cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Equilibrium mechanisms of self-limiting assembly

Self-assembly is a process in which multiple building blocks spontaneously organize into collective and coherent ordered structures. This process is ubiquitous in soft synthetic and biological systems with examples ranging from lipid membranes, surfactant micelles, virus capsids, and bilayer vesicles to multiprotein filaments. This article provides a review on self-limiting assembly, which is the formation and stability of finite-size equilibrium structures, i.e., assemblies that are larger than the size of the building blocks and smaller than macroscopic bulk phases.
Using formalin embalmed cadavers to teach fracture identification with ultrasound.

Ultrasound is being utilized more frequently to diagnose fractures in bone and track fracture reduction quickly, and without radiation exposure in the ED. Realistic and practical methods of teaching sonographic fracture identification to medical trainees are needed. The objective of this study is to determine the feasibility of using formalin-embalmed human cadavers in teaching medical trainees to use ultrasound to identify synthetic fractures in tibia, radius, and metacarpal bones. First-year medical students attended an orientation presentation and a 15-min scanning workshop, to evaluate fractures in cadaver bones with an instructor. Next participants independently scanned bones to determine if a fracture was present. Questionnaires were given that assessed participant self-confidence and ability to evaluate still ultrasound images for fracture and differentiate between tissue layers before, after, and 5 months following training. Participants were collectively able to scan and differentiate between fractured and unfractured bone in 75% of 186 total bone scanning attempts (tibia: 81% correct, metacarpal: 68% correct, radius: 76% correct). When evaluating still ultrasound images for fracture, participants’ scores rose significantly following training from an average score of 77.4 to 91.1% (p = 0.001). Five months post-training, scores fell slightly, to an average of 89.8% (p = 0.325). Ultrasound images of formalin-embalmed cadaveric fractures are of sufficient quality to use in teaching fracture identification to medical trainees. With only 15 minutes of scanning experience, medical trainees can learn to independently scan and significantly increase their ability to identify fractures in still ultrasound images.
On a cellular developmental method for layout optimization via the two-point topological derivative

This paper introduces a two-point topological derivative for elasticity and a cellular developmental method for layout optimization of structures. The two-point derivative measures the change on a functional due to the addition of a thin ligament between parts of the domain. It contrasts with the existing single-point topological derivatives that measure the change of a functional due to the subtraction of material. Based on the two-point topological derivative, a cellular developmental method is presented, which builds the layout of a structure in a sequence of cellular divisions and cellular dynamics developmental cycles. The methodology introduced in this work can easily account for member sizes and angle constraints among members of the frame, and the optimization can be performed in the free space or in a bounded domain. Benchmark problems are solved to demonstrate the capability of the cellular developmental method to solve optimization problems in structural mechanics.
A FeRAM based Volatile/Non-volatile Dual-mode Buffer Memory for Deep Neural Network Training

Deep neural network (DNN) training produces a large amount of intermediate data. As off-chip DRAM access is both energy and time consuming, sufficient on-chip buffer is preferred to achieve high energy efficiency for DNN accelerator designs. However, the low integration density and high leakage current of SRAM lead to large area cost and high standby power. The frequent refresh of embedded DRAM (eDRAM) degrades the energy efficiency due to its short refresh interval (40~100µs). In this paper, a dual-mode buffer memory that can operate in both volatile eDRAM mode and non-volatile ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) mode is proposed, which is based on the CMOS compatible HfZr02 material. The functionality of the proposed dual-mode memory design is verified using SPICE simulation with the multi-domain Preisach model. A data lifetime-aware memory mode configuration protocol is proposed to optimize the buffer access energy. The architectural benchmark for DNN training shows 33.8%, 17.1 % and 109.4% higher energy efficiency than baseline designs with eDRAM, FeRAM and SRAM with the same buffer area, respectively. The chip standby power is reduced by 26.8x~47.5x and 1.5x~10.6x compared with the SRAM and eDRAM baselines. The chip area overhead of the dual-mode buffer design is 5.7%.
Pharmacokinetic characterization of carnosol from rosemary (Salvia Rosmarinus) in male C57BL/6 mice and inhibition profile in human cytochrome P450 enzymes.

Abstract Rosemary (Salvia Rosmarinus) is a rich source of dietary diterpenes with carnosol as one of the major polyphenols used to standardize rosemary extracts approved as a food preservative, however, at present there is not any information on the murine pharmacokinetic profile of carnosol or its potential for drug interactions. The present study utilizes cell-free, cell-based, and animal-based experiments to define the pharmacokinetic profile of the food based phytochemical carnosol. Mice were administered carnosol (100 mg/kg body weight) by oral gavage and plasma levels were analyzed by LC-MS/MS to establish a detailed pharmacokinetic profile. The maximum plasma concentration exceeded 1 μM after a single administration. The results are significant as they offer insights on the potential for food-drug interactions between carnosol from rosemary and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Carnosol was observed to inhibit selected CYP450 enzymes and modulate metabolic enzymes and transporters in in vitro assays.
Schoenberg's Twelve-Tone Music: Symmetry and the Musical Idea

