cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pressure-Induced Alterations in PEDF and PEDF-R Expression: Implications for Neuroprotective Signaling in Glaucoma

Introduction: Alterations in neuron-glia signaling are implicated in glaucoma, a neurodegenerative disease characterized by retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. Pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) is a secreted protein with potential neuroprotective qualities in retinal disease, including chronic ocular hypertension. Here we sought to determine whether moderate, short-term elevations in IOP alter PEDF signaling and whether pressure-induced PEDF signaling directly impacts RGC apoptosis. Methods: In retina from naive mice and mice with unilateral, microbead-induced glaucoma, we examined expression and cell type-specific localization of PEDF and its receptor (PEDF-R), using quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. Using primary cultures of purified RGCs and Muller cells, we examined cell type-specific expression of PEDF in response to 48 hours of elevated hydrostatic pressure, using using multiplex ELISA and immunocytochemistry. We also measured pressure-induced apoptosis of RGCs in the presence or absence of atglistatin, a potent and selective inhibitor of PEDF-R, and recombinant PEDF, using TUNEL assays. Results: PEDF and PEDF-R are constitutively expressed in naive retina, primarily in the ganglion cell and nerve fiber layers. Elevated IOP increases PEDF and PEDF-R expression, particularly associated with RGCs and Muller cells. Elevated pressure in vitro increased PEDF secretion by 6-fold in RGCs and trended towards an increase in expression by Muller cells, as compared to ambient pressure. This was accompanied by changes in the subcellular localization of PEDF-R in both cell types. Inhibition of PEDF signaling with atglistatin increased pressure-induced apoptosis in RGCs and treatment with recombinant PEDF inhibited pressure-induced apoptosis, both in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that moderate, short-term elevations in IOP promote PEDF signaling via upregulation of both PEDF and PEDF-R. Based on in vivo and in vitro studies, this PEDF signaling likely arises from both Muller cells and RGCs, and has the potential to directly inhibit RGC apoptosis.
Lipidomic Evaluation of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Mediated Hepatic Steatosis in Male and Female Mice Elicited by 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

The environmental contaminant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) induces hepatic steatosis mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. To further characterize TCDD-elicited hepatic lipid accumulation, mice were gavaged with TCDD every 4 days for 28 days. Liver samples were examined using untargeted lipidomics with structural confirmation of lipid species by targeted high-resolution MS/MS, and data were integrated with complementary RNA-Seq analyses. Approximately 936 unique spectral features were detected, of which 379 were confirmed as unique lipid species. Both male and female samples exhibited similar qualitative changes (lipid species) but differed in quantitative changes. A shift to higher mass lipid species was observed, indicative of increased free fatty acid (FFA) packaging. For example, of the 13 lipid classes examined, triglycerides increased from 46 to 48% of total lipids to 68–83% in TCDD treated animals. Hepatic cholesterol esters increased 11.3-fold in male mice with moieties consisti...
Bourdieu and Critical Autoethnography: Implications for Research, Writing, and Teaching.

This article argues that by combining critical ethnographic and autoethnographic perspectives we can move beyond the insider/outsider dualism, better understand the ways in which stories of personal experience are “strategic,” and interrogate the broader contexts and processes of social inequality that shape life trajectories. The potential contributions to critical autoethnography of the reflexive approach of “self-analysis” advocated by Pierre Bourdieu are discussed. The author draws upon her uses of critical autoethnography in research (in France and the United States) and in teaching about immigration.
Constraining Pseudorandom Functions Privately

In a constrained pseudorandom function PRF, the master secret key can be used to derive constrained keys, where each constrained keyi¾?k is constrained with respect to some Boolean circuiti¾?C. A constrained keyi¾?k can be used to evaluate the PRF on all inputsi¾?x for which $$Cx = 1$$. In almost all existing constrained PRF constructions, the constrained keyi¾?k reveals its constrainti¾?C. In this paper we introduce the concept of private constrained PRFs, which are constrained PRFs with the additional property that a constrained key does not reveal its constraint. Our main notion of privacy captures the intuition that an adversary, given a constrained keyi¾?k for one of two circuits $$C_0$$ and $$C_1$$, is unable to tell which circuit is associated with the keyi¾?k. We show that constrained PRFs have natural applications to searchable symmetric encryption, cryptographic watermarking, and much more. To construct private constrained PRFs we first demonstrate that our strongest notions of privacy and functionality can be achieved using indistinguishability obfuscation. Then, for our main constructions, we build private constrained PRFs for bit-fixing constraints and for puncturing constraints from concrete algebraic assumptions.
Action, Judgment, and Imagination in Hannah Arendt’s Thought:

This article presents a conception of imagination that emerges from Hannah Arendt’s writings on action, judgment, and responsibility. Imagination, for Arendt, is central to the processes of action ...
Association between cumulative radiation dose, adverse skin reactions, and changes in surface hemoglobin among women undergoing breast conserving therapy.

