cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Overcoming Gemcitabine Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer Using the BCL-XL Specific Degrader DT2216

Pancreatic cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the USA. While gemcitabine (GEM) is the standard-of-care for most pancreatic cancer patients, its efficacy is limited by the development of resistance. This resistance may be attributable to the evasion of apoptosis caused by the overexpression of BCL-2 family anti-apoptotic proteins. In the current study, we investigated the role of BCL-XL in GEM resistance to identify a combination therapy to more effectively treat pancreatic cancer. We used CRISPR-Cas9 screening to identify the key genes involved in GEM resistance in pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer cell dependencies on different BCL-2 family proteins and the efficacy of the combination of GEM and DT2216 (a BCL-XL proteolysis targeting chimera or PROTAC) were determined by MTS, Annexin-V/PI, colony formation, and 3D tumor spheroid assays. The therapeutic efficacy of the combination was investigated in several patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models of pancreatic cancer. We identified BCL-XL as a key mediator of GEM resistance. The combination of GEM and DT2216 synergistically induced cell death in multiple pancreatic cancer cell lines in vitro. In vivo, the combination significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged the survival of tumor bearing mice compared with the individual agents in pancreatic cancer PDX models. Their synergistic antitumor activity is attributable to DT2216-induced degradation of BCL-XL and concomitant suppression of MCL-1 by GEM. Our results suggest that DT2216-mediated BCL-XL degradation augments the antitumor activity of GEM and their combination could be more effective for pancreatic cancer treatment.
Stories or Directives: A Cross Cultural Comparison of Governmental Messages to Their Constituents during COVID-19.

This cross-sectional investigation examines the message strategies employed by the CDC and the NHC regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and established that messages sent by the CDC via Twitter differed significantly from the messages posted by the NHC via Weibo. Within a random sample (n = 200) of CDC and NHC messaging, six common themes emerged. They were: offering general advice, offering advice for professionals, pandemic progress, organizational efforts, knowledge popularization, and event notification. Results suggest the CDC offered advice to the general public (n = 50) more often than the NHC (n = 19). Similarly, the CDC offered more advice oriented toward professionals (n = 20) than the NHC (n = 9). The NHC, was more likely to discuss the role of government in remedying the pandemic (n = 12) than the CDC (n = 0) and more likely to employ a narrative style in their messaging (n = 35) than the CDC (n = 1).
Life and death in the living embryo: live imaging of germ cell migration and programmed cell death in Drosophila melanogaster (694.7)

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) in Drosophila melanogaster undergo a choreographed process of migration and programmed cell death during embryogenesis. PGCs generate the future gametes and thus are critical for the continuation of the species. PCGs are the first cells generated in the embryo, and remain sequestered from the somatic cells until after gastrulation. They then migrate through the external epithelial layer into the mesoderm, and diverge as they migrate away from the midgut. Finally, PGCs coalesce with somatic gonadal precursor cells, forming the gonads. Programmed cell death is a crucial part of this process, preventing the persistence of ectopic germ cells. Though a few of the signaling molecules that regulate PGC migration and programmed cell death are known, the molecular mechanisms are not well understood. The scattershot (sctt) mutation of the receptor tre1 leads to disrupted germ cell migration, and appears to have a role in germ cell death as germ cells survive outside of the gonads. Since...
Starving the beast: The psychology of budget deficits

The strategy of "starving the beast" involves cutting taxes today with the expectation that spending cuts will follow tomorrow. Various heuristics and biases help to explain the likely effects of the strategy. In four experiments conducted on the World Wide Web, subjects chose general levels of taxation and public spending from differing hypothetical starting points. In general, subjects wanted to reduce both taxes and spending, preferring balanced budgets and even surpluses to deficits. When asked about specific spending cuts, subjects showed a reluctance to make cuts, leading to large and persistent deficits. "Starving the beast," by pairing specific tax cuts with the general, abstract idea of spending cuts, can thus succeed in a population preferring fiscal balance. Once the deficit is created, it will likely persist, influencing future policy preferences, due to an anchor and underadjustment bias. Left indeterminate is what happens in any subsequent period of deficits, when a balanced budget constraint is imposed: in such cases, loss aversion vis a vis tax increases is pitted against loss aversion vis a vis spending decreases. Our experiments suggest a role for framing in making policy choices under these conditions.
Assembly programming on a virtual computer

This paper introduces the VPC Assembler, a Windows 95/98 assembly programming environment that targets the Virtual PC, a simulator of a small computer system based on the Intel 8086 architecture [1]. The assembler provides an editor, a debugger, and views of the assembly programAEs variables, the CPUAEs registers, and the Virtual PCAEs output. The VPC Assembler was designed as a learning tool for courses that introduce assembly programming or for courses, such as computer architecture or organization, that briefly cover the fundamentals of assembly.
Learning with Virtual Verbal Displays: Effects of Interface Fidelity on Cognitive Map Development