1. Musical idea and symmetrical ideal 2. Suite for Piano, Op. 25: varieties of idea in Schoenberg's earliest twelve-tone music 3. Woodwind Quintet, Op. 26: the twelve-tone idea reanimates a large musical form 4. Three Satires, Op. 28, #3: the earliest example of the 'symmetrical ideal' in a (more or less) completely combinatorial context 5. Piano Piece, Op. 33a: the 'symmetrical ideal' conflicts with and is reconciled to row order 6. Fourth String Quartet, Op. 37, mvt. I: two motives give rise to contrasting row forms, meters, textures and tonalities (and are reconciled) within a large sonata form 7. Moses und Aron: an incomplete musical idea represents an unresolved conflict between communicating with God using word or image 8. String Trio, Op. 45: a musical idea (and a near-death experience) is expressed as a conflict between alternative row forms.
Erosion of prolene sutures into the bladder after abdominal sacrocolpopexy

Abdominal sacrocolpopexy is a common procedure for apical prolapse with a success rate of 78 – 100 % [1]. Vaginal mesh extrusion is a well-known risk of this procedure with a rate of approximately 3.4 % [2, 3]. Erosion or perforation of sacrocolpopexy mesh into the bladder is much less common. We present here the case of a patient who experienced multiple separate prolene suture erosions managed endoscopically.
Stationary Distributions for Discrete Time Markov Chains

We continue the study of Markov chains initiated in Chap. 5. A stationary distribution is a stochastic equilibrium for the chain. We find conditions under which such a distribution exists. We are also interested in conditions for convergence to a stationary distribution.
Validation of the Spine Oncology Study Group-Outcomes Questionnaire to assess quality of life in patients with metastatic spine disease.

Abstract Background Context General questionnaires are often used to assess quality of life in patients with spine metastases, although a disease-specific survey did not exist until recently. The Spine Oncology Study Group has developed an outcomes questionnaire (SOSG-OQ) to measure quality of life in these patients. However, a scoring system was not developed, and the questionnaire was not validated in a group of patients, nor was it compared with other general quality of life questionnaires such as the EuroQol 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire. Purpose Our primary null hypothesis is that there is no association between the SOSG-OQ and EQ-5D. Our secondary null hypothesis is that there is no difference in coverage and internal consistency between the SOSG-OQ and EQ-5D. We also assess coverage, consistency, and validity of the domains within the SOSG-OQ. Study Design/Setting A survey study from a tertiary care spine referral center was used for this study. Patient Sample The patient sample consisted of 82 patients with spine metastases, myeloma, or lymphoma. Outcome Measures The SOSG-OQ (27 questions, 6 domains) score ranges from 0 to 80, with a higher score indicating worse quality of life. The EQ-5D (5 questions, 5 domains) index score ranges from 0 to 1, with a higher score indicating better quality of life. Methods The association between the SOSG-OQ and EQ-5D index score was assessed using the Spearman rank correlation. Instrument coverage and precision were assessed by determining item completion rate, median score with range, and floor and ceiling effect. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach alpha. Multitrait analysis and exploratory factor analysis were used to analyze properties of the individual domains in the SOSG-OQ. Results The Spearman rank correlation between the SOSG-OQ and EQ-5D questionnaire was high (r=−0.83, p Conclusions In conclusion, our study proposes a scoring methodology—after reversing four inversely scored items—for the SOSG-OQ and shows that the questionnaire is a valid tool for the assessment of quality of life in patients with metastatic spine disease. The SOSG-OQ is superior to the EQ-5D in terms of coverage and internal consistency but consists of more questions.
The backward shift on the space of Cauchy transforms

This note examines the subspaces of the space of Cauchy transforms of measures on the unit circle that are invariant under the backward shift operator f → z -1 (f - f(0)). We examine this question when the space of Cauchy transforms is endowed with both the norm and weak* topologies.
Molecular Determinants Regulating the Pairing of NKG2 Molecules with CD94 for Cell Surface Heterodimer Expression

The lytic capacity of a NK cell is regulated, in part, by the balance in cell surface expression between inhibitory CD94/NKG2A and activating CD94/NKG2C heterodimers. We demonstrate that, in the absence of DAP12, rhesus monkey NKG2A is preferentially expressed at the cell surface with CD94 due to a single amino acid difference in the transmembrane of NKG2A and NKG2C. Furthermore, in the context of an NKG2A transmembrane, the stalk domain of NKG2C was found to enhance heterodimer formation with CD94 compared with the stalk domain of NKG2A. In the presence of DAP12, the ability of NKG2C to compete for cell surface CD94 heterodimerization is enhanced and approaches that of NKG2A. Finally, allelic differences that affect the ability of rhesus NKG2A to reach the cell surface with CD94 could also be mapped to the transmembrane. These differences in the ability of inhibitory and activating NKG2 molecules to reach the cell surface provide a mechanism for the regulation of NK cell activity.
Neutrino Mass and Galaxy Formation

