cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Turning the Spotlight on Lipids in Non-Apoptotic Cell Death

Although apoptosis has long dominated the spotlight, studies in the past two decades have expanded the repertoire of programmed cell death (PCD). Several forms of non-apoptotic regulated cell death have been identified, with important links to organismal homeostasis and different disease pathologies. Necroptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and NETosis are the major forms of PCD that have attracted attention. Clear biochemical distinctions differentiate these forms of non-apoptotic PCD at the protein and membrane levels. For instance, pore formation at the plasma membrane is a hallmark of necroptosis and pyroptosis; however, different proteins facilitate pore formation in these processes. Here, we will highlight the role of lipids in different forms of non-apoptotic PCD. In particular, we discuss how lipids can trigger or facilitate the membrane-related changes that result in cell death. We also highlight the use of small molecules in elucidating the mechanisms of non-apoptotic PCD and the potential of lipid...
Validating the “Centering for Wisdom Assessment”: Assessing the Role of Contemplative Practices in the Cultivation of Practical Wisdom:

This study provides empirical evidence to validate a new psychometric tool, the Centering for Wisdom Assessment (CWA), aimed at assessing the relationship between contemplative practices and the cultivation of the virtue of practical wisdom. In this article, we first describe the theoretical foundations of the CWA. Next, we present the results of five empirical studies that provide evidence of content, criterion, and construct validity. The results indicate that the CWA is internally consistent, relates to a theoretically similar construct of mindfulness, does not relate to religious commitment, and predicts—above and beyond mindfulness—relevant criterion variables including wisdom, hope, forgiveness, stress, anxiety, and depression. We also produced norms for CWA scores and showed that experts in contemplative prayer score differently on the CWA when compared to a matched sample from the general public. We conclude that the CWA is ready for use in pedagogical, spiritual, or leadership development contexts.
Recent issues in the Archaeology of the Mimbres region of the North American Southwest

Archaeological research in the Mimbres region (southwestern New Mexico) has focused on the post-A.D. 500 ceramic/agricultural occupations, especially the Mimbres Classic period (1000–1130). This work has advanced general anthropological issues regarding mobility, land use and human impact, and the concept of “abandonment.” Deeper understandings of some of these issues require more detailed demographic estimates, which in turn are dependent on methodological advances, particularly studies of site use life. Research on the production and distribution of Mimbres pottery—famous for its naturalistic black-on-white designs—is advancing rapidly. Although the designs have been well illustrated and much discussed, more systematic anthropological research on Mimbres design style is badly needed. Various aspects of Mimbres social and ideational realms (e.g., household and community organization, social hierarchy, the symbolism of the pottery designs) have received some attention but await new perspectives derived from current social theory.
Synapse Formation and Alteration During Regeneration

Many interactions contribute to the formation of connections in developing and regenerating nervous systems. During critical periods in development, extrinsic influences interact with the timetable of intrinsic events to produce differentiated neurons and networks (Wall and Taghert 1991; Ushkaryov et al. 1992; White et al. 1992; Mimura 1993). Although the particular mix of intrinsic and extrinsic factors that guide differentiation and synapse formation differs for different animals and for different neurons in a given animal (Thomson 1990; Keshishian 1993), similarities in the molecular basis of synapse formation are becoming more and more apparent.
Essentials and Future Directions of Robotic Colon Surgery

Since the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the surgical approach for many intra-abdominal diseases has dramatically changed. Laparoscopic colectomy is now widely performed for both benign and malignant conditions. However, lack of three-dimensional visualization, limited maneuverability with rigid instruments, poor ergonomics, impact of physiological tremor, assistant-dependent camera movements, and retraction are the major drawbacks of laparoscopy. Robotic surgery was developed in order to overcome these technical difficulties of conventional laparoscopy. Thus, the introduction of the da Vinci robotic surgical system has fundamentally changed the minimally invasive approach in the field of colon and rectal surgery. The initial experiences with robotic colectomy were reported in the early 2000s. Robotic colon and rectal surgery can be technically demanding, but, if performed by experienced surgeons, operative trauma remains minimal while dexterity is enhanced and visualization improved. In this chapter, I will describe the technical aspects of robotic colon surgery and review the outcomes in the literature, as well as highlight future directions of colon surgery.
The role of calcium ions during mitosis. Calcium participates in the anaphase trigger.

