cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fermions in a Multi-Soliton Background in 1+1 Dimensions

We consider the fermionic bound states associated with a soliton-antisoliton pair in 1+1 dimensions which have zero energy when the solitons are infinitely far apart. We calculate the energies of these states when the solitons are separated by a finite distance. The energies decay exponentially with the distance between the soliton and antisoliton. When the fermion mass is much larger than the boson mass, the energy simplifies substantially. These energies may be interpreted as a contribution to the effective potential between the soliton and antisoliton. The character of this contribution depends upon which fermionic states are occupied. Performing the analogous calculation for the simplest (3+1)-dimensional soliton system, we find no fermionic energy shift.
Intra-metropolitan Opportunity Structure and Immigrant Self-employment

The rapid increase of immigrant population in metropolitan areas across the United States brings significant changes to urban labor market. While many immigrants integrate into the formal labor market through participation in wage and salaried work, a substantive proportion of Latino and Asian immigrants are making their way into ethnic entrepreneurship through their own businesses. Using 2000 Census microdata for the Atlanta metropolitan area as a case study, this research investigates the effect of intra-metropolitan opportunity structure and local area context, especially spatial structure, urban employment pattern, social environment and ethnic concentration, on Asian and Latino immigrants’ incidence of self-employment. These two groups grew rapidly both in the total labor force and among the self-employed in Atlanta. It is found that living in central city and inner ring suburbs depresses Latino immigrants’ entrepreneurial activities. The growth of trade jobs and concentration of immigrants in a local area both give rise to immigrant entrepreneurship. Results suggest that traditional theories like disadvantage theory needs to be reassessed in the context of new immigrant gateways, while the ethnic enclave hypothesis is still validated. Potential policies to promote immigrant entrepreneurship are also discussed.
Acupuncture for Bortezomib-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Not Just for Pain.

Background: Bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy (BIPN) is a common and debilitating side effect. Our pilot study demonstrated that acupuncture is safe and can decrease total neuropathic sympto...
In Situ Measurement of the Plane-Strain Modulus of the Solid Electrolyte Interphase on Lithium-Metal Anodes in Ionic Liquid Electrolytes.

We present an experimental approach for in situ measurement of elastic modulus of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), which is formed from reactions between a lithium thin-film [on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate] and a room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) electrolyte. The SEI forms under a state of compressive stress, which causes buckling of the sample surface. In situ atomic force microscopy is used to measure the dominant wavelength of the wrinkled surface topography. A mechanics analysis of strain-induced elastic buckling instability of a stiff thin film on a soft substrate is used to determine the plane strain modulus of the SEI from the measured wavelength. The measurements are performed for three RTIL electrolytes: 1-butyl 1-methylpiperidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (P14 TFSI) without any lithium salt, 1.0 M lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (Li TFSI) in P14 TFSI, and 1.0 M lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (Li FSI) in P14 TFSI to investigate the influence of lithium ...
The Affordable Care Act and cost-related medication non-compliance in cancer survivors.

106Background: Cost-related medication non-compliance (CRN), which is associated with access-to-care barriers and poorer health outcomes, is more prevalent among cancer survivors than other adults....
Disability, the Politics of Maiming, and Higher Education in Palestine

Different pieces of a puzzle are put together to unpack the implications of biopolitical forms in relation to disability in Palestine. Tracing the political connections between Israel and the United States of America (the U.S.), both countries give themselves the right to maim the Palestinians in different forms. Israel maims the indigenous Palestinians in more direct ways, while the U.S. is the guard and supporter of Israel in the process of maiming the Palestinians. Yet, successful, disabled Palestinians have emerged from under the rubble in different fields and in academia and higher education in particular. In this paper, Critical Disability Studies (CDS) and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) are used as theoretical frameworks to examine disability in Palestinian higher education in light of political implications. The paper also reveals a dearth of research on disability in Palestinian higher education
Structural insights into TRPM8 inhibition and desensitization.

TRPM8 is the primary detector of environmental cold and an important target for treating pathological cold hypersensitivity. Here, we present cryo-EM structures of TRPM8 in ligand-free, antagonist- or calcium-bound forms, revealing how robust conformational changes give rise to two non-conducting states, closed and desensitized. We describe a malleable ligand-binding pocket that accommodates drugs of diverse chemical structures, and delineate the ion permeation pathway, including the contribution of lipids to pore architecture. Furthermore, we show that direct calcium binding mediates stimulus-evoked desensitization, clarifying this important mechanism of sensory adaptation. We observe large rearrangements within the S4-S5 linker that reposition the S1-S4 and pore domains relative to the TRP helix, leading us to propose a distinct model for modulation of TRPM8 and possibly other TRP channels.
A Simple Digital Conversion of a Traditional Laboratory Mixograph

