cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanical fixation techniques for processing and orienting delicate samples, such as the root of Arabidopsis thaliana , for light or electron microscopy

Despite improvements in live imaging, fixation followed by embedding and sectioning for light or electron microscopy remains an indispensible approach in biology. During processing, small or delicate samples can be lost, damaged or poorly oriented. Here we present a protocol for overcoming these issues when, along with chemical fixation, the sample is fixed mechanically. The protocol features two alternatives for mechanical fixation: the sample is encased either in a rectangular block of agarose or between Formvar films suspended on a wire loop. We also provide methods for key steps all the way through to sectioning. We illustrate the method on the root of Arabidopsis thaliana, an object that is ∼0.15 mm in diameter and difficult to process conventionally. With this protocol, well-oriented sections can be obtained with excellent ultrastructural preservation. The protocol takes about 1 week.
Estimating time available for sensor fusion exception handling

In previous work, we have developed a generate, test, and debug methodology for detecting, classifying, and responding to sensing failures in autonomous and semi-autonomous mobile robots. An important issue has arisen from these efforts: how much time is there available to classify the cause of the failure and determine an alternative sensing strategy before the robot mission must be terminated? In this paper, we consider the impact of time for teleoperation applications where a remote robot attempts to autonomously maintain sensing in the presence of failures yet has the option to contact the local for further assistance. Time limits are determined by using evidential reasoning with a novel generalization of Dempster-Shafer theory. Generalized Dempster-Shafer theory is used to estimate the time remaining until the robot behavior must be suspended because of uncertainty; this becomes the time limit on autonomous exception handling at the remote. If the remote cannot complete exception handling in this time or needs assistance, responsibility is passed to the local, while the remote assumes a `safe' state. An intelligent assistant then facilitates human intervention, either directing the remote without human assistance or coordinating data collection and presentation to the operator within time limits imposed by the mission. The impact of time on exception handling activities is demonstrated using video camera sensor data.
Day Treatment for Children in the United States

This paper describes the general philosophy and characteristics of day treatment settings and provides a summary of the research examining their efficacy. While there appear to be good reasons for the continuing interest in the utilization of day treatment for seriously troubled and troubling children, there is still much to be learned about this population, including the specific gains made and the effects of different kinds of interventions.
The caBIG™ Annotation and Image Markup Project

Image annotation and markup are at the core of medical interpretation in both the clinical and the research setting. Digital medical images are managed with the DICOM standard format. While DICOM contains a large amount of meta-data about whom, where, and how the image was acquired, DICOM says little about the content or meaning of the pixel data. An image annotation is the explanatory or descriptive information about the pixel data of an image that is generated by a human or machine observer. An image markup is the graphical symbols placed over the image to depict an annotation. While DICOM is the standard for medical image acquisition, manipulation, transmission, storage, and display, there are no standards for image annotation and markup. Many systems expect annotation to be reported verbally, while markups are stored in graphical overlays or proprietary formats. This makes it difficult to extract and compute with both of them. The goal of the Annotation and Image Markup (AIM) project is to develop a mechanism, for modeling, capturing, and serializing image annotation and markup data that can be adopted as a standard by the medical imaging community. The AIM project produces both human- and machine-readable artifacts. This paper describes the AIM information model, schemas, software libraries, and tools so as to prepare researchers and developers for their use of AIM.
Steady-state optimization of an integrated human thermal system☆

Abstract The steady-state condition of an integrated human thermal system (the body and a water-cooled garment on head and torso) is determined by means of an optimization technique (linear programming). The objective is (a) to maintain a state of thermal comfort (thermoneutrality), and (b) to minimize the control effort imposed on the operation of the external thermal regulation device. The program gives optimal inlet coolant temperature and coolant mass flow rates for the devices on the head and torso as well as the corresponding temperature profiles in the various elements of the human body.
Higgs boson production in weak boson fusion at next-to-leading order