We investigate verbal learning and cognitive map development of simulated layouts using a non-visual interface called a virtual verbal display (VVD). Previous studies have questioned the efficacy of VVDs in supporting cognitive mapping (Giudice, Bakdash, Legge, & Roy, in revision). Two factors of interface fidelity are investigated which could account for this deficit, spatial language vs. spatialized audio and physical vs. imagined rotation. During training, participants used the VVD (Experiments 1 and 2) or a visual display (Experiment 3) to explore unfamiliar computer-based layouts and seek-out target locations. At test, participants performed a wayfinding task between targets in the corresponding real environment. Results demonstrated that only spatialized audio in the VVD improved wayfinding behavior, yielding almost identical performance as was found in the visual condition. These findings suggest that learning with both modalities led to comparable cognitive maps and demonstrate the importance of incorporating spatial cues in verbal displays.
The Quantization Program for General Relativity

The problem of the construction of a quantum theory of gravitation is attacked by a variety of methods. The fundamental epistemological difficulties are ellucidated and certain novel qualitative features of the sought-for quantum theory are described.
Satellite oceanography - The instruments

It is pointed out that no instrument is sensitive to only one oceanographic variable; rather, each responds to a combination of atmospheric and oceanic phenomena. This complicates data interpretation and usually requires that a number of observations, each sensitive to somewhat different phenomena, be combined to provide unambiguous information. The distinction between active and passive instruments is described. A block diagram illustrating the steps necessary to convert data from satellite instruments into oceanographic information is included, as is a diagram illustrating the operation of a radio-frequency radiometer. Attention is also given to the satellites that carry the various oceanographic instruments.
Countering Student Apathy to Increase Student Engagement

Student apathy is a growing issue in the United States. While there is great concern and a growing body of research about student apathy and its effects on student achievement, few researchers have examined the problem from the perspective of the apathetic student.This qualitative case study, grounded in the tenets of Vygotsky and Piaget’s social learning and cognitive development theories, explores student apathy and the learning environment through the experiences of former students and their parents. The results of the study led to the creation of a comprehensive professional development plan that combines growth mindset practices with differentiated instruction to lead teachers to create a culture of engagement in their classroom and throughout the school.
Cytogenetic studies inClarkia, section primigenia. III. Cytogenetics of monosomics inClarkia amoena

Naturally occurring “monosomic” plants, with 13 instead of the usual 14 somatic chromosomes, have been found in several populations ofClarkia amoena subsp.huntiana (Onagraceae). These plants show no obvious phenotypic differences from their 14 chromosome sibs. Three types of meiotic pairing were found amongst 7 monosomic strains: 4 bivalents+chain of 4+univalent, 3 bivalents+chain of 4+chain of 3, and 2 bivalents+one heteromorphic rod bivalent+ring of 4+chain of 3. All are basically translocation heterozygotes of a peculiar kind composed of two genomes, one with 6, the other with 7 chromosomes. Both genomes can be transmitted through pollen and eggs, but because of the nature of the meiotic divisions, gametes with 6 chromosomes are in functional excess. Self-pollination of 5 of the monosomic strains does not give 12 chromosome “nullisomic” progeny. The nullisomics produced by the other 2 strains are weaker and later flowering than their 13 or 14 chromosome sibs, and are partially or completely sterile. The 6 chromosome genomes are hence usually inviable when homozygous. Crosses of the monosomics to a standard cytological strain, and intercrosses between monosomic strains, have allowed analysis of the end arrangements of chromosomes. Six different 7-chromosome genomes and 3 different 6-chromosome genomes have been identified. The translocation scheme proposed to account for the origin of the 6-chromosome genomes involves partition of most of the genetic material of one chromosome amongst two others plus the loss of a small centromere-bearing chromosome. This loss accounts for the lethality of the 6-genomes when homozygous. The fact that vigorous, healthy nullisomics are formed whenever two monosomics of different geographical origin are crossed indicates that the 3 monosomic genomes have had an independent origin, since they obviously complement one another's genetic deficiencies. The hybrid nullisomics are fairly fertile, and if formed in nature might serve as the starting point for a new race or species with a reduced basic chromosome number.
Suicide and the menstrual cycle

A review of studies on the variation in suicidal behavior over the menstrual cycle identified only five studies with data presented in sufficient detail that they could be pooled, providing a sample of 400 menstruating women. A deficit in acts of attempted suicide in week three of the cycle was revealed, and it was suggested that this supports a hormonal explanation of the variation.
An enhancer-trap LacZ transgene reveals a distinct expression pattern of Kinesin family 26B in mouse embryos

The enhancer-trap system is a useful tool to uncover genes that exhibit a unique tissue-specific expression. Here, we established a transgenic mouse line in which the reporter gene LacZ was specifically expressed in the developing limbs and face in the embryo. To identify the endogenous genes that are controlled by the limb- and face-specific enhancers, we pinpointed the integration site of the transgene, and analyzed the expression pattern of the genes that were located near the integration site. We found that the gene encoding KIF26B, a member of the kinesin superfamily, was preferentially expressed in the limb buds, face, and somite derivatives. Moreover, while a 7.5-kb mRNA was the major Kif26B transcript in the embryo, it was absent in many adult tissues. These results imply that KIF26B may play a role in embryogenesis, specifically in the development of limbs, face, and somites.
Error-Tolerance and Multi-Media