Characterization of visco-elastic properties of hard wheat flours by a conventional mixograph can be limited by complicated and time-consuming analysis that is subject to operator judgement. This study describes a novel approach to conventional instrument computerization/modification compared to previous methods. A 10-g mixograph was retrofitted with a no-contact electronic sensor and Microsoft Excel (version 7.0 for Windows 95) was used to develop a software program for mixogram curve analysis. Ten different HRS wheat varieties were interpreted by electronic analysis (software and digital mixogram) and by hand (operator and analog mixogram). The correlation coefficients between both methods were 0.993, 0.987 and 0.961 for mixing time, height, and developing angle respectively. Comparisons were also made to a commercially available mixograph analyzer program made by TMCO (Lincoln, Nebraska) which also utilizes no-contact sensor technology (proprietary) with both reporting similar reproducibility in the data output for replicated curve analyses.
Implementation of a career cohort model at UNC Chapel Hill: Benefits to students, programs, and institutions

Abstract Creating career and professional development opportunities for graduate and postdoctoral scholars can be challenge with limited resources. One way to create or expand professional development opportunities is to involve trainees in developing programming through career interest groups. We describe the creation and administration of career cohorts at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and share lessons learned. Some benefits of trainee-led career groups include: 1) empowering the trainees to develop groups related to their specific career interests; 2) providing leadership and networking opportunities to trainees involved in the administration of the groups; 3) customizing career development around the areas of greatest need/interest; 4) creating sustainable programming without excessive budgetary requirements, and 5) allowing for easy expansion of programming options without increasing the need for additional staff. Whether just getting started or managing an established professional development program, trainee-led career cohorts can increase and diversify career development programming.
Towards radiation detection using Cs2AgBiBr6 double perovskite single crystals

Abstract In this work, we studied the optical- and electrical- properties of emerging Cs2AgBiBr6 double perovskite single crystals and demonstrated their potential for detecting ionizing radiation. We prepared Cs2AgBiBr6 double perovskite single crystals from a saturated aqueous solution. Low-temperature photoluminescence (PL) was employed to determine the bandgap energies of Cs2AgBiBr6, which are 2.00 eV (indirect) and 2.26 eV (direct) respectively. Using the space charge limited current method, we estimated the density of trap states and mobility of charge carriers as 1.44 × 1010 cm−3 and 7.02 cm2/V-s respectively. A lower bound value of the mobility-lifetime (μ-τ) product of 2.48 × 10−3 cm2/V was determined using 450 nm laser excitation, which was sufficient for ensuring a long drift distance of charge carriers for several radiation detector applications. Furthermore, we tested the direct response of Cs2AgBiBr6 single crystals to X-ray radiation. Our Cs2AgBiBr6 single crystal device with gold electrodes deposited on the two parallel surfaces exhibited excellent linear response to low energy X-rays.
Plasticity of the adult auditory system based on corticocortical and corticofugal modulations.

Abstract Suga, N. Plasticity of the adult auditory system based on corticocortical and corticofugal modulations. NEUROSCI. BIOBEHAV. REV. XXX-XXX, 2020. Corticocortical and corticofugal modulations mediated by neurons in the lemniscal pathway are based on positive feedback associated with lateral inhibition and play an essential role not only in auditory signal processing, but also sound-specific plastic changes (e.g., frequency-tuning shifts) for the reorganization of the adult auditory system based on auditory experiences. The modulations evoke the facilitation of auditory responses of “tuning-matched” neurons and the tuning shifts of “tuning-unmatched” neurons in the auditory cortex and subcortical auditory nuclei. Here, “tuning-matched” means that the tuning properties of a recorded neuron are the same as those of an electrically stimulated cortical neuron or the frequency of tone burst stimuli. Tuning shifts, corticocortical and corticofugal modulations, evoked by focal cortical electric stimulation or tone burst stimulation are augmented by electric stimulation of the somatosensory cortex, acetylcholine application to the auditory cortex and associative learning such as auditory fear conditioning. Tuning shifts occur not only in the frequency domain, but also in the time, amplitude and spatial domains.
Patient participation in medical student teaching: a survey of hospital patients

Despite the common practice of involving in-patients in the teaching of medical students little is known about the experience for patients. This study investigated inpatients' willingness, motivations and experience with participation in medical student bedside teaching. In-patients at a tertiary hospital who participated in medical student teaching answered a 22 question survey. The survey examined the motivations, impact and overall experience for these patients. During July and August of 2019, 111 patients aged 19–93 years completed the survey. Most patients who were approached by preceptors to participate in teaching agreed to participate (74%). Ninety-six percent of patients felt like they could have said no if they had not wanted to participate in medical student teaching. Ninety percent of patients valued the time they spent with students. Most hospital inpatients are willing to participate in medical student teaching in order to be helpful, and most have a positive experience. Preceptors in undergraduate medical education should prioritize a quality informed consent process and understand that the teaching experience can be mutually productive for patients and students.
Epidemiological analysis of human brucellosis in Ordos City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2005 to 2017