The weak boson fusion process for neutral Higgs boson production is investigated with particular attention to the accuracy with which the Higgs boson coupling to weak bosons can be determined at CERN Large Hadron Collider energies in final states that contain a Higgs boson plus at least two jets. Using fully differential perturbative matrix elements for the weak boson fusion signal process and for the QCD background processes, we generate events in which a Higgs boson is produced along with two jets that carry large transverse momentum. The effectiveness of different prescriptions to enhance the signal-to background ratio is studied, and the expected signal purities are calculated in each case. We find that a simple cut on the rapidity of one final-state jet works well. We determine that an accuracy of $\ensuremath{\delta}g/g\ensuremath{\sim}10%$ on the effective coupling $g$ may be possible after $\ensuremath{\sim}200\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{f}\mathrm{b}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ of integrated luminosity is accumulated at the Large Hadron Collider.
Ontogeny of fetal liver glucose‐6‐phosphatase activity

A reliable and sensitive microassay for the measurement of liver glucose-6-phosphatase is described. Human fetal liver was assayed for glucose-6-phosphatase activity from 7.5 to 24 weeks of gestation and was found to have a mean activity of 2.11 nmol per min per mg of protein. This was approximately 30 per cent of the postnatal controls assayed by the same method, but there was no evidence of a change in activity during the gestational period examined. If fetal liver tissue can be reliably obtained, it may be possible to determine a deficiency of glucose-6-phosphatase in fetuses who are at risk.
Deposition of Histoplasma capsulatum in the subcutaneous tissues and feathers of inoculated chick embryos

Subcutaneous inoculation of chick embryos with the yeast phase of Histoplasma capsulatum resulted in vascular dissemination with deposition of the organism in the feather pulp and dermis. The significance of these findings is discussed with respect to measured differences between the internal temperature of the chicken and that of the skin and feathers and also with reference to previous reports which implicate the feather as a vehicle for transmission of H. capsulatum in nature.
The Roy Adaptation Model and Care of Persons with Alzheimer's Disease

This article uses current nursing literature to examine the congruence of the care of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) with the Roy adaptation model. In relating concepts of the Roy model to the care of patients with Alzheimer's disease, it was found that ineffective coping responses can be used to describe disease-related disruptive behaviors. The degenerative disease process would result in the impairment of focal stimuli, such as memory and personality. Because focal stimuli are progressively impaired, the goal of nursing using the Roy model would be to promote adaptive responses through manipulation of the contextual stimuli, the patient's environment. Nursing literature describing positive patient outcomes following environmental interventions suggests that the Roy adaptation model could be very valuable in directing nursing research and devising nursing care strategies for patients with Alzheimer's disease.
ASSESSMENT OF PLANNING TARGET VOLUME MARGINS FOR INTENSITY-MODULATED RADIOTHERAPY OF THE PROSTATE GLAND: ROLE OF DAILY INTER- AND INTRAFRACTION MOTION

Purpose To determine planning target volume margins for prostate intensity-modulated radiotherapy based on inter- and intrafraction motion using four daily localization techniques: three-point skin mark alignment, volumetric imaging with bony landmark registration, volumetric imaging with implanted fiducial marker registration, and implanted electromagnetic transponders (beacons) detection. Methods and Materials Fourteen patients who underwent definitive intensity-modulated radiotherapy for prostate cancer formed the basis of this study. Each patient was implanted with three electromagnetic transponders and underwent a course of 39 treatment fractions. Daily localization was based on three-point skin mark alignment followed by transponder detection and patient repositioning. Transponder positioning was verified by volumetric imaging with cone-beam computed tomography of the pelvis. Relative motion between the prostate gland and bony anatomy was quantified by offline analyses of daily cone-beam computed tomography. Intratreatment organ motion was monitored continuously by the Calypso® System for quantification of intrafraction setup error. Results As expected, setup error (that is, inter- plus intrafraction motion, unless otherwise stated) was largest with skin mark alignment, requiring margins of 7.5 mm, 11.4 mm, and 16.3 mm, in the lateral (LR), longitudinal (SI), and vertical (AP) directions, respectively. Margin requirements accounting for intrafraction motion were smallest for transponder detection localization techniques, requiring margins of 1.4 mm (LR), 2.6 mm (SI), and 2.3 mm (AP). Bony anatomy alignment required 2.1 mm (LR), 9.4 mm (SI), and 10.5 mm (AP), whereas image-guided marker alignment required 2.8 mm (LR), 3.7 mm (SI), and 3.2 mm (AP). No marker migration was observed in the cohort. Conclusion Clinically feasible, rapid, and reliable tools such as the electromagnetic transponder detection system for pretreatment target localization and, subsequently, intratreatment target location monitoring allow clinicians to reduce irradiated volumes and facilitate safe dose escalation, where appropriate.
Extending the record of photosynthetic activity in the eastern United States into the presatellite period using surface diurnal temperature range