Abstract Introduction Radiation therapy is crucial to effective cancer treatment. Modern treatment strategies have reduced possible skin injury, but few clinical studies have addressed the dose relationship between radiation exposure and skin reaction . This prospective clinical study analyzes skin oxygenation/perfusion in patients undergoing fractionated breast conserving therapy via hyperspectral imaging (HSI). Methods Forty-three women undergoing breast conserving therapy were enrolled in this study. Optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters (OSLDs) measured radiation exposure in four sites: treatment breast, lumpectomy scar, medial tattoo and the control breast. The oxygenation/perfusion states of these sites were prospectively imaged before and after each treatment fraction with HSI. Visual skin reactions were classified according to the RTOG system. Results 2753 observations were obtained and indicated a dose-response relationship between radiation exposure and oxygenated hemoglobin (OxyHb) after a 600 cGy cumulative dose threshold. There was a relatively weak association between DeoxyHb and radiation exposure. Results suggest strong correlations between changes in mean OxyHb and skin reaction as well as between radiation exposure and changes in skin reaction. Conclusion HSI demonstrates promise in the assessment of skin dose as well as an objective measure of skin reaction. The ability to easily identify adverse skin reactions and to modify the treatment plan may circumvent the need for detrimental treatment breaks.
Low levels of physiological interstitial flow eliminate morphogen gradients and guide angiogenesis

Convective transport can significantly distort spatial concentration gradients. Interstitial flow is ubiquitous throughout living tissue, but our understanding of how interstitial flow affects concentration gradients in biological processes is limited. Interstitial flow is of particular interest for angiogenesis because pathological and physiological angiogenesis is associated with altered interstitial flow, and both interstitial flow and morphogen gradients (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF) can potentially stimulate and guide new blood vessel growth. We designed an in vitro microfluidic platform to simulate 3D angiogenesis in a tissue microenvironment that precisely controls interstitial flow and spatial morphogen gradients. The microvascular tissue was developed from endothelial colony forming cell-derived endothelial cells extracted from cord blood and stromal fibroblasts in a fibrin extracellular matrix. Pressure in the microfluidic lines was manipulated to control the interstitial flow. A mathematical model of mass and momentum transport, and experimental studies with fluorescently labeled dextran were performed to validate the platform. Our data demonstrate that at physiological interstitial flow (0.1–10 μm/s), morphogen gradients were eliminated within hours, and angiogenesis demonstrated a striking bias in the opposite direction of interstitial flow. The interstitial flow-directed angiogenesis was dependent on the presence of VEGF, and the effect was mediated by αvβ3 integrin. We conclude that under physiological conditions, growth factors such as VEGF and fluid forces work together to initiate and spatially guide angiogenesis.
Right Lower Quadrant Abdominal Pain: Do Not Forget About Ovarian Torsion on the Computed Tomography Scan

Abstract Background Abdominal pain is one of the most common chief complaints of patients presenting to emergency departments, and emergency physicians (EPs) often evaluate patients with right lower quadrant abdominal pain. Ovarian torsion is a rare cause of abdominal pain, but early diagnosis is essential for salvage of the affected ovary. The diagnostic study of choice for ovarian torsion is a pelvic ultrasound with color Doppler, but it is important for EPs and radiologists to be aware of findings of ovarian torsion that might appear on computed tomography (CT). Case Report We present a case of a young female with right lower quadrant abdominal pain with CT evidence of ovarian torsion that was not recognized; the patient was discharged and then called back when the study was over-read as concerning for ovarian torsion. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? The presence of radiographic findings associated with ovarian torsion on a CT scan should encourage an EP to order a pelvic ultrasound with color Doppler (if available) and obtain an obstetrics/gynecology consult.
Guide catheter access: Basics and solutions to difficult anatomy

Abstract Guide catheter access is a critical first step to an endovascular procedure. This chapter reviews common access sites and catheter selections for typical endovascular cases. The principles to selecting guide constructs should address how distal is the lesion? How tortuous is the route? What is the size of the vessels being accessed? How many devices are required to treat the lesion? In the current era, noninvasive imaging is ubiquitous and will provide the neurointerventional practitioner with an excellent understanding of the route being taken to the lesion; therefore, allowing selection of the proper catheter construct.
“My Information:” Digital Libraries, Social Networking, and the User Experience

The constituents of our universities, whether they are students or members of the academic faculty, are using information systems in a wide variety of ways. Information is woven into their lives through the myriad systems that they access and the social networks in which they participate. At present, most individuals who work in the academic environment own a variety of devices and use them for varying purposes; most of their devices are used for more than one activity. For example, a mobile phone may be used to telephone others, to send and receive text messages, to take photos, and to wake up the owner in the morning with the alarm clock capabilities. It is uncertain at this stage of development whether individuals will continue to own and use a variety of devices or whether they will prefer to adopt one or two devices which allow them the functionality they need in a convenient physical package.
Modeling for Field-Effect Transistors

