cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Cardio-Oncology Data Commons: Lessons from Pediatric Oncology

To describe the role of big data in cardio-oncology. There is a trend towards developing cloud-based, integrated registries to improve data collection, access, and analysis. Using a template from pediatric oncology, a cardio-oncology data commons is a novel opportunity to integrate data elements into a cloud-based platform. A cloud-based registry provides advantages of multi-institutional collaboration, rapid data access, a virtual visualization, and analytic tools to reduce infrastructure redundancy. The data commons would include integrated clinical data, blood samples, and genomic data to streamline discovery and analysis for researchers. A cardio-oncology data commons would be a large step forward in bringing cardio-oncology to the forefront of big data.
Smallholder farmers and contract farming in developing countries

Poverty is prevalent in the small-farm sector of many developing countries. A large literature suggests that contract farming-a preharvest agreement between farmers and buyers-can facilitate smallholder market participation, improve household welfare, and promote rural development. These findings have influenced the development policy debate, but the external validity of the extant evidence is limited. Available studies typically focus on a single contract scheme or on a small geographical area in one country. We generate evidence that is generalizable beyond a particular contract scheme, crop, or country, using nationally representative survey data from 6 countries. We focus on the implications of contract farming for household income and labor demand, finding that contract farmers obtain higher incomes than their counterparts without contracts only in some countries. Contract farmers in most countries exhibit increased demand for hired labor, which suggests that contract farming stimulates employment, yet we do not find evidence of spillover effects at the community level. Our results challenge the notion that contract farming unambiguously improves welfare. We discuss why our results may diverge from previous findings and propose research designs that yield greater internal and external validity. Implications for policy and research are relevant beyond contract farming.
Cutting edge research and new technologies in heat and mass transfer processes of refrigeration and air conditioning systems

This special edition of the Science and Technology for the Built Environment (STBE) presents eight selected articles originally presented at the 17th International Refrigeration and Air Conditionin...
Maintaining homeostasis and mitigating effects of harmful factors in the intrinsic or extrinsic environment

Abstract Maintenance of physiological homeostasis evolved through development of mechanisms to ensure homeostasis under variable conditions and to mitigate effects of harmful levels of intrinsic or extrinsic substances. The MTORC1 complex has emerged as a key regulator of synthesis of proteins, lipids and nucleotides to promote growth and cell proliferation under conditions when nutrient levels are adequate. Under conditions of nutrient deprivations or energy stress MTORC1 activity is inhibited. Individual proteins have been identified that act in the body to sense levels of specific nutrients, including fatty acids, specific amino acids and glucose. Particular vitamins are required as cofactors for important metabolic reactions. Metabolic flexibility is also linked to mitochondrial function. Systems have evolved for detection and repair of DNA damage induced by internal or external agents. Elimination of damaged cells is essential for homeostasis. Specific systems operate to inactivate or remove excess levels of metals, chemicals, xenobiotics and pharmacological agents.
High Linearity and High Gain Performance of N-Polar GaN MIS-HEMT at 30 GHz

Though GaN HEMTs have primarily been used for power amplification, they are also well suited for receiver applications. In the front-end of receivers, non-linearities, in particular third-order intermodulation products lead to in-band signal distortion. The intermodulation distortion is primarily dominated by transconductance and its derivatives. In this paper, we report on N-polar GaN MIS-HEMTs able to simultaneously achieve high gain (12.7 dB) and excellent linearity performance (OIP3/ $\text{P}_{\mathbf {DC}}$ of 15 dB) for low-power receiver application at 30 GHz. With a two-tone load-pull input-bias sweep, we demonstrate that the linearity of high performance HEMTs is sensitive to bias, and we present our measurement methodology to accommodate this.
Recombinant human erythropoietin.

The characteristics and uses of epoetin alfa (recombinant human erythropoietin) are described, and the issues associated with its use are discussed. The use of epoetin alfa was recently approved by FDA for the treatment of anemia associated with end-stage renal disease. Epoetin alfa acts on burst-forming and colony-stimulating units in the blood to raise hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, thus correcting the patient's anemia. It has a relatively short half-life and may be given either i.v. or s.c. Doses vary and must be adjusted according to the individual patient response. Clinical trials have involved doses ranging from 15 to 500 units/kg three times per week. Treatment causes a dose-related rise in the hematocrit, with subsequent improvement in the quality of life of dialysis patients. Adverse effects include hypertension, iron deficiency, and thrombocytosis. Additional research indicates that epoetin alfa may be effective in the correction of other uncomplicated anemias, such as those related to antineoplastic therapy. Issues facing hospital pharmacists and other health-care professionals include cost (the estimated cost of therapy is $4000 to $8000 per patient per year), appropriate use and potential misuse, use and reimbursement for indications not included in FDA-approved labeling, and restriction to particular prescribers. Because epoetin alfa does not produce therapeutic effects for at least 7 to 14 days, it is an ideal agent for formulary restriction. Epoetin alfa, like other products of biotechnology, will have substantial impact, both therapeutic and economic, on the practice of pharmacy. Hospital pharmacists need to be aware of these new therapies so that they may act quickly and decisively when issues associated with their use arise.
Non-Masking Non-Robust Tests for Path Delay Faults