[1] In this study, we demonstrate that mid-latitude surface measurements of diurnal temperature range (DTR) can be used to reconstruct decadal variability of regional-scale terrestrial photosynthetic activity 1) during and prior to the period with satellite retrievals of land greenness and 2) without the need for moisture data. While the two relative maxima present in the seasonal evolution of DTR can determine the beginning and the end of the growing season, the summertime average DTR can be used as a proxy of summertime terrestrial photosynthesis. In a case study in the eastern United States (1966–1997), the DTR reconstructions indicate significant natural decadal variability in photosynthetic activity, but no secular, long-term trend. The summertime photosynthesis was found to be controlled primarily by moisture availability. Also, contrary to existing model parameterizations, the timing of spring onset was found to depend on both temperature and moisture. Citation: Bonfils, C., A. Angert, C. C. Henning, S. Biraud, S. C. Doney, and I. Fung (2005), Extending the record of photosynthetic activity in the eastern United States into the presatellite period using surface diurnal temperature range, Geophys. Res. Lett., 32, L08405, doi:10.1029/ 2005GL022583.
Non-Gaussian versus non-Rayleigh statistical properties of ultrasound echo signals

Parameters expressing the non-Gaussian and the non-Rayleigh properties of ultrasound echo signals are derived for the case of a pulsed transducer insonifying a medium containing randomly distributed scatterers. Both parameters depend on the measurement system, including the transducer field and pulse frequency content, as well as on the medium's properties. The latter is expressed in terms of the number of scatterers per unit volume and the second and fourth moments of the medium's scattering functions. A simple relationship between the parameters describing the non-Gaussian and non-Rayleigh properties is derived and verified experimentally. >
Eating Pathology among Women with Alcoholism and/ or Anxiety Disorders

Two hundred one non-treatment seeking women with alcoholism, anxiety disorders, alcoholism and anxiety disorders, or neither alcoholism nor anxiety disorders were interviewed to assess core psychopathology associated with eating disorders using the Eating Disorders Examination and DSM-IIIR psychiatric diagnoses using the Schedule of Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Lifetime version. Alcoholic women had significantly higher mean scores on each of the Eating Disorders Examination subscales of Restraint, Overeating, Eating Concern, Shape Concern, and Weight Concern compared with nonalcoholic women. Women with anxiety disorders had significantly elevated scores on subscales of Overeating, Eating Concern, and Weight Concern compared with women without anxiety disorders. Women with both alcoholism and anxiety disorders had higher rates of bulimia nervosa and/or eating disorder NOS compared with women with either disorder alone. Implications of these findings are discussed in the context of the co-morbid association between alcoholism, eating disorders, and anxiety disorders.
Diagenesis of oxyanions (V, U, Re, and Mo) in pore waters and sediments from a continental margin

This research tests the hypothesis that trace metals respond to the extent of reducing conditions in a predictable way. We describe pore water and sediment measurements of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), vanadium (V), uranium (U), rhenium (Re), and molybdenum (Mo) along a transect off Washington State (USA). Sediments become less reducing away from the continent, and the stations have a range of oxygen penetration depths (depth to unmeasurable O2 concentration) varying from a few millimeters to five centi- meters. When oxygen penetrates 1 cm or less, Fe is reduced in the pore waters but reoxidized near the sediment-water interface, preventing a flux of Fe 2 to overlying waters, whereas Mn oxides are reduced and Mn 2 diffuses to overlying waters. Both Re and U authigenically accumulate in sediments. Only at the most reducing location, where the oxygen penetrates 0.3 cm below the sediment-water interface, does the surface 30 cm of sediments become reducing enough to authigenically accumulate Mo. Stations in close proximity to the Juan de Fuca Ridge crest are enriched in Mn and Fe from hydrothermal plume processes. Both V and Mo clearly associate with Mn cycling, whereas U may be associating with either Mn oxides and/or Fe oxyhydroxides. Rhenium is uncomplicated by adsorption to Mn oxides and/or Fe oxyhydroxides, and Re accumulation in sediments appears to be due solely to the extent of reducing conditions. Therefore, authigenic sediment Re enrichment appears to be the best indicator for intermediate reducing conditions, where oxygen penetrates less than 1 cm below the sediment-water interface, when coupled with negligible authigenic Mo enrichment. Copyright © 2005 Elsevier Ltd 1. INTRODUCTION Oceanic and atmospheric carbon cycles are strongly coupled, with the ocean reservoir of dissolved inorganic carbon being 60 times larger than that of the atmosphere (Broecker and Peng, 1987). Models that couple both ocean and atmosphere have been used to investigate why atmospheric carbon dioxide (pCO2,atm) was reduced during the last glacial age, and thus may be useful in predicting the environmental impact of future changes in pCO2,atm. Some of these models require a large increase in organic carbon export, through the more efficient use of nutrients, to predict the lower pCO2,atm observed during
Effects of Neutralization of Luteinizing Hormone on Corpus Luteum Function and Cyclicity in Macaca fascicularis

