cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GRAPH-BASED METHODS FOR LANGUAGE PROCESSING AND INFORMATION RETRIEVAL

Summary form only given. A number of problems in information retrieval and natural language processing can be approached using graph theory. Some representative examples in IR include Brin and Page's Pagerank and Kleinberg's HITS for document ranking using graph-based random walk models. In NLP, one could mention Pang and Lee's work on sentiment analysis using graph min- cuts, Mihalcea's work on word sense disambiguation, Zhu et al.'s label propagation algorithms, Toutanova et al.'s prepositional attachment algorithm, and McDonald et al.'s dependency parsing algorithm using minimum spanning trees. In this talk I will quickly summarize three graph-based algorithms developed recently at the University of Michigan: (a) lexrank, a method for multidocument summarization based on random walks on lexical centrality graphs, (b) TUMBL, a generic method using bipartite graphs for semi-supervised learning, and (c) biased lexrank, a semi-supervised technique for passage ranking for information retrieval and discuss the applicability of such techniques to other problems in Natural Language Processing and Information Retrieval.
Effect of calcareous road dust on land snails (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) and millipedes (Diplopoda) in acid forest soils of the Daniel Boone National Forest of Kentucky, USA

Abstract This study examined the effect of calcareous road dust on land snails (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) and millipedes (Diplopoda) on forested ridge tops with naturally acidic soils. Pitfall trapping was conducted on twelve 50 m long transects perpendicular to roads that had been surfaced with limestone gravel for approximately 50 years. Sampling was carried out during 1-week periods twice per year for 3 years. Soil pH decreased from 7.0 to 4.3, and extractable-Ca from 18.3 to 0.6 cmol+/kg, with increasing distance from the road; both variables were significantly higher at the roadside than at distances of 25 and 50 m. Six genera and five identifiable species of snails, and seven orders and six identifiable families of millipedes were collected. Dry mass of snails and millipedes differed significantly (P
Transcriptional regulatory functions of mammalian AP-endonuclease (APE1/Ref-1), an essential multifunctional protein

Abstract The mammalian AP-endonuclease (APE1/Ref-1) plays a central role in the repair of oxidized and alkylated bases in mammalian genomes via the base excision repair (BER) pathway. However, APE1, unlike its E. coli prototype Xth, has two unique and apparently distinct transcriptional regulatory activities. APE1 functions as a redox effector factor (Ref-1) for several transcription factors including AP-1, HIF1-α, and p53. APE1 was also identified as a direct trans-acting factor for repressing human parathyroid hormone (PTH) and renin genes by binding to the negative calcium-response element (nCaRE) in their promoters. We have characterized APE1's post-translational modification, namely, acetylation which modulates its transcriptional regulatory function. Furthermore, stable interaction of APE1 with several other trans-acting factors including HIF-1α, STAT3, YB-1, HDAC1, and CBP/p300 and formation of distinct trans-acting complexes support APE1's direct regulatory function for diverse genes. Multiple fun...
An investigation of microstructure, hardness, tensile behaviour of a titanium alloy: Role of orientation

In this technical paper, the microstructure, hardness, tensile deformation and final fracture behaviour of an emerging titanium alloy for performancecritical applications are presented and discussed. Both longitudinal and transverse test specimens were prepared from the as-provided sheet stock of the alloy and deformed in uniaxial tension. The yield strength and tensile strength of the alloy sheet in the transverse orientation was higher than the longitudinal orientation. The ductility of the test specimens, quantified in terms of reduction-in-cross-sectional area, was higher for the transverse specimen when compared to the longitudinal counterpart. The elongation-to-failure of the test specimens was identical in the two orientations of the sheet stock. The tensile fracture behaviour of the alloy was quantified by careful examination of the fracture surfaces in a scanning electron microscope. The intrinsic fracture features on the tensile fracture surface were discussed taking into consideration the nature of loading and contribution from intrinsic microstructural features.
Political Forces in Argentina, 3rd edition; The New Argentine Democracy: The Search for a Successful Formula

Political Forces in Argentina, 3rd edition. PETER G. SNOW and LUIGI MANZETTI. Westport, London: Praeger,1993.183 pp. $49.95 (cloth), $17.95 (paper). ISBN 0-275-93384-9, ISBN 0-275-93810-7. The New Argentine Democracy: The Search for a Successful Formula. EDWARD C. EPSTEIN (editor). Westport, London: Praeger, 1992. 296 pp. $55.00 (cloth). ISBN 0–275–93919–7.
Square-Lattice Heisenberg Antiferromagnet at Very Large Correlation Lengths

The correlation length of the square-lattice spin-1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnet is studied in the low-temperature (asymptotic-scaling) regime. Our novel approach combines a very efficient loop cluster algorithm{emdash}operating directly in the Euclidean time continuum{emdash}with finite-size scaling. This enables us to probe correlation lengths up to {xi}{approx}350,000 lattice spacings, more than 3 orders of magnitude larger than in any previous study. We resolve a conundrum concerning the applicability of asymptotic-scaling formulas to experimentally and numerically determined correlation lengths. Our results have direct implications for the zero-temperature behavior of spin-1/2 ladders. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
PREGNANCY MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES AND TWO YEAR NEURO/DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME OF INFANTS OF DIABETIC MOTHERS