The adiabatic theory of galaxy formation in neutrino-dominated universes is reviewed. Collisionless damping leads to a density fluctuation spectrum with a cutoff, the nonlinear evolution of which naturally results in the formation of pancakes, strings and voids.
AVN (Adult Video News)

Adult Video News (AVN) is the name of an American trade journal that focuses on the adult video industry. AVN also sponsors an annual convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, along with an award show for the adult industry modeled after the Oscars ceremony. The magazine rates adult films, at times over 500 reviews per issue, as well as other news developments in the industry. The magazine, like other trade magazine, features mainly ads for various films and magazines targeted at adult video retailers. AVN also sponsors the Adult Entertainment Expo, an annual adult entertainment convention in Las Vegas. Keywords: awards show; magazine; pornography
Nonlinear response I : General considerations

Abstract The linear response technique of Kubo is extended to treat the response of a system to quadratic order in the external field. Nonlinear equations of motion for a set of slowly varying macroscopic variables, a ( t ), are obtained. These equations express the time derivative of a ( t ) in terms of a ( t ) and a ( t ) a ( t ) and time-dependent coefficients which involve equilibrium correlation functions. The coefficient of a ( t ) is identical to that found from linear response theory. A discussion of the long-time behavior of the coefficients is presented.
Plasma membrane sphingomyelin hydrolysis increases hippocampal neuron excitability by sphingosine‐1‐phosphate mediated mechanisms

Proteins that control the excitability of neurons, including voltage-dependent ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors, reside in a membrane lipid environment that includes sphingomyelin, but the influence of the metabolism of this lipid on excitability is unknown. Sphingomyelin in the plasma membrane can be cleaved by neutral sphingomyelinases (nSMase) to generate ceramides and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) which have been shown to play a variety of roles in cellular signaling processes. We found that application of nSMase to hippocampal slices results in a selective enhancement in the population spike amplitude, resulting in fEPSP-PS potentiation of the CA3-CA1 schaeffer collateral synapse. Single cell recordings showed that nSMase activity increases action potential frequency in CA1 neurons in a reversible manner. Additional current clamp recordings showed that nSMase reduces the slow after-hyperpolarization after a burst of action potentials. Mass spectrometry-based measurements demonstrated that nSMase activity induces a rapid increase in the levels of ceramides and S1P in cells in hippocampal slices. The ability of nSMase to increase CA1 neuron excitability was blocked by an inhibitor of sphingosine kinase, the enzyme that converts ceramide to S1P. Moreover, direct intracellular application of S1P to CA1 neurons increased action potential firing. Our findings suggest roles for sphingomyelin metabolism and S1P in the positive regulation of the excitability of hippocampal neurons.
Effect of Pentagastrin on Canine Bile Flow

Exogenous caerulein, cholecystokinin, and gastrin 11 stimulate bile secretion in dogs. These hormones all possess the C-terminal tetrapeptide amide of gastrin, which is thought to be the minimal fragment for biological activity. Pentagastrin, an acyl derivative of the tetrapeptide amide, stimulates water and electrolyte secretion from the canine stomach and pancreas, but its effect on biliary secretion has not been studied. Pentagastrin was administered in dosages ranging from 1 to 12 μg per kg per hr to cholecystectomized dogs with biliary and gastric fistulae and Heidenhain pouches. The enterohepatic circulation was artificially maintained by intravenous infusion of sodium taurocholate. Acid secretion from the Heidenhain pouches increased as the dosage of pentagastrin was increased and reached a maximal level at the 8 µg per kg per hr dosage. Pentagastrin had no effect on bile volume or the composition of bile. The study suggests that the choleretic properties of gastrin, caerulein, and cholecystokinin are dependent on amino acid residues other than their common C-terminal tetrapeptide sequence.
A perspective on current and future uses of alternative models for carcinogenicity testing.

This perspective is based upon the data presented at the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI), Health and Environmental Sciences Institute Workshop on the Evaluation of Alternative Methods for Carcinogenicity Testing (ILSI Workshop). It is important to understand that all models discussed at the Workshop have limitations and that they are not designed to be employed as stand-alone assays. Although they may have other, appropriate applications. I do not recommend use of the SHE cell assay and the Tg.AC model for the regulatory purposes of a safety assessment. In my view, the neonatal mouse, p53+/-, XPA-/-, XPA-/- and p53+/-, and the rasH2 models can, as a component of an overall assessment, provide information on potential carcinogenicity of a chemical that is appropriate for consideration in a regulatory context. Generally, these models exhibit the ability to detect genotoxic compounds. In most cases these compounds would be detected in a standard battery of genotoxicity tests and, therefore, quite often the use of an alternative is not necessary. Actually, I believe that a bioassay in rats will suffice most of the time, that is, in my view, a routine bioassay in mice is not necessary. Specific circumstances where data obtained from one of the "recommended" alternative models might be helpful are discussed. With regard to lessons for the future, there is a particular need for models that are responsive to chemicals that exhibit a nongenotoxic mode of action. Additionally, new models will continue to be developed and their half-life will likely be substantially shorter than the time required for traditional validation. The development of enhanced paradigms for validation should be a priority so that improved safety assessment decisions can be made more quickly. However, while evaluating and validating such models, it is important to consider the fundamental issues, for example, rational dose selection, evaluation of mode of action in the context of dose-response relationships including the existence of thresholds and secondary mechanisms, and species-to-species extrapolation. The alternatives to carcinogenicity testing project was a very major undertaking. In addition to the valuable information provided, it serves to illustrate the value of cooperation between academia, government, and industry. Furthermore, the involvement of the International Life Sciences Institute as the overall organizing, facilitating umbrella was crucial for the success of the project.
Prehypertension—prevalence, health risks, and management strategies