Error-tolerance deals with the use of defective circuitry that occasionally produces errors, yet provides acceptable performance to end users when executing certain applications. The motivation for using such devices is the related increase in effective yield, and hence lower cost parts. We present a framework for the analysis of the applicability of error-tolerance. The framework is illustrated with respect to a digital telephone-answering device, but is applicable to a broad class of multi-media systems. Key components of this framework are: defining acceptable yet imperfect behavior; determining if a large class of realistic defects in a subsystem provide acceptable behavior at the system level; and determining how to recognize (test) if a defective subsystem will provide acceptable system performance.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Children and Adolescents: Assessing the Diagnostic Performance and Interreader Agreement of Magnetic Resonance Enterography Compared to Histopathology

Rationale and Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) compared to histopathology in the evaluation of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease and to assess interreader reliability for image interpretation. Materials and Methods All magnetic resonance enterography studies performed for known or suspected inflammatory bowel disease between July 2009 and July 2010 were retrospectively reviewed by two pediatric radiologists. Exams were evaluated for signs of enteric inflammation and extraenteric disease. A five-point, Likert-type scale was used to assess the overall likelihood of active inflammation, with scores ≥ 3 considered positive. Cohen's κ coefficient was calculated to assess interreader agreement. A subset of patients who had undergone ileocolonoscopy or surgery with confirmed histopathology within 45 days of MRE were used to assess the accuracy of MRE for detecting active inflammation in the terminal ileum and large bowel. Results A total of 91 magnetic resonance enterography studies were reviewed. Of these, 45 had comparison histopathology within 45 days. The overall sensitivity of MRE for detecting active inflammation compared to ileocolonoscopy was 92% for both readers, while specificity was 100% for reader 1 and 75% for reader 2. Of the individual parameters evaluated, mucosal hyperenhancement and bowel wall thickening were the most sensitive indicators of active inflammation, each having sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 88%. Cohen's κ coefficient was 0.59, indicating moderate agreement between the readers. Conclusions MRE has high overall diagnostic accuracy for detecting active bowel inflammation in pediatric patients compared to ileocolonoscopy and demonstrates moderate interreader reliability.
Stent-Assisted Endovascular Recanalization of Extracranial Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Objective Carotid artery occlusions traditionally have extremely poor outcomes with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator treatment or emergent thromboendarterectomy. We retrospectively reviewed our institutional experience with acute carotid occlusions using internal carotid artery endovascular thrombolysis and stent placement. Methods We studied the radiographic and clinical characteristics of 17 patients with an acute cervical internal carotid artery occlusion treated with stent-assisted endovascular thrombolysis. Clinical outcomes were assessed by using National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, which were obtained on admission and discharge. Inclusion criteria were an NIHSS score of at least 6 and the presence of significant penumbra on computed tomographic perfusion. Morbidity and mortality data were collected and analyzed. Results Seventeen candidates met our inclusion criteria, 16 (94%) of whom had successful immediate recanalization of the internal carotid artery. On admission, the mean NIHSS score was 16.5 and the mean modified Rankin Scale score was 4.8. The mean NIHSS score improved to 6.9 on discharge, with a mean modified Rankin Scale score of 2.88. Eight (47%) patients recovered ambulatory function on discharge. The overall mortality rate of our series was 17%. Conclusions In the setting of acute ischemic stroke, emergent carotid artery thrombolysis and stenting is a promising treatment for acute carotid occlusions with excellent recanalization rates and favorable clinical outcomes.
Dissociation of multiply charged negative ions for hirudin (54-65), fibrinopeptide B, and insulin A (oxidized)

Collision-induced dissociation (CID) was performed on multiply deprotonated ions from three commercial peptides: hirudin (54–65), fibrinopeptide B, and oxidized insulin chain A. Ions were produced by electrospray ionization in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer. Each of these peptides contains multiple acidic residues, which makes them very difficult to ionize in the positive mode. However, the peptides deprotonate readily making negative ion studies a viable alternative. The CID spectra indicated that the likely deprotonation sites are acidic residues (aspartic, glutamic, and cysteic acids) and the C-terminus. The spectra are rife with c, y, and internal ions, although some a, b, x, and z ions form. Many of the fragment ions were formed from cleavage adjacent to acidic residues, both N- and C-terminal to the acidic site. In addition, neutral loss (e.g., NH3, CH3, H2O, and CO2) was prevalent from both the parent ions and from fragment ions. These neutral eliminations were often indicative of specific amino acid residues. The fragmentation patterns from several charge states of the parent ions, when combined, provide significant primary sequence information. These results suggest that negative mode CID of multiply deprotonated ions provides useful structural information and can be worthwhile for highly acidic peptides that do not form positive ions in abundance.
Calibration Of Satellite Shortwave Sensors Using Overcast Cloudlayer Targets

