cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
RACE, INCOME, AND ENVIRONMENTAL INEQUALITY IN THE UNITED STATES.

This article asks whether the relationship between neighborhood and household income levels and neighborhood hazard levels varies according to neighborhood and household racial composition. Using a national, census tract-level data set, the authors find that black, white, and Hispanic households with similar incomes live in neighborhoods of dissimilar environmental quality, that the association between neighborhood and household income levels and neighborhood hazard levels varies according to neighborhood and household racial composition, and that increases in neighborhood and household income levels are more strongly associated with declining hazard levels in black neighborhoods and households than in white neighborhoods and households. These findings contradict Wilson’s claim that the significance of race has declined in the modern industrial period and demonstrate that environmental racial inequality is not the product of racial income inequality. In addition, these findings suggest that the impact of higher incomes on black/white proximity to environmental hazards has less to do with increases in white geographic mobility (relative to black geographic mobility) than with the ability of higher income blacks to escape the highly polluted, disorganized, and deteriorated neighborhoods to which so many low-income blacks are confined.
Yoga in the Public Schools: Diversity, Democracy and the Use of Critical Thinking in Educational Debates

Teachers in the United States are using the practices of yoga as pedagogical tools to improve education and physical fitness. While not representative of all Christians, some Christian Americans view the inclusion of yoga as a violation of the separation of church and state; educators who value yoga in the schools often dismiss parent concerns rather than use them as a spring board to discuss multiple points of view. The author argues that a deeper understanding of the conflict regarding yoga's inclusion in K-12 public schools shines light on diversity, democracy and the use of critical thinking in educational debates.
Changes in coil morphology following transcatheter coil occlusion of the patent ductus arteriosus using a modified snare technique.

We observed a decrease in length of the Gianturco coils following transcatheter occlusion of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Coil length was measured on chest radiograph within 24 hr of coil placement and compared to the length at the time of follow-up. Echocardiograms were also reviewed for evidence of duct recanalization. Twenty-seven patients met inclusion criteria. The median time to follow-up was 5 months (1–12 months). Twenty-four out of 27 (89%) patients had a decrease in coil length by 1.9 ± 1.1 mm (P < 0.01). This was an average decrease of 16%. One patient had an increase in length and two patients had no change in coil length. Nineteen out of 27 patients had echocardiograms. Despite the change in coil length, there was no evidence of flow acceleration in the pulmonary artery or descending aorta. No patients had evidence of duct recanalization. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;52:504–509. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Mercury Exposure Associated with Altered Plasma Thyroid Hormones in the Declining Western Pond Turtle (Emys marmorata) from California Mountain Streams

Mercury (Hg) is a global threat to wildlife health that can impair many physiological processes. Mercury has well-documented endocrine activity; however, little work on the effects of Hg on the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) in aquatic wildlife exists despite the fact that it is a sensitive endpoint of contaminant exposure. An emerging body of evidence points to the toxicological susceptibility of aquatic reptiles to Hg exposure. We examined the endocrine disrupting potential of Hg in the western pond turtle (Emys marmorata), a long-lived reptile that is in decline throughout California and the Pacific Northwest. We measured total Hg (THg) concentrations in red blood cells (RBCs) and plasma T3 and T4 of turtles from several locations in California that have been impacted by historic gold mining. Across all turtles from all sites, the geometric mean and standard error THg concentration was 0.805 ± 0.025 μg/g dry weight. Sampling region and mass were the strongest determinants of ...
Random Insertion of Split-can Venus into Kv1.4 Yields Voltage Sensitive Fluorescent Probes

In order to increase the optical signal of genetically encoded voltage sensors, we have utilized a transposon reaction to randomly insert the front and back halves of venus into separate subunits of a voltage gated potassium channel, Kv1.4. This split fluorescent protein approach was used with the rationale that only properly folded subunits will produce a functional, fluorescent channel at the cell surface.We tested 27 combinations for optical signals using voltage clamp fluorometry in HEK293 and NIE115 (mouse neuroblastoma) cell lines. 14 combinations show fluorescence only on the plasma membrane and achieve the goal of the split can design. The best sensitivity is -0.9% in ΔF/F for a 100 mV depolarization. The on rate during depolarization is on the scale of ms, but the off rate during repolarization is very slow, on the scale of 100 ms.One combination yielded a surprising optical signal upon depolarization in NIE115 cells. The fluorescence decreased at the edge of the cell, but increased at the cell top and bottom. This phenomenon provides a clue for us to further study the mechanism of the probe's voltage sensitivity. (Funded by NIH grant 1U24NS057631-01A1)
Sedimentation field flow fractionation of DNA's