Calcium-containing solutions were microinjected into dividing PtK1 cells to assess the effect of calcium ion concentration on the morphology and physiology of the mitotic spindle. Solutions containing 50 μM or more CaCl2 are immediately and irreversibly toxic to PtK1 cells. Those containing 5–10 μM CaCl2 cause reversible reduction in spindle birefringence followed by normal anaphase and cytokinesis. Microinjection of 5 μM or less CaCl2 into anaphase PtK1 cells has no detectable effect on the rate or extent of chromosome movement. Metaphase cells tend to enter anaphase 4–5 min after injection with 1–10 μM CaCl2, compared with an average of 16 min after injection with calcium-free buffer. Reducing the intracellular calcium concentration by injection of EGTA-CaCl2 buffers increases the lag between injection and anaphase to 20 min or more. Microinjection of calcium solutions does not promote precocious chromatid separation in nocodazole-arrested metaphase cells, indicating that the increase in calcium concentration does not induce centromere separation directly. An increase in the concentration of free calcium ions during metaphase appears to stimulate the onset of anaphase. Such an increase, regulated by the cell itself, may contribute to the initiation of chromosome separation in mammalian cells.
Targeted matrisome analysis identifies thrombospondin-2 and tenascin-C in aligned collagen stroma from invasive breast carcinoma

Increasing evidence demonstrates an important role for the extracellular matrix (ECM) in breast cancer progression. Collagen type I, a core constituent of the fibrous ECM, undergoes a significant set of changes that accompany tumor progression, termed Tumor Associated Collagen Signatures (TACS). Late stages of this progression are characterized by the presence of bundled, straight collagen (TACS-2) that become oriented perpendicular to the tumor-stromal boundary (TACS-3). Importantly, the presence of TACS-3 collagen is an independent predictor of poor patient outcome. At present, it remains unclear whether reorganization of the collagen matrix is the consequence of mechanical or compositional tissue remodeling. Here, we identify compositional changes in ECM correlating to collagen fiber reorganization from nineteen normal and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) patient biopsies using matrisome-targeted proteomics. Twenty-seven ECM proteins were significantly altered in IDC samples compared to normal tissue. Further, a set of nineteen matrisome proteins positively correlate and five proteins inversely correlate with IDC tissues containing straightened collagen fibers. Tenascin-C and thrombospondin-2 significantly co-localized with aligned collagen fibers in IDC tissues. This study highlights the compositional change in matrisome proteins accompanying collagen re-organization during breast cancer progression and provides candidate proteins for investigation into cellular and structural influences on collagen alignment.
Modeling and Comparative Analysis of Hysteretic Ferroelectric and Anti-ferroelectric FETs

In this paper, we analyze ferroelectric (FE) and anti-ferroelectric (AFE) field effect transistors (FETs) (shown in Fig. 1(a)) and compare their subthreshold characteristics and hysteretic behavior. To facilitate this analysis, we develop a Preisach based [1] circuit compatible model for FE/AFE. Whereas in FE capacitor the two stable polarization (P) states are $-P_{R}$ and $+P_{R}$ , in case of AFE capacitor, non-volatility can be achieved within $0\leftrightarrow+\mathrm{P}_{\mathrm{R}}$ by imposing a built-in potential through work-function engineering (Fig, 1(b)). However, in FE/APEFETs, FE/AFE can be partially polarized (forming minor P-Vloop), which we analyze in this paper. Finally, correlating the negative capacitance (NC) effect in FE/AFE with domain-wall propagation [2], we explore the steep subthreshold swing (SS) characteristics of FE/APE-FET and analyze their transient nature and dependence on flat-band voltage $(V_{FB})$ and maximum applied gate voltage $(V_{GS})$ .
Protein kinase C-delta inhibition protects blood-brain barrier from sepsis-induced vascular damage.

Neuroinflammation often develops in sepsis leading to activation of cerebral endothelium, increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and neutrophil infiltration. We have identified protein kinase C-delta (PKCδ) as a critical regulator of the inflammatory response and demonstrated that pharmacologic inhibition of PKCδ by a peptide inhibitor (PKCδ-i) protected endothelial cells, decreased sepsis-mediated neutrophil influx into the lung, and prevented tissue damage. The objective of this study was to elucidate the regulation and relative contribution of PKCδ in the control of individual steps in neuroinflammation during sepsis. The role of PKCδ in mediating human brain microvascular endothelial (HBMVEC) permeability, junctional protein expression, and leukocyte adhesion and migration was investigated in vitro using our novel BBB on-a-chip (B3C) microfluidic assay and in vivo in a rat model of sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). HBMVEC were cultured under flow in the vascular channels of B3C. Confocal imaging and staining were used to confirm tight junction and lumen formation. Confluent HBMVEC were pretreated with TNF-α (10 U/ml) for 4 h in the absence or presence of PKCδ-i (5 μM) to quantify neutrophil adhesion and migration in the B3C. Permeability was measured using a 40-kDa fluorescent dextran in vitro and Evans blue dye in vivo. During sepsis, PKCδ is activated in the rat brain resulting in membrane translocation, a step that is attenuated by treatment with PKCδ-i. Similarly, TNF-α-mediated activation of PKCδ and its translocation in HBMVEC are attenuated by PKCδ-i in vitro. PKCδ inhibition significantly reduced TNF-α-mediated hyperpermeability and TEER decrease in vitro in activated HBMVEC and rat brain in vivo 24 h after CLP induced sepsis. TNF-α-treated HBMVEC showed interrupted tight junction expression, whereas continuous expression of tight junction protein was observed in non-treated or PKCδ-i-treated cells. PKCδ inhibition also reduced TNF-α-mediated neutrophil adhesion and migration across HBMVEC in B3C. Interestingly, while PKCδ inhibition decreased the number of adherent neutrophils to baseline (no-treatment group), it significantly reduced the number of migrated neutrophils below the baseline, suggesting a critical role of PKCδ in regulating neutrophil transmigration. The BBB on-a-chip (B3C) in vitro assay is suitable for the study of BBB function as well as screening of novel therapeutics in real-time. PKCδ activation is a key signaling event that alters the structural and functional integrity of BBB leading to vascular damage and inflammation-induced tissue damage. PKCδ-TAT peptide inhibitor has therapeutic potential for the prevention or reduction of cerebrovascular injury in sepsis-induced vascular damage.
Understanding Application Recomputability without Crash Consistency in Non-Volatile Memory