A test set for transition faults detects smaller delay defects if transition faults are detected through longer paths. Conversely, this paper observes that it is advantageous for a test set for path delay faults, which targets small delay defects, to detect larger delay defects along the paths. The paper defines a notion of masking that prevents larger delay defects from being detected. It defines a non-masking non-robust test for a path delay fault that guarantees the detection of larger delay defects along the path. It also defines masking metrics that allow the level of masking of larger delay defects for a test, and a test set, to be evaluated. Using these metrics, the paper describes a procedure that computes a test set for path delay faults with reduced levels of masking for larger delay defects. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the extent to which masking of larger delay defects occurs under tests for path delay faults in benchmark circuits.
Brain metastases from Truncal and extremity bone and soft tissue sarcoma: Single institution study of oncologic outcomes

Brain metastases are a rare occurrence in patients with sarcoma. The prognosis for patients is poor, and treatment can contribute to considerable morbidity. We sought to examine the experience of o...
Melatonin-dependent changes in neurosteroids are associated with increased aggression in a seasonally breeding rodent.

Aggression is a complex social behaviour that allows individuals to compete for access to limited resources (eg, mates, food and territories). Excessive or inappropriate aggression, however, has become problematic in modern societies, and current treatments are largely ineffective. Although previous work in mammals suggests that aggressive behaviour varies seasonally, seasonality is largely overlooked when developing clinical treatments for inappropriate aggression. Here, we investigated how the hormone melatonin regulates seasonal changes in neurosteroid levels and aggressive behaviour in Siberian hamsters, a rodent model of seasonal aggression. Specifically, we housed males in long-day (LD) or short-day (SD) photoperiods, administered timed s.c. melatonin injections (which mimic a SD-like signal) or control injections, and measured aggression using a resident-intruder paradigm after 9 weeks of treatment. Moreover, we quantified five steroid hormones in circulation and in brain regions associated with aggressive behaviour (lateral septum, anterior hypothalamus, medial amygdala and periaqueductal gray) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. SD hamsters and LD hamsters administered timed melatonin injections (LD-M) displayed increased aggression and exhibited region-specific decreases in neural dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone and oestradiol, but showed no changes in progesterone or cortisol. Male hamsters also showed distinct associations between neurosteroids and aggressive behaviour, in which neural progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone were positively correlated with aggression in all treatment groups, whereas neural testosterone, oestradiol and cortisol were negatively correlated with aggression only in LD-M and SD hamsters. Collectively, these results provide insight into a novel neuroendocrine mechanism of mammalian aggression, in which melatonin reduces neurosteroid levels and elevates aggressive behaviour.
Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Is Recipient Age a Barrier?

As a result of increased life expectancy and a growing incidence of liver disease in the older population, demand for liver transplantation during later stages of life will continue to increase. Older patients (aged >70 years) can benefit from deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) with similar graft and patient survival as younger DDLT recipients [1].
Review: Campu: A Podcast. Densho. Hana Maruyama and Noah Maruyama, Hosts

The article focuses on incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II is often misunderstood in the U.S. by Americans who conflate Japanese Americans with Imperial Japan.
Lower post-injury psychological resilience is associated with increased recovery time and symptom burden following sport-related concussion.

The purpose of this study was to compare athletes with high and low resilience scores on concussion outcomes, and identify significant predictors associated with protracted recovery (>30 days). Forty-five adolescent and young adult athletes (28 males; aged 15.13 ± 2.74; range of 11-22) were diagnosed with an SRC within 14 days of injury (M = 4.9 days) and grouped as high or low resilience based on score on the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10 (CD-RISC-10). Primary dependent measures included days to full clearance, Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT), Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS). The low resilience group (n = 22) had a longer recovery (36.0 ± 27.6 vs 17.8 ± 11.2 days), endorsed more mood symptoms (PCSS Affective cluster; 3.8 ± 0.8 vs 0.9 ± 0.7), and were more likely to have VOMS scores above cut off (p = 0.01-0.02), compared to those with high psychological resilience (n = 23). Logistic regression found low resilience scores was the only significant predictor for protracted recovery among injury characteristics and risk factors. Psychological resilience is a critical factor associated with recovery time following sport-related concussions. Low resilience was also associated with other poor clinical outcomes, greater subjective symptom report, more severe vestibular dysfunction, and elevated levels of mood symptoms following injury.
Lipid-dependent sequential allosteric activation of heat-sensing TRPV1 channels by anchor-stereoselective “hot” vanilloid compounds and analogs