Sedimentation field flow fractionation (SFFF) is a method for purifying and providing mass or size distribution information on samples containing particulates or soluble macromolecules. Since SFFF separations are based on simple physical phenomena related to first principles, molecular weight (or particle sizes) can be determined without calibration standards. SFFF is a gentle technique suited for fractionating biomolecules. Studies with the fragile lambda DNA (molecular weight, 33 X 10(6] and smaller supercoiled plasmids have shown that these materials are not altered during SFFF separation; molecular weights and conformation remain unchanged, and biological activity is not reduced. Recoveries of nucleic acids approach 100 percent. Typically, components with about 20 percent difference in mass can be separated essentially to baseline if required. Fractionation time is usually independent of molecular weight, and separations often can be carried out within an hour.
Running coupling corrections to non-linear evolution for diffractive dissociation

Abstract We determine running coupling corrections to the kernel of the non-linear evolution equation for the cross section of single diffractive dissociation in high energy DIS. The running coupling kernel for diffractive evolution is found to be exactly the same as the kernel of the rcBK evolution equation.
STANDARDISATION OF MARKETING STRATEGY BY MULTINATIONALS

This paper presents an analysis of the current debate on “global marketing” and the degree to which multinational firms can standardise their marketing practices across countries. World markets are getting increasingly homogenised but the authors contend that the framework and associated propositions generated in the paper could help multinational firms determine the degree of standardisation that is possible in different markets.
Game theoretic optimization of DC micro-grids without a communication infrastructure

This paper proposes an algorithm to optimize the steady-state operating point in Small Scale Power Systems (SSPS) without the need for communication channels. The approach follows a game theoretic framework with a modification of objectives inside the SSPS. The players are able to minimize a modified objective which gives a improved cost for their initial local objectives. This modified objective is a function of initial local objectives and augmented non-cooperative game. The new game has multiple Nash equilibriums (NE) and therefore players get the opportunity to shift their operating point to a better one while keeping the game condition non-cooperative and without the need for a communication infrastructure. Further, the modified objective is a simple function of players' initial local objectives. Therefore, this method can be easily implemented in the hardware system even with player higher nonliner objectives.
Brief report: Parsing the heterogeneity of adolescent girls' sexual behavior: Relationships to individual and interpersonal factors

Clusters of pre-sexual and sexual behaviors were identified in an urban US sample of 546 mid-adolescent girls. No distinct group of girls engaging in sexually risky behavior was revealed. Sexually active girls were older, lived with a single parent, and reported more substance use and depression, but similar levels of conduct problems, impulsivity and deviant peers to girls engaging in pre-sexual behavior.
Splenic torsion and the prune Belly syndrome

Torsion of the spleen is rare, difficult to diagnose, and potentially life-threatening. The simultaneous occurrence of splenic torsion and the prune belly syndrome has been reported only twice in the literature. We report the clinical findings, treatment, and follow-up in a 9-year-old boy with typical features of the prune belly syndrome in whom surgical exploration of the abdomen revealed torsion and infarction of a wandering spleen. The methods used to diagnose and treat splenic torsion are discussed.
Glutathione-induced radical formation on lactoperoxidase does not correlate with the enzyme's peroxidase activity

Lactoperoxidase (LPO) is believed to serve as a mediator of host defense against invading pathogens. The protein is more abundant in body fluids such as milk, saliva, and tears. Lactoperoxidase is known to mediate the oxidation of halides and (pseudo)halides in the presence of hydrogen peroxide to reactive intermediates presumably involved in pathogen killing. More recently, LPO has been shown to oxidize a wide diversity of thiol compounds to thiyl free radicals, which ultimately lead to the formation of a protein radical characterized by DMPO-immunospin trapping. In the same study by our group the authors claimed that a consequence of this protein radical formation was the inactivation of LPO (Guo et al., J. Biol. Chem.279:13272-13283; 2004). Here we demonstrate that although thiyl radical formation does lead to LPO radical production, the formation of this radical is unrelated to the enzyme's activity. We suggest the source of this misleading interpretation to be the binding of GSH to ELISA plates, which interferes with ABTS and guaiacol oxidation. In addition, DMPO-GSH-nitrone adducts bind to ELISA plates, leading to ambiguities of interpretation since we have demonstrated that DMPO-GSH nitrone does not bind to LPO, and only LPO-protein-DMPO-nitrone adducts can be detected by Western blot.
Basal ganglia neuronal discharge in primary and secondary dystonia in patients undergoing pallidotomy.