Prehypertension (blood pressure 120-139/80-89 mmHg) affects ~25-50% of adults worldwide, and increases the risk of incident hypertension. The relative risk of incident hypertension declines by ~20% with intensive lifestyle intervention, and by 34-66% with single antihypertensive medications. To prevent one case of incident hypertension in adults with prehypertension and a 50% 5-year risk of hypertension, 10 individuals would need to receive intensive lifestyle intervention, and four to six patients would need to be treated with antihypertensive medication. The relative risk of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) is greater with 'stage 2' (130-139/85-89 mmHg) than 'stage 1' (120-129/80-84 mmHg) prehypertension; only stage 2 prehypertension increases cardiovascular mortality. Among individuals with prehypertension, the 10-year absolute CVD risk for middle-aged adults without diabetes mellitus or CVD is ~10%, and ~40% for middle-aged and older individuals with either or both comorbidities. Antihypertensive medications reduce the relative risk of CVD and death by ~15% in secondary-prevention studies of prehypertension. Data on primary prevention of CVD with pharmacotherapy in prehypertension are lacking. Risk-stratified, patient-centred, comparative-effectiveness research is needed in prehypertension to inform an acceptable, safe, and effective balance of lifestyle and medication interventions to prevent incident hypertension and CVD.
Reconstructing anisotropic polarizabilities from a single polarimetric measurement

We show how several probability distributions can be restored from the distribution of one single observable. The method is directly applicable to polarimetric measurements with limited control over the experimental conditions.
Studies on the synthesis of furanosteroids. I. Viridin models.

Alkyne oxazoles of general structure I are transformed directly to furo[2,3-b]phenol derivatives II by a sequence involving intramolecular Diels−Alder/retro-Diels−Alder reaction followed by tautomerization. Suitably functionalized phenols II undergo an intramolecular phenol−dienone−aldol condensation, generating the A,B,E-ring skeleton III characteristic of the viridin (1) class of furanosteroids.
Structural and Computational Characterization of the SHV-1 β-Lactamase-β-Lactamase Inhibitor Protein Interface

Beta-lactamase inhibitor protein (BLIP) binds a variety of class A beta-lactamases with affinities ranging from micromolar to picomolar. Whereas the TEM-1 and SHV-1 beta-lactamases are almost structurally identical, BLIP binds TEM-1 approximately 1000-fold tighter than SHV-1. Determining the underlying source of this affinity difference is important for understanding the molecular basis of beta-lactamase inhibition and mechanisms of protein-protein interface specificity and affinity. Here we present the 1.6A resolution crystal structure of SHV-1.BLIP. In addition, a point mutation was identified, SHV D104E, that increases SHV.BLIP binding affinity from micromolar to nanomolar. Comparison of the SHV-1.BLIP structure with the published TEM-1.BLIP structure suggests that the increased volume of Glu-104 stabilizes a key binding loop in the interface. Solution of the 1.8A SHV D104K.BLIP crystal structure identifies a novel conformation in which this binding loop is removed from the interface. Using these structural data, we evaluated the ability of EGAD, a program developed for computational protein design, to calculate changes in the stability of mutant beta-lactamase.BLIP complexes. Changes in binding affinity were calculated within an error of 1.6 kcal/mol of the experimental values for 112 mutations at the TEM-1.BLIP interface and within an error of 2.2 kcal/mol for 24 mutations at the SHV-1.BLIP interface. The reasonable success of EGAD in predicting changes in interface stability is a promising step toward understanding the stability of the beta-lactamase.BLIP complexes and computationally assisted design of tight binding BLIP variants.
Fuzzy logic and the spray forming process

Liquid metal spray forming is a relatively new process for near-net-shape manufacturing. This process involves melting of the metal, ejection of the molten metal from the crucible in which it was melted, and atomization of the molten metal in a high-pressure gas atomizer. The resulting droplets are collected on a moving substrate where consolidation and solidification occur. This paper will discuss the methods used to combine sensor feedback and process knowledge into a fuzzy logic inference engine which can augment, if not replace, the manual functions currently performed by the operator. The paper will also describe the development of a custom optical sensor which simulates the operator's visual feedback. It monitors the part while it is being formed, and simultaneously determines the part shape, the rate of growth of the part, and the surface roughness of the part.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Concerted loss of cyclooxygenase and peroxidase activities from prostaglandin H synthase upon proteolytic attack.

