cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Advances in Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma

The past decade has been a time of rapid progress in multiple myeloma, but the future therapeutic landscape may be even more promising, as new agents are better tolerated and novel pathways are exploited. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) now include the proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib and immunomodulatory drug pomalidomide, which are more potent than previous generations of these drugs have been. These agents are extending progression free and overall survival of patients with relapsed refractory myeloma, as is maintenance therapy with lenalidomide after initial therapy of patients with newly diagnosed disease At the NCCN 18th Annual Conference, Dr. Kenneth C. Anderson from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute reviewed the data leading to the approval of these exciting agents, discussed the efficacy of current regimens, and described the future landscape and the exciting potential of new agents to further improve and extend the lives of patients with myeloma.
The Return of Navajo Boy

The Return of Navajo Boy. 2000. Directed by Jeff Spitz. co-produced by Jeff Spit & Bennie Klain. Executive producer, Bill Kennedy. Distributed by Jeff Spitz Productions, 1917 Warner Avenue, Chicago, II 60613. Email: jsptv@mindspring.com for rentals or screenings, which include. Cly family member as speaker; website: www.navajoboy.com: phone: 773-975-9534. 57 minutes (PBS/Festival Version, sole version in circulation).
Hadronic loops versus factorization in effective field theory calculations of X (3872 )→χ c J π 0

We compare two existing approaches to calculating the decay of molecular quarkonium states to conventional quarkonia in effective field theory, using $X(3872)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\chi}}_{cJ}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$ as an example. In one approach the decay of the molecular quarkonium proceeds through a triangle diagram with charmed mesons in the loop. We argue this approach predicts excessively large rates for $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}[X(3872)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\chi}}_{cJ}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}]$ unless both charged and neutral mesons are included and a cancellation between these contributions is arranged to suppress the decay rates. This cancellation occurs naturally if the $X(3872)$ is primarily in the $I=0$ $D{\overline{D}}^{*}+\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{c}$ scattering channel. The factorization approach to molecular decays calculates the rates in terms of tree-level transitions for the $D$ mesons in the $X(3872)$ to the final state, multiplied by unknown matrix elements. We show that this approach is equivalent to the hadronic loops approach if the cutoff on the loop integrations is taken to be a few hundred MeV or smaller, as is appropriate when the charged $D$ mesons have been integrated out of the effective theory.
An expert system and dynamic programming hybrid for unit commitment

The authors propose a hybrid expert system/dynamic programming program for the solution of the unit commitment problem. The three concerns of schedule feasibility, program flexibility, and optimality are not satisfactorily achieved by either purely heuristic or numerical methods. A program which couples an efficient numerical optimization program with an expert system which can encompass the heuristic knowledge of an experienced scheduler is shown to be a possible solution to this problem. The significant features of the hybrid expert system thus developed are: (1) a user interface expert consultant, to make possible the use of the program by nonexpert users through its ability to guide the user through important decision-making processes in the problem setup period; (2) a knowledge base, containing expert knowledge of both schedulers and mathematical programmers, represented by if/then rule statements; (3) coordination of the mathematical programming algorithm input-output with expert knowledge base (rules) and data (facts); (4) a flexible program structure that is easily adaptable to changes in network configuration and system operation policy; and (5) the answering of user queries about any aspect of the problem setup phase. >
Interband absorption in a strongly correlated half-filled band Hubbard chain: Effect of long-range Coulomb interaction

We study the effect of a weak long-range Coulomb interaction on the interband absorption in a strongly correlated half-filled-band Hubbard chain such as low-dimensional charge-transfer organic salts by introducing a small nearest-neighbor Coulomb repulsion (${U}_{1}$) to the Hubbard model. A long-range interaction gives rise to an attractive potential well between the doubly occupied site and the hole and distorts the interband absorption line shape for transitions to the upper Hubbard band. Also, it leads to formation of, and additional transitions to, a bound excitonic state. With an increasing value of ${U}_{1}$, the intensity leaks gradually from the former transitions to the latter, while the total intensity is conserved.
Heuristics for the minimum rectilinear Steiner tree problem: new algorithms and a computational study

Abstract We propose in this paper new approximate algorithms for the minimum rectilinear Steiner tree problem, based on a two-point-connection strategy. We also present extensive computational experiments involving the new algorithms and several existing heuristics, more consistent than the other experiments reported in the literature. We conclude from these experiments that one of these new heuristics obtains slightly better solutions in the average when compared with the previously known heuristics.
Approaches to analytical and synthetic electrochemistry in fluorous solvent-containing media