Both a silent resident phosphatidylinositol lipid and a "hot" vanilloid agonist capsaicin or resiniferatoxin have been shown to share the same inter-subunit binding pocket between a voltage sensor like domain and a pore domain in TRPV1. However, how the vanilloid competes off the resident lipid for allosteric TRPV1 activation is unknown. Here, the in sillico research suggested that anchor-stereoselective sequential cooperativity between an initial recessive transient silent weak ligand binding site and a subsequent dominant steady-state strong ligand binding site in the vanilloid pocket may facilitate the lipid release for allosteric activation of TRPV1 by vanilloids or analogs upon non-covalent interactions. Thus, the resident lipid may play a critical role in allosteric activation of TRPV1 by vanilloid compounds and analogs.
Depth-specific benthic specialization of Arctic char in an oligotrophic subarctic lake

Fishes consume prey from across both benthic and pelagic habitats, thereby stabilizing the food webs of freshwater lakes. How fish exploit vertical and horizontal heterogeneity within the benthic environment, however, remains unclear. We characterized spatial variation in the C and N stable isotopes of a dominant benthic grazer (snails) along a water depth gradient in an oligotrophic, western Alaska lake to assess the effects of water depth on isotope characteristics in the benthic food web. Importantly, carbon stable isotopes in snails become substantially more depleted in 13C with increasing water depth. We compared this distribution of snail isotope values to those found in Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) diets to estimate the vertical location of char foraging on benthic resources. We found that Arctic char tended to prey on snails at greater than 10 m depth; however, individual fish specialized at a narrower range of water depths spanning from 5 to > 20 m. We used an isotope mixing model to assess the validity of using only shallow-water benthic invertebrates to represent all benthic resources in food web reconstructions and found that mixing models that only used shallow benthic prey underestimated the importance of benthic resources by about 50%. These results can help refine our understanding of how benthic prey contribute to the stability of aquatic food webs and highlight the need to account for spatial variation in the isotope composition of benthic resources in models of lake food webs.
United States public policy and the elderly

Cross-sectional comparisons show that poverty among the aged in the United States has dropped dramatically over the last two decades. We use longitudinal data to identify economic events associated with unfavorable economic outcomes and to trace the influence of these events on women and men at different ages. We find that while social insurance programs appear to prevent severe financial hardship from the most frequent work-related events, they are far less effective in cushioning the economic impact of widowhood and divorce, especially for women. We suggest a number of policy changes that would provide some measure of social insurance against adverse family-related events.
Short sleep duration is associated with enhanced endothelin-1 vasoconstrictor tone.

Short sleep duration is associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity. Endothelial vasomotor dysfunction represents a potential mechanism contributing to the increased CVD risk a...
The Effect of Nomex®/Kevlar® Fiber Blend Ratio and Fabric Height on Fabric Performance in Static and Dynamic TPP Tests

This research provides an understanding of how the weight of Nomex® and Kevlar® fiber blend compositions determine performance of a selected group of single-layer aramid protective fabrics in static and dynamic TPP tests. It demonstrates that material factors controlling fabric barrier and insulative performance are fundamentally different: aramid fabric weight determines the comparative protective performance of these materials in a static TPP test that uses an air gap between the fabric specimen and heat sensor to measure barrier protection. In this test, greater fabric weight slows the rate of fabric heating, prolonging the time required for the fabric to become a significant reradiator of thermal energy. By comparison, heat transfer in a dynamic TPP test used in this study occurs, not only by backside radiation, but by conductive transmission occurring whenever the fabric contacts the instrumented thermal sensor. Thermal transfer can also take place as a result of catastrophic break-open of the test specimen inducted by the mechanical restraints and flexing action of the dynamic tester. In either case, the thermal stability of the aramid fabric material, determined by its strength retention in flames or resistance to heat shrinkage, emerges as a crucial factor determining protective insulation. This research advances a quantitative model for predicting the heat shrinkage of aramid fabrics based on the blend ratio of Kevlar® and Nomex® fibers. This model effectively explains the performance of aramid fabrics in a dynamic TPP test. It explains the role of Kevlar® fibers in stabilizing a Nomex® blend against heat shrinkage and suggests a minimum concentration of Kevlar® to optimize fabric performance in dynamic TPP exposures.
A New Look at MHC and Autoimmune Disease

Individuals with autoimmune diseases show a preponderance of certain types of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule. It has usually been assumed that this is because these MHC molecules bind the autoantigens associated with the disease more efficiently than they bind other antigens. In their Perspective, Ridgway et al. propose another explanation for this association-these MHC molecules are poor at screening out the autoantigens when the immune system is first defined in the thymus.
C-Band Solid State TWT Replacement

An all solid state TWT replacement for FM/FDM applications from 5.9 to 6.4 GHz has been developed. Output capability is 10 Watts at 40 dB gain. Gunn effect, IMPATT, and Read diode amplifiers are employed.
Accelerated G1-transit following transient inhibition of DNA replication is dependent on two processes.