A radiative transfer model is presented suitable for calibration of satellite instruments sensing in the solar spectrum. The model consists of two clear layers sandwiching a plane-parallel cloud layer. Clear-sky optical effects are treated with modified Beer's Law relationships and cloud optical effects are treated with the delta-Eddington method. A model inversion process is used to determine an effective cloud optical depth from surface measurements of global irradiance. The model is then used to calculate the corresponding upward irradiance at the top of the atmosphere. Upward irradiances are converted into directional radiances using empirical bidirectional reflectance factors. For sensor calibration, the model radiances are then compared to simultaneous satellite measurements of radiances from the cloud tops over the surface site. This technique has been tested by using observations of the GOES Visible and Infrared Spin Scan Radiometer. Results indicate that the VISSR-band (0.55-0.75 pm) radiance is close to nominal (slope 0.9601 compared to the expected 1.0). Significant, approximately cubic-form non-linearity of response is found (consistent with the amount of non-linearity exhibited on pre-launch calibrations). Equivalent broad-band radiance also suffers from the same type of non-linear response, with the best linear slope being about 80% of nominal, a result consistent with that anticipated for narrow-band to broad-band conversion. Observed root-mean-square errors for sensor calibration results are comparable to those found in direct comparison between uncalibrated and calibrated sensors on different satellites, indicating that the cloud-calibration approach has merit as a means of quantitative satellite sensor calibration.
Performance of a wideband GaAs low-noise amplifier at cryogenic temperatures

The gain and noise figure performance of a GaAs amplifier at cryogenic temperatures has been studied. Results obtained indicate that a lower noise figure and a higher gain are induced by decreasing the temperature, while no significant change in the input 1-dB compression point is observed. Repeated temperature cycling had no adverse effect on the amplifier performance.
Electron spin resonance of nitrogen-vacancy centers in optically trapped nanodiamonds

Using an optical tweezers apparatus, we demonstrate three-dimensional control of nanodiamonds in solution with simultaneous readout of ground-state electron-spin resonance (ESR) transitions in an ensemble of diamond nitrogen-vacancy color centers. Despite the motion and random orientation of nitrogen-vacancy centers suspended in the optical trap, we observe distinct peaks in the measured ESR spectra qualitatively similar to the same measurement in bulk. Accounting for the random dynamics, we model the ESR spectra observed in an externally applied magnetic field to enable dc magnetometry in solution. We estimate the dc magnetic field sensitivity based on variations in ESR line shapes to be approximately . This technique may provide a pathway for spin-based magnetic, electric, and thermal sensing in fluidic environments and biophysical systems inaccessible to existing scanning probe techniques.
The effect of altered hemoglobin-oxygen affinity on oxygen transport by hemoglobin solution.

Abstract Oxygen dynamics were evaluated in eight baboons following total exchange transfusion with either stripped (SFH) or pyridoxylated (SFH-P) stroma-free hemoglobin solution. Oxygen consumption and circulatory dynamics were maintained with both hemoglobin solutions. The oxygen extraction ratio increased in each group from 0.15 to 0.47, with no change in cardiac output or arteriovenous oxygen content difference. The major finding was the significantly higher mixed venous PO2 (PvO2) values observed with pyridoxylated hemoglobin at hematocrits below 20. At hematocrits of 5%, the SFH-P animals had a PvO2 of 31.3 Torr, while the group receiving SFH had a PvO2 of 13.8 Torr. The data suggest that SFH-P is more likely to minimize tissue hypoxia than SFH. Finally, the physiology of oxygen transport with hemoglobin solution appears to be different from that of erythrocytic hemoglobin.
Stability and nickel binding properties of peptides designed as scaffolds for the stabilization of Ni(II)-Fe(4)S(4) bridged assemblies.

Helix-loop-helix peptides containing 63 residues (HC4H2, HC4HC, HC5H), designated by their sequence and content of histidyl (H) and cysteinyl (C) residues, have been previously synthesized for the purpose of stabilizing certain bridged metal sites in proteins. These peptides bind one Fe4S4 cluster by means of a ferredoxin tricysteinyl consensus sequence and an additional Cys residue, and one Ni(II) atom (HC4H2, HC5H) in predesigned binding sites. In this investigation, the apopeptides and their Fe4S4 derivatives are shown to be relatively stable to unfolding by guanidine hydrochloride, indicating stability of secondary structure. With this property demonstrated, Ni(II) binding equilibria have been evaluated in the terms of site-specific (Scatchard model) and stepwise (stoichiometric) binding constants. Two peptides were designed to have preformed CysHis3 (HC4H2) and Cys2His2 (HC5H) binding sites. The data indicate one strong binding site in each peptide with preferred binding constants k 1=4.4×105 M–1 (HC4H2) and 2.7×105 M–1 (HC5H). Based on X-ray absorption spectroscopic data, these binding steps are associated with the formation of the desired coordination units NiIICysHis3 and NiIICys2His2. For peptide HC4HC, k 1=2.5×105 M–1, but the binding site could not be fully identified. Collective evidence from this and prior investigations supports the presence of the bridged assemblies NiII-(µ2-S·Cys)-[Fe4S4], stabilized by a scaffolding effect in peptides HC4H2 and HC5H. The assembly NiII-X-[Fe4S4] is the minimal structure of the A-Cluster of carbon monoxide dehydrogenase adduced from spectroscopic evidence; bridge X is currently unidentified. These results suggest that de novo designed peptides may serve as scaffolds for the construction of native bridged sites in proteins. Electronic supplementary material to this paper can be obtained by using the Springer Link server located at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00775-001-0320-4.
A note on the performance of the gamma kernel estimators at the boundary