Emerging non-volatile memory (NVM) is promising to be used as main memory, because of its good performance, density, and energy efficiency. Leveraging the non-volatility of NVM as main memory, we can recover data objects and resume application computation (recomputation) after the application crashes. The existing work studies how to ensure that data objects stored in NVM can be recovered to a consistent version during system recovery, a property referred to as crash consistency. However, enabling crash consistency often requires program modification and brings large runtime overhead.In this paper, we use a different view to examine application recomputation in NVM. Without taking care of consistency of data objects, we aim to understand if the application can be recomputable, given possible inconsistent data objects in NVM. We introduce a PIN-based simulation tool, NVC, to study application recomputability in NVM without crash consistency. The tool allows the user to randomly trigger application crash and then perform postmortem analysis on data values in caches and memory to examine data consistency. We use NVC to study a set of applications. We reveal that some applications are inherently tolerant to the data inconsistency problem. We perform a detailed analysis of application recomputability without crash consistency in NVM.
Accounting for Student Attrition in Power Calculations: Benchmarks and Guidance

Although the research methodology literature includes empirical benchmarks for effect sizes and intraclass correlations to help researchers determine adequate sample sizes through power analysis, i...
Chronic Innate Immune Signaling in Myelodysplasia

Abstract Chronic inflammatory diseases associated with activated innate immune signaling pathways often precede Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), thus a role for chronic innate immune signaling in hematopoietic cells is suspected in the development of MDS. The innate immune system recognizes pathogens and host cellular by-products by pattern recognition receptors (PRR). Among the first PRRs to be identified were the Toll-like receptors (TLRs), which consist of 10 human members. Upon binding to ligand, TLRs recruit intracellular adaptors, kinases, and effector molecules which results in pathway activation. Chronic TLR signaling impairs HSC function, creates an inflammatory environment, and alters normal hematopoiesis, which suggests a causal role in MDS. Despite growing evidence linking dysregulation of innate immune signaling in MDS, how sustained activation of innate immune signaling downstream of various receptor families contributes to MDS remains an open question. This talk will highlight the recent evidence that implicates a cell-intrinsic role of innate immune pathway activation in MDS HSC and environmental inflammatory factors that are involved in the pathogenesis of MDS. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Guns on campus: campus carry and instructor–student communication

Students’ concealed carry of guns is now legally allowed at many instructors’ places of employment, representing an influential and understudied message. Therefore, using Emotional Response Theory ...
Intermittent Occlusion of the Superior Vena Cava Reduces Cardiac Filling Pressures in Preclinical Models of Heart Failure

Congestion is a major determinant of clinical outcomes in heart failure (HF). We compared the acute hemodynamic effects of occlusion of the superior (SVC) versus the inferior vena cava (IVC) and tested a novel SVC occlusion system in swine models of HF. IVC occlusion acutely reduced left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic pressures, LV volumes, cardiac output (CO), and mean arterial pressure (MAP). SVC occlusion reduced LV diastolic pressure and volumes without affecting CO or MAP. The preCARDIA system is a balloon occlusion catheter and pump console which enables controlled delivery and removal of fluid into the occlusion balloon. At 6, 12, and 18 h, SVC therapy with the system provided a sustained reduction in cardiac filling pressures with stable CO and MAP. Intermittent SVC occlusion is a novel approach to reduce biventricular filling pressures in HF. The VENUS-HF trial will test the safety and feasibility of SVC therapy in HF.
Certification training and the academy

Certification in the computer world involves the extensive testing of a person's abilities in some area of hardware or software. The major certifications are A+, MCSE, Oracle, and Cisco. The commercial computer world has long made certification a necessary qualification for employment, and has often either required employees to have certification when hired or obtain it after hire. The academic world has not followed the commercial world, however, generally refusing even to consider offering credit courses that prepare their traditional students for these tests. A survey of a representative sampling of over 300 heads and chairs of CIS, MIS, and CS departments at colleges and universities in the United States was undertaken in order to determine the prevailing view of certification training. We report on the results of this survey, analyze certification itself, the impact of the general refusal to consider certification training as a legitimate part of CIS, MIS, or CS education at the college level, and consider the difficulty in implementing certification training given the lack of training and certification by most faculty in our colleges. We propose several possible solutions to this conundrum.
Genetically inspired in vitro reconstitution of Saccharomyces cerevisiae actin cables from seven purified proteins