Abstract Accelerated G 1 transit in HeLa cells develops after a temporary inhibition of DNA synthesis in the previous generation. G 1 acceleration has been found to be dependent on (1) the cell-cycle position at the time of the inhibition and (2) the duration of the inhibition. The degree of G 1 acceleration correlates with the position in S-phase at which DNA synthesis is blocked. G 1 transit time decreases gradually beginning with early S blocks and reaches a minimum when DNA synthesis is inhibited at mid S-phase. A minimum of 4 h continuous inhibition at this position resulted in maximum G 1 acceleration. Unbalanced growth, i.e., the nonspecific increase in total protein or RNA levels that results from inhibition of DNA synthesis, did not correlate with the decrease in G 1 transit time. On the other hand, one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis showed specific changes in four nuclear proteins of molecular weights 120, 66, 57, and 51 kDa in cells immediately following release from inhibition of DNA synthesis at mid S-phase. A Western blot analysis of cyclins D and E showed an increased accumulation of cyclin E at 0, 1, 5, 7, and 12 h following cell release from the mid S-phase block. Therefore, it is unlikely that changes in the ratio of protein/DNA or RNA/ DNA are responsible for the decrease in G 1 transit times as suggested by the unbalanced growth model of G 1 acceleration. Instead, G 1 acceleration may result from the accumulation during S-phase blockage, and subsequent retention through G 2 and mitosis, of specific proteins required for cell transit through G 1 in the next cell cycle.
An intensive 1-month investigation of trace metal deposition and throughfall at a mountain spruce forest

During July 1986, atmospheric concentrations and deposition rates of Ph, Cd, Zn, and Mn were measured at a spruce forest in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and meteorological data were recorded. Precipitation, cloud water impaction, and dry deposition were quantified. Average total fluxes of 12, 1.0, 53, and 40 µg m−2 d−1 for Pb, Cd, Zn, and Mn, respectively, were measured; dry deposition constituted 46, 32, 62 and 66% of each of the totals. Cloud impaction (unusually low for this particular month) was measurable but not quantitatively important. Dry deposited Pb and Zn were washed from the canopy by subsequent rainfall — revealing greater throughfall fluxes associated with increasing antecedent dry period durations. Cadmium and Mn did not, however, show this relationship. Measurements revealed little interaction of Cd with the forest canopy, while considerable net leaching of Mn was evident (as had been expected). The canopy behaviors of both Pb (i.e., leaching) and Zn (i.e., uptake) were contrary to expectations.
Overweight and Obesity in Minority Children and Implications for Family and Community Social Work

The 2007 California Health Interview Survey was used to examine indicators of overweight and obesity among racial and ethnic minority children age 2 to 11 (N = 6,669). The factors found to most influence overweight/obesity were race/ethnicity, poverty level, and physical activity. Neighborhood access to a park or playground within walking distance reduced the odds of overweight and obesity despite control for other factors. Findings indicate that health behaviors and environmental contexts are important to understanding obesogenic risks in ethnically-diverse communities. Future directions for family and community-based social work and implications for developing culturally sensitive strategies in addressing this growing health issue are discussed.
An Evaluation of Data Collected by Middle School and College-Level Students in Stream Channel Geomorphic Assessment

This project tested the accuracy and repeatability of geomorphic stream channel assessments conducted by two different middle school classes from the Walt Morey Middle School in Troutdale, OR and college students from Portland State University in Portland, OR. Each group surveyed the same three cross-sections in Fairview Creek, a tributary to the Lower Columbia River, in order to assess stream channel geometry, discharge, composition of the bed material, and water quality. The three student groups were all able to accurately document the stream channel geometry, including stream width and mean depth, indicating that these data can be successfully collected by volunteers of various ages. However, stream velocity obtained using the float method was consistently overestimated leading to a biased calculation of discharge, and the low precision of the measurements did not allow for a correction of the bias. The median particle size of the bed material determined by a pebble count was also overestimated by each group, but the low precision also negated the possibility of correcting the estimate. The stored fine sediment in the bed was underestimated by each group and again with low precision. The temperature, pH, and conductivity measured with a calibrated multimeter were accurate and precise for all groups.
Abstract 4534: Mutant KRAS2 mRNA PET imaging in spontaneous transgenic lung cancers.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Treatment of lung cancer with anti-EGFR antibodies or tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) fails when KRAS2 cancer gene is activated by mutation. Mutation of the KRAS2 12th codon from the wild type GGU that encodes glycine (G) to a mutant GAU that encodes aspartate (D) occurs in some lung cancers. For this reason, we hypothesize that determining KRAS2 mutation status in vivo by external mRNA PET imaging will enable physicians to decide on alternatives to EGFR-directed therapy. To test the hypothesis, we designed wild type and mutant KRAS2 hybridization agents based on peptide nucleic acid (PNA), due to its strong, specific basepairing, and resistance to nucleases and proteases. At the C-terminus, we included a cyclized tetrapeptide based on insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) to enable IGF1R-mediated cellular uptake. We included an N-terminal N2S2 chelator in order to bind 64Cu. We then administered the 64Cu-labeled agents by tail vein into mutant KRAS2 transgenic mice that develop spontaneous lung tumors. We demonstrated sequence-specific positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and quantitation of mutant KRAS2 G12D mRNA in the mice. The wild type control agent, differing by one base in the middle of the 12th codon, showed neglible images in the same mice. Wobble base agents with a hypoxanthine to detect either G12D or G12V KRAS2 mutants are under investigation. Supported by NIH CA148565; IP owned by EW/MLT, licensed to MTTI. Citation Format: Eric Wickstrom, Chang-Po Chen, Bishnuhari Paudyal, Matthew E. Wampole, Kaijun Zhang, Antican Wang, Bo Lu, Mathew L. Thakur. Mutant KRAS2 mRNA PET imaging in spontaneous transgenic lung cancers. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4534. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4534
Choline acetyltransferase content of limbic nuclei of the rat.