Abstract The gamma kernel estimator is proposed in Chen [Chen, S.X., 2000. Probability density function estimation using gamma kernels. Annals of the Institute of Statistical Mathematics 52, 471–480] to estimate densities with support [ 0 , ∞ ) . It is shown in his paper that the gamma kernel estimator is non-negative, free of boundary bias, and achieves the optimal rate of convergence for the mean integrated squared error. Numerical results reported in Chen’s paper show that, in the boundary region, the gamma kernel estimator even outperforms some widely used boundary corrected density estimators such as the boundary kernel estimator. However, our study finds that the gamma kernel estimator at x = 0 is actually the reflection estimator when the double exponential kernel is used and is only boundary problem free when the estimated density has a shoulder at x = 0 (i.e., the first derivative of the density at x = 0 is zero). For densities not satisfying the shoulder condition, we show that the gamma kernel estimator has a severe boundary problem and its performance is inferior to that of the boundary kernel estimator.
The Impact of Environment on Teaching and Learning

What does the physical appearance of our schools say about our concept of education? School facilities should reflect our idea that education can be interesting and colorful.
Self-Esteem and Classroom Participation1

AbstractLevel of self-esteem was hypothesized to be related to aspects of participation in a classroom group. Three measures of self-esteem were used to test the hypotheses that college students with low self-esteem would (1) say less in class (2) contribute a smaller proportion of their thoughts to class discussion and (3) sit farther back in the classroom than Ss with high self-esteem. These hypotheses were not confirmed for the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (2) or for the Ziller Social Self-Esteem Scale (14) , but all were confirmed for the subscale of the Coopersmith inventory specifically related to school self-esteem (t= 2. 06, 3. 35, 3.86, p >.05, .01, .01.
An image database management system for conducting CAD research

The development of image databases for CAD research is not a trivial task. The collection and management of images and their related metadata from multiple sources is a time-consuming but necessary process. By standardizing and centralizing the methods in which these data are maintained, one can generate subsets of a larger database that match the specific criteria needed for a particular research project in a quick and efficient manner. A research-oriented management system of this type is highly desirable in a multi-modality CAD research environment. An online, webbased database system for the storage and management of research-specific medical image metadata was designed for use with four modalities of breast imaging: screen-film mammography, full-field digital mammography, breast ultrasound and breast MRI. The system was designed to consolidate data from multiple clinical sources and provide the user with the ability to anonymize the data. Input concerning the type of data to be stored as well as desired searchable parameters was solicited from researchers in each modality. The backbone of the database was created using MySQL. A robust and easy-to-use interface for entering, removing, modifying and searching information in the database was created using HTML and PHP. This standardized system can be accessed using any modern web-browsing software and is fundamental for our various research projects on computer-aided detection, diagnosis, cancer risk assessment, multimodality lesion assessment, and prognosis. Our CAD database system stores large amounts of research-related metadata and successfully generates subsets of cases that match the user's desired search criteria.
A perception theory in mind–body medicine: guided imagery and mindful meditation as cross-modal adaptation

A new theory of mind–body interaction in healing is proposed based on considerations from the field of perception. It is suggested that the combined effect of visual imagery and mindful meditation on physical healing is simply another example of cross-modal adaptation in perception, much like adaptation to prism-displaced vision. It is argued that psychological interventions produce a conflict between the perceptual modalities of the immune system and vision (or touch), which leads to change in the immune system in order to realign the modalities. It is argued that mind–body interactions do not exist because of higher-order cognitive thoughts or beliefs influencing the body, but instead result from ordinary interactions between lower-level perceptual modalities that function to detect when sensory systems have made an error. The theory helps explain why certain illnesses may be more amenable to mind–body interaction, such as autoimmune conditions in which a sensory system (the immune system) has made an error. It also renders sensible erroneous changes, such as those brought about by “faith healers,” as conflicts between modalities that are resolved in favor of the wrong modality. The present view provides one of very few psychological theories of how guided imagery and mindfulness meditation bring about positive physical change. Also discussed are issues of self versus non-self, pain, cancer, body schema, attention, consciousness, and, importantly, developing the concept that the immune system is a rightful perceptual modality. Recognizing mind–body healing as perceptual cross-modal adaptation implies that a century of cross-modal perception research is applicable to the immune system.
Phase Vortices And Charge Density Wave Conduction Noise

Abstract Carrier conversion from the charge-density-wave (CDW) condensate to quasi particles should occur at the interface between moving and stationary CDW regions. This conversion is effected by moving phase vortices transverse to the advancing CDW. The present model predicts both the local origin of the narrow band noise and the amplitude of voltage oscillation. The effect of a thermal gradient on the noise frequency also provides support for this model.
Molecular weights of wheat gluten fractions.