The implementation of voltammetry in highly fluorous media has been demonstrated. Two strategies were utilized in order to overcome the major impediments to electrochemistry imposed by the low polarity of fluorous solvents. First, benzotrifluoride was used as a cosolvent with perfluoromethylcyclohexane in a 1-to-1 ratio to afford a fluorous mixture with a modest dielectric constant. Second, a fluorophilic supporting electrolyte was synthesized. The electrolyte consists of an imidazolium cation with a fluorous ponytail and the lipophilic tetrakis(3,5-trifluoromethyl)phenyl borate anion. The electrolyte medium allows for the routine electroanalysis of substrates using millimeter-sized electrodes. The electrochemical properties of ferrocene and a fluorous-ponytail analogue in the fluorous medium are given, and the ability to perform bulk electrolysis in the solvent mixture is demonstrated. The thermally regulated miscibility of fluorous and organic solvents is a particularly interesting phenomenon at present, and its applicability towards electrolysis-product purification is discussed.
Expectation and Transition Probability

It is shown that a separating or order-determining set of states on a quantum logic need not determine the expectations of observables. A formula is derived for the transition probability between states. Using this formula, it is shown that the propositions do not determine the transition probability in a certain sense. The form of the transition probability is derived for pure states on Hilbert space, dominated normal states on a von Neumann algebra, and absolutely continuous states on a measurable space. A metric is defined in terms of the transition probability.
Are My Students Like Me? The Path to Color-Blindness and White Racial Identity Development

This study examines the White racial identity (WRI) development of pre-service teachers in diverse and nondiverse student teaching placements. A qualitative design, using constant comparative analy...
Effect of alterations of zinc status on the zinc content of the gastrointestinal tract of chicks.

SummaryThe zinc content of intestinal tissue of growing chicks depends upon the anatomical site of sampling, the dietary intake of zinc, and the extent of fasting. The zinc content of duodenum, but not ileum, increased after 24 hr fasting in both zinc-deficient and zinc-adequate chicks and rapidly decreased to prefasting levels after refeeding. Feeding diets either adequate or greater than adequate in zinc to zinc-deficient chicks resulted in a rapid increase in plasma, duodenal, and ileal zinc contents to levels found in animals maintained continuously on these diets. The zinc content of tibia rose more slowly over this same time period. Thus, duodenal zinc content accurately reflects acute increases in “available” body zinc and most likely represents zinc being excreted endogenously from the body tissues.
Impact of average free-volume element size on transport in stereoisomers of polynorbornene. II. Impact of temperature on solubility

This article evaluates the influence of temperature on the sorption of gases in two isomers of polynorbornene. The subject polymers were stereoisomers with nearly identical bulk density and total free volume. Because of differences in the mobility of the polymer backbone, the isomers packed differently resulting in differences in the average free-volume element size within the matrix. The influence of these differences on free-volume element size was characterized by the heat of sorption of gases in the matrix. The most pronounced differences were observed in the isosteric heats of sorption of condensable carbon dioxide and methane in the polymer isomers. This analysis suggests that the relative space available for sorption into free-volume elements is higher in the methyl II isomer relative to methyl III. These conclusions support the physical characterizations reported in Part I of this series suggesting that the methyl II isomer has larger average free-volume elements but fewer of them than the methyl III isomer. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1939–1946, 2003
dN/dS does not show positive selection drives separation of polar‐tropical SAR11 populations

Mol Syst Biol. 8: 625 Large‐scale sequencing of environmental microorganisms (including genomes, metagenomes, and metatranscriptomes) now allows researchers to apply sequence‐based evolutionary genetics approaches to microbial ecology questions, including studying how microbes adapt to a diversity of natural environments. There is, however, a danger for misapplication and misinterpretation if the caveats and limitations of these evolutionary methods are not fully appreciated. Here, we highlight an example of such problems in an evolutionary analysis of potential positive selection within strains of SAR11 marine bacteria (Brown et al , 2012). We feel that these issues deserve wider recognition, particularly as evolutionary approaches become more widespread among environmental microbiologists. In the vast majority of genes, the ratio (ω) of non‐synonymous substitutions per non‐synonymous site ( d N ) to synonymous substitutions per synonymous site ( d S ) is 1, then this may be indicative of positive selection favoring amino‐acid replacements (Hughes and Nei, 1988, Hughes, 1999). If ω is not statistically different from 1, then there is evidence for neither purifying nor positive selection. Positive selection is not the only factor that can cause ω to be >1; since ω is a ratio, an unusually high ω value may indicate either an unusually high d N or an unusually low d S . For example, purifying selection on synonymous mutations can lead to a low d S and thus high ω (Parmley and Hurst, 2007). Approaches for calculating d S and d N can be classified into two categories, based on whether the underlying nucleotide evolutionary model takes into account the base/codon frequency bias (Supplementary Table S1; Zhang et al , 2006). For instance, the Yang and Nielsen method (YN00) considers the base/codon …
Spatial organization of cortical and spinal neurons controlling motor behavior.