Abstract The choline acetyltransferase (ChAC) concentration of 35 limbic nuclei or regions was determined. ChAC has an uneven distribution in the limbic system. The interpenduncular nucleus contains the highest ChAC concentration in the central nervous system. The olfactory region, the medial habenular nucleus and some nuclei of the amygdala (lateral, basal posterior) are also rich in ChAC.
Micro-methods in lipide chemistry

When dealing with biological tissues, it has become more and more necessary to deal with small samples. The field of lipide analysis on a micro level has been reviewed and an example has been given of how a small sample of lipide can be analyzed for its component parts.
Patterns and variability of tumor oxygenation in human soft tissue sarcomas, cervical carcinomas, and lymph node metastases.

Purpose : The validity of tumor pO 2 measurement as a predictive outcome assay depends upon demonstrating that intrapatient pO 2 variation is less than interpatient variation. No consensus exists regarding the appropriate distance between individual measurements. This distance could affect the calculation of the hypoxic fraction (% pO 2 s <5 mm Hg) and the assessment of intra/interpatient heterogeneity. This study was performed to evaluate tumor oxygenation and to assess the effects of two different measurement intervals on pO 2 heterogeneity in three different sets of patients. Materials and Methods : Fifteen patients with soft tissue sarcoma, nine patients with cervical carcinoma, and eight patients with squamous carcinoma metastatic to lymph nodes underwent pretreatment polarographic pO 2 measurements. Two grossly distinct sites were studied in each tumor, and 2-3 linear tracks were measured at each site. Track lengths varied from 20-36 mm. Distance between measured points was either 0.7-0.8 mm or 0.4 mm. Mean pO 2 , median pO 2 , and hypoxic fraction were calculated for each track. Data for each patient were also averaged across all tracks obtained for that patient. Track-specific data were used to evaluate intrapatient variation. The range of average values for each patient was used to assess interpatient heterogeneity. The ratio of these measures provided an assessment of within- vs. between-patient heterogeneity. Results : The median number of pO 2 measurements/patient was 200 (range : 88-356). The average length of hypoxic regions varied from 4.5-5.6 mm. Median tumor pO 2 s for the cervix, lymph node, and sarcoma patients were 4.5 mm Hg, 12.6 mm Hg, and 18.0 mm Hg, respectively (p = 0.07). Median hypoxic fractions were 0.61, 0.36, and 0.31, respectively (p = 0.07). Intrapatient heterogeneity was less than interpatient heterogeneity for all parameters in all patients, except for mean pO 2 for the cervix patients measured at 0.7-mm increments (1.51). Assessment of oxygenation was not affected by the distance between samples. Conclusions : Heterogeneity of tumor oxygenation within tumors is less than that between tumors. Both 0.4 mm and 0.7-0.8 mm sampling increments provide similar data. Longer term follow-up of large numbers of uniformly treated patients is required to define the value of tumor oxygen measurement as a predictor of treatment outcome.
Rationale for the study of early intervention

Consistent but relatively weak evidence exists that treating patients with schizophrenia early in the course of their illness can decrease long-term morbidity. Relatedly, it is possible that treating individuals even earlier might produce better results. The findings presented set the stage for early and even earlier formal intervention studies, where the potential benefits are thought to outweigh the potential risks.
Reflections on the relationship between theory and practice

The paper presents an analysis of the problems that have created a gulf between theory and practice in health education. Drawing on the classical distinction made by Aristotle between theoria (natural processes) and praxis (social practices), the analysis traces the roots of the problem to the inadequacy and inappropriateness of the natural sciences model for studying human behavior. Because of the limits of the positivist methodology, the results of experimental, hypothesis-testing research can at best provide only minimal guidance to practitioners in program development. The paper then describes an alternative conceptualization of theory, and concludes with the implications of this alternative model for closing the gap between theory, research and practice.
Optical properties of nanoscale, one‐dimensional silicon grating structures