Abstract The primate corpus luteum (including the human) is thought to require continuous exposure to LH for normal progesterone production and menstrual cyclicity. Recently, normal luteal function was reported in rhesus monkeys after postovulatory hypophysectomy or treatment with an antagonist to GnRH. We studied the effects of neutralization of LH by specific antiserum in the fascicularis monkey. A potent antiserum to ovine LH, which cross-reacted with monkey pituitary extract, was produced in rabbits; this antiserum was administered daily to cycling monkeys during the midluteal phase. The pretreatment cycle duration was 32.4 ± 1.7 (±SE) days, and luteal length was 16.5 ± 0.8 days, with a midluteal progestin peak of 15.28 ± 2.23 ng/ml. LH antiserum treatment resulted in a precipitous fall in serum progestin within 24 h, which remained low for the remainder of the cycle. All treated monkeys had premature menstrual bleeding, with mean cycle length shortened to 22.8 ± 1.6 days (P < 0.002) and mean luteal p...
Selective catalytic oxidation of sugar alcohols to lactic acid

Sorbitol and xylitol obtained from biomass are considered promising potential sources of both carbon building blocks and energy. We report the efficient and selective conversion of sorbitol, xylitol and other polyols into lactic acid as the major product through homogeneous iridium-NHC catalyzed dehydrogenative processes. The proposed reaction mechanism involves base-driven hydrolysis of simple sugars which accounts for the catalyst selectivity observed. In addition, catalyst deactivation pathways are explored and rational catalyst optimization is attempted through fine tuning of the complex.
Grief Is More Than Tears

Much has been written in the professional and popular literature about grief. The multiplicity of sources for information about the phenomenon often leads to confusion regarding terminology and process. In addition, assessment and intervention methods show the phenomenon as unidimensional despite evidence to the contrary. Because nursing routinely deals with grief, it is important that a framework be developed to help understand the process and guide appropriate interventions. The Neuman systems model is particularly well suited as a framework because concepts found in the model are similar to descriptions of the concept of grief. An analysis of the grief concept using the Neuman model is presented, with perinatal grief presented as an example.
Masks for high aspect ratio x-ray lithography

The requirements for deep x-ray lithography (DXRL) masks are reviewed and a recently developed cost effective mask fabrication process is described. The review includes a summary of tabulated properties for materials used in the fabrication of DXRL masks. X-ray transparency and mask contrast are calculated for material combinations using simulations of exposure at the Advanced Light Source (ALS) at Berkeley, and compared to the requirements for standard x-ray lithography (XRL) mask technology. Guided by the requirements, a cost-effective fabrication process for manufacturing high contrast masks for DXRL has been developed. Thick absorber patterns () on a thin silicon wafer (m) were made using contact printing in thick positive (Hoechst 4620) and negative (OCG 7020) photoresist and subsequent gold electrodeposition. Gold was deposited using a commercially available gold sulphite bath with low current density and good agitation. The resultant gold films were fine-grained and stress-free. Replication of such masks into thick acrylic sheets was performed at the ALS.
A composite methodology for multistage degradation of polymers