Objective Basal ganglia neuronal activity in patients undergoing posteroventral pallidotomy (PVP) for the treatment of primary genetic, secondary, or idiopathic dystonia (DYS) was studied to gain a better understanding of the pathophysiology of DYS. Methods Intraoperative neurophysiological data recorded from 15 DYS patients were compared with those from 78 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) who underwent PVP. Results Putamen neurons in both DYS and PD patients had low discharge rates. Globus pallidus externa (GPe) and globus pallidus interna (GPi) neurons in DYS patients had significantly lower discharge rates and more irregular discharge patterns than in PD patients. GPe and GPi neurons displayed similar discharge rates and patterns in DYS, whereas in PD, the discharge rate of GPe neurons was lower than that of the GPi neurons. The discharge rate and pattern of GPe and GPi neurons in patients whose DYS was ameliorated by PVP were similar to those in DYS patients who did not benefit from PVP. No significant differences in the rate or pattern of neuronal discharge in patients with DYS of different causes were discernible. PVP was most beneficial in patients with primary genetic DYS. Anesthesia with desflurane depressed the discharge rate of the GPe and GPi neurons, particularly in patients with PD. Conclusion Significant differences in the rates and patterns of discharge of GPe and GPi neurons exist in DYS and PD. The findings are discussed with reference to the current model of the functional connections of the basal ganglia.
Free energy of RNA-counterion interactions in a tight-binding model computed by a discrete space mapping.

The thermodynamic stability of a folded RNA is intricately tied to the counterions and the free energy of this interaction must be accounted for in any realistic RNA simulations. Extending a tight-binding model published previously, in this paper we investigate the fundamental structure of charges arising from the interaction between small functional RNA molecules and divalent ions such as Mg2+ that are especially conducive to stabilizing folded conformations. The characteristic nature of these charges is utilized to construct a discretely connected energy landscape that is then traversed via a novel application of a deterministic graph search technique. This search method can be incorporated into larger simulations of small RNA molecules and provides a fast and accurate way to calculate the free energy arising from the interactions between an RNA and divalent counterions. The utility of this algorithm is demonstrated within a fully atomistic Monte Carlo simulation of the P4-P6 domain of the Tetrahymena g...
An ADC multiplexor for CAMAC based memory

Abstract An ADC multiplexor is presented which interfaces four nuclear ADCs to the NE-9082 memory unit and through CAMAC to the RPIME-750 computer. Software aspects are also presented.
The CPA of the Future: The Role of Higher Education

Abstract Individuals aspiring to be certified public accountants need to be aware of the Year 2000 requirement for 150 hours of higher education. This requirement is for membership in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and for licensure in many states. Educators need to understand what the profession considers important and what is wanted from college and university accounting programs. To address the question concerning what should be included in the 150 hours, we sent a survey to practitioners in Massachusetts. Their responses indicated that there is no one program that will address the concerns of all practicing accountants; rather, different educational programs have to be developed. The differences are based primarily on the size of the CPA firm.
Homosexual Identity, Translation, and Prime-Stevenson's Imre and The Intersexes

In her article "Homosexual Identity, Translation, and Prime-Stevenson's Imre and The Intersexes" Margaret S. Breen examines the role of translation in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender studies. Breen's focus is Edward Prime-Stevenson, who, under the penname Xavier Mayne, wrote two works: a short novel, Imre: A Memorandum (1906), and a general history of homosexuality, The Intersexes: A History of Similisexualism as a Problem of Social Life (1908). Breen argues that Prime-Stevenson's texts are relevant to late nineteenthand early twentieth-century discussions of (homo)sexuality because they point to the importance of translation in writings concerning sexual and gender identities and behavior, specifically in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender literature from the late nineteenth century forward. Margaret S. Breen, "Homosexual Identity, Translation, and Prime-Stevenson's Imre and The Intersexes" page 2 of 9 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 14.1 (2012):
Comparison of time domain and frequency domain variables from the signal-averaged electrocardiogram: A multivariable analysis

Abstract The relative values of the unprocessed signal-averaged electrocardiogram (ECG) and time domain analysis and frequency domain analysis of the signal-averaged ECG were compared in 36 patients with sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia and a remote myocardial infarction, in 29 asymptomatic patients with a remote myocardial infarction and in 23 normal subjects. Area ratios of the energy spectra derived from fast Fourier transform analysis were calculated using six separate 140 ms intervals starting at 0, 40, 50 and 60 ms after QRS onset; 40 and 50 ms before QRS end and a variable length interval starling 40 ms before QRS end and extending to the T wave. Total filtered QRS duration, late potential duration and root mean square voltage of the terminal QRS complex were measured from the filtered vector magnitude signal-averaged ECG. The total QRS duration was also measured from the X, Y, Z leads of the unfiltered signal-averaged ECG. Seven variables were significantly different in univariate tests between myocardial infarction patients with and without ventricular tachycardia: three fast Fourier transform area ratios with the sampling interval starting at 1) QRS onset (p = 0.007), 2) 40 ms after QRS onset (p = 0.02), and 3) 60 ms after QRS onset (p
Immunohistochemical insights into sickle cell retinopathy