We report a detailed study of nanostructure fabrication and optical characterization of sub‐μm‐period, one‐dimensional, Si grating structures. Nanoscale wall width structures were fabricated by combining laser interferometric lithography with anisotropic wet‐chemical etching (KOH) and thermal oxidation. Structure wall widths were characterized by Raman scattering (RS) and scanning electron microscopy. Salient features of the RS measurements as a function of wall widths from ∼100 to 10 nm were: (a) large cross‐section enhancements, ∼100×, for linewidths ∼50 nm; (b) asymmetric line shapes with tails extending to smaller Raman shifts for linewidths ∼20 nm; and (c) splitting of the bulk Raman mode, again to lower Raman shifts, for linewidths ∼10 nm. For room temperature photoluminescence (PL) measurements, the grating structures were excited at 257 nm. PL measurements are reported for oxidized and unoxidized grating structures with peaks varying between 380 and 700 nm. PL was only observed for Si structures with dimensions less than about 10 nm. PL intensities and spectral line shapes varied significantly as a result of surface modification treatments such as high temperature anneal in a N2 atmosphere, immersion in boiling H2O, and long‐term exposure to ambient air. The measurements indicate a strong correlation of the visible PL with crystal size (∼5–10 nm); however, it remains unclear if the mechanism responsible is quantum confinement, passivation of the surface by Si:Hx complexes, or optically active surface states.
Relative instability of chlorpromazine in N alkali.

IN the course of study of the factors responsible for the low recoveries of chlorpromazine from brain tissue, it was observed that N sodium hydroxide, which is commonly used in the extraction procedure1,2, caused singular changes which could be followed spectrophotometrically. Readings at 2750 A., an absorption peak characteristic of chlorpromazine, steadily decreased with time, accompanied by immediate increased readings at 2750 A., which is characteristic of the sulphoxide2. These latter readings reached a maximum within 10–15 min., and began to decrease progressively, indicating further changes in the molecule (Fig. 1). No such changes were evidenced in 0.05 N sodium hydroxide (final concentration).
Analysis of optimal and near-optimal continuous-thrust transfer problems in general circular orbit

Abstract A pair of practical problems in optimal continuous-thrust transfer in general circular orbit is analyzed within the context of analytic averaging for rapid computations leading to near-optimal solutions. The first problem addresses the minimum-time transfer between inclined circular orbits by proposing an analytic solution based on a split-sequence strategy in which the equatorial inclination and node controls are done separately by optimally selecting the intermediate orbit size at the sequence switch point that results in the minimum-time transfer. The consideration of the equatorial inclination and node state variables besides the orbital velocity variable is needed to further account for the important J 2 perturbation that precesses the orbit plane during the transfer, unlike the thrust-only case in which it is sufficient to consider the relative inclination and velocity variables thus reducing the dimensionality of the system equations. Further extensions of the split-sequence strategy with analytic J 2 effect are thus possible for equal computational ease. The second problem addresses the maximization of the equatorial inclination in fixed time by adopting a particular thrust-averaging scheme that controls only the inclination and velocity variables, leaving the node at the mercy of the J 2 precession, providing robust fast-converging codes that lead to efficient near-optimal solutions. Example transfers for both sets of problems are solved showing near-optimal features as far as transfer time is concerned, by directly comparing the solutions to “exact” purely numerical counterparts that rely on precision integration of the raw unaveraged system dynamics with continuously varying thrust vector orientation in three-dimensional space.
Synthesis of methyl orange using ionic liquids

Abstract Two ionic liquids were synthesized, each system consisting of the 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium ion ([hmim]+) as the cation and either hexafluorophosphate ([PF6]−), or perchlorate ([ClO4]−) as the anions. This study involves the synthesis of methyl orange (4-[[(4-dimethylamino)phenyl]-azo] benzene sulfonic acid sodium salt) using the ionic liquids as replacement solvents for the reaction. The advantage of using ionic liquids as substitutes for organic solvents includes: recyclable/reclaimable solvents, stabilization of intermediates and higher product yields. The 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium derivatives can be used for syntheses conducted at low temperatures and are less toxic than typical organic solvents.
Synthetic polymer nanoparticles with antibody-like affinity for a hydrophilic peptide.