Five different analytical schemes for examining isothermal and nonisothermal degradation of polymers were reviewed and found inadequate for describing multistage decomposition. The different schemes were experimentally tested using thermogravimetric analysis data for an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer, which exhibited a well-behaved two-step decomposition process in a nitrogen environment. Based on these experimental and analytical findings, a generalized methodology was developed capable of describing the exhibited complex decomposition behavior of polymers by combining two or more kinetic mechanisms in a series or parallel arrangement. This composite of combinational methodology thus extends established analytical schemes for describing complex decomposition of polymers in a rational manner, incorporating both experimental and theoretical considerations.
Innovations-Based Sampling Over Spatially-Correlated Sensors

We consider an estimation network of many distributed sensors, where each senor takes a noisy measurement of some unknown parameter. Due to energy limitation, the network selects only a subset of sensors for data fusion as long as the distortion is tolerable. In this paper, we present a sampling framework based on linear minimum variance unbiased estimation. The framework enables the system to achieve a desired estimation fidelity level and to improve the network lifetime. Simulations illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed sampling schemes.
Acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding in 1,112 patients admitted to an urban emergency medical center.

Background This study was performed to elucidate the etiology, effectiveness of diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, and outcomes in patients with acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Methods A retrospective review of the medical records of 1,112 consecutive patients admitted to the surgical service of a single urban emergency hospital with lower gastrointestinal bleeding from 1988 to 2006. Two groups were compared: 1988–1997 and 1998–2006. Results All patients underwent colonoscopy, 33.2% within 24 h of admission. Hematochezia was the most frequent presentation (55.5%), followed by maroon stool (16.7%) and melena (11.0%). Most patients, 690 (62.1%) also had upper endoscopy. Sixty-six patients subsequently had barium enemas. Eleven of 27 nuclide scans were positive. Arteriography was performed on 22 patients, with 11 positive results and 2 therapeutic. No statistical difference was found in procedures performed in our 2 time periods. Diverticulosis (33.5%), hemorrhoids (22.5%), and carcinoma (12.7%) were the most common etiologies with the diagnosis of diverticulosis more common in the 1998–2006 time period. The small bowel was the source in 14 total patients. Spontaneous cessation of the bleeding occurred in 863 (77.6%) patients. Endoscopic control increased from 1% in 1997–1998 to 4.4% in 1998–2006 ( P P P 50% because of diverticular bleeding. Conclusion In this urban setting, diverticulosis, hemorrhoids, and carcinoma were the most common causes of severe acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) with diverticular bleed causing the highest recurrence. Colonoscopy allows for diagnosis in most patients with severe acute LGIB requiring hospitalization. Furthermore, it is now being used more effectively for hemostasis resulting in less operative intervention to control bleeding.
Exploring the use of computer technology in a Caribbean context: Views of preservice teachers

This article presents a qualitative study of five pre-service secondary school mathematics (PSSM) teachers in an English-speaking Caribbean context. The major goal of this study was to investigate the experiences and perceptions of the PSSM teachers as they explored the use of computer technology (CT) in their mathematics instructional practices, and to identify factors they consider necessary for successful integration of CT in mathematics instruction. These teachers faced similar challenges of developed and other developing countries in their exploration. They suggested that CT use in secondary schools is needed because of its benefits for both students and teachers and to stimulate interest, motivation and improvement in their students’ performance.
GUT COSMIC MAGNETIC FIELDS IN A WARM INFLATIONARY UNIVERSE

Sources of magnetic fields from grand unified theories are studied in the warm inflation regime. A ferromagnetic Savvidy vacuum scenario is presented that yields observationally interesting large scale magnetic fields. As an intermediate step, a general analysis is made of defect production at the onset of warm inflation and monopole constraints are obtained. Many features of this Savvidy vacuum scenario are applicable within a supercooled inflation regime and these points are discussed. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
Functional Genomics Analysis of Big Data Identifies Novel Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ Target Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Showing Association With Cardiometabolic Outcomes.