A major task of the central nervous system (CNS) is to control behavioral actions, which necessitates a precise regulation of muscle activity. The final components of the circuitry controlling muscles are the motorneurons, which settle into pools in the ventral horn of the spinal cord in positions that mirror the musculature organization within the body. This ‘musculotopic’ motor-map then becomes the internal CNS reference for the neuronal circuits that control motor commands. This review describes recent progress in defining the neuroanatomical organization of the higher-order motor circuits in the cortex and spinal cord, and our current understanding of the integrative features that contribute to complex motor behaviors. We highlight emerging evidence that cortical and spinal motor command centers are loosely organized with respect to the musculotopic spatial-map, but these centers also incorporate organizational features that associate with the function of different muscle groups during commonly enacted behaviors.
Mycobacterium chelonei breast abscess associated with nipple piercing.

Background: Breast abscesses are typically seen in the setting of complicated mastitis in lactating women. Abscesses resulting from foreign bodies are not commonly seen in the breast. Over the past few decades, body piercing has become increasingly common, yet the infectious morbidity resulting from it is not well recognized. A breast abscess associated with nipple piercing is described in this report. Case: A 19-year-old woman developed a breast abscess approximately 10 weeks after the placement of a nipple ring. Multiple drainage procedures were performed before the infection was controlled. The cultures grew Mycobacterium chelonei, an organism not commonly causing soft-tissue infection. Conclusion: Body piercing may be associated with significant infections. The use of sterile equipment and techniques should be used to prevent these uncommon infections.
A new penetrating-radiation image converter

A NEW practical penetrating-radiation television camera tube, termed the Metallonicon, has been built. It operates at X-ray frequencies, and a discernible image is obtained with two mr. s−1 incident on the target, which is comprised of a heavy metal layer in intimate contact with a secondary electron enhancing storage layer.
Diamond-coated laminations for high-performance motors

ABSTRACT The high thermaJ conductivity and electrical resistivity of diamond make it an attractive material for enhancing heat transfer in the lamination stack of high-performance electric motors provided that it can be effectively and economically applied to the laminations. This brief study shows that, in principle, diamond core plate could double the radial thermal conductivity. Coating experiments, while not complete, show that many of the problems could be solved and that further development is warranted.
Resonance enhancement of two-photon absorption in porphyrins

Abstract Two-photon absorption spectra in absolute cross-section values are presented for a number of octaethyl-, tetraphenyl-, and tetrabenzo-substituted porphyrins. In excitation spectral region of 710–810 nm, the two-photon absorption efficiency is resonantly enhanced due to nearby Q(0–0) one-photon transition. The cross-section value calculated directly from the ground- and excited-state absorption parameters in a single intermediate level approximation, agrees well with that measured in experiment.
In Vivo Characterization of 6β-Naltrexol, an Opioid Ligand with Less Inverse Agonist Activity Compared with Naltrexone and Naloxone in Opioid-Dependent Mice

The mu-opioid receptor displays basal signaling activity, which seems to be enhanced by exposure to opioid agonists. This study assesses the in vivo pharmacology of the putative "neutral" antagonist 6beta-naltrexol in comparison to other ligands with varying efficacy, such as naloxone, an inverse agonist in the opioid-dependent state. ICR mice were used to generate full antagonist dose-response curves for naloxone, naltrexone, nalbuphine, and 6beta-naltrexol in blocking acute antinociceptive effects of morphine and precipitating opioid withdrawal in models of physical dependence. 6beta-Naltrexol was roughly equipotent to naloxone and between 4.5- and 10-fold less potent than naltrexone in blocking morphine-induced antinociception and locomotor activity, showing that 6beta-naltrexol enters the central nervous system. In contrast to naloxone and naltrexone, 6beta-naltrexol precipitated only minimal withdrawal at high doses in an acute dependence model and was approximately 77- and 30-fold less potent than naltrexone and naloxone, respectively, in precipitating withdrawal in a chronic dependence model. 6beta-Naltrexol reduced the inverse agonist effects of naloxone in vitro and in vivo, as expected for a neutral antagonist. Therefore, the pharmacological effects of 6beta-naltrexol differ markedly from those of naloxone and naltrexone in the opioid-dependent state. A reduction of withdrawal effects associated with neutral mu-opioid receptor antagonists may offer advantages in treating opioid overdose and addiction.
Hepatitis C virus protein expression induces apoptosis in HepG2 cells.

The mechanisms of hepatocyte death and the events that lead to a high rate of chronic liver disease in patients infected with hepatitis C virus are not known. We established a HCV replication system in HepG2 cell culture and utilized this model to address the effect of HCV proteins on HepG2 cell growth and viability. After transfection of HepG2 cells with full-length RNA, a truncated RNA, or an antisense RNA, cell proliferation and cell viability were analyzed by thymidine uptake and the trypan blue exclusion method, respectively. Full-length RNA transfected HepG2 cells showed a decrease in cell proliferation and viability compared to cells transfected with HCV truncated RNA and antisense RNA control. A subset of cells expressing HCV proteins underwent apoptosis as documented by morphological studies, ultrastructural analysis, cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry, terminal transferase enzyme mediated end labeling of DNA, and DNA laddering. This study suggests that expression of HCV proteins can lead to cell death by apoptosis, which may be an important event in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C virus infection in humans.
Signs of Spin—Spin Coupling Constants between Methyl Protons and Ring Fluorine Nuclei in Fluorotoluene Derivatives. Further Evidence for a Positive Hyperfine Interaction in the C–F Bond