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in Ordos City from 2005 to 2017 and to provide evidence for prevention and control of the disease. Methods The data (regional distribution, time distribution and population distribution) of human brucellosis were collected and analyzed using the descriptive analysis method in Ordos City from 2005 to 2017. Results A total of 2 789 brucellosis cases were reported in Ordos City from 2005 to 2017 with an average incidence of 12.34/100 000, which was increasing (χ2trend = 1 588.449, P < 0.05). The time of onset concentrated on March to August. Brucellosis occurred in 8 of 9 banners in Ordos City and most of them came from Hanggin Banner and Dalad Banner, which were 39.19% (1 093/2 789) and 31.37% (875/2 789), respectively. The majority of cases were in middle-aged people (the 40-59 age group), accounting for 58.30% (1 626/2 789). The incidence of the male (13.42/100 000) was higher than that of the female (6.65/100 000). The occupation was dominated by farmers and herders, accounting for 61.42% (1 713/2 789) and 18.11% (505/2 789), respectively. Conclusions The number of cases of brucellosis in Ordos City is generally on the rise. The age of onset is mainly middle age, males are higher than females, occupations are mostly farmers and herders, and health education for key populations should be strengthened. Key words: Brucellosis; Epidemic characteristic; Disease control
Clinician-Patient Movement Synchrony Mediates Social Group Effects on Interpersonal Trust and Perceived Pain.

Abstract Pain is an unfortunate consequence of many medical procedures, which in some patients becomes chronic and debilitating. Among the factors affecting medical pain, clinician-patient (C-P) similarity and nonverbal communication are particularly important for pain diagnosis and treatment. Participants (N = 66) were randomly assigned to clinician and patient roles and were grouped into C-P dyads. Clinicians administered painful stimuli to patients as an analogue of a painful medical procedure. We manipulated the perceived C-P similarity of each dyad using groups ostensibly based on shared beliefs and values, and each patient was tested twice: Once with a same group clinician (concordant, CC) and once with a clinician from the other group (discordant, DC). Movement synchrony was calculated as a marker of nonverbal communication. We tested whether movement synchrony mediated the effects of group concordance on patients’ pain and trust in the clinician. Movement synchrony was higher in CC than DC dyads. Higher movement synchrony predicted reduced pain and increased trust in the clinician. Movement synchrony also formally mediated the group concordance effects on pain and trust. These findings increase our understanding of the role of nonverbal C-P communication on pain and related outcomes. Interpersonal synchrony may be associated with better pain outcomes, independent of the specific treatment provided. Perspective This article demonstrates that movement synchrony in C-P interactions is an unobtrusive measure related to their relationship quality, trust toward the clinician, and pain. These findings suggest that interpersonal synchrony may be associated with better patient outcomes, independent of the specific treatment provided.
Devětsil and Dada: A Poetics of Play in the Interwar Czech Avant-Garde

In 1920, the Czech avant-group Devětsil, led by Karel Teige, put forth a leftist program that embraced a multimedial and transnational approach to art and poetry. This vision was articulated throug...
The Anti‐G0 Manifesto: Should a problematic construct (G0) with no biological reality be removed from the cell cycle? Yes!

It is widely accepted that there exists a "resting" or "quiescent" state where a growing cell leaves the cell cycle to enter what is often called the "G0-phase." I propose that there is no biological reality to the "G0-phase." The experimental basis for proposing a G0-phase is re-examined and re-analyzed here showing that the G0-phase is an anthropomorphic construct with no biological reality.
The Data Life Cycle

The data life cycle is introduced, together with its stages and the typical data operations for each stage. A classification of datasets into structured, semistructured, and unstructured is discussed, as well as a description of the types of attributes that can be expected for structured datasets. Nominal/categorical, ordinal, and numerical attributes are all explained.
HIF2A Gain-of-Function Mutation Modulates the Stiffness of Smooth Muscle Cells and Compromises Vascular Mechanics

Heterozygous gain-of-function (GOF) mutations of hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF2A), a significant regulator of hypoxia sensing, are associated with erythrocytosis, thrombosis and vascular complications that account for morbidity and mortality of patients with these disorders. We demonstratethat vascular pathology of HIF2A GOF mutations is independent of erythrocytosis. We generated HIF2A GOF induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and differentiated them into endothelial cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Unexpectedly, the HIF2A-SMCs, but not HIF2A-ECs, were phenotypically aberrant, more contractile and stiffer, and overexpressed endothelin 1(EDN1), myosin heavy chain, elastin and fibrillin. EDN1 inhibition or knockdown of EDN1-receptors reduced HIF2-SMC stiffness. Hif2A GOF heterozygous mice displayed early onset of pulmonary hypertension, had SMCs with more disorganized stress fibers and higher stiffness in their pulmonary arterial vascular smooth muscle cells, and more deformable main pulmonary arteries compared with wild type mice. We propose that targeting these vascular aberrations may benefit patients with HIF2A GOF and other conditions ofaugmented hypoxia signaling.
Experimental myocardial infarction. XI. Circulatory effects of hypoxia in intact conscious dogs with coronary occlusion.