Abstract Molecular weights of glutenin and gliadin fractions differing in electrophoretic mobility have been determined in an ultracentrifuge using approach to sedimentation equilibrium. γ-Gliadin is homogeneous and has a molecular weight of 47,000. β-Gliadin has a molecular weight of 42,000. Although it contains four electrophoretic components, each apparently has approximately the same molecular weight. Glutenin is heterogeneous, has a weight-average molecular weight of 2–3 million, and contains small molecules (very approximately 50,000) as well as very large ones. The observed molecular weight is believed to be real; that is, it results from chemical bonds rather than physical aggregation.
Understanding community forestry: a qualitative meta-study of the concept, the process, and its potential for poverty alleviation in the United States case

This paper provides an assessment of the conceptual basis of community forestry from around the world, based on case studies presented in the literature, mainly over the last decade. More than 400 documents were examined for this comprehensive qualitative meta-study (meta-theory, meta-analysis, meta-method, and meta-synthesis) of community forestry. An overall conclusion is offered regarding the extent to which community forestry can be adapted to foster practices that enhance livelihoods, particularly for poverty populations, in rural United States communities. Special attention is paid to signifiers of community empowerment and reflexivity as well as other elements of success suggested in the literature.
A new method to simulate the triangular distribution

A new method is developed to simulate the triangular distribution. The result is of interest from a practical as well as a theoretical viewpoint. The new method is surprisingly simple and is more efficient than the standard method of simulation by inversion of the cumulative distribution function. The method is also generalized to simulate the two-sided power distribution.
Conformational studies ofcis-10-methyl-2-decalones

Im Kernresonanzspektrum einiger substituiertercis-2-Decalone wurden die chemischen Verschiebungen angularer Methylgruppen untersucht. Dabei wurde festgestellt, dass die Verbindungen vorwiegend in der nicht-steroidalen Sessel-Sessel-Konformation vorliegen. Das Vorzeichen der ORD Cotton-Kurven dieser Ketone muss durch das untergeordnete Vorhandensein einer Konformation sehr starker Amplitude, wie z. B. der Twist-Form, bedingt sein.
Control of thermal and photochemical reaction pathways by NO2 pendants in macrocyclic complexes: The redox photochemistry of Cu(10-methyl-1,4,8,12-tetraazacyclopentadecan-10-Y)2+, Y = NO2, NH2, in charge transfer and ligand field excited states

Abstract The irradiation of Cu(10-methyl-1,4,8,12-tetraazacyclopentadecan-10-NO 2 )X + , X = halide, HCO 2 − , CH 3 CO 2 − and C 6 H 5 CH 2 CO 2 − , in deaerated CH 3 CN or CH 3 OH at 350 nm resulted in the reduction of the pendent NO 2 to NO. Flash photolysis revealed the formation of the nitroso products via the photo-induced oxidation of the axial ligand X − . Intermediates in a 10 ns–1 s time scale have been tentatively assigned as species formed by the addition of the X radicals to the NO 2 . Similar redox processes were observed when the irradiation of the complexes was carried out in the ligand field band, λ exc = 560 nm. Conversion of the ligand field excited states to X − to Cu(II) charge transfer excited state account for the photoreactivity of the former excited states.
EXPERIMENTAL OSTEOSARCOMA IN MANDIBLES OF MICE.

Abstract Methylcholanthrene in olive oil was implanted into experimentally produced bony cavities overlying the embryonic odontogenic tissue of the lower right incisors of Swiss mice. The animals were killed at varying periods of time up to 9 months after the operative procedure, by which time osteogenic sarcomas of the jaws were formed. The histologic and gross morphologic characteristics of these lesions are presented.
Incomplete resolution of deep vein thrombosis under reduced flow conditions.

Abstract Introduction Post-thrombotic syndrome is a major complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), occurring in up to 1/3 of first-episode DVT patients. Non-ambulatory patients have increased risk for both DVT and post-thrombotic syndrome. Experimental models are lacking that can serve as reasonable in vivo clinical analogues for poor resolution of DVT that can lead to post-thrombotic syndrome. Materials and methods A murine model of combined DVT and reduced flow was developed that results in persistent vein wall remodeling of poorly resolved thrombus. An electrolytic-injury model of venous thrombosis was created in the femoral veins of adult CD-1 mice, either with or without upstream flow reduction (10% of normal flow), with subsequent histomorphometric and immunohistochemical evaluation out to 28 days. Results Most venous thrombi with normal flow resolved, with little evidence of thrombus or vein wall changes 4 or more days after thrombus induction. In contrast, reduced flow had a prolonging effect on thrombus presence, resulting in long-term remodeling of the thrombus and vein wall, persistent out to 28 days. There was little evidence of monocyte or neutrophil infiltration in remodeled tissue, with only partial smooth muscle cell phenotypic presence, suggesting a fibrotic nature of the residual thrombus. Conclusions Flow reduction inhibits thrombotic resolution in veins with resultant long-term thrombus presence and subsequent vein wall remodeling. This model may offer clinical analogy to unresolved DVT that leads to post-thrombotic syndrome.
Evaluation of the Microsoft Kinect for screening ACL injury

