line connecting them. There exists an \(\mathcal{O}(\log N)\) time, \(\mathcal{O}(1)\) color algorithm for this problem in the asynchronous setting. In this paper, we provide the first, asymptotically optimal, \(\mathcal{O}(1)\) time, \(\mathcal{O}(1)\) color algorithm for this problem in the asynchronous setting. The proposed algorithm is collision-free – robots do not share positions and their paths do not cross. We also introduce a technique, called Beacon-Directed Curve Positioning, for moving robots in an asynchronous setting, that may be of independent interest.
The Emergence of Modern Aesthetic Theory: Religion and Morality in Enlightenment Germany and Scotland

Broad in its geographic scope and yet grounded in original archival research, this book situates the inception of modern aesthetic theory – the philosophical analysis of art and beauty - in theological contexts that are crucial to explaining why it arose. Simon Grote presents seminal aesthetic theories of the German and Scottish Enlightenments as outgrowths of a quintessentially Enlightenment project: the search for a natural 'foundation of morality' and a means of helping naturally self-interested human beings transcend their own self-interest. This conclusion represents an important alternative to the standard history of aesthetics as a series of preludes to the achievements of Immanuel Kant, as well as a reinterpretation of several canonical figures in the German and Scottish Enlightenments. It also offers a foundation for a transnational history of the Enlightenment without the French philosophes at its centre, while solidly endorsing historians' growing reluctance to call the Enlightenment a secularising movement.
CO2 mineral trapping in fractured basalt

Abstract Fractures in basalt can provide substantial surface area for reactions, and limited mass transfer in fractures can allow accumulation of cations to form carbonate minerals in geologic carbon sequestration. In this study, flood basalt and serpentinized basalt with engineered fractures were reacted in water equilibrated with 10 MPa CO2 at 100 °C or 150 °C for up to 40 weeks. Carbonation in basalt fractures was observed as early as 6 weeks, with Mg- and Ca-bearing siderite formed in both basalts reacted at 100 °C and Mg-Fe-Ca carbonate minerals formed in the flood basalt reacted at 150 °C. X-ray μCT segmentation revealed that precipitates filled 5.4% and 15% (by volume) of the flood basalt fracture after 40 weeks of reaction at 100 °C and 150 °C, respectively. Zones of elevated carbonate abundance did not completely seal the fracture. Limited siderite clusters (
Interpersonal Trauma and Physical Health Symptoms in College Students: Mediating Effects of Substance Use and Self-Blame

The present study examined the mediating effect of two coping mechanisms (substance use and self-blame) on the relationship between interpersonal trauma (IPT) exposure and self-reported physical he...
Bio-Mediated Assembly of Ordered Nanoparticle Superstructures

Owing to their unique optical, electronic, magnetic, and catalytic properties, nanoparticles (artificial atoms) have attracted considerable research efforts across various disciplines, spanning chemistry, physics, biology, and materials science. Despite rapid progress in synthesis of nanoparticle over the past decades, it remains a challenge to rationally assemble these artificial atoms into well-defined architectures. Here, we review the latest developments in the utilization of biomolecules for building highly ordered nanoparticle assemblies. In particular, we discuss wet chemistry synthesis and bioconjugation of single crystalline nanoparticles, interaction energetics between biofunctionalized nanoparticles, and the recent achievement of bio-mediated, highly ordered nanoparticle superstructures.