The transistor industry is vast, in its manufacturing aspect, in the wide use of its products, and in the research it generates both applied and fundamental. In universities most of this work is done in physics and electrical engineering departments and little of its mathematical requirements have been taken up by math faculty. Yet there has been extensive work on modeling, analysis and computer algorithms, and there remain many open and significant problems. In this talk I shall describe some of the modeling, give a brief introduction to the equations governing current flow in a device, review some of the analytic and numerical approaches to the solution of these equations, and refer to some specialized problems where analysis is useful.1 In so doing I hope to pique the curiosity of some of my audience into taking a longer look at the rich phenomena in this field.
Neural-fuzzy systems for color classifications in textiles

This chapter introduces two applications of neural networks, fuzzy clustering and fuzzy logic to color classifications in textiles. The first application is the identification of color patterns on a printed fabric. Color separation is necessary when the colorfastness of a printed fabric is evaluated because different colors in the fabric may change in different rates during the laundering or other treatments. A regular colorimeter cannot perform color separation and reports only the average color of an area that may contain multiple colors. The self-organizing-map and fuzzy clustering algorithm can be used to automatically separate colored patterns for independent evaluations. The second application in this chapter is the color classification of cotton fibers using fuzzy logic. Cotton colors are grouped into a number of classes having blurring and overlapping boundaries. The partition of the classes in the current grading diagram does not reflect the grouping nature of cotton colors, yielding significant disagreements with the visual ratings. Fuzzy logic appears to be effective in dealing with ambiguity and uncertainty in cotton color grading.
Interstitial Pneumonia with Autoimmune Features: An emerging challenge at the intersection of rheumatology and pulmonology

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) remains a cause of significant morbidity and mortality in patients with connective tissue disease (CTD)-associated ILD. While some patients meet clear classification criteria for a systemic rheumatic disease, a subset of patients do not meet classification criteria but still benefit from immunosuppressive therapy. In 2015, the American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society described classification criteria for interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) to identify patients with lung-predominant CTD who lack sufficient features of a systemic rheumatic disease to meet classification criteria. Although these criteria are imperfect, they are an important attempt to classify the patient with undifferentiated disease for future study. Rheumatologists play a key role in the evaluation of potential IPAF in patients, especially as many patients with a myositis-spectrum disease (e.g., non-Jo-1 antisynthetase syndrome, anti-melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 antibody inflammatory myositis, or anti-PM/Scl antibody-associated inflammatory myositis) would be classified under IPAF using the currently available criteria for inflammatory myositis, and would therefore benefit from rheumatologic comanagement. The aim of this review was to describe the historical context that led to the development of these criteria and to discuss the limitations of the current criteria, diagnostic challenges, treatment options, and strategies for disease monitoring.
Similarity-Based Image Retrieval

So far, we have only dealt with topics involving one or two images. The program demos were mostly about loading an image and performing a task e.g. converting to grayscale or hiding data in an image. With image retrieval, however, our task is to search for images from a large collection or database that are similar, in some manner, to a selected image. Measuring similarity can be done in many ways and depends on the problem at hand. There are techniques that involve analyzing images based on metadata e.g. file name, tags, etc. that are affiliated with the image. Other ways are based on the content of the image rather than metadata by processing the pixel values in some way. For this chapter, we’ve collected 200 images of various scenes and objects that make up the database which can be found in the ‘db’ folder in this chapter’s directory. The demo program is hard coded to work with these image, but you may change that by altering the source code and recompiling.
Knowing Yourself and Being Worth Knowing

Philosophers have often understood self-knowledge's value in instrumentalist terms. Self-knowledge may be valuable as a means to moral self-improvement and self-satisfaction, while its absence can lead to viciousness and frustration. These explanations, while compelling, do not fully explain the value that many of us place in self-knowledge. Rather, we have a tendency to treat self-knowledge as its own end. In this article, I vindicate this tendency by identifying a moral reason that we have to value and seek self-knowledge that is independent of the reason that we have to value the beneficial ends that it helps us achieve. I argue that we are in an inescapable relationship with ourselves that requires both self-love and self-respect. Self-love gives us a noninstrumental reason to know ourselves, while self-respect demands that we take this reason seriously. To pursue a project of self-discovery carefully and for its own sake, then, is part of what it is to stand in a loving and respectful relationship with ourselves.
E-158 Tandem carotid occlusions with delayed carotid stenting