Abstract Prostaglandin H synthase has two distinct enzymatic activities: a cyclooxygenase that forms PGG2 from arachidonate and a peroxidase that can reduce hydroperoxidases, such as PGG2, to the corresponding alcohols. The relative sensitivities of the two synthase activities to proteolytic attack have been examined, using trypsin, chymotrypsin, and proteinase K, all known to attack the native apoprotein in the arg 253 region. The relation between the specific activity of the synthase and the loss of the two activities and the cleavage of the synthase subunit during trypsin digestion was also examined. The cyclooxygenase and peroxidase activities declined in concert throughout room temperature digestions with each of the three proteases. There was no indication of a selective loss of either activity in any of the digestions. In separate digestions with the same preparation of synthase, 3.3% (w/w) proteinase K resulted in more extensive loss of activity (90% decrease after 90 min) than did 3% (w/w) trypsin (70% decrease after 120 min) or 5% (w/w) chymotrypsin (60% decrease after 135 min). In tryptic digestions of synthase preparations with cyclooxygenase specific activity between 16 and 125 k units/mg protein, the fractional loss of cyclooxygenase activity was, within experimental error, the same as that of peroxidase activity. The extent of cleavage of the 70 kDa synthase subunit was greater than the loss of enzymatic activity, with the discrepancy being larger for synthase preparations with lower specific activity. The presence of a variable amount of catalytically-inactive, protease-sensitive, synthase protein could account for the difference between surviving activity and intact subunit in six out of the seven synthase preparations examined. Thus, it is likely that the cyclooxygenase and peroxidase activities are destroyed together during proteolytic attack on the arg 253 region of the native synthase apoprotein.
Adolescent Self‐Rejection and Adult Social Action: A Conditional Relationship

Objective. Theoretically informed models of the relationship between stigmatized personal identities and participation in collective social action are tested. Methods. Data from a longitudinal study of participants (N = 4,169) followed between adolescence and the fourth decade of life are used to estimate structural equation models. Results. The data support hypotheses that perceived rejection during adolescence anticipates participation in social action under conditions when respondents reported during adolescence (1) that many of the kids at school participated in social movements (p< .10) and (2) that they perceived themselves as having personal control over adverse outcomes (p< .05), but not under mutually exclusive conditions. In all models, gender, mother's education, and minority status were specified as control variables. Conclusions. Early experiences of rejection and failure dispose people to engage in collective social action if they perceive social support for such action and anticipate that action will be effective.
Extraversion and positive affect: A day reconstruction study of person–environment transactions

Abstract Extraversion is robustly correlated with positive affect, but the reasons for this correlation remain unclear. One possibility is that extraverts and introverts both enjoy interacting with others, but extraverts do so more frequently. Another possibility is that extraverts enjoy social interactions more. Both hypotheses were tested using the Day Reconstruction Method. Subjects reported on interactions with others and positive affect experienced during all of the episodes from a single day. Results were consistent with the first hypothesis: the relation between extraversion and positive affect was partially mediated by extraverts’ greater social participation. The findings support a transactional approach to personality, in which traits like extraversion are seen as styles of actively engaging with the environment.
Effect of 2-deoxy-D-glucose on cell fusion induced by Newcastle disease and Herpes simplex viruses

Fusion from within induced by either Newcastle disease or Herpes simplex viruses is completely inhibited by treatment of infected cells with 10 mM 2-deoxy- D -glucose. Hemadsorption to cells infected with Newcastle disease virus is also prevented, and the dose response of inhibition is similar to that for fusion from within. In the case of Newcastle disease virus, fusion from within is prevented by addition of 2-deoxy- D -glucose at any time up to 4 hr after infection; thereafter, fusion becomes rapidly insensitive to addition of the analogue. Fusion from without by high concentrations of Newcastle disease virus particles is, on the other hand, not inhibited by 2-deoxy- D -glucose. These results suggest that inhibition of fusion from within is due to the failure of infected cells to synthesize essential glycoprotein(s) in the presence of the analogue.
Dual wavelength lasers

Dual wavelength lasers are discussed, covering fundamental aspects on the spectroscopy and laser dynamics of these systems. Results on Tm:Ho:Er:YAG dual wavelength laser action (Ho at 2.1 μm and Er at 2.9 μm) as well as Nd:YAG (1.06 and 1.3 μm) are presented as examples of such dual wavelength systems. Dual wavelength lasers are not common, but there are criteria that govern their behavior. Based on experimental studies demonstrating simultaneous dual wavelength lasing, some general conclusions regarding the successful operation of multi-wavelength lasers can be made.
Bayesian variable selection in clustering high-dimensional data with substructure

In this article we focus on clustering techniques recently proposed for high-dimensional data that incorporate variable selection and extend them to the modeling of data with a known substructure, such as the structure imposed by an experimental design. Our method essentially approximates the within-group covariance by facilitating clustering without disrupting the groups defined by the experimenter. The method we adopt simultaneously determines which expression patterns are important, and which genes contribute to such patterns. We evaluate performance on simulated data and on microarray data from a colon carcinogenesis study. Selected genes are biologically consistent with current research and provide strong biological validation of the cluster configuration identified by the method.
Recruiting EFNEP agency partners: process and materials.