Dynamic vaso-occlusive and vaso-proliferative events occur in sickle cell retinopathy. Using streptavidin peroxidase immuno-histochemistry, we investigated changes in distribution and relative levels of components in the fibrinolytic system and growth factors in retina and choroid from 2 sickle cell patients: a 20 month old SS patient and a 54 year old SC patient. Antigen localization in the sickle cell patients was compared to localization from 2 non-sickle cell, non-diabetic control subjects.In chorioretinal pigmented lesions of the SC patient, bFGF and TGF-β1, β2, and β3 immunoreactivity was present within migrating retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells.Our interpretation of the data presented in this case study is that fibrin deposition within retinal and choroidal vessels of sickle cell subjects may occur due to elevated PAI-1 activity. Moreover, vaso-occlusions of choroidal vessels may influence the expression of growth factors in choriocapillaris endothelium, which could stimulate formation of cho...
Malignant hemangiopericytoma in the area of a previous ameloblastoma of the mandible.

Abstract A case of malignant hemangiopericytoma in the cheek and pterygoid region has been presented. This tumor developed in the area where an ameloblastoma of the mandible had been removed 4 years before. This is the first recorded case of a malignant hemangiopericytoma in the oral cavity with such an association. The relationship of the two tumors is discussed.
Preparation and characterization of r.f.-sputtered multilayered TiNAu films

Abstract TiNAu films with multiple intermediate layers deposited by r.f. sputtering are suggested as a solution to the problem of adhesion of gold films to TiN coatings. Their optical and mechanical properties are investigated and compared with those of conventional electroplated gold films. Various analysis techniques have been used: Auger electron spectroscopy to determine the composition profiles, the direct tensile test for adhesion characteristics, optical rub test for scratch characteristics, salt spray test for corrosion characteristics and the selected ordinate method to identify the color of resultant films. It is shown that poor adhesion of gold films of TiN coatings can be overcome. Resultant multilayered TiNAu films show the same color as that of commercially available electroplated gold films and their reflectivity reaches 98% of that of gold films over the wavelength range studied. For further applications, electrical properties of multilayered TiNAu have also been studied. The sheet resistance of these TiNAu films on n-Si and p-Si is in the range 0.54ω/□–6.12ω/□. Thus these multilayered structures may be used as durable contacts for microelectronic applications.
Investigation Into the Utilization of Peanut Fibers in Nonwovens

Peanuts are one of the leading food crops produced in the United States today. One of the problems of peanut production is disposal of the shells, or hulls, of the peanut, which are generally landfilled. The current research focused on obtaining fibers from the shells, characterizing them, and creating nonwoven fabrics containing these fibers, which were also characterized. The fibers obtained ranged in length from 0.6 cm to 6.3 cm, and were generally stiff. Wet laid nonwovens were produced and a variety of bonding methods such as needlepunching and latex bonding were performed. Latex bonding gave the best results, and the resulting fabrics were characterized in terms of strength, moisture, and light penetration, and thermal insulation capability. The fabrics had similar light and moisture penetration properties as some commercially available erosion control fabrics and thus may be suitable for this purpose. The fabrics also retained some heat, and may be suitable for insulation purpose.© 2003 ASME
Neonatal brain size and neurocranial dimensions in Pliocene hominids: implications for obstetrics

Abstract Recent obstetrical analyses of the pelvis of A.L. 288-I have assumed equivalency in neonatal neurocranial dimensions of Australopithecus afarensis and Pan troglodytes, and argued for more or less severe cephalo-pelvic constraints. Here I reexamine the validity of the chimpanzee model. Based on a strong correlation between neonatal brain mass and adult female body mass in extant hominoids (r = 0·99) in conjunction with estimates of body mass for A.L. 288-I and STS 14, I estimate neonatal brain mass in A. afarensis and A. africanus to be substantially smaller than that of chimpanzees. Since neurocranial dimensions would have been correspondingly smaller, it is argued that (1) the chimpanzee model is no longer tenable, and that (2) they also would have been smaller than corresponding female pelvic dimensions, i.e. obstetrical constraints were absent in Pliocene hominids.
Borderline amniotic fluid index and its relation to fetal intolerance of labor: a 2-center retrospective cohort study.