Infants of diabetic mothers (IDM) are at a risk for congenital anomalies and long term neurological/developmental dysfunction. In a prospective longitudinal study, IDMs born to mothers randomly assigned during the first trimester of pregnancy to Group I -strict diabetes management- or Group II -customary diabetes management-were evaluated to examine treatment impact on short and long term outcome. Thirty-four infants have been followed for 2 years with repeat neurological and psychological assessments. At birth, Group I IDMs had a larger head circumference (t=2.67, p<.01) and were longer (t=2.11, p<.05) than Group II infants. At 8 and 12 months, Bayley mental indices (MDI) were higher for Group I (MDI-111 and 110 respect.) than Group II (MDI=99 and 103 respect.). T-tests and F values were significant at <.01 and <.05 levels respect. There were no differences for Bayley motor indices PDI (Group I, PDI=102 and 109; for Group II, PDI=102 and 104). Differences had disappeared at 18 and 24 month. White classification correlated with poor neurological performance using the Amiel-Tison neurological assessment at 12 months (R=.33, p <.10). Thus, it appears that IDMs born to mothers with strict diabetes management in early pregnancy have a better short term prognosis for mental and neurological outcome. Long term follow-up of more IDMs now in progress is necessary: (1) To obtain a more detailed picture of subtle neuro/developmental delay in the IDM. (2) To assess whether early mental scores and neurological signs are indicators of functional/intellectual deficits in later life; and whether early first trimester strict diabetes management has a positive effect on long term outcome.
Agouti-related protein-like immunoreactivity: characterization of release from hypothalamic tissue and presence in serum.

A novel RIA was used to examine the release of agouti-related protein-like immunoreactivity (AGRP-LI) from perfused rat hypothalamic tissue slices and to characterize AGRP-LI in rat serum. A continuous low level basal AGRP-LI release was observed from hypothalami of rats fed ad libitum before the rats were killed. Basal AGRP-LI release was 3-fold greater in rats fasted 48 h. In fasted animals leptin dose-dependently suppressed basal AGRP-LI release. In fed animals no change in basal AGRP-LI release was detected in response to 10−6 m α-MSH, orexin B, melanin-concentrating hormone, or serotonin. HPLC analysis of AGRP-LI in rat serum identified a single peak that eluted in close proximity to synthetic AGRP (87–132) and mouse [Leu127Pro]AGRP and that was identical to the peak seen in hypothalamic and adrenal tissue extracts. The serum concentration of AGRP-LI in rats fed ad libitum was 0.865 ± 0.323 nmol/liter (mean ± se). Food deprivation resulted in a slow, but statistically significant rise in serum immuno...
Polarization-Modulation Near-Field Scanning Optical Microscopy of Mesostructured Materials

A new polarization-modulation near-field scanning optical microscope (PM-NSOM) is described and demonstrated. Linearly polarized light is rotated through an angle of 180° at a frequency of 2 kHz wi...
Local harmonic analysis on spheres

Abstract A continuous expansion ƒ(x) = ∝ ∞ ∞ ƒ λ (x)h(λ)dλ is established for functions or distributions supported on a sufficiently small set K in the sphere Sn, valid in a neighborhood Ω of K, where ƒ λ (x) are eigenfunctions of the Laplacian on Ω with eigenvalue ( (n − 1) 2 ) 2 − λ 2 . The function h(λ) and the operators P λ that give ƒλ from ƒ are given by explicit formulas. When n is odd, the function ƒ λ (x) can be uniquely characterized by analyticity and growth conditions in λ of Paley-Wiener type. The expansion is applied to study functions of the Laplacian and operators that commute with the Laplacian.
Extramedullary blast crisis in a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia in complete cytogenetic and molecular remission on interferon-α therapy

We report the previously undescribed occurrence of extramedullary blast crisis in a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia in complete cytogenetic and molecular remission on interferon-α. Development of bilateral testicular swelling prompted a biopsy showing stromal infiltration with CD20 and TdT positive immature cells. On repeated examinations, the bone marrow remained BCR/ABL negative by RT-PCR analysis. However, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) contained atypical lymphocytes positive for the P210 BCR-ABL product. Following treatment with testicular irradiation, intrathecal methotrexate, systemic chemotherapy and an unrelated donor transplant, the patient showed no evidence of disease until 9 months post-transplant, when he relapsed in lymphoid blast crisis in both bone marrow and CSF.
A cloned gene of Cryptosporidium parvum encodes neutralization-sensitive epitopes