Synthetic polymer nanoparticles with antibody-like affinity for a hydrophilic peptide have been prepared by inverse microemulsion polymerization. Peptide affinity was achieved in part by incorporating the target (imprint) peptide in the polymerization reaction mixture. Incorporation of the imprint peptide assists in the creation of complementary binding sites in the resulting polymer nanoparticle (NP). To orient the imprint peptide at the interface of the water and oil domains during polymerization, the peptide target was coupled with fatty acid chains of varying length. The peptide−NP binding affinities (ca. 90−900 nM) were quantitatively evaluated by a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). The optimal chain length was established that created high affinity peptide binding sites on the surface of the nanoparticles. This method can be used for the preparation of nanosized synthetic polymers with antibody-like affinity for hydrophilic peptides and proteins (“plastic antibodies”).
Radioimmunodetection of solid tumors. Future horizons and applications for radioimmunotherapy

Seventeen years after the development of hybridoma technology, the clinical utility of radioimmunodetection of solid tumors using monoclonal antibody-based imaging agents has been definitively established. As expected, these first immunoscintigraphy agents demonstrate certain limitations (most notably, suboptimal tumor-to-background radiolocalization ratios and immunogenicity), suggesting that the full potential of this technology has not been realized. This article reviews research strategies for optimizing the imaging performance of radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies
Perspectives: A Language for Social Justice

Over the past year, the division of student affairs at my institution worked to increase our capacity to assess the learning we provide to students. We spent considerable time developing learning o...
The histone deacetylase inhibitor, trichostatin A, reactivates the developmentally silenced γ globin expression in somatic cell hybrids and induces γ gene expression in adult BFUe cultures

Abstract Somatic cell hybrids that have undergone globin gene switching and developmental silencing of γ globin expression were treated with the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA). Culture of the post-switch hybrids in the presence of TSA reactivated γ globin expression and concommitantly downregulated β globin expression, as determined by both mRNA quantitation and immunofluorescent quantitation of γ globin expressing cells. In contrast, similar treatment of pre-switch hybrids, which were expressing predominantly γ globin and only small levels of β globin, had no effect on the relative γ or β globin gene expression. In addition, trichostatin A induced γ gene expression in adult BFUe cultures in a maturation-independent fashion. The results provide direct evidence that inhibition of HDAC activity can alter expression from the human β globin locus in the adult stage of development.
Aflatoxin B1 induced inhibition of liver protein synthesis in vivo and its role in fatty liver

Abstract Effects of single oral doses of aflatoxin B 1 (2 mg/kg) to monkeys Macaco irus on total liver protein synthesis and accumulation of liver lipid were investigated. Incorporation of [ 14 C]leucine into total liver protein in vivo was inhibited 50 per cent by aflatoxin B 1 3 hr after oral administration. This degree of inhibition was maintained up to 13 hr. Concomitant with this change there was an extensive disaggregation of polysomes in liver preparations. A progressive accumulation of lipid in liver following single dose administration of aflatoxin B 1 was observed. This increase in liver lipid was primarily triglyceride. The role of aflatoxin induced inhibition of hepatic protein synthesis in vivo to increase liver lipid is discussed.
Assortative mating in the affective disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Assortative mating, or the tendency for individuals with similar phenotypes to mate more frequently than expected by chance, has been reported for a variety of complex traits, including many neuropsychiatric disorders. Although assortative mating has been reported in affective disorders, the studies done to date have been inconclusive. This study attempts to assess the degree of assortative mating in individuals with affective disorders using systematic review and meta-analytic techniques. Studies on assortative mating in affective disorders were identified by a computerized literature search and by bibliographic assessment of published studies and reviews. Studies were selected if they had a case-control design and if they reported rates of affective disorders in the spouses of probands and controls. Of the 17 studies reviewed, six were selected for meta-analysis. All studies were blinded. Details of study design, patient characteristics, and rates of affective disorders were assessed by two independent reviewers. Twelve of the 17 studies assessed reported an increase in assortative mating. Results of the meta-analysis supported these findings, and indicated that assortative mating occurs in both bipolar disorder and major depression. Although most studies examined reported an increase in assortative mating among individuals with affective disorders, the degree of assortative mating reported varied widely. Meta-analysis with six controlled studies showed evidence for assortative mating, and suggested that the degree of assortative mating is higher for individuals with bipolar disorder than for those with major depression. These results support the previously reported findings, and may have important implications for genetic studies.
Pedogenic processes and soil-landscape relationships in North Cascades National Park, Washington

Thunder Creek watershed (TCW) in the northern Cascade Range, Washington State provides a complex environment for studying soil formation. Approximately 15,000 cal. yrs B.P, the Cordilleran Ice Sheet (CIS) overrode the watershed during the last glacial maximum and deposited glacial drift that provides the substratum for soil formation today. Since then, the watershed has been blanketed by tephra from Mount Mazama, Glacier Peak, and Mount St. Helens. Soils with the gross morphology of Spodosols (Podzols) and Andisols (Andosols) occur in a complex landscape mosaic in TCW and along the entire Washington Cascade Range. The pedologic conundrum addressed in this paper is whether true Spodosols are forming in these areas, or are they mimics of Spodosols? Based on field morphology and lab analysis, soils in TCW are andic subgroups of Spodosols and Andisols in approximately equal abundance, with lesser areas of Inceptisols (Cambisols) and some Entisols (Gleysols). Field morphology and electron microprobe analysis of glass shards shows that the major volume of tephra, about 8 cm compacted thickness, is predominantly from the eruption of Mount Mazama 7600 cal. yrs BP. Tephra from this eruption has been mixed into the upper 50 cm of glacial drift and colluvium. Fallout from other eruptions in TCW had individual compacted thicknesses less than 2 cm. We conclude that true Spodosols are widespread in TCW; they have albic and spodic horizons. No pseudo-albic horizons of white, unweathered tephra layers were found in TCW. The cold, wet, and dominantly conifer-covered landscape supports podzolization in tephra-rich materials on parts of landforms that have been stable for several thousand years. Andisols are forming in drier microclimates, on gravitationally active landscapes, and under herbaceous vegetation. Inceptisols dominate landforms controlled by water erosion and deposition, where tephra has not been preserved in the soil, and on active avalanche chutes. Entisols were found only on active or recent floodplains. The distribution of each soil order in TCW corresponds to the preservation of tephra, vegetation type, and stability of the landform.
Rapid quantification of staphylococci adhered to titanium surfaces using image analyzed epifluorescence microscopy