Abstract This study was designed to detect possible deleterious effects of systemic hypoxia upon the ischemic canine heart. Myocardial infarction was produced in intact conscious dogs by occluding either the left anterior descending or the circumflex coronary artery, using a balloon cuff implanted around the vessel. Periods of 12, 8 and 6 percent oxygen breathing were imposed on the animals before and after acute myocardial infarction. Cardiac output, systemic arterial and pulmonary arterial pressures and the maximal rate of rise of left ventricular pressure (dP/dt) increased with hypoxia produced by breathing of 6 percent oxygen both before and after coronary occlusion. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure did not increase during hypoxia after myocardial infarction. Thus, despite the presence of ischemic heart failure (sinus tachycardia, increased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure), the response to hypoxia was quantitatively similar to the response observed before coronary occlusion. Hypoxia after coronary occlusion did not further depress overall left ventricular function.
Risk, Trust, and Consumer Acceptance of Plant Biotechnology

Abstract This discussion summarizes current knowledge about rewards, risks, and reality surrounding the public's perception of genetically modified (GM) plants and foods. Differences in perception and acceptance of GM products between European and US publics are briefly described. The discussion includes recommendations for effective communication with the public. Pitfalls are identified that restrict credible discourse about the risks and benefits of GM ornamental plants and biotechnological products. The U.S. gardening public is increasingly informed about technologies that influence their hobby interests, including plant biotechnology. Results of a preliminary and on-going survey of Tennessee Master Gardener Volunteers are presented that reveal consumer concerns similar to ones already voiced in the U.S. about GM foods. Discussion concludes by integrating these considerations, within the context of ongoing debate about GM foods, to provide implications about the success of novel GM ornamental plant int...
Alloyed branch history: combining global and local branch history for robust performance

This paper introduces alloyed prediction, a new hardware-based two-level branch predictor organization that combines global and local history in the same structure, combining the advantages of current two-level predictors with those of hybrid predictors. The alloyed organization is motivated by measurements showing that wrong-history mispredictions are even more important than conflict-induced mispredictions. Wrong-history mispredictions arise because current two-level, history-based predictors provide only global or only local history. The contribution of wrong history to the overall misprediction rate is substantial because most programs have some branches that require global history and others that require local history. This paper explores several ways to implement alloyed prediction, including the previously proposed bi-mode organization. Simulations show that mshare is the best alloyed organization among those we examine, and that mshare gives reliably good prediction compared to bimodal ("two-bit"), two-level, and hybrid predictors. The robust performance of alloying across a range of predictor sizes stems from its ability to attack wrong-history mispredictions at even very small sizes without subdividing the branch prediction hardware into smaller and less effective components.
Modal Kombat: competition and choreography in synesthetic musical performance, [the first ever instrument-controlled video game battle]

Public competition has been a part of the human experience for at least all of recorded history. The same is true for music. Modal Kombat is a live guitar competition channeled through the video game Mortal Kombat. The performance work builds on the idea of dueling banjos, one of the few examples of public musical competition. Modal Kombat takes this concept one step further by allowing a virtual mythological warrior to embody musical gestures. The result is a musical competition that utilizes advanced technology and popular media to exemplify the human passion for the spectacle sport.This paper describes the technological and musical challenges that face performers, composers, and programmers when producing performance works that incorporate the control of pre-recorded graphical animations with audio and MIDI. Topics covered will include the musical instrument as an interface, choreography and competition, visual theatrics, performance flow, and compositional structures that allow for asynchronous rhythmic patterns inherent to and resultant from game controller input. In addition to its theoretical inquiry, the paper will discuss the practical artistic and technical needs required to successfully create a public instrument-controlled video game competition/concert, through documentation of Modal Kombat, the first ever instrument controlled video game battle.
U.S. Army Social Work Care Manager Program: An Initial Program Analysis

ABSTRACT Since the Global War on Terror, the U.S. Army has been transforming to meet national security needs. The transformation includes Army mental health programs serving soldiers and their families. These programs must be relevant to the needs of soldiers and their families and effective at maintaining the force throughout the Global War on Terror. The Army Social Work Care Manager Program was initiated in July 2003 to enhance mental health support for combat veterans and their families. This study provides an initial assessment of this program. A seven-item provider questionnaire was administered to 66 care managers (N = 66) to obtain an initial assessment of their utilization and satisfaction. Findings from 33 (n = 33) respondents revealed diverse usage across and within installations and modest satisfaction with their jobs. Additionally, the biggest challenges care managers faced were resourcing and supervision. Recommendations for additional research, policy, and practice are provided in this study.
Posttraumatic stress & oxytocin in women with a premature infant in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