Background— Cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus represent overlapping diseases where a large portion of the variation attributable to genetics remains unexplained. An important player in their pathogenesis is peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ (PPARγ) that is involved in lipid and glucose metabolism and maintenance of metabolic homeostasis. We used a functional genomics methodology to interrogate human chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing, genome-wide association studies, and expression quantitative trait locus data to inform selection of candidate functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) falling in PPARγ motifs. Methods and Results— We derived 27 328 chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing peaks for PPARγ in human adipocytes through meta-analysis of 3 data sets. The PPARγ consensus motif showed greatest enrichment and mapped to 8637 peaks. We identified 146 SNPs in these motifs. This number was significantly less than would be expected by chance, and Inference of Natural Selection from Interspersed Genomically coHerent elemenTs analysis indicated that these motifs are under weak negative selection. A screen of these SNPs against genome-wide association studies for cardiometabolic traits revealed significant enrichment with 16 SNPs. A screen against the MuTHER expression quantitative trait locus data revealed 8 of these were significantly associated with altered gene expression in human adipose, more than would be expected by chance. Several SNPs fall close, or are linked by expression quantitative trait locus to lipid-metabolism loci including CYP26A1. Conclusions— We demonstrated the use of functional genomics to identify SNPs of potential function. Specifically, that SNPs within PPARγ motifs that bind PPARγ in adipocytes are significantly associated with cardiometabolic disease and with the regulation of transcription in adipose. This method may be used to uncover functional SNPs that do not reach significance thresholds in the agnostic approach of genome-wide association studies.
High-Resolution Cryo-EM Structures of TRPV1 Reveal Structural Basis of Ligand Binding and Channel Gating

The capsaicin receptor, TRPV1, is a polymodal signal detector that resides on primary afferent sensory neurons. It is a heat-activated cation channel that is also modulated by various inflammatory agents and contributes to acute and persistent pain. Among the many members of the Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channel family, TRPV1 enjoys the richest pharmacology, greatly facilitating analysis of the channel in various functional states for structural investigation. In our previous work, using single-particle cryo-EM, we were able to locate the binding sites for a few key ligands, but we couldn't resolve atomic details of how these ligands bind to the channel. In the current study, we improved our sample preparation, data acquisition, and analysis methods, permitting us to determine structures of TRPV1 in complex with a capsaicin-like ligand, a spider toxin, or an antagonist to ∼3A or better resolution. This has enabled us to see detailed channel-ligand interactions and to ascertain why structurally-related agonists and antagonists have opposite effects on channel gating. The results further extend our understanding of TRPV1 pharmacology and physiology while demonstrating the potential for single-particle cryo-EM in the analysis of protein-small molecule complexes, and thus pharmaceutical development.
Tracing temperature patterns of cut leafy greens during service in North Carolina school food service.

Contaminated fresh produce has been increasingly identified as a cause of foodborne illnesses. Because of concerns about pathogen growth on these food items at retail, the 2009 U.S. Food and Drug Administration Food Code established that cut leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, spring mix, cabbage, arugula, and kale) must have time and temperature controls for safety and hence should be kept at refrigerated temperatures (5°C or lower). The purpose of this study was to determine the temperature profiles of cut leafy greens in single-serving clamshell containers provided as part of the North Carolina School Lunch Program and to compare the two policies that North Carolina has in place to control the temperature of these products (the 3-day rule and time in lieu of temperature). Temperatures were recorded with data loggers in 24 schools during a 3-day period. In all cases, substantial temperature variability was found for these products, including temperatures above 5°C for at least 1 h on each of the 3 days. In ...
Abstract 3715: Potent cytotoxins and their prodrugs