Abstract A method for rapid enumeration of S. epidermidis adhered to the surface of commercially pure titanium samples was developed using image analyzed epifluorescence microscopy. The method was used to determine the effects of different surface roughnesses of titanium samples and the influence of adsorbed human serum proteins on bacterial adherence. Bacterial suspension of S. epidermidis (VAS-11, concentration: 10 7 cfu/ml) were incubated with titanium samples (with different surface roughnesses and coated with human serum albumin or fibronectin) for 1 h at 37°C with agitation. Thereafter they were washed, stained with propidium iodide, air dried, mounted onto microslides, and counted by using image analyzed epifluorescence microscopy. The results showed that: (1) this direct counting method is quick, simple, accurate, reproducible, and suitable for counting bacteria adhered to opaque surfaces such as netal, (2) the different roughnesses of the titanium surfaces (roughness: 1.25 to 0.44 Ra) had no effect on the S. epidermidis adherence, and (3) adsorbed human serum albumin reduced the S. epidermidis adherence by more than 90%, suggesting that precoating biomaterials with albumin may reduce the possibility of prosthesis or implant colonization by staphylococci. Conversely, human serum fibronection had no effect on S. epidermidis adherence to a titanium surface.
One Field, Many Perspectives: Building the Foundations for Dialogue

Highlighted by the dramatic changes that are occurring in the world and the number of problems that are now global in scope, there is an increasing need for dialogue among the subfields and specializations that comprise the field of international studies. But because the questions we raise, the ways we define the prime movers in international politics, and the information we seek often differ, we prefer to interact with those who share our view of the world rather than with those who might challenge it. This article describes some of the effects of the stereotypes that result from this practice and proposes several ways of engaging in focused interaction to address these ingroup-outgroup barriers we have constructed.
The interdisciplinary management of complex regional pain syndrome

Abstract Complex regional pain syndrome is an ill-defined disorder typified by disproportional pain to the inciting insult in a variable setting of vasomotor and autonomic changes. The exact etiology remains unclear but likely involves augmented cytokine release affecting both peripheral and central nervous systems with concomitant psychosocial intricacies. Management of complex regional pain syndrome should encompass a systematic, interdisciplinary approach including physical and occupational therapy, psychological interventions, and oral analgesics. A thorough diagnostic evaluation should be completed before pursuing invasive treatment options, and these should be considered only in patients experiencing difficulty in progressing through a multimodal program. Collaborative therapy among a multitude of specialties should aim to facilitate reanimation and functional restoration of the affected limb.
Abstract: Uintah Hybrid Task-Based Parallelism Algorithm

Uintah is a software framework that provides an environment for solving large-scale science and engineering problems involving the solution of partial differential equations. Uintah uses a combination of fluid-flow solvers and particle-based methods for solids, together with adaptive meshing and synchronous task-based approach with automated load balancing. When applying Uintah to fluid-structure interaction problems, the combination of adaptive meshing and the movement of structures through space present a formidable challenge in terms of achieving scalability on large-scale parallel computers. Adopting a model that uses MPI to communicate between nodes and a shared memory model on-node is one approach to achieve scalability on large-scale systems.This scalability challenge is addressed here for Uintah, by the development of new hybrid runtime and scheduling algorithms combined with novel lock-free data structures, making it possible for Uintah to achieve excellent scalability for a challenging fluid-structure problem with mesh refinement on as many as 256K cores.
Measuring Print Awareness in Young Children

AbstractA 15-item test developed by the authors to assess prereaders’ understanding of the function of print is evaluated. It possesses advantages over the interview methodology used in previous research in that responses to items are independent of subjects’ verbal fluency. Thus, the test is quickly administered and objectively scored. Results show remarkable reliability given the relatively small number of items. In terms of validity, data from three-through five-year-old prereaders demonstrate a developmental progression in performance. In addition, contrasts between second-grade normal readers and two groups of poor readers are discussed, and correlations between the test and other measures are presented. The test is presented as a useful tool for researchers.