Two mAb, C6B6 and 7D10, each significantly reduced infection of mice by Cryptosporidium parvum and reacted with a 23-kDa glycoprotein (p23) of geographically disperse C. parvum isolates. The antibodies were used to identify plaques in a cDNA library prepared from C. parvum sporozoite mRNA. cDNA insert sequences from positive plaques were determined and used to isolate additional clones encoding p23 coding sequences. A consensus open reading frame of 333 base pairs, encoding 111 amino acids, was identified in this collection of cDNAs. The predicted amino acid sequence contained one N-glycosylation site, but lacked hydrophobic membrane spanning regions. Epitope mapping revealed that mAb 7D10 defines the linear epitope QDKPAD which occurs twice in the C terminal region of the peptide encoded by the ORF. This same C terminal peptide region contains a non-linear epitope bound by mAb C6B6. Serum from mice immunized with synthetic C terminal peptide reacted with sporozoite p23. The occurrence of neutralization-sensitive epitopes encoded by defined regions of the C. parvum genome suggests that recombinant proteins or synthetic peptides containing these epitopes may prove useful for inducing immune responses that diminish infection.
Hemisphericity Style, Sex, and Performance on a Letter-Detection Task

Subjects classified by scores on the Preference Questionnaire as preferring either a left- or a right-hemisphericity style were asked to read a one-page passage and to circle each letter t they encountered as they read the passage. There were no statistically significant differences in letter detection between the 58 right- and the 64 left-style scorers. However, contrary to previous findings, the 73 women detected significantly more ts, including unsounded ts, than the 55 men. Our results suggest that hemisphericity style is not an important factor in letter detection.
Two-tier resource allocation for slowdown differentiation on server clusters

Slowdown, defined as the ratio of a request's queueing delay to its service time, is accepted as an important quality of service metric of Internet servers. In this paper, we investigate the problem of providing proportional slowdown differentiation (PSD) services to various applications and clients on cluster-based Internet servers. We extend a closed-form expression of the expected slowdown of a popular Internet workload model with a typical heavy-tailed service time distribution from a single server mode to a server cluster mode. Based on the closed-form expression, we design a two-tier resource allocation approach, which integrates a dispatcher-based node partitioning scheme and a server-based dynamic process allocation scheme. We evaluate the two-tier resource allocation approach via extensive simulations and compare it with an one-tier node partitioning approach. Simulation results show that the two-tier approach can provide fine-grained PSD services on cluster-based Internet servers. We implement the two-tier approach on a cluster testbed. Experimental results further demonstrate the feasibility of the approach in practice.
Congressional Oversight of the Department of Defense: Reconsidering the Conventional Wisdom

Observers often complain that Congress slights defense oversight. Their conclusions, however, are typically based on the assumption that the House and Senate will act like bureaucracies capable of comprehensive, systematic, and dispassionate oversight. Yet Congress is a political institution, and its ability to oversee defense issues is limited by its institutional makeup and by the nature of defense policy. As a result, the tendency to treat Congress as if it were a bureaucracy produces inflated expectations about congressional oversight. It also obscures the incentives that encourage legislators to conduct oversight-namely, parochialism, ambition, and duty. Although Congress does more oversight than critics acknowledge, congressional oversight is not flawless. Most reform proposals focus on structural changes at the Pentagon or on Capitol Hill. The key to improving congressional oversight, however, lies in reducing the ideological bias of the defense committees.
Different Folks, Different Hopes The Educational Aspirations of Black Males in Urban, Suburban, and Rural High Schools

The educational aspirations of Black males in urban, suburban, and rural high schools were examined in this study, using a nationally-representative sample of respondents to the National Educational Longitudinal Study (NELS:88/00). Hierarchical linear regression analysis revealed statistically significant relationships between aspirations and SES, academic achievement, and urban city with high-SES, high-achieving, suburban Black males reporting the highest aspirations. Leveled and/or lower aspirations were associated with low-SES, low-achieving, Black males in urban and rural settings. Implications for future practice, theory, and research are discussed, along with recommendations for future policy.
Resonance Induced Impedance Sensing of Human Blood Cells

A challenging problem in AC impedance sensing of particles (e.g., blood cells in plasma) with micro electrodes is that with the shrinking of electrode surface area the electrode double layer capacitance decreases. Combined with the parallel stray capacitance, the system impedance is dominated by these capacitive components. Hence the sensitivity for particle sensing decreases. In this paper, we propose a new approach to solve the problem. The idea is to use resonant sensing by connecting an external parallel inductor to the system. At the resonant frequency, the capacitive components in the system were nullified by the inductor, leaving the electrolyte and particle impedance to be a major component in the system impedance. We then successfully demonstrated this idea by sensing 5 mum polystyrene beads. More important, this technique was extended to sensing blood cells in diluted human whole blood and leukocyte rich plasma. The measured signal pulse height histogram matched well with known volume distribution of erythrocytes and leukocytes.
Propagation of electrical activity in the SA node

Computational models of the sinoatrial node and atrium are used to investigate the functional role of fine strands of atrial tissue which interdigitate with and penetrate into the center of the SA node. Model results indicate that by localizing gap junction channels at the strand tips, interdigitations form a near uni-directional conduction pathway, facilitating conduction of the pacemaker potential from the SA node into the atrium, but limiting the ability of depolarizing atrial waves to perturb pacemaking behavior of central SA node cells.
SOC test planning using virtual test access architectures