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) was created in 1968 in response to the concerns about hunger in the United States. The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program uses paraprofessional educators who represent the target audience to teach basic nutrition, food safety, food resource management, and physical activity to limited-resource families. According to the Colorado State University EFNEP Web site, a common way for both adult and youth participants to be referred to the program is through community agencies affiliated with EFNEP. Prior to this project, Colorado EFNEP did not use any printed materials to recruit potential agency partners, and there was a lack of recruitment materials for potential EFNEP participants.
The effects of different stressors on extracellular 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid

Abstract The effects of application of five different stressors on extracellular 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in the striatum and hippocampus were compared using in vivo microdialysis. Forced swimming for 30 min elevated extracellular 5-hydroxytryptamine to 90% above basal levels and reduced 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid to 45% of basal levels in the striatum during the swim session. In contrast, hippocampal 5-hydroxytryptamine was not altered significantly by forced swimming but 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels were reduced to 60% of basal levels. Tail pinch for 5 min elevated 5-hydroxytryptamine to 55% above basal levels in striatum and to 35% above basal levels in hippocampus. Tail pinch had no effect on 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in either brain region. In contrast to forced swimming and the tail pinch, the other three stressors, immobilization stress for 100 min, exposure to a cold environment (4°C) for 2 h, and forced motor activity on a rotarod for 30 min, failed to alter extracellular 5-hydroxytryptamine in either the striatum or the hippocampus. All five stressors increased plasma corticosterone levels: tail pinch, 246%; cold stress, 432%; immobilization, 870%; forced motor activity, 1030%; and forced swimming, 1530%. These results suggest that individual stressors produce different effects on extracellular 5-hydroxytryptamine in different brain regions. In addition, there does not appear to be a relationship between the effects of stressors on the 5-hydroxytryptamine system and the magnitude of their ability to activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
Waldenström macroglobulinemia: from biology to treatment.

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is distinct B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder primarily characterized by bone marrow infiltration of lymphoplasmacytic cells along with production of a serum monoclonal (IgM). In this review, we describe the biology of WM, the diagnostic evaluation for WM with a discussion of other conditions that are in the differential diagnosis and clinical manifestations of the disease as well as current treatment options. Within the novel agents discussed are everolimus, perifosine, enzastaurin, panobinostat, bortezomib and carfilzomib, pomalidomide and ibrutinib. Many of the novel agents have shown good responses and have a better toxicity profile compared to traditional chemotherapeutic agents, which makes them good candidates to be used as primary therapies for WM in the future.
Alternative Health Care Education in Dietetic Training Programs: A Survey of Perceived Needs

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To determine if there is a perceived need for information on over-the-counter nutritional supplements and herbal remedies to be included in the core curriculum of dietetic professionals. From January 23, 1997 to March 23, 1997, dietetic interns and their program directors in 181 ADA accredited dietetic internship programs were surveyed. A total of 681 dietetic interns and 68 directors (∼41%) responded. The survey questionnaire included questions related to demographics, geographic, and usage of vitamin/mineral supplements (S) and herbal/botanical (H) remedies, whether clients inquired about nutritional S/H remedies, respondents hours spent learning both formally and informally about S/H remedies, source material for such information, demonstrated level of S/H knowledge, and perception of current knowledge/perceived need for more knowledge of S/H remedies. It was found that S/H usage among the directors and interns was approximately 25% lower than the national average. Ninety-six percent of both directors and interns reported that they had been asked their opinion of S while 79% reported being asked about H remedies. Greater than 80% of both groups reported 0 to 8 formal classroom hours devoted to the topic of S and/or H remedies in their undergraduate/graduate course work and in their dietetic internship programs. In addition, 93% of directors and 82% of the interns indicated they had done some reading on their own concerning these topics. Questions which allowed respondents to demonstrate their level of knowledge concerning S and H indicate that a knowledge deficit exists among both interns and directors concerning the safety and function of individual nutrients and H. However, the lack of knowledge concerning S and in particular H remedies did not seem to reflect any lack of interest in learning more. Greater than 75% of both interns and directors indicated they would like to see more course work on the topic of nutritional S/H remedies included in undergraduate or graduate course work, in the dietetic internship program itself, and offered for continuing education credit. Directors (75%) and interns (91 %) overwhelmingly indicated they perceived using information on nutritional S/H remedies useful in their clinical practice.
Effects of inter-membrane distance and hydraulic retention time on the desalination performance of microbial desalination cells