Introduction/purpose Management of tandem carotid occlusions is not yet well-defined. Though several authors have proposed acute carotid stenting followed and intracranial mechanical thrombectomy, the subsequent need for immediate antiplatelet therapy comes with an associated risk of potentially devastating hemorrhage. We sought to demonstrate that carotid stenting can be safely delayed in tandem carotid occlusions with good clinical outcomes. Materials and methods Between July 2015 and July 2016, we report our first ten consecutive patients with tandem carotid occlusions to our university comprehensive stroke center. Demographics, technical variations, recanalization rates and times, and clinical follow-up are reported. The abstract will be updated with additional consecutive cases of tandem occlusion through June 2018. Results A total cohort of our first ten consecutive patients (avg NIHSS=17) included seven carotid occlusions and three 95%–99% carotid bulb stenosis. Tandem intracranial occlusions included three at M2, four at M1, and three ‘T’ lesions at the ICA terminus. All patients were initially wire re-canalized, followed by prolonged PTA and mechanical thrombectomy. Nine patients received IV tPA (avg DTN 31 min) and five were drip-n-ship. The average tPA to groin puncture time was 104 min, and the average groin puncture to recanalization time was 50 min. TICI 2b/3 recanalization was obtained in nine of ten patients with only one patient 2a/2b. Nine patients had delayed carotid stenting between days 7–14 post-stroke. One patient had silently re-occluded the carotid bulb on the day of planned stenting, one patient had a small reperfusion hemorrhage prior to antiplatelet therapy (90 d MRS=0), and one patient had a small ICH after stent placement (90 d MRS=3). All patients had a 90 d MRS=/ Conclusion It appears that tandem carotid occlusions can be treated with emergent prolonged PTA of the extra-cranial carotid occlusion followed by intra-cranial mechanical thrombectomy. Delayed carotid stenting appears to be safe and may lead to good clinical outcomes. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings in this small cohort. Disclosures C. Green: None. B. Wiseman: None. A. Ferrell: None. P. Brown: None. P. Kvamme: None.
Young user's attitudes toward ICTs: A comparative semantic differential study of the mobile telephone

L’objectif de ce projet de recherche etait de determiner la perception qu’ont les jeunes des technologies de l’information et de la communication (tic). Cette recherche s’est surtout attachee au telephone mobile, mais nous nous sommes aussi interesses a bien d’autres technologies de communication a usage personnel telles que le courrier electronique, la television, les cartes postales, les montres ainsi que diverses technologies de loisir portables. Les donnees necessaires ont ete collectees selon la technique dite du “differenciateur semantique”. Des entretiens menes avec des etudiants americains leur ont donne l’occasion de reagir a une liste d’adjectifs bipolaires, ce qui nous a permis de mieux connaitre leur perception generale (“folk view”) de ces technologies. Dans un souci de comparaison, des etudiants sud-coreens, namibiens et norvegiens ont egalement ete interroges. Meme si leur validite et leur fiabilite peuvent etre mises en doute, les donnees obtenues semblent de prime abord indiquer une surprenante convergence de point de vue quant a la perception des tic par les jeunes. Cette convergence pourrait se constater chez des utilisateurs ou utilisateurs potentiels dans des contextes culturels et historiques tres varies.
Medium Range Ordering Structure and Silica Glass Transition

After several decades of study, the ordering structure existing in vitreous silica and the nature of silica glass transition remain controversial. This work describes a newly proposed nanoflake model for the medium range structure in vitreous silica and discusses the formation and evolution of the ordering structure in the glass transition process. The results show that there is a cooling rate independent critical temperature Tc corresponding to the formation of the ordering structure. This indicates that silica glass transition is a second-order phase transition.
Impact of Stratiform Rainband Heating on the Tropical Cyclone Wind Field in Idealized Simulations

AbstractUsing idealized simulations, we examine the storm-scale wind field response of a dry, hurricane-like vortex to prescribed stratiform heating profiles that mimic tropical cyclone (TC) spiral...
Do Homeschooled Students Lack Opportunities to Acquire Cultural Capital? Evidence from a Nationally Representative Survey of American Households.

ABSTRACTExperiences at school may create valuable opportunities for children to acquire cultural capital. One concern for homeschooled children is that they may be deprived of these opportunities. ...
Bank disclosure index : global assessment of bank disclosure practices

The report assigns a composite bank disclosure index to each of the 180 countries surveyed in the study, yearly since 1994. Using a checkbox approach to analyze financial statements of individual banks, the index seeks to quantitatively measure the actual disclosure practices of commercial banks around the world, in relation to their assets, liabilities, funding, incomes, and risk profiles. The measurement framework is compatible with International Monetary Funds (IMF's), Financial Soundness Indicators (FSI) system, as well as Basel Committee's prescriptions on bank accounting disclosures. The framework is applicable to banks in low and mid-income countries. Specific policy prescriptions can be made automatically based on the sub-index and sub-component scores linked to individual disclosure categories. The report also utilizes the time-series and cross-sectional variations of the index to conduct a series of assessments and diagnoses on several systematically important developing countries and regions, as examples to demonstrate the index's policy applications.
An Update to the Proficiency Benchmarks for Surgical Simulation Training in Laparoscopy at Oregon Health and Science University