Recent advances in tester technology have led to automatic test equipment (ATE) that can operate at up to gigahertz speeds. However, system-on-chip (SOC) scan chains are typically run at lower frequencies, e.g., 10-50 MHz. The use of high-speed ATE channels to drive slower scan chains leads to an underutilization of resources, thereby resulting in an increase in SOC testing time. We present a new test planning technique to reduce the testing time and test cost by matching high-speed ATE channels to slower scan chains using the concept of virtual test access architectures. We also present a new test access mechanism (TAM) optimization framework based on Lagrange multipliers and analyze the impact of virtual TAMs on the overall SOC test power consumption for one of the ITC'02 benchmarks. Experimental results for TAM optimization based on Lagrange multipliers and virtual TAMs are presented for three industrial circuits from the set of ITC'02 SOC test benchmarks.
Cell division and targeted cell cycle arrest opens and stabilizes basement membrane gaps

Large gaps in basement membrane (BM) occur during organ remodelling and cancer cell invasion. Whether dividing cells, which temporarily reduce their attachment to BM, influence these breaches is unknown. Here we analyse uterine-vulval attachment during development across 21 species of rhabditid nematodes and find that the BM gap that forms between these organs is always bounded by a non-dividing vulval cell. Through cell cycle manipulation and live cell imaging in Caenorhabditis elegans, we show that actively dividing vulval cells facilitate enlargement of this breach by promoting BM movement. In contrast, targeted cell cycle arrest halts BM movement and limits gap opening. Further, we demonstrate that the BM component laminin accumulates at the BM gap edge and promotes increased integrin levels in non-dividing vulval cells, stabilizing gap position. Together, these studies reveal that cell division can be used as a mechanism to regulate BM breaches, thus controlling the exchange of cells between tissues.
Optimal low-energy SIMS conditions for characterizing ZrO2/Si interfaces

Development of high-K gate dielectric materials has placed a stringent demand for inspection tools with ultrahigh depth resolving power and detection sensitivity. Low-energy SIMS is potentially the technique of choice provided that the analytical related artifacts are well understood and efficiently suppressed. In this work we profiled superficial and buried metal–organic chemical vapour deposited ZrO2 films and investigated the artifacts involved in SIMS profiling at various beam conditions. It was demonstrated that O2+ beams at near-normal incidence yielded extremely broad Zr down-slopes in Si, an artifact likely due to a pronounced preferential sputtering of Si when the instantaneous surface reached the ZrO2/Si interfaces. Suppression of this artifact can be realized by probing O2+ beams at oblique incidence, favorably at 60° for a 1 keV O2+. Nevertheless, the normal-incidence O2+ beam remained optimal for characterizing the up-slope of Zr at the polycrystalline Si (polySi)/ZrO2 interface, owing to the minimized matrix effects and suppressed surface roughness. For profiling a gate stack (polySi/ZrO2/Si) at oblique incidences, the high depth resolution of low-energy SIMS was hindered by the pronounced roughness in poly-Si. This can be remedied by ion beam smoothing of the poly-Si prior to SIMS profiling. Using the optimal SIMS conditions, we profiled poly-Si/ZrO2/Si wafers with and without dopant activation anneal. The SIMS data revealed significant reactions between ZrO2 and Si upon thermal anneal at 1025°C for 10 s. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Basal Body Duplication and Maintenance Require One Member of the Tetrahymena thermophila Centrin Gene Family

Centrins, small calcium binding EF-hand proteins, function in the duplication of a variety of microtubule organizing centers. These include centrioles in humans, basal bodies in green algae, and spindle pole bodies in yeast. The ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila contains at least four centrin genes as determined by sequence homology, and these have distinct localization and expression patterns. CEN1's role at the basal body was examined more closely. The Cen1 protein localizes primarily to two locations: one is the site at the base of the basal body where duplication is initiated. The other is the transition zone between the basal body and axoneme. CEN1 is an essential gene, the deletion of which results in the loss of basal bodies, which is likely due to defects in both basal body duplication and basal body maintenance. Analysis of the three other centrins indicates that two of them function at microtubule-rich structures unique to ciliates, whereas the fourth is not expressed under conditions examined in this study, although when artificially expressed it localizes to basal bodies. This study provides evidence that in addition to its previously known function in the duplication of basal bodies, centrin is also important for the integrity of these organelles.
Effect of Baking and Frying on Nutritive Value of Potatoes. Nitrogenous Constituents

The effect of conventional baking and frying on the content of total and nonprotein nitrogen of Katahdin, Chipbelle and Rosa varieties of potatoes was investigated. The cortex and pith tissues of the tubers were analyzed separately. In cortex tissue, baking reduced the total nitrogen (5–18%) and total amino acids (5%). In pith tissue, baking increased total nitrogen (3–20%), nonprotein nitrogen (9–28%), and total amino acids (13%). During baking migration of nitrogen constituents from cortex to pith tissue occurred in all three varieties. In cortex tissue frying decreased significantly the total nitrogen (29–43%), nonprotein nitrogen (20–35%) and amino acid content (45%). A similar trend was observed in the pith tissue. Greater losses in total, nonprotein nitrogen and amino acids occurred with frying than with baking.
First report of an accessory popliteal muscle: detection with MRI

During an MRI examination of the knee in a 48-year-old patient suffering from degenerative changes of a partly resected medial meniscus and concomitant osteoarthritis of the knee joint, an unusual variant of an accessory muscle in the popliteal fossa was found. To our best knowledge this muscle has never been described before. Because of the close relationship to the popliteal muscle with regard to course and localisation in the deep popliteal fossa ventral to the popliteal artery, the term "accessory popliteal muscle" is proposed.
Temperature and Moisture Relations of Fomes Roseus and Trametes Subrosea

The value of temperature responses of the mycelium as a means of differentiating cultures of wood-destroying fungi is elaborated. A few pairs of closely related fungi are used to illustrate the fea...
What Can We Learn about Dispersion from the Conformer Surface of n-Pentane?