Yeast actin cables are reconstituted from seven purified proteins, providing a powerful demonstration of how a minimal set of components can self-organize into a micron-scale structure that has man...
Cyclodextrin polymer coatings resist protein fouling, mammalian cell adhesion, and bacterial attachment

Undesired attachment of proteins, cells/bacteria, and organisms on material surfaces is problematic in industrial and health care settings. In this study, polymer coatings are synthesized from subunits of cyclodextrin, an additive/excipient found in food/pharmaceutical formulations. These unique polymers, which have been applied mainly towards sustained drug delivery applications, are evaluated in this study for their ability to mitigate non-specific protein adsorption, mammalian cell (NIH/3T3) adhesion, and bacterial cell (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli) attachment. Effects of cyclodextrin polymer composition, particularly incorporation of nonpolar crosslinks, on material properties and passive anti-biofouling performance are investigated. Results suggest that lightly-crosslinked cyclodextrin polymers possess excellent passive resistance to protein, cell, and bacterial attachment, likely due to the hydrophilic and electrically neutral surface properties of these coatings. At the same time, anti-biofouling performance decreased with increasing crosslink ratios, possibly a reflection of decreased polymer mobility, increased rigidity, and increased hydrophobic character. Cyclodextrin-based materials may be broadly useful as coatings in industrial or medical applications where biofouling-resistant and/or drug-delivering surfaces are required.
Prediction of recreational water safety using Escherichia coli as an indicator: case study of the Passaic and Pompton rivers, New Jersey

Abstract As contact with high concentrations of pathogens in a waterbody can cause waterborne diseases, Escherichia coli is commonly used as an indicator of water quality in routine public health monitoring of recreational freshwater ecosystems. However, traditional processes of detection and enumeration of pathogen indicators can be costly and are not time-sensitive enough to alarm recreational users. The predictive models developed to produce real-time predictions also have various methodological challenges, including arbitrary selection of explanatory variables, deterministic statistical approach, and heavy reliance on correlation instead of the more rigorous multivariate regression analyses, among others. The objective of this study is to address these challenges and develop a cost-effective and timely alternative for estimating pathogen indicators using real-time water quality and quantity data. As a case study we use New Jersey, where pathogens represent the most common cause of impairment for water quality, and Passaic and Pompton rivers, which are among the largest in the state and the country. We used Membrane Filtration Method and mColiblue24 media to enumerate Escherichia coli in a total of 69 water samples collected from April to November 2016 from the two rivers. We also collected data on environmental variables concurrently and performed stepwise and logistic regression analyses to address the said methodological challenges and determine the variables significantly predicting whether or not the Escherichia coli count was above prescribed levels for recreation activities. The results show that source water, higher specific conductance, lower pH, and cumulative rainfall for the 72 h antecedent the sampling significantly impacted the density of Escherichia coli. In addition to using the Bagging technique to validate the results, we also assessed Whole Model Tests, R2, Entropy R2, and Misclassification Rates. This approach improves the prediction of bacteria counts and their use in informing the potential safety/hazard of that waterbody for recreational activities.
Brief Report: Long-Term Follow-up of Smokers Living With HIV After an Intensive Behavioral Tobacco Treatment Intervention.

INTRODUCTION Cigarette smoking is extremely common among persons living with HIV (PLWH) in the United States, and it has emerged as a leading killer in this group. No tobacco treatment studied to date has demonstrated long-term efficacy. METHODS This was a follow-up study of PLWH adult smokers who completed a randomized controlled trial of positively Smoke Free group therapy from 2014 to 2017. Participants from 2 of the 3 trial sites were recalled to complete a long-term follow-up assessment, at least one year after initial enrollment. RESULTS Of the 342 candidates for this follow-up study, 11 had died before our attempts to contact them, and 194 of the remaining 331 (58.6%) completed the late follow-up assessment. Most (91.2%) of the remaining candidates could not be contacted despite numerous attempts. At a mean of 38.1 months after initial study enrollment, using an intention-to-treat, lost to follow-up = still smoking (worst case scenario) strategy, 12.7% of group therapy vs. 6.6% of control participants had biochemically verified 7-day point-prevalence abstinence, odds ratio = 2.06 (95% CI: 0.96-4.41), P = 0.06, and 10.3% of group therapy vs. 4.2% of control participants had biochemically verified 12-month point-prevalence abstinence, odds ratio = 2.61 (95% CI: 1.05-6.47, P = 0.03). Improvements in abstinence self-efficacy in the positively Smoke Free group observed in the original study were sustained through late follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Targeted group therapy for PLWH smokers was associated with increased cessation and sustained improvements in abstinence self-efficacy at a mean of more than 3 years of follow-up. This is the first trial to show long-term efficacy of tobacco treatment for PLWH.
Screening for High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement

Importance Prevalence of hypertension (both primary and secondary) in children and adolescents in the US ranges from 3% to 4%. Primary hypertension in children and adolescents occurs primarily in children older than 13 years and has no known cause but is associated with several risk factors, including family history and higher body mass index. Secondary hypertension occurs primarily in younger children and is most commonly caused by genetic disorders, renal disease, endocrine disorders, or cardiovascular abnormalities. Objective To update its 2013 recommendation, the USPSTF commissioned a review of the evidence on the benefits and harms of screening, test accuracy, the effectiveness and harms of treatment, and the association between hypertension and markers of cardiovascular disease in childhood and adulthood. Population This recommendation statement applies to children and adolescents aged 3 to 18 years not known to have hypertension or who are asymptomatic. Evidence Assessment The USPSTF concludes that the evidence to support screening for high blood pressure in children and adolescents is insufficient and that the balance of benefits and harms cannot be determined. Recommendation The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for high blood pressure in children and adolescents. (I statement)
Similarity law and frequency scaling in low-pressure capacitive radio frequency plasmas

We verify the similarity law (SL) and show a violation of frequency scaling (f-scaling) in low-pressure capacitive radio frequency (rf) plasmas via fully kinetic particle-in-cell simulations. The SL scaling relations for electron density and electron power absorption are first confirmed in similar rf discharges. Based on these results, with only the driving frequency varied, the f-scaling for electron density is also validated, showing almost the same trend as the SL scaling, across most of the frequency regime. However, violations of the f-scaling are observed at lower frequencies, which are found to be relevant to the electron heating mode transition from stochastic to Ohmic heating. Electron kinetic invariance is illustrated for the SL and f-scaling being valid, respectively, whereas the electron kinetic variation is observed when the f-scaling is violated.
Dimension Reduced Turbulent Flow Data From Deep Vector Quantizers

Analyzing large-scale data from simulations of turbulent flows is memory intensive, requiring significant resources. This major challenge highlights the need for data compression techniques. In this study, we apply a physics-informed Deep Learning technique based on vector quantization to generate a discrete, low-dimensional representation of data from simulations of three-dimensional turbulent flows. The deep learning framework is composed of convolutional layers and incorporates physical constraints on the flow, such as preserving incompressibility and global statistical characteristics of the velocity gradients. The accuracy of the model is assessed using statistical, comparison-based similarity and physics-based metrics. The training data set is produced from Direct Numerical Simulation of an incompressible, statistically stationary, isotropic turbulent flow. The performance of this lossy data compression scheme is evaluated not only with unseen data from the stationary, isotropic turbulent flow, but also with data from decaying isotropic turbulence, a Taylor-Green vortex flow, and a turbulent channel flow. Defining the compression ratio (CR) as the ratio of original data size to the compressed one, the results show that our model based on vector quantization can offer CR$=85$ with a mean square error (MSE) of $O(10^{-3})$, and predictions that faithfully reproduce the statistics of the flow, except at the very smallest scales where there is some loss. Compared to the recent study of Glaws. et. al. (Physical Review Fluids, 5(11):114602, 2020), which was based on a conventional autoencoder (where compression is performed in a continuous space), our model improves the CR by more than $30$ percent...
The effects of vocational interests on motivation, satisfaction, and academic performance: Test of a mediated model

Abstract Theory and research suggest that vocational interests should predict individual behavior at work, in school, and during leisure time. However, more research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms for these relationships. In the present study, we suggest that satisfaction and motivation are direct outcomes of vocational interest fit and mediate the relationship between interest fit and behavior. We test this mediation model in a seven-week longitudinal study examining the prediction of academic performance in a sample of 372 college students. Results indicated that vocational interest fit had direct effects on performance, citizenship behavior, counterproductive behavior, and intent to leave even after controlling for cognitive ability and conscientiousness. Both motivation and satisfaction also mediated the relationships with several of these outcomes. Finally, results also showed that an objective measure of interest fit was a better predictor of performance while a perceived fit measure was a stronger predictor of satisfaction. These results suggest that vocational interest fit may be useful for identifying individuals who are likely to be successful in school and help to clarify several of the underlying mechanisms for this relationship.
Introduction to the special collection on family changes and inequality in East Asia.