As the field of medicine, especially surgery, progresses, new challenges in the training of physicians have emerged. While surgical education has been traditionally structured as an apprenticeship-based model, this has proven to be time consuming, costly, and unethical to patients, physicians, and medical institutions alike. One solution that has arisen due to the need for balancing safety with education is the usage of simulation-based training. Simulation has become an accepted and valued way of training physicians due to its assurance of safe, scheduled, targeted, and objective training for the learner, as well as safe and efficient clinical experiences for patients. Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), along with every other accredited surgical residency program in the United States, has integrated a skills lab into their general surgery curriculum due to a 2008 mandate issued by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The surgical simulation skills lab at OHSU is titled VirtuOHSU. A core part of VirtuOHSU’s curriculum involves the training of basic laparoscopic skills. As simulation-based training was established, there was not a clear development of a standardized training curriculum for laparoscopic surgery and thus there has been a significant gap in the discourse’s understanding of what proficiency metric is considered adequate for laparoscopic surgery training. In 2008, the OHSU general surgery residency program adopted proficiency levels from a study done by Drs. E. Matt Ritter and Daniel J. Scott of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. For the past six years, VirtuOHSU has used these standards to evaluate their general surgery residents. The goal of this paper was to evaluate the validity
Characterizing quantum physics students’ conceptual and procedural knowledge of the characteristic equation

Abstract Research on student understanding of eigentheory in linear algebra has expanded recently, yet few studies address student understanding of the Characteristic Equation. In this study, we explore quantum physics students’ conceptual and procedural knowledge of deriving and using the Characteristic Equation. We developed the Conceptual and Procedural Knowledge framework for classifying the quality of students’ conceptual and procedural knowledge of both deriving and using the Characteristic Equation along a continuum. Most students exhibited deeper conceptual and procedural knowledge of using the Characteristic Equation than of deriving the Characteristic Equation. Furthermore, most students demonstrated deeper procedural knowledge than conceptual knowledge of deriving the Characteristic Equation. Most students demonstrated conceptual knowledge that was as deep or deeper than their procedural knowledge of using the Characteristic Equation. Examples of student work are provided, including descriptions of student work exhibiting rich knowledge of the characteristic equation. Implications for instruction and future research are discussed.
Three-Pole Magnetic Bearing Design and Actuation

The three-pole magnetic bearing has recently gained interest within the magnetic suspension research community due to its simple structure that relies on only three coils and ability to be operated by three-phase power converters. However, the three-pole bearing is substantially more complicated to control. Control strategies based on linearized current models result in parasitic coupling between $x$ and $y$ radial forces, yielding significant force vector errors. Research initiatives have developed distinct three-pole geometries with varying capabilities and operating principles. This article reviews the various research initiatives on the three-pole bearing, develops a generalized framework for considering the forces of any three-pole bearing configuration, exercises this framework to provide insights into fundamental design topology choices, and proposes a method to calculate exact control currents and an optimal bias field. This article shows that using the exact control current calculations with the proposed optimal bias field yields a force density improvement of up to 15.5% while requiring 23.4% fewer ampere turns as compared to using conventional bias levels. Experimental validation of the force calculation framework is provided.
Identifiable Patterns of Trait, State, and Experience in Chronic Stroke Recovery

BackgroundConsiderable evidence indicates that the functional connectome of the healthy human brain is highly stable, analogous to a fingerprint.ObjectiveWe investigated the stability of functional...
Characterization of collagen type I/tannic acid beads as a cell scaffold:

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. Surgical removal of tumors is often necessary and many patients suffer complications due to subsequent breast reconstructi...
Effective killing of CML cells by PEITC is associated with rapid increase of cellular ROS, depletion of glutathione and BCR-ABL degradation