In earlier work [Gruzman, D.; Karton, A.; Martin, J. M. L. J. Phys. Chem. A 2009, 113, 11974], we showed that conformer energies in alkanes (and other systems) are highly dispersion-driven and that...
Dense Granular Flows as a New Heat Transfer Fluid for Concentrated Solar Power

The increasing interest in concentrated solar power as a new form of renewable energy necessitates an improvement in overall system efficiency. Current heat transfer fluids employed to capture the concentrated heat demonstrate limited working temperature ranges. This study sought to investigate the use of dense granular flows as a possible new heat transfer fluid, as ceramic particles present virtually no restriction on working temperature. A bench-scale system simulating a single tube of a concentrated solar power central receiver was constructed and used to evaluate the heat transfer properties of the flow at low temperatures. Ceramic particles, 270μm in diameter, were gravity-fed through a vertical tube, resulting in granular flows with particle packing fractions of approximately 60%. Radial temperature profiles were measured and used to calculate the mean temperature of the fluid at different axial tube locations. The heat transfer coefficient was then calculated based on the input heat flux and measured wall and mean temperatures. The effect of the mass flow rate on the heat transfer coefficient was examined by using different orifices at the tube exit. As expected, the heat transfer coefficient increased with increasing flow rate. Heat transfer coefficients ranging from 330 to 380 W/m2-K were obtained for bulk temperatures ranging from 40 to 70°C. Previous works demonstrated comparable heat transfer coefficients at higher bulk temperatures. Thus, our preliminary heat transfer coefficient results demonstrate the potential of dense flows of ceramic particles for obtaining beneficial heat transfer properties at extremely high operating temperatures.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
AT-08RADIOTHERAPY WITH VS WITHOUT TEMOZOLOMIDE IN OLDER PATIENTS WITH GLIOBLASTOMA

BACKGROUND: A randomized trial of glioblastoma patients aged ≤70 years demonstrated that adding temozolomide (TMZ) to radiotherapy (RT) improved overall survival (OS). We examined whether adding TMZ to RT was associated with improved OS in older glioblastoma patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 1,718 Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 years with glioblastoma diagnosed in a SEER region who received ≥10 daily fractions of RT between 2005-2009, or between 1995-1999 before TMZ was available. Patients were categorized into 3 cohorts based on diagnosis year and treatment received within 3 months of diagnosis: 1) 2005-2009 and TMZ/RT, 2) 2005-2009 and RT only, or 3) 1995-1999 and RT only. Associations between treatment group and OS were compared using Cox proportional hazards models and propensity score analyses, controlling for baseline patient characteristics. RESULTS: Median survival estimates were 9.4 (IQR, 5.2-17.0) months for TMZ/RT, 7.9 (IQR, 4.7-15.0) months for RT in 2005-2009, and 7.7 (IQR, 4.9-11.8) months for RT in 1995-1999. Two-year survival probabilities were 12.4% for TMZ/RT, 7.6% for RT in 2005-2009, and 3.3% for RT in 1995-1999. Propensity score-adjusted models showed decreased mortality risk for TMZ/RT compared to RT in 2005-2009 (AHR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.79-0.98) and to RT in 1995-1999 (AHR, 0.70; 95% CI, 95% CI, 0.56-0.87). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses showed no significant advantage to TMZ/RT compared to RT in 2005-2009 among patients receiving long-course RT (≥27 fractions; AHR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.79-1.01). CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent TMZ was associated with a small survival benefit among older glioblastoma patients receiving RT, but no significant survival benefit was observed among patients who received standard long-course RT.
Solution of the Balitzkij-Fadin-Kuraev-Lipatov Equation in the Low Q2 Region

The Balitzkij-Fadin-Kuraev-lipatov equation including the nonperturbative contribution is studied by using the characteristic method. The results show that the nonperturbative contribution is very important in the low Q2 region.
Abstract 4311: EphB2 receptor controls proliferation/migration dichotomy of glioblastoma by interacting with focal adhesion kinase