Objectives To determine whether a borderline amniotic fluid index (AFI) in the third trimester is associated with an increased rate of cesarean delivery for fetal intolerance of labor, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and intrauterine growth restriction, among other adverse perinatal outcomes. Methods Patients with a diagnosis of a borderline AFI between January 2008 and August 2012 were identified. Antepartum, delivery, and neonatal data were collected and compared to a cohort with a normal AFI. Results We enrolled 739 patients, including 177 with a borderline AFI (>5 and <10 cm) and 562 with a normal AFI (≥10–24 cm); 360 patients delivered at University of Arizona Medical Center, and 379 delivered at St Joseph's Hospital. Combined and individual analyses of each center revealed no significant difference in fetal intolerance of labor (P = .19) or cesarean delivery for fetal intolerance (P = .074) between cohorts. In both settings, patients with a borderline AFI were more likely than those with a normal AFI to undergo antepartum testing (P < .001). A statistically significant increase in intrauterine growth restriction in the borderline AFI group was noted, with a calculated risk ratio of 13.76 (P < .001). There was no difference between groups for meconium-stained amniotic fluid (P = .23), neonatal intensive care unit admission (P = .054), preterm delivery (P = .31), or operative vaginal delivery (P = .45). Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that there is no difference in the rate of fetal intolerance of labor in pregnancies with a borderline AFI and those with a normal AFI. Pregnancies complicated by a borderline AFI are more likely to undergo antepartum testing, yet the benefit is unclear. Significantly more patients with a borderline AFI had underlying growth restriction, which may provide a useful tool for risk stratification in the management of a borderline AFI.
DYNAMIC ORGANIZATION OF PRE-MRNA SPLICING FACTORS

Studies from several laboratories during the past few years have increased our understanding towards the dynamic organization of pre-mRNA splicing factors in the mammalian cell nucleus. Many well characterized splicing factors have been localized in a speckled pattern in the cell nucleus. Upon the activation of RNA polymerase II transcription, splicing factors are recruited to the sites of transcription from sites of reassembly and/or storage. Nascent intron-containing RNA transcripts are spliced at the sites of transcription. The speckled distribution of splicing factors in the nucleus is altered when either transcription or pre-mRNA splicing activities are interrupted suggesting that the organization of the splicing machinery in the interphase nucleus is a direct reflection of the transcriptional activity of the cell.
Relative expression and stability of a chromosomally integrated and plasmid-borne marker gene fusion in environmentally competent bacteria.

A xylE-iceC transcriptional fusion was created by ligating a DNA fragment harboring the cloned xylE structural gene from the TOL plasmid of Pseudomonas putida mt-2 into the cloned iceC gene of Pseudomonas syringae Cit7. This fusion construct was integrated into the chromosome of Pseudomonas syringae Cit7 by homologous recombination. Both cis-merodiploid strain Cit7m17 and marker exchange strain Cit7h69 produced the XylE gene product, catechol 2,3-dioxygenase. Strain Cit7m17, in which XylE was influenced by transcription initiated by the amp promoter on pBR322, exhibited XylE activity in stationary phase at levels about 45 times higher than strain Cit7h69, permitting detection of 107 Cit7m17 cells in the spectrophotometric assay and 103 cells in HPLC measurements. The stability of xylE in both Cit7m17 and Cit7h69 was compared with maintenance of xylE in several plasmid-borne constructs in P. aeruginosa, Erwinia herbicola, and Escherichia coli. Only the xylE-iceC fusion in the chromosome of Cit7h69 and Cit7m17 was stable in plate assays over the course of these studies. Even though strain Cit7h69 stably expressed xylE, the low level of expression precludes its use in direct spectrophotometric or HPLC assays as a means for detecting cells in environmental samples. However, expression of xylE in Cit7h69 is sufficient for identification of colonies harboring this marker gene which is useful in laboratory plate assays, and as a marker gene system for the detection of environmentally-competent strains chromosomally tagged with xylE for use in autecological studies.
On the reappointment of cognitive responsibility in user-system dialogues

As the number of information system users increase, we are witnessing a related increase in the complexity and diversity of their applications. This complexity amplifies the degree of functional and technical understanding required of the user to productively use the application tools. Aspects related to this increased understanding include human memory requirements, system command interpretation and command formulation, and problem solving strategies. In most current system implementations the responsibility for obtaining an active understanding of the system and ensuring a correct and effective user-system dialogue resides with the user. This research will explore the feasibility of, and the necessary conditions for dynamic reapportionment of cognitive tasks in the human-system dialogue.
Hydrodynamic aspects of protoplasmic streaming inChara braunii

Protoplasmic streaming was investigated in several types of cells fromChara braunii, and the data were subjected to extensive theoretical analysis. The following results were obtained: 1. Streaming velocity is relatively insensitive to cell length if the length/diameter ratio of the cell exceeds five. 2. Most of the viscous loss engendered in the bulk endoplasm and sap is localized near the indifferent lines. 3. The streaming velocity of the bulk endoplasm is directly proportional to the square root of the cellular diameter, and the power input per unit area to the bulk endoplasm is—over a wide range of velocities—independent of velocity. 4. The streaming velocity varies linearly with the temperature, and it is in principle possible to use this variation to determine the temperature variations of both the power input to the bulk endoplasm and an effective viscosity for this endoplasm. Finally, the function of the streaming is considered and several possibilities are discussed.
Perceptions of Communication Style and Influences on Intervention Practices for Young Children with AAC Needs