The signs of spin—spin coupling constants between the methyl protons and fluorine nuclei in ortho, meta, and para fluorotoluene derivatives have been determined by double‐resonance techniques. J0F,CH3 and JpF,CH3 are positive, while JmF,CH3 is negative. This sign sequence is opposite to that of the corresponding methyl proton‐ring proton couplings and is the consequence of a positive hyperfine coupling constant in the C–F bond. This result implies that double‐bond character in the C–F bond entails an additional σ—π interaction overshadowing that expected by analogy with the C–H bond. Sizeable negative π contributions to J0HF and JpHF are indicated by the experimental results.
Why should you calibrate your display

This paper discusses the issue of calibration for the growing number of electronic displays used in the filmless and electronic radiology departments. It concentrates on CRT and LCD displays as these are the most matured electronic display systems available at this time. It is shown that grayscale calibration is necessary and useful to optimally display the information contained in the various digital images in diagnostic radiology. In addition properties and drawbacks of four prevalent standards for display function have been discussed.
Hybrid system identification with faulty measurements and its application to activity analysis

This paper addresses the problem of set membership identification of a class of discrete-time affine hybrid systems, switched affine models, in the presence of sensor failures. Given a finite collection of input/output measurements and a bound on the number of subsystems, the objective is to identify a suitable set of affine models along with a switching sequence that can explain the available experimental information. Contrary to existing work, here we allow for instantaneous failures in the measurement sensors at unknown times. These failures lead to corrupted input/output data, that if used in the identification process would result in substantial identification errors. The main result of the paper shows that, exploiting the fact that these failures are infrequent, combined with an algebraic-geometric argument, allows for recasting the problem into an optimization form where the objective is to simultaneously minimize the rank of a matrix and the number of nonzero rows of a second one. While in principle this is a challenging, non-convex problem, exploiting recent results on convex relaxations of rank and block-sparsity leads to an efficient, semi-definite optimization based identification algorithm. Finally, these results are illustrated using both simulations and a practical example that arises in computer vision where the aim is to analyze the activity of a person in the presence of sensor failures.
Immunohistochemical localization of cytochrome P-450E in liver, gill and heart of scup (Stenotomus chrysops) and rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri)

Abstract Monoclonal antibody directed against a major β-naphthoflavone (BNF)-induced form of teleost cytochrome P-450, P-450E (equivalent to P-450c in rat) was used to immunolocalize this enzyme in liver, gill and heart of scup and trout. Liver sections from both species showed P-450E in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes. No regional differences were observed which might indicate zonation of cytochrome P-450E within subpopulations of hepatocytes. Scup exocrine pancreatic cells were only weakly positive. In the gill of both fish, cytochrome P-450E was restricted to the endothelium (pillar cells) of secondary lamellae, where fluorescence appeared as a chain in longitudinal sections through lamellae and as star-shaped clusters in en face views. Sections of ventricular wall in both species revealed P-450E was restricted to endothelium at margins of muscle bands limiting heart ventricular lumen. Localization in the specific cells of these and other organs may be fundamentally important in understanding the role of cytochrome P-450E.
Determination of amino acids in urine by capillary electrophoresis with indirect UV detection

Abstract This study has described a relatively simple method for determination of 14-18 amino acids (AA's) by CE with indirect UV detection using both myristyltrimethyl-ammonium bromide (MTAB)-coated and uncoated capillaries. The method used either salicylate or benzoate as UV-absorbing additive in carbonate buffer and the non-absorbing AA's were detected indirectly at 230 nm. The optimization of the assay conditions was demonstrated with an MTAB-coated capillary using salicylate-carbonate as separation buffer. Factors that affect indirect signal response and migration behavior of AA's such as buffer concentration, pH, and the relative amount of UV-absorbing additive in buffer have been studied. Comparison of MTAB-coated and uncoatd capillaries on the analysis of AA's has been made. It has been found that the limits of detection of 18 AA's by the method were in the order of 53.6 to 785 pg injected. The method developed was used in the determination of AA's in urine sample and preliminary results were prov...
Enhancement of the elicitation phase of the murine contact hypersensitivity response by prior exposure to local ultraviolet radiation

Local exposure of the sites of elicitation (ears) of contact hypersensitivity (CHS) in mice to relatively modest doses of ultraviolet radiation (FS40 sunlamps) daily for 4 days prior to challenge in previously immunized animals results in significant enhancement of the CHS response as measured by 24-h swelling. This effect was seen in both C3H/HeJ and A/J mice and with the use of both trinitrochlorobenzene and dinitrofluorobenzene as contact sensitizers. Doses of PUVA (parenteral administration of 8-methoxypsoralen followed by exposure to UVA, 320–400 nm, radiation) up to that which can systemically suppress the induction of CHS failed to affect the elicitation of CHS. Irritation of the sites of elicitation of CHS by applications of turpentine also failed to affect the CHS elicitation reaction. Enhancement of the CHS elicitation response by local ultraviolet radiation exposure prior to challenge appears to be a specific photobiologic event.
A Phytogeographical and Ecological Study of Prenanthes crepidinea Michaux (Asteraceae)