A study was conducted to evaluate the use of the skeletal model generated by the Microsoft Kinect SDK in capturing four biomechanical measures during the Drop Vertical Jump test. These measures, which include: knee valgus motion from initial contact to peak flexion, frontal plane knee angle at initial contact, frontal plane knee angle at peak flexion, and knee-to-ankle separation ratio at peak flexion, have proven to be useful in screening for future knee anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries among female athletes. A marker-based Vicon motion capture system was used for ground truth. Results indicate that the Kinect skeletal model likely has acceptable accuracy for use as part of a screening tool to identify elevated risk for ACL injury.
Kinetic Isotope Effects and Stereochemical Studies on a Ribonuclease Model: Hydrolysis Reactions of Uridine 3'-Nitrophenyl Phosphate.

Abstract The reactions of a ribonuclease model substrate, the compound uridine-3′-p-nitrophenyl phosphate, have been examined using heavy-atom isotope effects and stereochemical analysis. The cyclization of this compound is subject to catalysis by general base (by imidazole buffer), specific base (by carbonate buffer), and by acid. All three reactions proceed by the same mechanistic sequence, via cyclization to cUMP, which is stable under basic conditions but which is rapidly hydrolyzed to a mixture of 2′- and 3′-UMP under acid conditions. The isotope effects indicate that the specific base-catalyzed reaction exhibits an earlier transition state with respect to bond cleavage to the leaving group compared to the general base-catalyzed reaction. Stereochemical analysis indicates that both of the base-catalyzed reactions proceed with the same stereochemical outcome. It is concluded that the difference in the nucleophile in the two base-catalyzed reactions results in a difference in the transition state structure but both reactions are most likely concerted, with no phosphorane intermediate. The 15N isotope effects were also measured for the reaction of the substrate with ribonuclease A. The results indicate that considerably less negative charge develops on the leaving group in the transition state than for the general base-catalyzed reaction in solution.
Infections in cancer patients. Results with gentamicin sulfate therapy.

Gentamicin was administered to 101 cancer patients during 122 episodes of infection. Sixty-two (51%) infections responded. The drug was most effective for the treatment of urinary tract infection and cellulitis and ineffective against infections involving multiple body sites. Most of the infections were caused by Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella sp. The response to gentamicin therapy was related to the patients' neutrophil counts. Only five of the 23 (22%) infections occurring in patients with less than 100 neutrophils per mm3 responded favorably, whereas 29 of the 51 (57%) infections occurring in patients with more than 1000 neutrophils per mm3 responded favorably. Fourteen (11%) superinfections occurred while patients were receiving gentamicin. Nephrotoxicity occurred in 30% of patients with normal renal function at the onset of gentamicin therapy.
The alpha chain of the IL-2 receptor determines the species specificity of high-affinity IL-2 binding.

Abstract Interleukin 2 (IL–2) mediated signalling results from ligand binding and subsequent hetero-dimerization of IL–2rβ and γc. The high-affinity IL–2 receptor (IL–2r) is a heterotrimer comprised of the IL–2rα, IL–2rβ and γc subunits. Whereas human IL–2 effectively binds to either human or murine lymphocytes, murine IL–2 binds with markedly higher affinity to murine receptor complexes than to human complexes. Using cell lines stably expressing heterotrimeric IL–2r that vary in the species origin of individual subunits, we have demonstrated that IL–2rα is primarily responsible for the species specificity of IL–2 binding. Studies of ligand binding to the low affinity receptor demonstrated that IL–2rα displays a similar species preference to the heterotrimeric complex. Moreover, differences in ligand binding are reflected in differences in proliferation. A cell line expressing human IL–2rα and IL–2rβ along with murine γc vigorously proliferated only in response to human IL–2 at low doses, while both human and murine IL–2 stimulated proliferation of a cell line containing murine IL–2rα (as well as human IL–2rβ and murine γc). Therefore, IL–2rα is the chain primarily responsible for the species specificity of ligand binding.
Preliminary investigation of a new algorithm for image reconstruction in half-scan fan-beam computed tomography

In this work we discuss a new algorithm for image reconstruction in half-scan fan-beam computed tomography (CT) and compare its performance with that of the conventional half-scan fan-beam filtered backprojection (FFBP) algorithm. Specifically, we investigate quality of reconstructed images when different weighting functions are used to normalize the half-scan data; we evaluate reconstructions from data that are acquired at different numbers of projection views; and we compare the noise properties of the new algorithm and the conventional half-scan FFBP algorithm. Numerical results in our studies suggest that the new algorithm is generally less susceptible to data noise and aliasing than is the half-scan FFBP algorithm. In particular, the new algorithm yields images with more uniform noise and resolution properties than does the FFBP algorithm. Such uniform properties can have potentially significant implication for estimation- and detection-tasks that are based upon CT images.
An Interview with Artist, George Mitchell: Continuing the Dream after 13 Years

Art is life for George Mitchell, a 64 year old man from Durham, North Carolina, USA. In this interview, George described how art has been a driving occupation in his life—influencing his personal life, career path, and identity—and his determination to return to art after injury. With the support of family and mentors, George built his life around his passion which led to a career as an artist and art professor. In 2003, a gunshot wound to his spinal cord resulted in paraplegia, greatly altering his life and halting his ability to engage in his most meaningful occupations. A decade following his injury, his occupational therapist helped connect him with engineering and occupational therapy students who designed a specialized easel to enable him to resume painting. Concurrently, George contacted an arts group that supported him to publicly exhibit his artwork—13 years after his last exhibition.
Scleromyxedema: treatment with interferon alfa.