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are the most frequent and aggressive primary brain tumors in adults. Uncontrolled proliferation and abnormal cell migration are two prominent spatially and temporally disassociated characteristics of GBMs. In this study, we investigated the role of the receptor tyrosine kinase EphB2 in controlling the proliferation/migration dichotomy of GBM. We studied EphB2 gain-of-function and loss-of function in glioblastoma-derived stem-like neurospheres (GBM-SCs), whose in vivo growth pattern closely replicates human GBM. EphB2 expression stimulated GBM neurosphere cell migration and invasion, and inhibited neurosphere cell proliferation in vitro. In parallel, EphB2 silencing increased tumor cell proliferation and decreased tumor cell migration. EphB2 was found to increase tumor cell invasion in vivo using an internally controlled dual-fluorescent xenograft model. Xenografts derived from EphB2 overexpressing GBM neurospheres also showed decreased cellular proliferation. The non-receptor tyrosine kinase focal adhesion kinase (FAK) was found to be co-associated with and highly activated by EphB2 expression and FAK activation facilitated focal adhesion formation, cytoskeleton structure change and cell migration in EphB2-expression GBM neurosphere cells. Taken together, our findings indicate that EphB2 has pro-invasive and anti-proliferative actions in GBM stem-like neurospheres mediated, in part, by interactions between EphB2 receptors and FAK. These novel findings suggest that tumor cell invasion can be therapeutically targeted by inhibiting EphB2 signaling and that optimal anti-tumor responses to EphB2 targeting may require the concurrent use of anti-proliferative agents. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4311. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4311
Impact of bedside bronchoscopy in critically ill lung transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Over 32,000 lung transplants have been performed worldwide for a variety of end-stage lung diseases (http://www.ishlt.org/). Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) is frequently used as a bedside-tool for diagnosis and management of respiratory failure among critically ill lung transplant recipients (LTRs). We study the indications, results, therapeutic impact, and complications of FB in LTRs admitted to medical intensive care unit (MICU). METHODS: Retrospective chart review was performed for all critically ill LTRs undergoing FB while admitted to MICU at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation between 2009 and 2011. ICD-9 codes for bronchoscopy were used to identify patients. The procedures were categorized as: (i) airway examination and interventions, (ii) microbiological, and (iii) histopathologic diagnosis. SAS version 9.2 was used for analysis. RESULTS: A cohort of 76 LTRs accounted for 93 hospital admissions, 101 MICU admissions, and 129 bronchoscopies. FB was helpful in evaluation and management of airway complications [secretion clearance (18% bronchoscopy procedures), stenosis/dehiscence (8% patients)] and optimizing management of lower respiratory tract infections. Isolation of resistant gram-negative organisms, community-acquired respiratory viruses, and fungi commonly led to modification in antimicrobial therapy (35% microbiological samples). Nonspecific finding of acute lung injury was the most commonly seen histopathology (70%) on transbronchial biopsy. Twenty percent (4/20) of transbronchial biopsies showed acute cellular rejection, with 1 episode contributing to respiratory failure. Occasional hypoxia and hypotension, but no deaths, were noted due to FB during the ICU admission. CONCLUSIONS: Use of FB modified clinical management in one third of airway evaluation and microbiological sampling procedures for critically ill LTRs. No fatalities were attributed to bronchoscopy in this critically ill population.
China’s Second Continent. How a million migrants are building a new empire in Africa

The provocative title and thesis of Howard French's book is ample evidence of the allure geopolitical narratives have in simplifying what would otherwise be a complex portrait of African-Chinese relations. Despite the title and his own attempt to live up to the title, French has actually written a rich and nuanced book. His long term experience in both China and around the African continent makes him among the better qualified of non-African journalists to cover the topic. His strongest contributions are the portraits he provides of the individual Chinese entrepreneurs whose experiences and relationships, as he argues in the introduction, have been neglected in discussions about Sino-African relationships. Thestories he collects from his year-long whirlwind tour of Africa portray hyper-entrepreneurs, some lacking prior international experience, and some knowing no language other than Chinese. Through a combination of what French identifies to be some parts skill and some parts luck, many (but not all) have managed to set themselves up in a range of industries from timber exploitation to manufacturing. These rags-to-riches stories are set within an atmosphere of "eating bitterness," wherein Chinese migrants strive by working in environments that many (but not all) expressly do not like, and do business with people towards whom they frequently express negative sentiments. French considers many of them to be China's "lost generation," those whose opportunities for education were disrupted by the Cultural Revolution, and who were unable to compete successfully in the post-reform economy. As French points out, "huge numbers of Chinese had not boarded the up escalator, or at least they did not feel they had," (240) and Africa presents itself as a second chance, a place of supposedly limitless opportunity. The pursuit of these opportunities is fragmented, rather than organized, and we find different Chinese actors working at cross-purposes.
Posters With Fellows

Posters With Fellows is an opportunity to interact with some of the best scholars the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society has to offer in a low-key, intellectual setting. Fellows will present posters describing cutting-edge research from their current work, retrospectives of important work they have conducted over their careers, and descriptions of challenging new frontiers they think need to be addressed. This is a unique opportunity for students and professionals alike to talk one on one with the thought leaders of our profession on the important research issues of our time.Participants:Thomas J. Armstrong, University of Michigan, Ann ArborDeborah A. Boehm-Davis, George Mason UniversityGloria L. Calhoun, U.S. Air ForceStanley H. Caplan, Usability AssociatesNancy J. Cooke, Arizona State UniversityKermit G. Davis, University of CincinnatiValerie J. Gawron, MITRE Corp.Douglas J. Gillan, North Carolina State UniversityWayne D. Gray, Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteJoel S. Greenstein, Clemson UniversityM. S...
Kernicterus Re-Emergence and Prevention