The current study was designed to determine whether SLP perceptions of communication style (passive or active) affect their intervention planning and decision making for young children who require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). A second goal was to determine whether SLPs who work with young children who use AAC target goals in intervention that promote and/or maintain an active communication style. An original survey was designed for the study. The SLP participants were asked to provide information about the design of AAC systems and the communicative opportunities made available to young children with AAC needs. Participants were recruited through email and were asked to respond to a Web-based survey. Eighty-nine preschool SLPs practicing in 20 states across the United States responded to the survey. Results indicated that many of the SLPs classified young children with AAC needs they have worked with as passive communicators. Furthermore, the SLPs reported differences in their interve...
Central memory self/tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells confer superior antitumor immunity compared with effector memory T cells

Central memory CD8+ T cells (TCM) and effector memory CD8+ T cells (TEM) are found in humans and mice; however, their relative contributions to host immunity have only recently been examined in vivo. Further, the ability of TCM to treat an established tumor or infection has yet to be evaluated. To address the therapeutic potential of different tumor-reactive CD8+ T cell memory subsets, we used an established model for the in vitro generation of TCM and TEM by using IL-15 and IL-2, respectively. Adoptively transferred TCM exhibited a potent in vivo recall response when combined with tumor-antigen vaccination and exogenous IL-2, leading to the eradication of large established tumors. By contrast, TEM were far less effective on a per-cell basis. Microarray analysis revealed that the signature of highly in vivo effective antitumor T cells included the overexpression of genes responsible for trafficking to secondary lymphoid tissues. This gene expression profile correctly predicted the in vitro and in vivo lymphoid-homing attributes of tumor-reactive T cells. Furthermore, we found that homing to secondary lymphoid tissue is required for optimal tumor treatment. Our findings indicated that highly in vivo effective antitumor T cells were those that initially targeted secondary lymphoid tissue, rather than tumor sites, as had previously been postulated. Thus, tumor-reactive CD8+ T cell populations with the phenotypic and functional attributes of TCM may be superior to TEM/effector T cells for adoptive immunotherapies using concomitant tumor-antigen vaccination.
A theoretical model of circulatory interstitial fluid flow and species transport within porous cortical bone

A three-dimensional model of interstitial fluid flow and passive species transport within min- eralized regions surrounding cross-cortical vessel canals is developed. In contrast to earlier studies, the present model applies to circulatory, non-stress-induced interstitial flow in porous cortical bone. Based on previous experimental observations, the canals are modeled as line sources that pass at an oblique angle through the cortex. Cross-cortical interstitial flow from the endosteal surface to the periosteal surface is also taken into account. It is found that model transport characteristics are qualitatively consistent with reported observations. In addition, parametric studies reveal the following: (1) Solute contact with the matrix is maximized when the ratio of canal radius to cortex thickness (R) is near physiological R values. (2) Solute-matrix contact falls to low levels when R falls below the physiological range. (3) Solute-matrix contact is maximized when the cross-cortical velocity is approximately an order of magnitude smaller than the canal outflow velocity. The first and second findings suggest that within porous bone physiological ranges of R promote near optimal species contact with the mineralized matrix. The third finding suggests that relatively impermeable layers of bone within the cortex can effectively promote solute-matrix contact by limiting cross-cortical flow. Finally, the model suggests that intra-canal resorption associated with reduced external loading may effectively compensate for reduced stress-induced interstitial flow by enhanc- ing circulatory interstitial flow and species transport.
Rotationally invariant sparse patch matching on GPU and FPGA

Vector and data-flow processors are particularly strong at dense, regular computation. Sparse, irregular data layouts cause problems because their unpredictable data access patterns prevent computational pipelines from filling effectively. A number of algorithms in image processing have been proposed which are not dense, and instead apply local neighborhood operations to a sparse, irregular set of points. Sparse and irregular data transfer is difficult for modern processors because they have more processing power than memory bandwidth. However, if the computation can be expanded while not increasing the bandwidth, modern processors can be made more efficient. The application targeted in this paper is patch matching over large scenes. Given two sequential frames of video data, corresponding points between the two frames are found. Correspondences are determined by comparing small image patches around each point. By rotating and comparing patches of the image over a range of angles, it is possible to more accurately match them through the scene. Rotation and interpolation are required to produce an appropriate image to compare against. Results for CPU, FPGA, and GPU are presented, with FPGA far outperforming the GPU or CPU due to its potential for high levels of hardware parallelism as the total volume of computation increases.
Content-aware dynamic timeline for video browsing

When browsing a long video using a traditional timeline slider control, its effectiveness and precision degrade as a video's length grows. When browsing videos with more frames than pixels in the slider, aside from some frames being inaccessible, scrolling actions cause sudden jumps in a video's continuity as well as video frames to flash by too fast for one to assess the content. We propose a content-aware dynamic timeline control that is designed to overcome these limitations. Our timeline control decouples video speed and playback speed, and leverages video content analysis to allow salient shots to be presented at an intelligible speed. Our control also takes advantage of previous work on elastic sliders, which allows us to produce an accurate navigation control.
Importance of real-time distributed computing software building-blocks in realization of ubiquitous computing societies