Background East Asian societies have experienced rapid social changes, among which the extraordinary expansion of higher education for both women and men, rising economic inequality, and increasing labor market uncertainty should be particularly relevant to family changes. At the same time, gender inequality and traditional gender norms still prevail and shape family life in the region. The eight articles in this special collection share the common interest of how families in East Asia have evolved against a backdrop of growing economic inequality and persistent gender inequality - among other key forces affecting family life - across a variety of family-related outcomes: from singlehood, marriage intentions, and dating, through fertility, the time use of adolescents and parents with young children, and women's careers, to intergenerational coresidence and the life satisfaction of older parents. Results Our eight studies look at connected but distinctive outcomes related to family life, and collectively demonstrate the relevance of increased labor market uncertainty and the continuing male breadwinner norm to emerging patterns of family behavior in East Asia. They illustrate specific ways in which East Asian families are shaped by the joint forces of economic inequality and gender inequality. Contribution This volume highlights the complexity and heterogeneity of contemporary East Asian families, inviting family and demography researchers to conduct more studies on under-researched family behaviors such as cohabitation and nonmarital births and to revisit the conventional perception that family ties are strong and family support is readily available in East Asia.
Assessment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity and Disruptive Behavior Disorders

What are some findings from research on Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) that have important implications for designing clinical assessments for children suspected of having ADHD?
A Decomposition Procedure for Convex Quadratic Programs

Abstract : This paper deals with the solution of convex quadratic programs by iteratively solving a master problem and a subproblem as proposed previously by Sacher. The approach has the advantage that the subproblems are linear programs so that existing schemes for solving large problems can be taken advantage of. This paper gives a closed form solution to the master problem so that the procedure is well suited for solving large quadratic programs and can take advantage of the constraint structure. (Author).
Performance analysis of a hierarchical interconnection network using hypercubes

Presents an analysis of a mixed class of networks which can be used for interconnection of a large number of processors in which data sharing is very high. This architecture uses both binary hypercubes and a multistage interconnection network with global memory. The shared data are initially kept in the memory modules and a single copy of the data is moved in the network depending on the reference pattern of the system. In this type of architecture, the switches of the network have cache memories and also the capability to maintain directions for indicating the location of the data. However, keeping a single copy in a large system has the advantage of having reduced network traffic and also no overhead due to coherency related activities. The network is evaluated using queuing analysis to take care of the contention in the network. The performance measures are compared with that of a non-hierarchical hypercube system. >
New age crystals

Measuring trace components in complex solutions such as blood usually requires the sophisticated facilities of an analytical laboratory, but a new technique could lead to simple devices that do the same thing. A chemically functionalized gel can act as a sensitive sponge, swelling when a particular chemical comes along. If the gel is made to fill the space between tiny plastic spheres in a colloidal crystal, that swelling changes the spacing of the crystal and therefore its diffraction properties. The result is a beautiful shimmering sensor that can be read optically.
Component technologies: avoiding the herd mentality

Component technology is gradually changing the way information systems are conceived, constructed, deployed, and used. Today's systems have limited flexibility and configurability, which makes them difficult to maintain over the many years that they are used. Components address these critical problems by allowing systems to be more dynamically composed of components, without extensive programming. Component technologies are being adapted for development of flexible user interfaces, and, more recently, for managing the business objects of the enterprise. Many information systems architects are optimistic about the benefits of component technology, but are afraid to rely on a single vendor or technology. The single vendor approach of the 1960s and 1970s simplified the task of delivering information systems but caused these systems to gradually become less advantageous and eventually restricting. Today's architects do not wish to re-learn these lessons with component technologies. These architects take little comfort in standards conformance and interoperability, which are difficult to achieve and do not directly deliver functionality to users. So often we hear of decisions made largely on the basis of what others have decided (e.g., referring to factors like "market penetration"), which might be called a herd mentality. The herd mentality is only appropriate for trying to predict market directions, which is dangerously difficult.
Threshold voltage shift by quantum confinement in ultra-thin body device

The threshold voltage shift caused by quantum confinement in ultra-thin body devices (UTB) is observed experimentally. An analytical model is proposed and shows a good agreement with the experimental data of both PMOSFET and NMOSFET. It predicts a larger threshold voltage shift for a lighter body-doping, which is opposite to the trend in the bulk device. This threshold voltage shift must be taken into account in the design of UTB devices, including the double gate MOSFET.
Deoxyribonucleic acid base composition in the taxonomy of Staphylococcus.

Twenty-four strains of Staphylococcus aureus , including eight known mutants of S. aureus and strains growing under a variety of environmental conditions or exposed to a number of physical and chemical agents, maintained a remarkably narrow range of guanine plus cytosine (GC) content (32.4 to 35.1%). The wide range of GC content (30.7 to 40%) reported in the literature was due to the variety of methods and calculations used rather than to any substantial variation in base composition. The UV-2 “mutant” (ATCC 13680) with a GC content of 67.6% reported to be derived from S. aureus (ATCC 13679) was a species of Corynebacterium . The data presented were consistent with the concept that base composition changes only to a very slight degree by mutation.
TALKING THE WALK AND WALKING THE TALK: Stanley Hauerwas's Contribution to Theological Ethics

Stanley Hauerwas's contribution to the study of Christian ethics is analyzed in the course of offering an overview of his work, including (1) his early reflections on “vision,”“narrative,” and moral agency; (2) his continuing focus on Christian virtues and practices in contrast to the ethos of moral and political liberalism; and (3) his specific attention to the meaning of peaceableness and the rejection of violence. The essay concludes by considering Hauerwas's legacy as a postliberal theologian, a critical participant in American Protestant ethics, and a conversation partner with Roman Catholics.
Excess enthalpies for (propane + butan-1-ol) at the temperatures 298.15 K and 323.15 K and the pressures 5 MPa and 15 MPa, and at 348.15 K and 363.15 K and 5 MPa, 10 MPa, and 15 MPa