ABSTRACT This study determines the current and historic distributions of Prenanthes crepidinea Michaux (Asteraceae: Lactuceae) and describes its habitat and life history. A phytogeographical study based on herbarium material was conducted to delimit historic and current distributions of P. crepidinea. Ecological data were gathered from herbarium specimens. A literature search was conducted for information about P. crepidinea to enhance the herbarium study. An in-depth field study over two seasons, 1998 and 1999, was made at three extant sites, providing a characteristic life history and habitat description for the species. Associated plant species, pollinators, and parasites were investigated, with voucher specimens for all associated plant species deposited in the herbaria of Youngstown State University (YUO) and Carnegie Museum of Natural History (CM).
Modern potentials and the properties of condensed /sup 4/He

The Green's-function Monte Carlo method has been used to calculate the properties of the ground-state $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ with several modern potentials. One potential, dubbed HFDHE2, by Aziz et al., gave very good agreement with the experimental equation of state in both the liquid and crystal phases. Other properties such as the structure factor and the momentum distribution also compare well with the experiment. In both phases, perturbative estimates of the three-body Axilrod-Teller potential were computed. When they are added to the two-body energies, the total energy is no longer in agreement with experiment. Further investigation on the nature of three-body interactions in the $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ may be necessary to elucidate this problem.
Some implementations of segment sequential functions

Since conventional computers are straining to handle the increased size and sophistication of non-numeric processing (data management, information retrieval, artificial intelligence), a new class of non-numeric architectures is evolving. The segment sequential architecture is one of these. Further development of this architecture requires new techniques for multiple cell operation and intercell communication to handle control and search operations. This paper describes such techniques for instruction fetching, operand recall, string, set and tree context searching, and pointer transfer. It is expected that combinations of these techniques will appear in future architectures that are needed for non-numeric processing.
Psychosocial adaptation and cellular immunity in breast cancer patients in the weeks after surgery: An exploratory study

Abstract Background The period just after surgery for breast cancer requires psychosocial adaptation and is associated with elevated distress. Distress states have been associated with decreased cellular immune functioning in this population, which could have negative effects on physical recovery. However, little is known about relations between psychological status [negative and positive mood states and overall quality of life (QOL)] and cellular signaling cytokines that could account for these associations in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Methods The present study examined associations between psychological adaptation indicators (mood, QOL) and T-helper cell type 1 (Th1) cytokine production from stimulated peripheral mononuclear cells in women who had recently undergone surgery for early-stage breast cancer but had not yet begun adjuvant therapy. These associations were evaluated while controlling for relevant disease/treatment, sociodemographic, and health behavior covariates. Results Lower anxiety related to greater production of the Th1 cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2), while greater positive mood (affection) related to greater production of the Th1 cytokines IL-12 and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). Better QOL related to greater production of the Th1 cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Conclusion Individual differences in psychosocial adaptation in women with breast cancer during the period after surgery relate to biological parameters that may be relevant for health and well-being as they move through treatment.
A Little Book on Teaching: A Beginner's Guide for Educators of Engineering and Applied Science

It is often a challenging and overwhelming transition to go from being a student to being a teacher. Many new faculty members of engineering and science have to make this dramatic transition in a very short time. In the same closing months of your Ph.D. program you are trying to complete your research, finish and defend your dissertation, find a job, move to a new location, and start a new job as a faculty member. If you are lucky, you've had the opportunity to serve as a teaching assistant and possibly have taught a university-level course. If you have served as a research assistant, your teaching opportunities may have been limited. Somehow, in this quick transition from student to teacher, one is supposed to become a good teacher and be ready for the first day of school. This book is intended as a basic primer on college-level teaching and learning for a new faculty member of engineering and applied science. New faculty members in other disciplines will find much of the information applicable to their area of expertise as well. First and foremost, this book is about learning and teaching. However, it also provides helpful information on related topics such as mentorship, student challenges, graduate students, tenure, and promotion and accreditation. This book is also intended as a reference for seasoned professionals. It is a good reference for those mentoring the next generation of college educators. Table of Contents: List of Figures / What makes a Great Teacher? / A little learning theory / Preparation for the first day of classes / Assessment / Beyond the first day
Subregional analysis of GABAA receptor subunit mRNAs in the hippocampus of older persons with and without cognitive impairment