Explosive advances in communication technologies that have occurred since 1993 have given birth to rapidly growing demands for new-generation distributed computing (DC) applications, all geared toward realization of better and better ubiquitous computing societies. Economic and reliable construction of new-generation DC applications has thus become an issue of national interests in all advanced nations. What is needed is a new-generation DC software engineering technology which is at least multiple times more effective in constructing new-generation DC applications than the currently practiced technologies are. In particular, this author believes that a new-generation building-block (BB), which is much more advanced than the current-generation DC object provided in languages C++, Java, and C#, is needed. Such a BB should enable systematic and economic construction of DC applications that are capable of taking critical actions with 100-microsecond-level or even 1-microsecond-level timing accuracy, fault tolerance, and security enforcement while being easily expandable and taking advantage of all sorts of network connectivity. Some directions considered worth pursuing for finding such BBs are discussed.
National Board Certification and Developmentally Appropriate Practices: Perceptions of Impact.

The study investigated a relationship between National Board certification and perceived use of developmentally appropriate practices (DAP). A self-developed survey, the Early-childhood Teacher Inventory of Practices, was e-mailed to participants. Participants included 246 non-National Board-certified (non-NBCT) and 135 National Board-certified (NBCT) early childhood teachers. Descriptives were reported for age, years of teaching experience, grade level currently teaching, ethnicity, degree type, certification type, and degree level. Inferential statistics were used to understand the differences between perceived use of DAP. NBCTs scored significantly higher than non-NBCTs in three of the four target areas and on the total of the scale. Pearson product-moment corelations were used to determine a relationship between years of experience or level of education and NBCTs’ perceived use of DAP. Years of experience were significantly related, but level of education was not. The findings indicate that NBCT teachers perceive they incorporate more developmentally appropriate practices into their teaching than do non-NBCT teachers.
A key role of the basal ganglia in pain and analgesia - insights gained through human functional imaging

The basal ganglia (BG) are composed of several nuclei involved in neural processing related to the execution of motor, cognitive and emotional activities. Preclinical and clinical data have implicated a role for these structures in pain processing. Recently neuroimaging has added important information on BG activation in conditions of acute pain, chronic pain and as a result of drug effects. Our current understanding of alterations in cortical and sub-cortical regions in pain suggests that the BG are uniquely involved in thalamo-cortico-BG loops to integrate many aspects of pain. These include the integration of motor, emotional, autonomic and cognitive responses to pain.
Sample size slippages in randomised trials: exclusions and the lost and wayward

Summary Proper randomisation means little if investigators cannot include all randomised participants in the primary analysis. Participants might ignore follow-up, leave town, or take aspartame when instructed to take aspirin. Exclusions before randomisation do not bias the treatment comparison, but they can hurt generalisability. Eligibility criteria for a trial should be clear, specific, and applied before randomisation. Readers should assess whether any of the criteria make the trial sample atypical or unrepresentative of the people in which they are interested. In principle, assessment of exclusions after randomisation is simple: none are allowed. For the primary analysis, all participants enrolled should be included and analysed as part of the original group assigned (an intent-to-treat analysis). In reality, however, losses frequently occur. Investigators should, therefore, commit adequate resources to develop and implement procedures to maximise retention of participants. Moreover, researchers should provide clear, explicit information on the progress of all randomised participants through the trial by use of, for instance, a trial profile. Investigators can also do secondary analyses on, for instance, per-protocol or as-treated participants. Such analyses should be described as secondary and non-randomised comparisons. Mishandling of exclusions causes serious methodological difficulties. Unfortunately, some explanations for mishandling exclusions intuitively appeal to readers, disguising the seriousness of the issues. Creative mismanagement of exclusions can undermine trial validity.
The Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Is Not Required for Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Action in Normal Mammary Epithelial Cells1

Our laboratory has shown that tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) can regulate normal mammary epithelial cell (MEC) growth, morphogenesis, and, under certain circumstances, functional differentiation in a manner similar to epidermal growth factor (EGF). As TNFα has been shown to up-regulate EGF receptor (EGFR) expression and function in other systems, the present studies were undertaken to determine whether TNFα action in MEC was indirect through stimulation of the EGFR. An inhibitor of EGFR tyrosine kinase activity, PD158780, failed to block proliferation induced by 40 ng/ml TNFα and only partially inhibited growth in response to 2 ng/ml TNFα. PD158780 was also unable to suppress the extensive morphological development induced by either TNFα concentration. In contrast, the effects of TNFα and PD158780 on functional differentiation (i.e. casein accumulation) were time dependent. When measured on day 7 after 48 h of treatment, casein accumulation was unaffected by either concentration of TNFα or by PD158780. Wh...
Solvation of zero-valent metals in organic thin films