In the USA, 11.38% of infants are born prematurely with over 300,000 infants born low-birth weight. Mothers of premature infants are at greater risk for postpartum posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms. Variation in the neuropeptide oxytocin has been implicated in perinatal depression, maternal behavior, and regulation of stress responses. The purposes of this pilot was to determine feasibility of obtaining serial oxytocin blood-samples on mothers while infants were in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and examine the association among posttraumatic stress, prenatal depressive symptoms, and plasma oxytocin levels in urban low-income minority women. This pilot consisted of 8 postpartum minority women who completed surveys and had 4 serial blood draws over 1-h while visiting their infant in the NICU. Analysis included descriptive statistics, correlations, and t-tests. One-fourth of participants reported elevated posttraumatic stress and 50% reported elevated prenatal depressive symptoms. Women with elevated posttraumatic stress had higher depressive symptoms (t(8) = 6.1, p = 0.001), higher anxiety (t(8) = 2.6, p = 0.041), more worry (r(8) = 0.71, p = 0.047). A trend was identified between women with elevated posttraumatic stress and low plasma oxytocin levels (t(8) = −1.5, p = 0.057). Women with greater depressive symptoms tended to have greater anxiety (r(8) = 0.65, p = 0.081). Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms between posttraumatic stress, premature birth, and oxytocin in order to better understand this psychological condition. All women with a premature infant should be screened for posttraumatic stress and postpartum depression.
Strain-Gradient Effects on Force Transfer Between Embedded Microflakes:

In this paper the plane strain problem concerned with shearing stresses along the fiber-matrix interface due to a fracture of the adjacent fiber is solved anew based on Mindlin's strain-gradient theory of linear elasticity. Classical method of selecting proper stress functions and determining superposition constants to satisfy all homogeneous boundary conditions is used to obtain the auxiliary solution for the problem. Applying a Fourier integral transformation to the auxiliary solution both homogeneous and non-homogeneous boundary conditions are simultaneously satisfied. The exact solu tion is thus obtained in integral form. Numerical results of the solution for some selected elastic constants have been worked out and compared with results previously obtained based on classical theory and couple-stress theory.
Two group I introns with a OG basepair at the 5′splice-site instead of the very highly conserved LUG basepair: is selection post-translational?

Abstract In virtually all of the 200 group I introns sequenced thus far, the specificity of 5' splice-site cleavage is determined by a basepair between a uracil base at the end of the 5' exon and a guanine in an intron guide sequence which pairs with the nucleotides flanking the splice-site. It has been reported that two introns in the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene of Aspergillus nidulans and Podospora anserina are exceptions to this rule and have a C.G basepair in this position. We have confirmed the initial reports and shown for one of them that RNA editing does not convert the C to a U. Both introns autocatalytically cleave the 5' splice-site. Mutation of the C to U in one intron reduces the requirement for Mg2+ and leads to an increase in the rate of cleavage. As the C base encodes a highly conserved amino acid, we propose that it is selected post-translationally at the level of protein function, despite its inferior splicing activity.
Conditional logic and primary school children: A developmental study

After breaking the essence of conditional logic down into a set of five basic principles, Ennis and his associates discovered that primary children vary greatly in their degree of competence in conditional logic, and the principles differed considerably amongst themselves in their degree of difficulty. The evidence here reported is taken to count rather strongly against Piaget's claims that children under 11–12 years of age cannot handle propositional logic and cannot reason correctly from premises that they do not believe. Conditional logic knowledge correlated fairly highly with Wechsler verbal IQ, moderately with socioeconomic status, and weakly with dwelling area. Boys and girls appeared to be about equal in logical ability.
Hip range of motion and scapula position in youth baseball pitching pre and post simulated game

AbstractLower to upper extremity sequencing of energy and force is linked by virtue of the scapula. It was the purpose of this study to examine the relationship between passive hip rotational range of motion and scapular kinematics during baseball pitching. Nineteen youth baseball players (11.3 ± 0.6 years; 151.8 ± 8.8 cm; 45.9 ± 10.9 kg) with no history of injury participated. Bilateral hip passive rotational range of motion was measured pre and post pitching a simulated game. Scapular kinematics at the position of shoulder maximum external rotation during the pitching cycle were recorded in the first and last innings of the simulated game. Post simulated game, stance leg hip passive internal rotation revealed significant correlations (r = −0.57, P = 0.01) with scapula anterior/posterior tilt at the pitching event of maximum humeral external rotation. The current study reveals that pitching a simulated game results in alterations throughout the kinetic chain. Specifically, this study strengthens the noti...
Reduced IL-6 Levels among Individuals in Hudson County, New Jersey, an Area Contaminated with Chromium

Abstract Hudson County, New Jersey, was a major center for the processing of chromium ore. After processing, some of the ore residue that contained low concentrations of chromium became distributed in population centers throughout the county. There now exists concern in the county about possible health effects from chromium exposure. Our previous research suggested that immune-function assays would make useful biomarkers for chromate exposure in humans. Blood samples were drawn from 46 individuals who lived and/or worked in Hudson County and from 47 controls. Only one of the immune-associated assays performed on these samples showed any statistically significant differences between the Hudson County and control groups. The mean level of IL-6 produced by pokeweed mitogen-stimulated mononuclear cells isolated from the Hudson County group was 64% of the control value—a highly significant decrease (p < .001). There was also a significant correlation between the proliferative responses of the mononuclear cells...
Langmuir−Blodgett Fabrication of Two-Dimensional Robust Cross-Linked Nanoparticle Assemblies