We employed in situ hybridization and quantitative densitometry techniques to examine hippocampal mRNA expression of GABA(A) receptor subunits alpha1 and alpha5 in human subjects with progressing cognitive impairment. Included in this study were 17 participants of the Religious Order Study (ROS), who were categorized into three groups based upon degree of cognitive impairment: no cognitive impairment (n = 6); moderate cognitive impairment (n = 5); and probable Alzheimer's disease (AD) (n = 6). While the levels of each specific subunit mRNA were relatively homogeneously distributed throughout the five hippocampal subregions analyzed (CA1-4, and the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus), mRNA expression of the alpha1 receptor subunit was found to be 20% reduced in the moderate cognitive impairment group as compared to the no cognitive impairment group. In addition, alpha1 mRNA expression was 25% reduced in the probable Alzheimer's disease group compared to the group with no cognitive impairment. Similarly, alpha5 subunit mRNA was reduced 32% between no cognitive impairment and moderate cognitive impairment groups, and 35% between no cognitive impairment and probable Alzheimer's disease groups. No significant reductions were found between moderate cognitive impairment and probable Alzheimer's disease groups for either subunit. Collectively, our data provide evidence for modest reductions in GABA(A) receptor subunit mRNAs, and suggest these changes occur very early in the progression of Alzheimer's disease cognitive impairment.
Effects of Differing Antecedent Hypoglycemia on Subsequent Counterregulation in Normal Humans

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of specific levels of antecedent hypoglycemia on subsequent autonomic, neuroendocrine, and metabolic counter-regulatory responses. Eight healthy, overnight-fasted male subjects were studied during 2-day protocols on four separate randomized occasions separated by at least 2 months. On day 1, insulin was infused at a rate of 9 pmol · kg−1 · min−1 and 2-h clamped euglycemia (plasma glucose 5.2 ± 0.2 mmol/l) or differing hypoglycemia (plasma glucose 3.9 ± 0.1, 3.3 ± 0.1, or 2.9 ± 0.1 mmol/l) was obtained during morning and afternoon. The next morning after an evening meal and 10-h overnight fast, each subject underwent a 2-h hyperin-sulinemic (9 pmol · kg−1 · min−1) hypoglycemic (2.9 ± 0.1 mmol/l) clamp study. Despite equivalent day 2 plasma glucose and insulin levels, differing levels of antecedent hypoglycemia produced specific blunting of subsequent counterregulatory responses. Day 1 hypoglycemia of 3.9 mmol/l resulted in significantly ( P < 0.01) blunted epinephrine, muscle sympathetic nerve activity, and glucagon responses. Day 1 hypoglycemia of 3.3 mmol/l resulted in additional significant blunting ( P < 0.01) of pancreatic polypeptide, norepinephrine, growth hormone, endogenous glucose production, and lipolytic responses. Deeper day 1 hypoglycemia of 2.9 mmol/l produced similar day 2 counterregulatory failure as day 1 hypoglycemia of 3.3 mmol/l. In summary, in healthy overnight-fasted men, mild antecedent hypoglycemia of 3.9 mmol/l significantly blunts sympathoadrenal and glucagon, but not other forms of neuroendocrine counterregulatory responses, to subsequent hypoglycemia. Antecedent hypoglycemia of 3.3 mmol/l resulted in additional significant blunting of all major neuroendocrine and metabolic responses to subsequent hypoglycemia. We conclude that in normal humans, there is a hierarchy of blunted counterregulatory responses that are determined by the depth of antecedent hypoglycemia.
CREATING A FOUNDATION FOR STUDENT SUCCESS: FROM RESEARCH TO PRACTICE

Student services in community colleges have an important role to play in meeting student needs and increasing retention rates. As an emerging community college in the state of Louisiana, South Louisiana Community College (SLCC) developed a program for at-risk students designed to be integrated throughout the institution. A comprehensive review of the research informed and supported the foundation of this developing program. This article identifies the areas needing special attention along with those targeted for development. What we have learned will be used as a basis of comparison for future semesters as programs undergo revision and enhancement. The use of follow-up interviews in future evaluation activities promises to yield substantive data for further analysis and development of our programs.
Tuberculosis and utilization of healthcare facilities by the Lepchas of Sikkim

All tuberculosis (TB) control programs in India since their inception have heavily depended on a medical model of diagnosis and cure. The socio-economic factors associated with TB control in India have not been adequately investigated. In spite of the heavy investments made on TB control, its prevalence rates remain high among a few sub-populations such as the Scheduled Tribes who live in isolation far away from urban areas. The state of Sikkim, for example, has a TB prevalence rate of 1002 per 100,000 population. Nearly 23% of this population is classified under Scheduled Tribes. Very little is known about the likelihood of tribals seeking modern medical treatment for TB in India. The objective of this study is to explore utilization of medical services among those suffering from TB in Sikkim. For this study a sample of 50 households was acquired using the quota sampling method from a tribal village called Chota-Singtham, in East Sikkim. We found that those who have TB are more likely to use modern healt...
Teams Are Changing: Time to "Think Networks"

Evolution is well underway in the area of teams. As Tannenbaum, Mathieu, Salas, and Cohen (2012) aptly convey, today’s teams are increasingly complex! Teams are no longer relatively straightforward extensions of individually-based jobs; rather, teams are increasingly capitalizing on technological advances joining together larger, more diverse, more highly specialized, and often distributed sets of individuals to tackle
Pulse rate estimation using hydraulic bed sensor

We propose in this paper an effective method to obtain the pulse rate from a hydraulic sensor that is placed under the mattress. The sensor captures the superposition of the ballistocardiogram (BCG) and the respiration signals. The BCG is modeled as the j-peak with a frequency modulation component. The proposed method utilizes the Hilbert transform to effectively capture the j-peak, which allows the pulse rate information to come out distinctively in the frequency domain. Among the five subjects tested, the error in pulse rate estimation is less than 1%.
Measuring short-wavelength-sensitive cone discrimination thresholds using pseudoisochromatic figures displayed on a color monitor.