Epothilones, dolastatins (auristatins), tubulysins, duocarmycins, and enediynes are among the most potent anticancer agents, which inhibit cell growth of cancer cells with a low or subnanomolar activity. Epothilones inhibit tumor growth by stabilizing the microtubules in a manner similar to Taxol. There are hundreds of natural and synthetic epothilones known, and some of them are undergoing clinical trials. One semisynthetic analog, ixabepilone, has also been approved for the treatment of metastatic breat cancer. Similarly, there are numerous dolastatins, their synthetic analogs - auristatins, and tubulysins known, of which auristatins are currently being developed by Seattle Genetics, Inc. These compounds also inhibit microtubules, however unlike epothilones and Taxol, they function by destabilizing the microtubules. The other compounds, duocarmycins and enediynes, cause toxicity by interacting with DNA; duocarmycins alkylate DNA whereas enediynes cleave. At least one enediyne antibody conjugate, Mylotarg (or Gemtuzumab ozogamycin), prepared from calicheamicin and targeted to CD33, is an approved therapy for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. Not surprisingly, most of these naturally occurring compounds or their synthetic analogs also cause nonselective toxicities to the rapidly dividing normal cells, including those from hair follicles, bone marrow, and gastrointestinal lining. To minimize such indiscriminate toxicity, these compounds can be conjugated to tumor-targeting antibodies, as the case is with auristatins and calicheamicin. While we are developing antibody conjugates, we have also been focusing on a prodrug approach, in that the prodrugs can be activated selectively in tumor and tumor microenvironments by the endogenous tumor-associated proteases. Alternatively, an exogenous enzyme, such as aldolase antibody, 38C2, that are directed using low molecular weight inhibitors of the cell surface receptors overexpressed in tumor cells and tumor microenvironments, can also catalyze the prodrug activation. In this presentation, we will be discussing our studies toward the synthesis and evaluation of many of these cytotoxins and/or their prodrugs, especially those belonging to the auristatins. The prodrugs are targeting to integrins and/or proteases, and activated by the aldolase antibody or the tumor-associated proteases. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3715.
A Proposal for a Professional Program in Mathematics

To an overwhelming extent a student majoring in mathematics in the United States receives training predicated on the assumption that he or she is a potential academic mathematician. The standard track assumes a progression through graduate education culminating in a doctorate and followed by a career of teaching and the creation of new mathematics. Such an academic emphasis is, of course, entirely understandable: this is the track which most university faculty members best understand and which, perhaps, they are most likely to encourage for their students -after all, it is probably the track which they themselves followed.
4-[18F]Fluoro-m-hydroxyphenethylguanidine: a radiopharmaceutical for quantifying regional cardiac sympathetic nerve density with positron emission tomography.

4-[18F]Fluoro-m-hydroxyphenethylguanidine ([18F]4F-MHPG, [18F]1) is a new cardiac sympathetic nerve radiotracer with kinetic properties favorable for quantifying regional nerve density with PET and tracer kinetic analysis. An automated synthesis of [18F]1 was developed in which the intermediate 4-[18F]fluoro-m-tyramine ([18F]16) was prepared using a diaryliodonium salt precursor for nucleophilic aromatic [18F]fluorination. In PET imaging studies in rhesus macaque monkeys, [18F]1 demonstrated high quality cardiac images with low uptake in lungs and the liver. Compartmental modeling of [18F]1 kinetics provided net uptake rate constants Ki (mL/min/g wet), and Patlak graphical analysis of [18F]1 kinetics provided Patlak slopes Kp (mL/min/g). In pharmacological blocking studies with the norepinephrine transporter inhibitor desipramine (DMI), each of these quantitative measures declined in a dose-dependent manner with increasing DMI doses. These initial results strongly suggest that [18F]1 can provide quantitat...
Two varieties of Monocillium humicola in Wisconsin forest soils

A new variety of Monocillium humicola, M. humicola var. brunneum, is described. It differs from M. humicola var. humicola in its paler green surface and brown-pigmented reverse on honey-peptone aga...
Influence of Temperature and Life Stage in Monitoring for Pesticide Resistance in Citrus Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) with Residual Bioassays

Citrus thrips, Scirtothrips citri (Moulton), collected from a laboratory colony were tested for pesticide tolerance with a residual leaf bioassay. Tolerances of second instars to acephate and fluvalinate decreased slightly with increasing temperature (16, 22, 28, and 32°C). Tolerances of first and second instars to five pesticides were compared with previously published results for adult females. Pesticide tolerances to acephate, dimethoate, formetanate, fluvalinate, and carbosulfan were quite similar for all three life stages, except that first instars were slightly more susceptible. These data are discussed in terms of the development of a protocol for monitoring citrus thrips resistance in laboratory and field populations using adult female citrus thrips held at room temperature.
The Species Problem in Myxomycetes Revisited