Six cases of kernicterus in term and near-term infants, diagnosed in Denmark between 1994 and 1998, are reported from the University Hospital of Aalborg.
Systemic insulin sensitivity is regulated by GPS2 inhibition of AKT ubiquitination and activation in adipose tissue

Abstract Objective Insulin signaling plays a unique role in the regulation of energy homeostasis and the impairment of insulin action is associated with altered lipid metabolism, obesity, and Type 2 Diabetes. The main aim of this study was to provide further insight into the regulatory mechanisms governing the insulin signaling pathway by investigating the role of non-proteolytic ubiquitination in insulin-mediated activation of AKT. Methods The molecular mechanism of AKT regulation through ubiquitination is first dissected in vitro in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and then validated in vivo using mice with adipo-specific deletion of GPS2, an endogenous inhibitor of Ubc13 activity (GPS2-AKO mice). Results Our results indicate that K63 ubiquitination is a critical component of AKT activation in the insulin signaling pathway and that counter-regulation of this step is provided by GPS2 preventing AKT ubiquitination through inhibition of Ubc13 enzymatic activity. Removal of this negative checkpoint, through GPS2 downregulation or genetic deletion, results in sustained activation of insulin signaling both in vitro and in vivo . As a result, the balance between lipid accumulation and utilization is shifted toward storage in the adipose tissue and GPS2-AKO mice become obese under normal laboratory chow diet. However, the adipose tissue of GPS2-AKO mice is not inflamed, the levels of circulating adiponectin are elevated, and systemic insulin sensitivity is overall improved. Conclusions Our findings characterize a novel layer of regulation of the insulin signaling pathway based on non-proteolytic ubiquitination of AKT and define GPS2 as a previously unrecognized component of the insulin signaling cascade. In accordance with this role, we have shown that GPS2 presence in adipocytes modulates systemic metabolism by restricting the activation of insulin signaling during the fasted state, whereas in absence of GPS2, the adipose tissue is more efficient at lipid storage, and obesity becomes uncoupled from inflammation and insulin resistance.
Co-culture Activation of MAP Kinase in Drosophila S2 Cells

Intercellular communication often involves phosphorylation of signal transduction proteins, including mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Immunological detection of phosphorylated MAPK can be used to monitor signaling in vivo, identify novel pathway components, and assess ligand activity. In this chapter, I describe a cell co-culture method to assess activity of cell-bound extracellular ligands that result in phosphorylation of the ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) MAPK in Drosophila. This protocol may be adaptable to other pathways and/or model systems.
Alkaline Phosphatase Inhibitors Attenuate Renovascular Responses to Norepinephrine.

Tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) contributes to the production of adenosine by the kidney, and A1-receptor activation enhances renovascular responses to norepinephrine. Therefore, we ...
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Adolescence, and Sexuality Education: Suggested Interventions for Mental Health Professionals

Physical and emotional changes occurring during adolescence can present serious challenges to individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Social skills deficits may become more pronounced and the awakening of sexual urges and behaviors may not be understood by youth with ASD and their families. Mental health providers can help to address these changes, primarily in the area of sexuality education. However the extant literature on ASD and sexuality is limited. This article highlights issues inherent in the sexuality education of adolescents with ASD, and presents three methods for intervention: Applied Behavior Analysis, Social Stories, and Social Behavior Mapping. Examples of each intervention are provided to promote collaboration among clinicians, families and adolescents with ASD to address sexuality and to ensure adequate preparation for transition to adulthood.
Stability Monitoring of Boiling Water Reactors by Time Series Analysis of Neutron Noise

A method of monitoring stability of boiling water reactors (BWRs) has been developed. The stability parameters were derived from empirical discrete-time modeling of process noise signals and neutro...
Creativity in the Interaction: The Case of Dog–Human Play

During mammalian social play, players attempt to control the other player without being controlled. They do so by engaging in projects, which are repetitive goal-directed action sequences; players vary actions during repetitions to gain practice over these actions. As a consequence, unexpected behavioral possibilities arise that allow for innovative action. Projects enacted simultaneously by players in relation to each other are called “routines.” In this chapter, I examine one pair of dog–human players who engaged in a relatively unique routine based on the projects of fakeout and avoid fakeout. In this game, the man acted as if about to make the ball move, but often did not, thus trying to get the dog to act toward the ball before it was available: faking out the dog. The dog acted to avoid being faked out: he constrained his actions so as to move as little as possible toward the ball until it was completely free of the man’s control, whereupon the dog could gain control over the ball. Once the dog had the ball, he sometimes engaged in fakeout toward the man during the ball’s return, taking advantage of opportunities to move the ball before the man obtained it. Because the ball’s location was to some degree unpredictable at any given moment, players could react to this random process with novel actions to effect their project, using what is called tactical creativity in human sports. Like the creation of a sonnet, in which novel language allows for creativity within a prescribed framework, the pair created novel interactions within the restrictions of their coordinated projects.
Anoectangium sikkimense (Pottiaceae, Bryophyta) new to the New World from Alaska, and its macroevolutionary relationships