Aluminum, copper and silver atoms are found to form a weakly solvated quasi-isotropic layer when vapor-deposited onto methoxy groups exposed at the surface of a hexadecanethiolate self-assembled monolayer on Au {1 1 1}. The nature of the interactions was revealed using SIMS, XPS and IRS, and supported by DFT calculations. This method complements 3D gas-phase cluster experiments by providing an approach for controlling solvation geometry and bonding via the molecular parameters of the monolayer. The results are discussed in terms of their applicability to the design of controlled interfaces, particularly metal contacts in molecular electronic devices.
Localizing value of scalp EEG spikes: a simultaneous scalp and intracranial study.

Abstract Objective To determine the relationship between cortical origins of interictal and ictal EEG discharges in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. Methods Simultaneous cortical and scalp EEG recordings were obtained from six patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. Subdural electrode contacts active at seizure onset and when scalp ictal rhythms became evident were identified. Similarly, cortical substrates of scalp EEG spikes were identified at spike peak and at the initial rising phase of the potential. Results Intracranial seizure onsets were commonly focal and involved only a few electrode contacts, as opposed to scalp ictal rhythms, which required synchronous activation of multiple electrode contacts. At the peak of scalp spikes, multiple electrode contacts were similarly active. However, at spike onset, cortical substrates were more discrete and commonly involved electrodes similar to that of seizure onsets. Conclusions Scalp EEG ictal rhythms and the peak of a scalp spike may poorly localize the epileptogenic focus because of propagation. Cortical source area at scalp spike onset is more discrete, however, and the seizure onset zone often lies within this area. Significance Analysis of scalp spikes, such as source modeling, at their initial rising phase might provide useful localizing information about seizure origins in the same patient.
Measurement of carbon nanotube microstructure relative density by optical attenuation and observation of size-dependent variations.

Engineering the density of carbon nanotube (CNT) forest microstructures is vital to applications such as electrical interconnects, micro-contact probes, and thermal interface materials. For CNT forests on centimeter-scale substrates, weight and volume can be used to calculate density. However, this is not suitable for smaller samples, including individual microstructures, and moreover does not enable mapping of spatial density variations within the forest. We demonstrate that the relative mass density of individual CNT microstructures can be measured by optical attenuation, with spatial resolution equaling the size of the focused spot. For this, a custom optical setup was built to measure the transmission of a focused laser beam through CNT microstructures. The transmittance was correlated with the thickness of the CNT microstructures by Beer–Lambert–Bouguer law to calculate the attenuation coefficient. We reveal that the density of CNT microstructures grown by CVD can depend on their size, and that the overall density of arrays of microstructures is affected significantly by run-to-run process variations. Further, we use the technique to quantify the change in CNT microstructure density due to capillary densification. This is a useful and accessible metrology technique for CNTs in future microfabrication processes, and will enable direct correlation of density to important properties such as stiffness and electrical conductivity.
Photosynthetic down-regulation over long-term CO2 enrichment in leaves of sour orange (Citrus aurantium) trees.

Summary • Understanding how trees are affected by a long-term increase in atmospheric CO 2 is crucial to understanding the future impact of global climate change. Measurements of photosynthetic characteristics were made in sour orange trees ( Citrus aurantium ) growing under an enhanced CO 2 atmosphere and N-replete soil for 14 yr to determine whether photosynthetic down-regulation had occurred. • Photosynthesis, A : C i gas exchange relationships and Rubisco activity and content were measured throughout the 14th year of the experiment. The CO 2 -induced enhancement ratio of photosynthesis was calculated and compared with estimates of the enhancement of cumulative wood biomass production. • Content of the large subunit of Rubisco was significantly reduced by CO 2 enrichment indicating that down-regulation had occurred. A high correlation between the CO 2 induced enhancement of photosynthesis and the enhancement of cumulative wood biomass production suggested that the decline in wood biomass production was closely related to the decline in photosynthesis. • These results indicate that long-term CO 2 enrichment can result in photosynthetic down-regulation in leaves of trees, even under nonlimiting N conditions.
Simulating the Effects of the Tax Credit Program of the Michigan Economic Growth Authority on Job Creation and Fiscal Benefits

This article simulates job and fiscal impacts of the Michigan Economic Growth Authority’s tax credit program for job creation, commonly called “MEGA.” Under plausible assumptions about how such credits affect business location decisions, the net costs per job created of the MEGA program are simulated to be of modest size. The job creation impacts of MEGA are simulated to be considerably larger than devoting similar dollar resources to general business tax cuts. The simulation methodology developed here is applicable to incentives in other states.