Excess molar enthalpies are reported for (propane + butan-1-ol) at the temperatures 298.15 K and 323.15 K, and the pressures 5 MPa and 15 MPa, and at 348.15 K and 363.15 K, and 5 MPa, 10 MPa, and 15 MPa. The results are explained in terms of chemical, physical, and structural effects and compared with the UNIFAC-2 prediction.
Adaptation of a lay health advisor model as a recruitment and retention strategy in a clinical trial of college student smokers.

This study describes and provides results from a process evaluation of a lay health advisor (LHA) model to enhance participation in a clinical trial of the effectiveness of motivational interviewing on smoking cessation in college fraternity and sorority members. The implementation of the model had two phases: (a) the selection and training of LHAs as liaisons between research staff and participants and (b) LHAs’ roles in recruitment and retention. Perceptions of the LHA model were explored using survey questionnaires. Trial participants (N = 118) and LHAs (N = 8) were generally satisfied with the model and identified LHAs as helpful to participation. Seventy-four percent of chapter members were screened and 73% of participants received three of the four motivational interviewing sessions. These results indicate the LHA model was well received and met the needs of the research project.
Laurence-moon-biedl syndrome

Summary Two cases of “incomplete” Laurence-Moon-Biedl syndrome, showingan unusual combination of heredofamilial deviations, are reported, and the diagnosis, pathology, and differential diagnosis of this disorder are discussed. The electroencephalographic findings as well as the results of the androgen, audiometric, and social maturity tests are reported for the first time in this condition.
NASPE Sets the Standard: 35 Years of National Leadership in Sport and Physical Education.

(2009). NASPE Sets the Standard. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 80, No. 8, pp. 46-49.
Interatomic radiative transition rates for the sodium fluoride crystal.

Interatomic electric-dipole radiative transition rates for the NaF crystal are calculated for initial 1s, 2s, and 2p holes in the Na/sup +/ ion. The crystal is simulated by a (NaF/sub 6/)/sup 5 -/ cluster embedded in a large number of point ions, and the one-electron molecular orbitals are obtained from open-shell restricted-Hartree-Fock calculations of the initial state and final states. This allows the transition matrix element to be calculated in the self-consistent-field (..delta..SCF) formalism where both initial- and final-state determinantal wave functions are used, and the nonorthogonality of the two sets of molecular orbitals is taken into account. One interatomic radiative transition, the K..beta../sub 1/ satellite line, has been observed as a high-energy satellite of the Na K..cap alpha../sub 1/..cap alpha../sub 2/ line. The measured intensity ratio ..beta../sub 1/..cap alpha../sub 1/..cap alpha../sub 2/ is 1.2 x 10/sup -2/;our theoretical ratio is 1.13 x 10/sup -2/. This level of agreement between theory and experiment is similar to, but somewhat better than, that recently obtained by us for interatomic Auger transitions in NaF, using molecular orbitals from the same calculations. The other interatomic radiative transitions in NaF have considerably smaller transition energies and unobservably small transition rates. The sensitivity of the ratesmore » to the choice of Hartree-Fock Gaussian basis set is explored. Rates based on a single determinantal wave function are compared with the ..delta..SCF rates. The one-center approximation for the K..beta../sub 1/ rate was found to account for 82% of the rate« less
Solid phases of trimargarin: A comparison to tristearin

Data from Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry confirm the existence of four solid state phases for trimargarin. Results of the trimargarin investigation are compared to previous results of tristearin and examined in the light of odd vs even chain-length triglycerides. The conclusion reached is that polymorphic properties of triglycerides result from a balance of three dominant interactions: end-group planar interactions, lateral hydrocarbon chain interactions and glycerol units intermolecular interactions. This contrasts to a general belief that the end-group planar interactions dictate physical behavior of lipids.
Contexts of Capacity: Local and State Variations in Capacity Assessment—Commentary on “Assessment of Decision-Making Capacity in Older Adults”

THE hallmark of a successful review article is to leave the reader thinking ‘‘Yes, and . . ..’’ The masterful assessment of decision-making capacity in older adults by Moye and Marson (2006) has just that impact. They have provided an important summary of the research and clinical base in an increasingly essential area at the intersection of legal theory and practice, behavioral science research, and clinical practice. My comments will focus on two elements alluded to by Moye and Marson: the variability between and among states in emerging definitions of capacity and associated assessment procedures required in each state; and the intersection of state-level variability with one of the most complicated capacity domains, independent living.
The thickness of the magnetosheath: Constraints on the polytropic index