3315 Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disorder that represents approximately 15-20% of all adult leukemia. The development of CML is clearly linked to the constitutively active tyrosine kinase of the chimeric protein BCR-ABL, which is encoded by the Bcr-Abl fusion gene due to chromosome 9/22 translocation or other aberrant cytogenetic events. Several recent studies and our findings suggested that the CML oncoprotein BCR-ABL could initiate cellular redox imbalance and promote persistent cellular oxidative stress. Cell adaptation to this redox alteration may promote CML cell survival and the development of this disease. Thus disrupting cellular redox system in CML cells is a possible strategy to kill the leukemia cells. Here we showed that β-phenylethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), a natural compound found in edible vegetables, is effective in killing cultured human BCR-ABL positive CML cells by causing severe ROS stress and glutathione depletion. Importantly, we showed that CML cells harboring T315I-mutantation insensitive to the Bcr-Abl-targeted drug Gleevec remained sensitive to PEITC. The killing ability of PEITC was confirmed using CML cell lines and primary leukemia cells isolated from CML patients harboring T315I-mutant BCR-ABL. Treatment of CML cells expressing wild-type or T315I-mutant BCR-ABL with 10 μM PEITC resulted in a rapid increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) stress, a severe depletion of cellular glutathione (GSH), and a redox-mediated degradation of the BCR-ABL protein, leading to massive cell death. Incubation with the GSH precursor antioxidant NAC attenuated the PEITC-induced oxidative stress in CML cells, and prevented the degradation of BCR-ABL, caspase-3 activation, and cell death. We further showed that the PEITC-induced degradation of BCR-ABL was mediated partially by caspase-3 and the proteasome pathway. Our results suggest that PEITC is a promising compound capable of killing both Gleevec-sensitive and -resistant CML cells through a ROS-mediated mechanism.
Process Variables in the Paired-Associate Learning of Retardates

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses process variables in the paired-associate learning of retardates. An older conception of paired-associate learning, derived from a mechanistic kind of associationism, viewed the learner as a somewhat passive participant in a process by which single S–R connections were stamped into his memory; one at a time. Within this stereotyped model, presumably, habits were acquired by contiguous presentation of the stimulus element and the response term reinforced by feedback. It is now clear that paired-associate learning involves much more than the mechanical “hook up” of stimuli and responses. The learner comes to the laboratory with a complex language system, a variety of learning strategies, and a potent motivational system. The notion that the paired-associate learning task consists entirely of pure associationistic, learning is antiquated. In this chapter, certain process variables that are developmentally reflected in the learning of paired associates, including such factors as response learning, associative learning, backward learning, and stimulus selection is discussed. The chapter also discusses some of those process variables that have been reliably implicated in the verbal paired-associate learning of normal adults.
Assessing dependability of wireless networks using neural networks

Critical infrastructures such as wireless network systems demand dependability. Dependability attributes addressed in this paper include availability, reliability, maintainability and survivability. This research uses computer simulation and artificial intelligence to introduce a new approach to assess dependability of wireless networks. The new approach is based on the development of a neural network, which is trained to investigate availability, reliability, maintainability, and survivability attributes (ARMS) of a wireless network. In this work, given a variety of reliability and maintainability attribute scenarios for a wireless infrastructure, the resulting impact on network availability and survivability are determined. Component mean time to failure (MTTF) is used to model reliability, while the mean time to restore (MTR) is used for maintainability. Here, unavailability, the complement of availability, is defined as the fraction of time the entire network system is down, while survivability is the fraction of network user capacity up over time. Both availability and survivability can be instantaneous or averaged over some period. The data set, which is used to train the neural network, is obtained from simulation experiments with a range of component MTTF and MTTR. In addition, the number of times a new regulatory outage reporting threshold is surpassed is also determined. This research also focuses on the relative performance of neural network modeling compared to analytical and simulation techniques for assessing the ARMS attributes of a wireless network, and the additional insights that can be obtained from NN modeling.
Error Estimates for Semidiscrete Finite Element Approximations of the Stokes Equations Under Minimal Regularity Assumptions

Semidiscrete (spatially discrete) finite element approximations of the Stokes equations are studied in this paper. Properties of L2, H1 and H−1 projections onto discretely divergence-free spaces are discussed and error estimates are derived under minimal regularity assumptions on the solution.
Colonic elongation inhibits pellet propulsion and migrating motor complexes in the murine large bowel

The colonic migrating motor complex (CMMC) is a rhythmically occurring neurally mediated motor pattern. Although the CMMC spontaneously propagates along an empty colon it is responsible for faecal pellet propulsion in the murine large bowel. Unlike the peristaltic reflex, the CMMC is an ‘all or none’ event that appears to be dependent upon Dogiel Type II/AH neurons for its regenerative slow propagation down the colon. A reduction in the amplitude of CMMCs or an elongated colon have both been thought to underlie slow transit constipation, although whether these phenomena are related has not been considered. In this study we examined the mechanisms by which colonic elongation might affect the CMMC using video imaging of the colon, tension and electrophysiological recordings from the muscle and Ca2+ imaging of myenteric neurons. As faecal pellets were expelled from the murine colon, it shortened by up to ∼29%. Elongation of the colon resulted in a linear reduction in the velocity of a faecal pellet and the amplitude of spontaneous CMMCs. Elongation of the oral end of a colonic segment reduced the amplitude of CMMCs, whereas elongation of the anal end of the colon evoked a premature CMMC, and caused the majority of CMMCs to propagate in an anal to oral direction. Dogiel Type II/AH sensory neurons and most other myenteric neurons responded to oral elongation with reduced amplitude and frequency of spontaneous Ca2+ transients, whereas anal elongation increased their amplitude and frequency in most neurons. The inhibitory effects of colonic elongation were reduced by blocking nitric oxide (NO) production with l-NA (100 μm) and soluble guanylate cyclase with 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ; 10 μm); whereas, l-arginine (1–2 mm) enhanced the inhibitory effects of colonic elongation. In conclusion, polarized neural reflexes can be triggered by longitudinal stretch. The dominant effect of elongation is to reduce CMMCs primarily by inhibiting Dogiel Type II/AH neurons, thus facilitating colonic accommodation and slow transit.
Sexual Violence and Armed Conflict by Janie L. Leatherman