Two-dimensional nanoparticle cross-linked networks were constructed by using the Langmuir−Blodgett technique, where neighboring particles were chemically bridged by bifunctional linkers at the air/water interface. The cross-linking process was effected at high surface pressures by ligand intercalation and surface exchange reactions between the bifunctional linkers (rigid aryl dithiols) and the particle-bound alkanethiolates, resulting in the formation of long-range ordered and robust particle superlattice networks. Even for particles with varied thicknesses of the protecting monolayers, effective cross-linking was achieved where the interparticle spacing appeared to be determined by the molecular length of the bifunctional linkers. One of the potential applications of the resulting particle networks is for the construction of two-dimensional quantum dot arrays by ultraviolet and ozone molecular cleaning, where the organic components were removed rather efficiently leaving the metal particles deposited ont...
Singular potentials and limit cycles

We show that a central ${1/r}^{n}$ singular potential (with $ng~2)$ is renormalized by a one-parameter square-well counterterm; low-energy observables are made independent of the square-well width by adjusting the square-well strength. We find a closed form expression for the renormalization-group evolution of the square-well counterterm.
Analysis of the two-dimensional receptive fields learned by the Generalized Hebbian Algorithm in response to random input

The Generalized Hebbian Algorithm has been proposed for training linear feedforward neural networks and has been proven to cause the weights to converge to the eigenvectors of the input distribution (Sanger 1989a, b). For an input distribution given by 2D Gaussian smoothed white noise inside a Gaussian window, some of the masks learned by the Generalized Hebbian Algorithm resemble edge and bar detectors. Since these do not match the form of the actual eigenvectors of this distribution (Linsker 1987, 1990), we seek an explanation of the development of the masks prior to complete convergence to the correct solution. Analysis in the spatial and spatial frequency domains sheds light on this development, and shows that the masks which occur tend to be localized in the spatial frequency domain, reminiscent of one of the properties of 2D Gabor filters proposed by Daugman ( 1980, 1985) as a model for the receptive fields of cells in primate visual cortex.
Consensus-based mining of API preconditions in big code

Formal specifications for APIs help developers correctly use them and enable checker tools automatically verify their uses. However, formal specifications are not always available with released APIs. In this work, we demonstrate an approach for mining API preconditions from a large-scale corpus of open-source software. It considers conditions guarding API calls in client code as potential preconditions of the corresponding APIs. Then it uses consensus among a large number of API usages to keep the ones appearing in the majority. Finally, the mined preconditions are ranked based on their frequencies and reported to users.
Getting Specific about Demographic Diversity Variable and Team Performance Relationships: A Meta-Analysis:

The authors revisited the demographic diversity variable and team performance relationship using meta-analysis and took a significant departure from previous meta-analyses by focusing on specific demographic variables (e.g., functional background, organizational tenure) rather than broad categories (e.g., highly job related, less job related). They integrated different conceptualizations of diversity (i.e., separation, variety, disparity) into the development of their rationale and hypotheses for specific demographic diversity variable—team performance relationships. Furthermore, they contrasted diversity with the team mean on continuous demographic variables when elevated levels of a variable, as opposed to differences, were more logically related to team performance. Functional background variety diversity had a small positive relationship with general team performance as well as with team creativity and innovation. The relationship was strongest for design and product development teams. Educational bac...
Placental Cell Release of Transferrin: Analysis by Reverse Haemolytic Plaque Assay

Summary Recent demonstrations of transferrin (TF) mRNA in placental tissue raised the possibility that the placenta may serve as an extra-hepatic source of this iron-binding protein during development. In this study, we first confirmed these findings using cRNA probes for TF, and then adapted the TF reverse haemolytic plaque assay for use with rat placental cells to identify the location and functional characteristics of cells secreting this product. We found TF releasing cells in placentea (day 19–21) with greater proportions present in cultures from basal than labyrinth zone regions. These cells appeared quite stable as evidenced by observations that fresh populations and 24, 48 and 72 h cultures from the same placental regions all contained similar percentages of secretors. The rate of TF plaque formation was greatly enhanced in the presence of tumour necrosis factor (0.1 ng/ml) for basal zone and yolk sac cells, but not for labyrinth zone cells, suggesting a potent but regionally specific modulation of TF release. When taken together, these findings demonstrate clearly that TF is released from cells of the placenta. Moreover, the regional differences in frequency and modulation of these cells suggests that the release of placental TF is a dynamic and carefully controlled process.
Investigating the origin of anorthitic plagioclase through a combination of experiments and natural observations