ABSTRACTMicrobial desalination cell (MDC) is a promising technology for simultaneous water desalination and wastewater treatment. To further understand the factors that affect MDC performance, we investigated the complementary roles of inter-membrane distance and hydraulic retention time (HRT) in desalination by a bench-scale MDC. When the inter-membrane distance was changed from 2.5 to 0.3 cm while maintaining the same influent flow rate, the HRT of the salt solution decreased; the desalination efficiency reached a maximum at 0.5 cm distance with 10 g/L salt concentration or at 2.5 cm distance with 30 g/L. The rate of salt removal was clearly improved at a shorter inter-membrane distance. The MDC with an inter-membrane distance of 0.3 cm achieved a specific desalination rate twelve or seven times higher than that with 2.5 cm at an initial salt concentration of 10 or 30 g/L. At the same inter-membrane distance of 1.0 cm, a greater HRT led to better desalination efficiency. While at the same HRT of 6 h, th...
Deciding to Take a Life: Capital Juries, Sentencing Instructions, and the Jurisprudence of Death

Death sentencing is a psychologically complex and legally profound process. Our research explored the experiences of capital jurors who had deliberated to verdict in death penalty sentencing hearings. In-depth interviews conducted with samples of jurors from two states—California and Oregon—examined the nature and function of capital sentencing instructions, jurors' interpretations of the evidence that was presented during the penalty phase of the trial, their conceptions of the nature of the task before them, and whether the two fundamentally different sentencing frameworks significantly altered the decision-making process.
Induction of high mobility group I architectural transcription factors in proliferating vascular smooth muscle in vivo and in vitro.

Proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a hallmark of arteriosclerosis. Architectural transcription factors of the high mobility group (HMG)-I family have been implicated in the control of cell proliferation and gene expression. We studied the pattern of HMG-I mRNA and protein expression in proliferating VSMCs. HMG-I(Y) and HMGI-C mRNAs were barely detectable by Northern analysis in samples prepared from uninjured rat carotid arteries. In contrast, these mRNAs were induced dramatically in carotid arteries 2 and 5-6 days after balloon injury. By in situ hybridization at 6 days after injury, the induced mRNAs localized to smooth muscle cells of the developing neointima, and immunocytochemical analysis showed that HMG-I(Y) protein was expressed in the nuclei of these cells. To confirm this association between HMG-I protein induction and cell growth, we assessed HMG-I(Y) and HMGI-C mRNA expression in rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMCs) in primary culture. The HMG-I mRNAs were barely detectable in quiescent RASMCs but were induced markedly by serum stimulation. This induction of mRNA by serum was time dependent and peaked at 9 h. Western blot analysis confirmed that HMG-I(Y) protein induction also occurred in vitro. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of induction of HMG-I protein expression in proliferating RASMCs in vivo and in vitro. This demonstration suggests that the HMG-I proteins may play an important role in smooth muscle cell proliferation.
A kernel-free boundary integral method for elliptic boundary value problems

This paper presents a class of kernel-free boundary integral (KFBI) methods for general elliptic boundary value problems (BVPs). The boundary integral equations reformulated from the BVPs are solved iteratively with the GMRES method. During the iteration, the boundary and volume integrals involving Green's functions are approximated by structured grid-based numerical solutions, which avoids the need to know the analytical expressions of Green's functions. The KFBI method assumes that the larger regular domain, which embeds the original complex domain, can be easily partitioned into a hierarchy of structured grids so that fast elliptic solvers such as the fast Fourier transform (FFT) based Poisson/Helmholtz solvers or those based on geometric multigrid iterations are applicable. The structured grid-based solutions are obtained with standard finite difference method (FDM) or finite element method (FEM), where the right hand side of the resulting linear system is appropriately modified at irregular grid nodes to recover the formal accuracy of the underlying numerical scheme. Numerical results demonstrating the efficiency and accuracy of the KFBI methods are presented. It is observed that the number of GMRES iterations used by the method for solving isotropic and moderately anisotropic BVPs is independent of the sizes of the grids that are employed to approximate the boundary and volume integrals. With the standard second-order FEMs and FDMs, the KFBI method shows a second-order convergence rate in accuracy for all of the tested Dirichlet/Neumann BVPs when the anisotropy of the diffusion tensor is not too strong.
Epigenetic Mechanisms of Groucho/Grg/TLE Mediated Transcriptional Repression

The repression of transcription, through the concerted actions of tissue specific DNA binding proteins, Polycomb repressor complexes, and DNA methylation, is essential for maintaining stem cell pluripotency and for cell fate specification in development. In this report, we show that recruitment of the co-repressor protein Grg4 to a Pax DNA-binding site displaces the adaptor protein PTIP and a histone H3K4me complex. Grg4 recruits the arginine methyltransferase PRMT5 to chromatin resulting in symmetric H4R3 dimethylation. PRMT5 is essential for recruiting Polycomb proteins, in a Pax2/Grg4 dependent manner, which results in H3K27 methylation. These data define the early epigenetic events in response to Pax/Grg mediated gene repression and demonstrate that a single DNA binding protein can recruit either an activator or a repressor complex depending on the availability of Grg4. These data suggest a model for understanding the initiation of Groucho/Grg/TLE mediated gene silencing.
The cytosolic and membrane components required for peroxisomal protein import