Although sexual violence in armed conflict has been a problem “from time immemorial,” it has been hidden under a “veil of silence.” Janie L. Leatherman's Sexual Violence and Armed Conflict provides...
Causes of the 2011–14 California Drought

AbstractThe causes of the California drought during November–April winters of 2011/12–2013/14 are analyzed using observations and ensemble simulations with seven atmosphere models forced by observed SSTs. Historically, dry California winters are most commonly associated with a ridge off the west coast but no obvious SST forcing. Wet winters are most commonly associated with a trough off the west coast and an El Nino event. These attributes of dry and wet winters are captured by many of the seven models. According to the models, SST forcing can explain up to a third of California winter precipitation variance. SST forcing was key to sustaining a high pressure ridge over the west coast and suppressing precipitation during the three winters. In 2011/12 this was a response to a La Nina event, whereas in 2012/13 and 2013/14 it appears related to a warm west–cool east tropical Pacific SST pattern. All models contain a mode of variability linking such tropical Pacific SST anomalies to a wave train with a ridge o...
Localization of the β-Glucosidases in Neurospora crassa

The β-glucosidases (EC 3.2.1.21) of Neurospora crassa were studied with respect to their location in conidia and young mycelia. Aryl-β-glucosidase of conidia was nearly equally divided between extracellular and bound activity. Bound aryl-β-glucosidase was almost all available to substrate. An induction procedure was used to maximize both β-glucosidases in 4 to 6-hr cells. Aryl-β-glucosidase was entirely bound but still mostly (90%) detectable, whereas cellobiase was mostly internal and cryptic. A freeze-thaw cycle or treatment with phenethyl alcohol or deoxycholic acid made the cellobiase detectable without releasing it from the cell. A 10 to 20% increase in cell-bound aryl-β-glucosidase could be obtained by this treatment. Dilute HCl (0.1 n) destroyed the patent aryl-β-glucosidase but not the cryptic aryl-β-glucosidase or the cryptic cellobiase activity in intact cells. This suggested that most aryl-β-glucosidase activity was exterior to the cell membrane but still within the mural space. The thermal stability of patent aryl-β-glucosidase and released cellobiase was found to be higher than in corresponding cell-free extracts. Measurements of Km suggested a slightly lower affinity for substrate p-nitrophenyl-β-d-glucopyranoside by the enzymes in intact cells compared to enzymes in extracts.
A FORCE-TRANSDUCING MANIPULANDUM FOR USE WITH DOGS.

Abstract : A pedal-pressing manipulandum for use with dogs is described. The device transduces forces from zero to 10,000 grams, and voltage output is linear over the entire range. (Author)
Perceptions of Resources, Services, and ICT Literacy Skills Among Master's Students in Finance, With Implications for the Library and the “Trading Room”

University “trading rooms” have become a popular venue for preparing students for professions in finance. At one university, a survey of incoming master of science in finance students was conducted in June 2010 to develop a preliminary understanding of what finance students want and expect from their trading room and the Library with regard to resources and services, as well as to gauge the students’ receptivity toward information and communication technology literacy–focused instruction. The survey findings have been influential in the development of new instructional and service approaches and collaborations between the trading room and the Library.
The use‐of questions in the speech‐communication classroom

One chief tool of the inductive model of teaching, a method of applying indirect teacher influence upon learners, is the question. Research studies provide an analysis of the teacher's questioning behavior, and the author offers some suggestions as starter tasks for those who want to add questioning behavior to their teaching style.
pH and temperature effects on the hydrolysis of three β-lactam antibiotics: Ampicillin, cefalotin and cefoxitin