Abstract The origin of anorthitic plagioclase in volcanic rocks worldwide remains an enigma. Arenal volcano, Costa Rica, provides a good example of the problem: up to An 96 plagioclase are found within moderately evolved basaltic andesites. We follow up a recent suggestion [Lundstrom, C.C., Boudreau, A., Pertermann, M., 2005. Diffusion-reaction in a thermal gradient: Implications for the genesis of anorthitic plagioclase, high alumina basalt and igneous mineral layering. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 237, 829–854] that diffusion-reaction processes occurring between ascending magmas and gabbroic wall rocks might provide a means of producing anorthitic plagioclase without requiring exotic, ultra-calcic melt compositions by integrating observations from three analytical methods: (1) laboratory diffusion-reaction experiments in the diopside–albite–anorthite (DAA) system; (2) transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of plagioclase grains from both a diffusion-reaction experiment and an Arenal lava; and (3) Sr isotope microstratigraphy of phenocrysts and megacrysts from natural lavas from the current eruption at Arenal. Two plagioclase saturated DAA melts, juxtaposed in experiments at either 1 bar pressure (anhydrous) or at 0.5 GPa pressure (hydrous) for 3–5 days at 1244 or 1125 °C, illustrate the dramatic effect of H 2 O on facilitating plagioclase reaction. In the presence of wet melt, enrichment in anorthitic plagioclase occurs at the material interface while in the presence of the dry 1 bar melt, plagioclase shows no reaction. TEM analyses of a homogeneous anorthitic plagioclase from a diffusion-reaction experiment indicates heterogeneous columns of more anorthite-rich plagioclase at the 87 Sr/ 86 Sr occur within three plagioclase phenocrysts from both 1968 and 1999 Arenal lavas. Although core compositions vary widely (0.7038–0.7052), all three phenocrysts have similar 87 Sr/ 86 Sr rim compositions (0.7043). The variability in 87 Sr/ 86 Sr at the phenocryst scale but homogeneity in 87 Sr/ 86 Sr at the bulk scale in Arenal lavas [Ryder, C.H., Gill, J.B., Tepley III, F.J., Ramos, F., Reagan, M., this volume. Closed to open differentiation at Arenal volcano (1968–2003). J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res.] could be explained by erupted lavas representing a near steady state balance between ascending magmas and a flux derived from diffusion-reaction processes occurring with surrounding crustal gabbros.
Benign tracheogastric fistula: A late complication of pharyngogastric anastomosis

This report describes a benign tracheogastric fistula that developed 2 years after pharyngoesophagectomy, right radical neck dissection, and pharyngogastric anastomosis for recurrent peristomal squamous cell carcinoma. The fistula most likely developed as the result of inflammatory disease of the trachea, stomach, or both. We discuss the common complications of pharyngogastric anastomosis and its management, as well as the management of the tracheogastric fistula. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Correction of congenital indirect hyperbilirubinemia by small intestinal transplantation

INTRODUCTION: Crigler-Najjar syndrome, type I, is a disease characterized by complete absence of hepatic bilurbin glucuronidation. The congenital indirect hyperbilrubinemia is due to an autosomal recessive deficiency of the enzyme, uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase (UDPGT). The inbred homozygous Gunn rat is also deficient in UDPGT, exhibits unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia, and is an excellent animal model of the Crigler-Najjar syndrome. This study was performed to test the ability of transplanted intestine from normal Wistar rat donors to correct the deficiency in hepatic bilirubin conjugation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In phase 1, Gunn rats underwent 40-cm heterotopic small-bowel transplants from either Wistar (experimental) or Gunn (control) rats. In phase 2, 15- to 20-cm Wistar-to-Gunn jejunal transplants were placed either heterotopically or orthotopically (in intestinal continuity). All rats were treated with cyclosporin A (CsA), 5 mg/kg per day. Serum bilirubin levels were determined spectrophotometrically at weekly intervals posttransplantation. In phase 2, UDPGT activity was quantitated at 0, 2, 4, and 8 weeks using known quantities of bilirubin as substrate. RESULTs: Total bilirubin levels decreased significantly in the 40-cm heterotopic transplant recipient rats. From the initial values of 7.12±0.59 mg/dL, levels reached the nadir of 4.23±0.27 mg/dL. A parallel drop in serum levels of indirect bilirubin was noted (5.04±0.54 mg/dL to 2.74±0.23 mg/dL). After 6 weeks, bilirubin levels began to rise toward pretransplant values. In contrast, there was no significant change in bilirubin levels in the control Gunn-to-Gunn rats. Fifteen- to 20-cm heterotopic Wistar-to-Gunn transplants caused a qualitatively similar drop in total and indirect bilirubin levels. Orthotopic (in continuity) Wistar-to-Gunn transplants lowered serum bilirubin levels more rapidly, and the effect was sustained throughout the 8-week study period. By 1 week posttransplantation, total bilirubin levels dropped from 5.11±0.48 mg/dL to 2.41±0.16 mg/dL (P<0.05); data at 8 weeks averaged 1.84±0.35 mg/dL. Respective data for indirect bilirubin levels were 4.81±0.45 mg/dL, 2.26±0.18 mg/dL, and 1.35±0.39 mg/dL. Wistar rat UDPGT activity in intestine and liver averaged 0.61±0.05 and 1.84±0.06 mg bilirubin conjugated/mg tissue per hour, respectively. Enzyme activity in the transplanted intestine persisted throughout the course of the study. CONCLUSION: Transplants of small intestine with known UDPGT activity partially corrected the deficiency in Gunn rats and allayed the hyperbilirubinemia. Since the small intestine is known to contain small but significant amounts of a large number of predominantly hepatic enzymes, bowel transplantation may be an appropriate treatment for this and other similar genetic enzyme deficiencies
Signaling pathways and late-onset gene induction associated with renal mesangial cell hypertrophy

In chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, continuous stress stimuli trigger a persistent, self-reinforcing reprogramming of cellular function and gene expression that culminates in the pathological state. Late-onset, stable changes in gene expression hold the key to understanding the molecular basis of chronic diseases. Renal failure is a common, but poorly understood complication of diabetes. Diabetic nephropathy begins with mesangial cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia, combined with excess matrix deposition. The vasoactive peptide endothelin promotes the mesangial cell hypertophy characteristic of diabetic nephropathy. In this study, we examined the signaling pathways and changes in gene expression required for endothelin-induced mesangial cell hypertrophy. Transcriptional profiling identified seven genes induced with slow kinetics by endothelin. Of these, p8, which encodes a small basic helix–loop–helix protein, was most strongly and stably induced. p8 is also induced in diabetic kidney. Mesangial cell hypertrophy and p8 induction both require activation of the ERK, JNK/SAPK and PI-3-K pathways. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated RNA interference indicates that p8 is required for endothelin-induced hypertrophy. Thus, p8 is a novel marker for diabetic renal hypertrophy.
Dendrite growth increased by visual activity requires NMDA receptor and Rho GTPases

Previous studies suggest that neuronal activity may guide the development of synaptic connections in the central nervous system through mechanisms involving glutamate receptors and GTPase-dependent modulation of the actin cytoskeleton. Here we demonstrate by in vivo time-lapse imaging of optic tectal cells in Xenopus laevis tadpoles that enhanced visual activity driven by a light stimulus promotes dendritic arbor growth. The stimulus-induced dendritic arbor growth requires glutamate-receptor-mediated synaptic transmission, decreased RhoA activity and increased Rac and Cdc42 activity. The results delineate a role for Rho GTPases in the structural plasticity driven by visual stimulation in vivo.
Remix Revisited: Critical Solidarity in Youth Media Arts

This article explores youth making media across genre practices. The author begins with adiscussion of youth media arts, followed by a discussion of remix in the digital era. An exemplary video poem project from the San Francisco Bay Area is described to illustrate the importance of critical solidarity among youth. The multimodal design, production and distribution of ‘Slip of the Tongue’ suggest the potential of youth filmmaking to reach a worldwide audience through event screenings, film festivals, personal websites and social media sites. A close analysis of the video poem made by a 16- year-old Chinese American high school student brings to light a variety of stylistic choices that render youth-made films not only a product of identity, but also a form of social critique and action. Finally, the author discusses practical implications of critical solidarity for educators and youth advocates around the globe.
Über die kathodische hypochlorit-reduktion an paraffinierten graphitelektroden

Zusammenfassung Es wurden stationare Strom-Spannungskurven der kathodischen Hypochlorit-Reduktion an einer rotierenden Scheibenelektrode aus paraffiniertem, spektralreinem Graphit auf-genommen. Trotz nachgewiesener Elektrodenbedeckung konnte die Durchtrittsreaktion bestimmt werden. Es zeigte sich, das sich der Durchtrittsmechanismus durch die Bedeckung nicht andert.
Effects of Preanalytic Variables on Circulating MicroRNAs in Whole Blood

Research in the last decade suggests the clinical potential of circulating microRNAs in whole blood as biomarkers for cancer detection. However, before applying the identified circulating microRNAs clinically, biospecimen-focused research has to be performed to identify possible preanalytic variables that may significantly affect the levels of circulating microRNAs. In this study, using a unique resource of the Data Bank and BioRepository (DBBR) at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, we conducted a two-step analysis to identify internal control circulating microRNAs in whole blood and then to study how selected major preanalytic variables (namely, processing delay, storage condition, storage time, and freeze/thaw cycles) might affect the detection of circulating microRNAs. In the discovery phase of the first step, we identified three microRNAs, including miR346, miR134, and miR934, whose levels exhibited the smallest variation between the case-control groups, as well as within each group interindividually. In the further validation analysis, the consistency was validated for miR346 and miR134 but not for miR934. At the second step, using miR346 and miR134 as internal controls, we observed that as the numbers of freeze/thaw cycles increased, levels of both miR346 and miR134 were significantly decreased (Ptrend < 0.0001); varying other processing and storage conditions did not affect miRNA levels. In the paralleled analysis in plasma samples, levels of miR16 were significantly decreased by increasing processing delay and increasing numbers of freeze/thaw cycles but not affected by storage condition and duration. The results from this study highlight the necessity of biospecimen-focused research on circulating microRNAs before clinical utilization. See all the articles in this CEBP Focus section, "Biomarkers, Biospecimens, and New Technologies in Molecular Epidemiology."