A statistical analysis of 351 independent bow shock crossings and 233 independent magnetopause crossings by the ISEE-1 spacecraft from 1977 to 1980 was performed to determine the average positions and shapes of the bow shock and magnetopause. The standoff distance between the magnetopause and the bow shock depends on the compressibility of the plasma which in the polytropic' approximation is related to the ratio of specific heats, {gamma}. Standoff distances for the bow shock and magnetopause were found to be 13.7 R{sub E} ({plus minus} 0.2 R{sub E}) and 10.3 R{sub E} ({plus minus} 0.3 R{sub E}), respectively. These distances are smaller than those observed during earlier epochs. The observed thickness of the magnetosheath is that expected for the compression of a gas whose polytropic index, {gamma}, is 1.76 {plus minus} 0.15. This value, representative of the entire magnetosheath, is consistent with the value of 1.67 deduced from the behavior of the plasma across individual shock transitions. A value of 1.67 is expected for an adiabatic process in a collisional, monatomic gas with three degrees of freedom with lower values for non-adiabatic processes and higher values for anisotropic heating at the shock. The observed value of 1.76 indicates that heatmore » flux does not much affect the position of the shock while the downstream anisotropy may have a small effect.« less
Modulation of GLUT1 Intrinsic Activity in Clone 9 Cells by Inhibition of Oxidative Phosphorylation

Brief (1-2 h) exposure of Clone 9 cells to inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation such as azide is known to markedly increase glucose uptake. Clone 9 cells express GLUT1 but not GLUT2, −3, and −4, and the azide effect was not accompanied by any increase in cellular or plasma membrane GLUT1 level. To identify the molecular event underlying this apparent increase in GLUT1 intrinsic activity, we studied the acute effects of azide on the substrate binding activity of GLUT1 in Clone 9 cells by measuring glucose-sensitive cytochalasin B binding. The glucose-displaceable, cytochalasin B binding activity was barely detectable in membranes isolated from Clone 9 cells under control conditions but was readily detectable after a 60-min incubation of cells in the presence of 5 mM azide showing a 3-fold increase in binding capacity with no change in binding affinity. Furthermore, the cytochalasin B binding activity of purified human erythrocyte GLUT1 reconstituted in liposomes was significantly reduced in the presence of cytosol derived from azide-treated Clone 9 cells but not in the presence of cytosol from control cells; this effect was heat-labile and abolished by the presence of the peptide corresponding to the GLUT1 COOH-terminal sequence. These results suggest that a cytosolic protein in Clone 9 cells binds to GLUT1 at its COOH-terminal domain and inhibits its substrate binding and that azide-induced metabolic alteration releases GLUT1 from this inhibitory interaction. Studying the binding of cytosolic proteins derived from 35S-labeled Clone 9 cells to glutathione S-transferase fusion protein containing glucose transporter COOH-terminal sequences, we identified 28- and 70-kDa proteins that bind specifically to the cytoplasmic domain of GLUT1 and GLUT4 in vitro. We also found a 32P-labeled, 85-kDa protein that binds to GLUT4 but not to GLUT1 and only in cytosol derived from azide-treated cells. The roles, if any, of these glucose transporter-binding proteins in the azide-sensitive modulation of GLUT1 substrate binding activity in Clone 9 cells are yet to be determined.
The influence of six pharmaceuticals on freshwater sediment microbial growth incubated at different temperatures and UV exposures

Pharmaceutical compounds have been detected in freshwater for several decades. Once they enter the aquatic ecosystem, they may be transformed abiotically (i.e., photolysis) or biotically (i.e., microbial activity). To assess the influence of pharmaceuticals on microbial growth, basal salt media amended with seven pharmaceutical treatments (acetaminophen, caffeine, carbamazepine, cotinine, ibuprofen, sulfamethoxazole, and a no pharmaceutical control) were inoculated with stream sediment. The seven pharmaceutical treatments were then placed in five different culture environments that included both temperature treatments of 4, 25, 37°C and light treatments of continuous UV-A or UV-B exposure. Microbial growth in the basal salt media was quantified as absorbance (OD550) at 7, 14, 21, 31, and 48d following inoculation. Microbial growth was significantly influenced by pharmaceutical treatments (P < 0.01) and incubation treatments (P < 0.01). Colonial morphology of the microbial communities post-incubation identified selection of microbial and fungal species with exposure to caffeine, cotinine, and ibuprofen at 37°C; acetaminophen, caffeine, and cotinine at 25°C; and carbamazepine exposed to continuous UV-A. Bacillus and coccus cellular arrangements (1000X magnification) were consistently observed across incubation treatments for each pharmaceutical treatment although carbamazepine and ibuprofen exposures incubated at 25°C also selected spiral-shaped bacteria. These data indicate stream sediment microbial communities are influenced by pharmaceuticals though physiochemical characteristics of the environment may dictate microbial response.
Notch, a T-ALL order.

In this issue of Blood , Demarest et al demonstrate that maintenance of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) tumors requires continued expression of activated Notch1 while c-Myc expression is expendable for tumor maintenance.[1][1] The data reported in this paper use a mouse model system