Abstract To simplify the testing of short-wavelength–sensitive (SWS) cone function in the clinic. SWS-cone discrimination thresholds were measured along the tritan axis using pseudoisochromatic figures displayed on a color monitor. A circular 6° field, containing spatially discrete patches of varying sizes and luminances, was presented on a background. A subset of patches formed the target patch in the shape of a C. Eight subjects with normal color vision reported the direction of the gap in the C using a cursor controlled by a joystick. Data were expressed in units of SWS-cone trolands. SWS-cone discrimination threshold increased slowly as the SWS-cone trolands of the starting chromaticity increased. The dependence of the threshold on the SWS-cone activation level was similar to literature reports of chromatic discrimination measured with conventional paradigms. The advantages of this method: (a) It is a simple intuitive task for patients. (b) The paradigm can be implemented with an 8-bit/gun color monitor. (c) The test avoids the need to define equiluminance for the individual patient before the color test is administered. This method can provide a useful technique for measuring SWS-cone function in a clinical population.
Stimulation of Human Papillomavirus Type 1a DNA Replication by a Multimerized AT-Rich Palindromic Sequence

Replication of most papillomaviruses requires the viral E1 and E2 proteins and an origin of replication containing the E1 and E2 binding sites. In the case of human papillomavirus type 1a (HPV-1a), the E1 protein alone is sufficient for DNA replication although the E2 protein significantly stimulates replication. We have further analyzed the role of cis-acting sequences and the E1 and E2 proteins in HPV-1a replication. Previous studies have shown that a 60-bp region lacking the E2 binding sites but containing an imperfect 16-bp AT-rich palindrome corresponding to the putative E1 binding site contains the minimal origin of replication (ori). Using a transient replication assay, we demonstrate that duplication of this 60-bp region causes a severalfold increase in replication. Synthetic oligonucleotides containing a 39-bp region centered around the above palindromic sequence supported only low-level replication in the presence of either E1 alone or both E1 and E2, but replication was significantly increased in the presence of multiple copies of this sequence. Plasmids containing a 19-bp sequence which includes the AT-rich palindrome failed to replicate, but multiple copies of this region supported replication in the presence of both E1 and E2 to significant levels. The results presented indicate that the HPV-1a E1 protein is capable of recruiting all the cellular factors required for replication. Our results also suggest that multimerization of the AT-rich palindromic sequence may result in a significant increase in the recruitment of the E1 protein to the origin, thereby stimulating replication. This increased targeting of the E1 protein to the origin containing multiple copies of the putative E1 binding site may be functionally similar to the targeting of E1 to the origin by E2.
Rigidity of CR morphisms between compact strongly pseudoconvex CR manifolds

Let X1 and X2 be two compact strongly pseudoconvex CR manifolds of dimension 2n − 1 ≥ 5 which bound complex varieties V1 and V2 with only isolated normal singularities in CN1 and CN2 respectively. Let S1 and S2 be the singular sets of V1 and V2 respectively and assume S2 is non-empty. If 2n − N2 − 1 ≥ 1 and the cardinality of S1 is less than twice that of S2, then we prove that any non-constant CR morphism from X1 to X2 is necessarily a CR biholomorphism. On the other hand, let X be a compact strongly pseudoconvex CR manifold of dimension 3 which bounds a complex variety V with only isolated normal non-quotient singularities. Assume that the singular set of V is non-empty. Then we prove that any non-constant CR morphism from X to X is necessarily a CR biholomorphism.
The effects of dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate on concanavalin A-stimulated sterol and fatty acid synthesis in mouse spleen lymphocytes.