Anoectangium sikkimense (Pottiaceae, Bryophyta), a rare species known for China, India and Nepal, is reported from the U.S.A. in Alaska. This species, distinctive in the marginal crenulation of the shoulders of the shortly sheathing base, is new to the New World. A key is given to New World species of Anoectangium. Its serial evolutionary relationships are diagramed and discussed.
Carbon nanotube conditioning part 1—effect of interwall interaction on the electronic band gap of double-walled carbon nanotubes

Ab initio density functional theory simulations were used to calculate the electronic structure and the total energy of double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs). The relaxed configurations studied were uncapped, infinitely-long zigzag@zigzag double-walled carbon nanotubes. The lowest energy configuration was found to correspond to an interwall distance of 0.35 nm, except for the configurations with inner tube chiral indices (5,0), (6,0) and (7,0). The largest binding energies were found to correspond to a 0.35 nm interwall distance for all the DWCNT configurations studied, and increasing with DWCNT average diameter. In terms of the effect of the interwall interaction on the electronic band gap of DWCNTs, four regions of band gap were obtained which were termed: zero band gap, narrow band gap, small band gap, and medium band gap regions. These regions offer the possibility to first tune the electronic band gap to a region with a desired range, and further tune that choice within the region itself by varying the interwall distance. It was also found that zigzag@zigzag DWCNTs with outer tube leading chiral index n = 3k + 1 or n = 3k + 2 (k being an integer) follow, as a general trend, an inversely proportional relation of the electronic band gap with respect to the average diameter.
Forehead reconstruction using a modified dual-plane A to T flap.

Forehead defects often present myriad challenges for the reconstructive surgeon. Many options exist for forehead reconstruction, from primary closure to free flaps. To optimally match colour, contour and texture, the best approach replaces ‘like with like’. When primary closure is not possible due to size limitations, and colour or depth is not suitable for grafts, then locoregional flaps become the mainstay of repair. The authors present three cases in which a dual-plane modified A to T flap is used to reconstruct central and lateral forehead defects up to 8 cm in size with excellent aesthetic results. This technique applies principles of the periglabellar flap, with modifications designed to encompass larger defects as well as defects of the lateral forehead.
Strategies to reduce pulmonary complications after transhiatal esophagectomy

BACKGROUND By eliminating a thoracotomy, transhiatal esophagectomy (THE) is purported to reduce postoperative pulmonary complications. However, data from many early series do not support this contention, documenting pulmonary complications in up to 50% of patients and pneumonia in 5%-20%. Since 1990, we have implemented a management strategy designed to maximize airway protection in the postoperative period. The purpose of this study was to determine the current incidence of pulmonary complications after transhiatal esophagectomy without thoracotomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS From 1990 to 1995, 101 consecutive patients underwent THE. Surgical indications were esophageal carcinoma (90 patients) and Barrett mucosa with high-grade epithelial dysplasia (11 patients). Mean age was 60.2 +/- 1.2 years; 89 patients were male. Eighty-two patients were smokers and 26 had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Sixty-five patients were American Society of Anesthesiologists risk score 3 or 4. Postoperatively, all patients were managed according to a standardized clinical pathway that included overnight mechanical ventilation, chest physiotherapy, video pharyngo-esophagram postoperative day 6 or 7, and graduated post-esophagectomy therapeutic diet after acceptable esophagram. RESULTS Pulmonary complications were classified as major or minor depending upon whether or not a change in therapy was required. Ten patients (10%) had 11 major pulmonary complications. These included pneumonia (3), pleural effusion requiring drainage (4), exacerbation of COPD (2), and mucus plug requiring bronchoscopy or intubation (2). Minor pulmonary complications identified by chest film were atelectasis (97), pleural effusion (85), and pneumothorax (3). Patients with major pulmonary complications were older (69.3 +/- 9.8 vs. 59.2 +/- 12.1 years, p < .02) and more likely to have COPD (70% vs. 21%, p < .005) than those with only minor complications. There were 3 operative deaths; 2 caused by pneumonia and 1 by fungal sepsis in a patient who had exacerbation of COPD. Mean hospital length of stay was 13.1 +/- 1.4 days. CONCLUSIONS Minor pulmonary complications identified by chest film occur in nearly all patients undergoing THE. Strict adherence to a management protocol designed to maximize airway protection in the postoperative period results in a 10% incidence of major pulmonary complications. Older patient age and COPD are risk factors for major pulmonary complications after THE. Although pneumonia is uncommon, it remains the most frequent cause of death after THE.
Reparations and the Rectification of Race

Positive law and problems with identifyingbeneficiaries confine reparations for U.S.slavery to the level of discourse. Within thediscourse, the broader topic of rectificationcan be addressed. The rectification of slaveryincludes restoring full humanity to our ideasof the slaves and their descendants and itrequires disabuse of the false biological ideaof race. This is not racial eliminativism,because biological race never existed, but moreimportantly because African American racialidentities and redress of present racism arebased on lifeworlds of race in contrast withwhich the biological idea has been an externalimposition.