Abstract Scleromyxedema is a variant of papular mucinosis characterized by fibroblast proliferation and mucin deposition in the dermis. Historically, it has been very difficult to treat and can cause significant morbidity and mortality with systemic involvement. We describe a case of a woman with scleromyxedema and systemic manifestations treated with interferon alfa. Her skin responded very well to therapy within 3 months; however, her systemic manifestations showed little change. We conclude that interferon alfa may be a useful therapy for patients with scleromyxedema, particularly if the disease process is limited to the skin. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1999;40:303-7.)
The whispered voice test detects hearing impairment in adults and children, but needs to be standardised

Abstract Question How accurate is the whispered voice test in detecting hearing impairment in adults and children? Study design Systematic review. Main results Seventeen primary reports were found (eight studies met inclusion criteria: four in 290 adults aged 17–89 years; four in 716 children aged 3–12 years). The quality of reporting in the majority of studies was low. There was heterogeneity in the methods, reliability, and reproducibility of the studies. Only one adult study met all quality criteria. In adults, the sensitivity of the whispered voice test was 90–100% and the specificity ranged from 70% to 87%. In children, sensitivity was 80–96% and specificity ranged from 90% to 99%. Authors’ conclusions The whispered voice test detects hearing impairment and is both simple and accurate. Further investigation should determine why sensitivity is apparently lower when used on children. Standardisation of the technique should be promoted.
The effect of tetravalent titanium substitution in LiNi1−xTixO2 (0.025⩽x⩽0.2) system

Layered LiNi{sub 1-x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 2} (0.025 {<=} x {<=} 0.2) containing tetravalent titanium ions was prepared by solid-state reaction at 750{sup o}C under an oxygen stream. The products show highly ordered and phase-pure layered compounds. The structural integrity of the materials could be preserved by substituting Ti{sup 4+} ions to prevent impurity Ni{sup 2+} migration into lithium sites. The LiNi{sub 1-x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 2} (0.025 {<=} x {<=} 0.2) cathode exhibits high reversible capacities (up to 240 mA h/g) and excellent cyclability (over 100 cycles) in the range 4.3-2.8 V at a current density of 0.2 mA/cm{sup 2} (C/5 rate). One composition, LiNi{sub 0.975}Ti{sub 0.025}O{sub 2}, showed the highest reversible capacity and energy density of all known layered LiNiO{sub 2} or LiCoO{sub 2} materials. The novel concept of substitution of tetravalent titanium is proven to be promising.
Debunking the “Blood Theory” of Social Work with Groups: Group Workers Are Made and Not Born

ABSTRACT This article dispels the “blood theory” myth of social work with groups: that group work is either in one's blood or it is not; that group workers are born and not made. Key concepts for effective group work practice are illustrated and discussed. They include maintaining a strengths perspective, practicing group work versus casework in a group, promoting mutual aid, using one's authority, welcoming conflict, and embracing the use of activity.
Short-term genetic consequences of habitat loss and fragmentation for the neotropical palm Oenocarpus bataua

Habitat loss and fragmentation may impact animal-mediated dispersal of seed and pollen, and a key question is how the genetic attributes of plant populations respond to these changes. Theory predicts that genetic diversity may be less sensitive to such disruptions in the short term, whereas inbreeding and genetic structure may respond more strongly. However, results from studies to date vary in relation to species, context and the parameter being assessed, triggering calls for more empirical studies, especially from the tropics, where plant–animal dispersal mutualisms are both disproportionately common and at risk. We compared the genetic characteristics of adults and recruits in a long-lived palm Oenocarpus bataua in a recently fragmented landscape (<2 generations) in northwest Ecuador using a suite of 10 polymorphic microsatellite markers. We sampled individuals from six forest fragments and one nearby continuous forest. Our goal was to assess short-term consequences of fragmentation, with a focus on how well empirical data from this system follow theoretical expectations. Mostly congruent with predictions, we found stronger genetic differentiation and fine-scale spatial genetic structure among recruits in fragments compared with recruits in continuous forest, but we did not record differences in genetic diversity or inbreeding, nor did we record any differences between adults in fragments and adults in continuous forest. Our findings suggest that genetic characteristics of populations vary in their sensitivity to change in response to habitat loss and fragmentation, and that fine-scale spatial genetic structure may be a particularly useful indicator of genetic change in recently fragmented landscapes.