Abstract An understanding of antibiotic hydrolysis rates is important for predicting their environmental persistence. Hydrolysis rates and Arrhenius constants were determined as a function of pH and temperature for three common β-lactam antibiotics, ampicillin, cefalotin, and cefoxitin. Antibiotic hydrolysis rates at pH 4–9 at 25 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C were quantified, and degradation products were identified. The three antibiotics hydrolyzed under ambient conditions (pH 7 and 25 °C); half-lives ranged from 5.3 to 27 d. Base-catalyzed hydrolysis rates were significantly greater than acid-catalyzed and neutral pH hydrolysis rates. Hydrolysis rates increased 2.5- to 3.9-fold for a 10 °C increase in temperature. Based on the degradation product masses found, the likely functional groups that underwent hydrolysis were lactam, ester, carbamate, and amide moieties. Many of the proposed products resulting from the hydrolysis of ampicillin, cefalotin, and cefoxitin likely have reduced antimicrobial activity because many products contained a hydrated lactam ring. The results of this research demonstrate that β-lactam antibiotics hydrolyze under ambient pH and temperature conditions. Degradation of β-lactam antibiotics will likely occur over several weeks in most surface waters and over several days in more alkaline systems.
Autism and autoimmune disease: A family study

A family is presented to demonstrate the rare phenomenon of early infantile autism in the presence of autoimmune disease. The youngest son in the family has a multiple diagnosis of autism, Addison's disease, and moniliasis. The next older brother has hypoparathyroidism, Addison's disease, moniliasis, and diabetes mellitus. The next older brother has hypoparathyroidism, Addison's disease, moniliasis, and alopecia totalis. The oldest son and first born child in this family of four is, along with the parents, symptom free. Whereas autism in the youngest son might be attributed to the traumatic family situation, in which there exists the constant threat of near-death, it might conceivably be attributed also to a primary effect of autoimmune impairment from the formation of autoantibodies affecting the central nervous system.
Retinal Cell Responses to Elevated Intraocular Pressure: A Gene Array Comparison between the Whole Retina and Retinal Ganglion Cell Layer

Purpose. To determine and compare gene expression patterns in the whole retina and retinal ganglion cell layer (RGCL) in a rodent glaucoma model.
Data envelopment analysis with reverse inputs and outputs.

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) assumes that inputs and outputs are measured on scales in which larger numerical values correspond to greater consumption of inputs and greater production of outputs. We present a class of DEA problems in which one or more of the inputs or outputs are naturally measured on scales in which higher numerical values represent lower input consumption or lower output production. We refer to such quantities as reverse inputs and reverse outputs. We propose to incorporate reverse inputs and outputs into a DEA model by returning to the basic principles that lead to the DEA model formulation. We compare our method to reverse scoring, the most commonly used approach, and demonstrate the relative advantages of our proposed technique. We use this concept to analyze all 30 Major League Baseball (MLB) organizations during the 1999 regular season to determine their on-field and front office relative efficiencies. Our on-field DEA model employs one output and two symmetrically defined inputs, one to measure offense and one to measure defense. The defensive measure is such that larger values correspond to worse defensive performance, rather than better, and hence is a reverse input. The front office model uses one input. Its outputs, one of which is a reverse output, are the inputs to the on-field model. We discuss the organizational implications of our results.
SOI by CVD: Epitaxial Lateral Overgrowth (ELO) process—Review

Abstract The ELO process (Epitaxial Lateral Overgrowth), based on the growth of silicon film over an SiO2 mask by the CVD technique, has been reviewed. The silicon film is locally seeded in openings of the SiO2 mask from which it overgrows the oxide. The key to success is selective deposition; growth conditions which give growth of silicon over exposed silicon surfaces and at the same time prevent nucleation of silicon over oxide. These conditions, together with growth and surface morphology of obtained ELO films, are discussed as a function of gas composition, growth temperature, growth procedure and type of reactor. Defect structure and electric properties of ELO films are also reviewed together with performance of devices made in these films. Data obtained so far showed that monocrystalline silicon films with smooth mirror-like surfaces and low defect density can be grown over 20 μm wide SiO2 islands by the optimized ELO process. The performance of devices made in these ELO films was similar to devices made in homoepitaxial layers. On the basis of these data it is believed that the ELO technique is a promising approach for the fabrication of SOI films.
Plasmonic properties of vertically aligned nanowire arrays

Nanowires (NWs)/Ag sheath composites were produced to investigate plasmonic coupling between vertically aligned NWs for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) applications. In this investigation, two types of vertical NW arrays were studied; those of ZnO NWs grown on nanosphere lithography patterned sapphire substrate via vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) mechanism and Si NW arrays produced by wet chemical etching. Both types of vertical NW arrays were coated with a thin layer of silver by electroless silver plating for SERS enhancement studies. The experimental results show extremely strong SERS signals due to plasmonic coupling between the NWs, which was verified by COMSOL electric field simulations. We also compared the SERS enhancement intensity of aligned and random ZnO NWs, indicating that the aligned NWs showmuch stronger and repeatable SERS signal than those grown in nonaligned geometries.