Peroxisomes are vital intracellular organelles which house enzymes involved in a variety of metabolic pathways. The large number of human disorders associated with flawed peroxisome biogenesis emphasizes the importance of protein targeting to, and translocation across, the peroxisomal membrane. This brief review will summarize some of the emerging themes of peroxisomal protein import, specifically addressing the targeting signals possessed by constituent proteins, as well as the cytosolic, membrane and luminal components of the import machinery. Although a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms of peroxisomal protein import is not yet available, remarkable progress has been made in the field in recent years. An overview of these advances will be presented.
Molecular and Functional Analyses of Amino Acid Decarboxylases Involved in Cuticle Tanning in Tribolium castaneum

Aspartate 1-decarboxylase (ADC) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine decarboxylase (DDC) provide β-alanine and dopamine used in insect cuticle tanning. β-Alanine is conjugated with dopamine to yield N-β-alanyldopamine (NBAD), a substrate for the phenol oxidase laccase that catalyzes the synthesis of cuticle protein cross-linking agents and pigment precursors. We identified ADC and DDC genes in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Tc), and investigated their functions. TcADC mRNA was most abundant prior to the pupal-adult molt. Injection of TcADC double-stranded (ds) RNA (dsTcADC) into mature larvae resulted in depletion of NBAD in pharate adults, accumulation of dopamine, and abnormally dark pigmentation of the adult cuticle. Injection of β-alanine, the expected product of ADC, into dsTcADC-treated pupae rescued the pigmentation phenotype, resulting in normal rust-red color. A similar pattern of catechol content consisting of elevated dopamine and depressed NBAD was observed in the genetic black mutants of Tribolium, in which levels of TcADC mRNA were drastically reduced. Furthermore, from the Tribolium black mutant and dsTcADC-injected insects both exhibited similar changes in material properties. Dynamic mechanical analysis of elytral cuticle from beetles with depleted TcADC transcripts revealed diminished cross-linking of cuticular components, further confirming the important role of oxidation products of NBAD as cross-linking agents during cuticle tanning. Injection of dsTcDDC into larvae produced a lethal pupal phenotype, and the resulting grayish pupal cuticle exhibited many small patches of black pigmentation. When dsTcDDC was injected into young pupae, the resulting adults had abnormally dark brown body color, but there was little mortality. Injection of dsTcDDC resulted in more than a 5-fold increase in levels of DOPA, indicating that lack of TcDDC led to accumulation of its substrate, DOPA.
Are Development Times For Pharmaceuticals Increasing Or Decreasing

This study examines trends in drug development times. Longer clinical trial times have been described as one factor leading to higher drug prices. Previous reports on development times have been based on proprietary data. We examined trends in development times for 168 drugs with data collected from publicly available sources. The median clinical trial and regulatory review periods for drugs approved between 1992 and 2002 were 5.1 and 1.2 years, respectively. Clinical trial periods have not increased during this time frame, and regulatory review periods have decreased. Therefore, it is unlikely that longer clinical trial times are contributing to rising prescription drug prices.
The mathematical language of academic finance: a paradigmatic look

Any adequate analysis of the nature and role of the mathematical language in finance necessarily requires fundamental understanding of the worldviews underlying the views expressed with respect to the nature and role of language. This paper starts with the premise that any worldview can be positioned on a continuum formed by four basic paradigms: functionalist, interpretive, radical humanist, and radical structuralist. It looks at the current state of mainstream academic finance and notes that it is founded on the functionalist paradigm. It argues that any view expressed with respect to the nature and role of language is based on one of the worldviews. It discusses four views expressed with respect to the nature and role of language. Each of the views expressed is based on one of the four paradigms mentioned previously. The paper emphasizes that the four views expressed are equally scientific and informative; they look at the nature and role of language from a certain paradigmatic viewpoint.
Peer-Mentored Research Development Meeting: A Model for Successful Peer Mentoring Among Junior Level Researchers

This report describes a model for the development, process, and tracking methods of a Peer-mentored Research Development Meeting (PRDM), an interdisciplinary peer mentoring program. The program was initiated in 2004 by a group of post-doctoral scholars and junior faculty from the Schools of the Health Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. From February 2004 through February 2006, PRDM’s first five members tracked and documented their research activity (e.g., manuscripts, grants) every 4 months. The defining features of PRDM are adherence to a structured frequency and format for meetings, systematic tracking and evaluation of research development activities, and maintenance of ongoing relationships with senior mentors. During the 24-month data collection period, members were involved in 91 research development projects including grant applications, journal article manuscripts, book chapters, and conference abstracts. Members’ productivity increased during the 24-month period, as did the efficiency and focus of the completed projects. Members increased the efficiency and focus of their research development activities during the study period. Structured peer-mentoring groups have the potential to enhance research productivity among junior investigators in research intensive environments.