Abstract Substantial increases in both 3β-OH sterol and fatty acid synthesis were observed after concanavalin A addition to mouse spleen lymphocytes cultured in serum-free media. The rate of sterol synthesis increased linearly up to 60 h. The rate of fatty acid synthesis increased up to 20 h, reaching a plateau in synthetic activity which was the maintained. CO 2 production from acetate was slightly stimulated by concanavalin A. In contrast to sterol and fatty acid synthesis, the rate of CO 2 production in both mitogen-stimulated and resting cultures declined with time. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP had a strong inhibitory effect on concanavalin A-stimulated sterol and fatty acid synthesis from acetate, but only a slight effect on CO 2 production. Delayed addition of dibutyryl cyclic AMP resulted in reduced inhibition. The data suggest a sequence of initiation for fatty acid and sterol synthesis prior to DNA synthesis and a possible regulatory role of cyclic AMP in this initiation. The results support the hypothesis that lymphocyte activation is sequential within the spleen cell population and is accompanied by fatty acid and sterol synthesis.
Speed binning aware design methodology to improve profit under parameter variations

Designing high-performance systems with high yield under parameter variations has raised serious design challenges in nanometer technologies. In this paper, we propose a profit-aware yield model, based on which we present a statistical design methodology to improve profit of a design considering frequency binning and product price profile. A low-complexity sensitivity-based gate sizing algorithm is developed to improve the profitability of design over an initial yield-optimized design. We also propose an algorithm to determine optimal bin boundaries for maximizing profit with frequency binning. Finally, we present an integrated design methodology for simultaneous sizing and bin placement to enhance profit under an area constraint. Experiments on a set of ISCAS85 benchmarks show up to 26% (36%) improvement in profit for fixed bin (for simultaneous sizing and bin placement) with three frequency bins considering both leakage and delay bounds compared to a design optimized for 90% yield at iso-area.
Controlled release of liposomes

Abstract A technique for controlled release of liposomes using a porous membrane is presented. The system used is a membrane bound reservoir-type controlled release device. In the reservoir the liposomes exist in an aqueous solution. The reservoir is bounded by a porous membrane, the pores of which are filled with an aqueous solution. The rate of release of the liposome from the reservoir is controlled by the membrane. This technique is demonstrated using 35 nm liposomes prepared from dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and the 7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl (NBD) headgroup-labeled dipalmitoylphosphatidylethanolamine (NBD-PE) in a 7:1 ratio. The rate of release was controlled by a polycarbonate track etched screen membrane (PCTE) having an 18 μm pore size. A constant release rate was achieved for 30 h.
Scalable privacy-preserving data sharing methodology for genome-wide association studies: an application to iDASH healthcare privacy protection challenge

In response to the growing interest in genome-wide association study (GWAS) data privacy, the Integrating Data for Analysis, Anonymization and SHaring (iDASH) center organized the iDASH Healthcare Privacy Protection Challenge, with the aim of investigating the effectiveness of applying privacy-preserving methodologies to human genetic data. This paper is based on a submission to the iDASH Healthcare Privacy Protection Challenge. We apply privacy-preserving methods that are adapted from Uhler et al. 2013 and Yu et al. 2014 to the challenge's data and analyze the data utility after the data are perturbed by the privacy-preserving methods. Major contributions of this paper include new interpretation of the χ2 statistic in a GWAS setting and new results about the Hamming distance score, a key component for one of the privacy-preserving methods.
The binding sites of monoclonal antibodies to the non-reducing end of Francisella tularensis O-antigen accommodate mainly the terminal saccharide.

Summary We have previously described two types of protective B-cell epitopes in the O-antigen (OAg) of the Gram-negative bacterium Francisella tularensis: repeating internal epitopes targeted by the vast majority of anti-OAg monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), and a non-overlapping epitope at the non-reducing end targeted by the previously unique IgG2a mAb FB11. We have now generated and characterized three mAbs specific for the non-reducing end of F. tularensis OAg, partially encoded by the same variable region germline genes, indicating that they target the same epitope. Like FB11, the new mAbs, Ab63 (IgG3), N213 (IgG3) and N62 (IgG2b), had higher antigen-binding bivalent avidity than internally binding anti-OAg mAbs, and an oligosaccharide containing a single OAg repeat was sufficient for optimal inhibition of their antigen-binding. The X-ray crystal structure of N62 Fab showed that the antigen-binding site is lined mainly by aromatic amino acids that form a small cavity, which can accommodate no more than one and a third sugar residues, indicating that N62 binds mainly to the terminal Qui4NFm residue at the nonreducing end of OAg. In efficacy studies with mice infected intranasally with the highly virulent F. tularensis strain SchuS4, N62, N213 and Ab63 prolonged survival and reduced blood bacterial burden. These results yield insights into how antibodies to non-reducing ends of microbial polysaccharides can contribute to immune protection despite the smaller size of their target epitopes compared with antibodies to internal polysaccharide regions.
Soil classifications for estimating site-dependent response spectra and seismic coefficients for building code provisions in western Kentucky

Abstract One hundred thirty-four horizontally polarized shear-wave (SH) seismic soundings have been performed in the Jackson Purchase Region of western Kentucky. These data have been used to derive the thicknesses and shear-wave velocities for the various impedance horizons in the upper 30 m of the soil column at each site for the purposes of general land-use management and loss estimation in the event of an earthquake. A generalized seismic susceptibility soil classification scheme adopted by the Borcherdt (1994a,b) was fit to the results. Soils across western Kentucky were found to be either SC-II or SC-III soils, correlating to gravelly soils having soft to firm consistency and stiff clays to loose/dense sands, respectively.