Species identification in the myxomycetes (plasmodial slime molds or myxogastrids) poses particular challenges to researchers as a result of their morphological plasticity and frequent alteration between sexual and asexual life strategies. Traditionally, myxomycete morphology has been used as the primary method of species delimitation. However, with the increasing availability of genetic information, traditional myxomycete taxonomy is being increasingly challenged, and new hypotheses continue to emerge. Due to conflicts that sometimes occur between traditional and more modern species concepts that are based largely on molecular data, there is a pressing need to revisit the discussion surrounding the species concept used for myxomycetes. Biological diversity is being increasingly studied with molecular methods and data accumulates at ever-faster rates, making resolution of this matter urgent. In this review, currently used and potentially useful species concepts (biological, morphological, phylogenetic and ecological) are reviewed, and an integrated approach to resolve the myxomycete species problem is discussed.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection of gastric tumors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM To systematically review the medical literature in order to evaluate the safety and efficacy of gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).
Anesthesia for ERCP

Anesthesia for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) continues to challenge even the most experienced anesthesiologist. The need for patient comfort and optimal procedural conditions has changed the anesthesia for these procedures from conscious sedation to deep sedation or even general anesthesia. The ongoing debate about deep sedation versus general anesthesia is dependent on a number of variables including severity of patient illness, availability of space and ancillary personnel, and positioning needs of the patient. A detailed discussion of the assessment and medical optimization of the patient, positioning of the patient, and utilization of anesthetic agents and airway adjuncts will aid the anesthesia provider to deliver a safe and comfortable anesthetic.
Seeking Justice in Transitional Societies: An Analysis of the Problems and Failures of the Judiciary in Nigeria

The attainment of justice represents one of the enduring promises of constitutional democracy. Democracy offers opportunities for citizens to reclaim and enjoy the rights and liberties denied them by military dictatorships that have dominated Africa’s political landscape for the better part of the last century. Despite the establishment of constitutional democracy, however, the path to justice is strewn with social, cultural and institutional problems that make it exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, for citizens to realize the promises of justice contained in their country’s constitution. More problematic for citizens who seek justice is the fact that judges, driven by lust for power and wealth, often align themselves with the rich and the powerful in society to frustrate the search for justice. These faithless judges defer to and are often controlled by government officials, party stalwarts, and influential private citizens who have strong incentives to manipulate the judicial process to suit their preferences. The few upright judges who have the integrity to resist attempts of undue influence by the government and other private citizens are disabled from efficiently dispensing justice by prevailing environmental factors, including inadequate facilities, intimidation, and harassment. This Article examines the problems that disable the judiciary from effectively discharging a Nation’s eminently important tasks of fairly and impartially adjudicating disputes, protecting citizens’ rights and constraining the excesses of both the executive and the legislature. It offers suggestions for addressing the problems and inadequacies of the judiciary. Ultimately, the Article argues that establishing an efficient judiciary * LL.B. (hons), LL.M., University of Nigeria; LL.M., J.S.D., Yale Law School. Professor of Law, Southern University Law Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I am grateful to Professor Ray Diamond of Tulane Law School and Professor Evelyn Wilson of Southern University Law Center whose insightful comments and criticisms shaped the form and structure of this paper. I thank Anoosha Boralessa, London-based Solicitor, and D’Lisia Edwards, J.D. 2006, for their superb research assistance. Research for this paper was undertaken by funding generously provided by Southern University Law Center. 10 BROOK. J. INT’L L. [Vol. 31:1 requires the appointment and retention of competent and upright judges who will be challenged and encouraged by the proper balance of education and disciplinary regimes to remain faithful to the ideals of justice. It will also require the political elites to change their attitude toward the judiciary. Their commitment to the independence of the judiciary must go beyond mere symbolism. The judiciary cannot fairly and efficiently dispense justice if political elites continue the charade of masquerading as champions of liberty and defenders of judicial independence while striving to interfere with, intimidate and manipulate the judiciary.
Female Sexual Function in Childhood, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer Survivors

Female survivors of childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancers are at risk of impaired sexual functioning. Cancer and cancer treatment may alter normal sexual development and predispose women to sexual problems through both physiologic and psychosocial mechanisms. Sexual problems are classified as sexual dysfunction disorders when they meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5), and cause significant distress. There are a number of effective treatments for female sexual dysfunction, though few have been rigorously evaluated in women with a history of cancer. By recognizing sexual health as a pertinent survivorship issue and through regular screening, healthcare providers can play an important role in optimizing sexual well-being in this patient population.
Predatory Journals, Peer Review, and Education Research.

This commentary examines the problem of predatory journals, low-quality open-access journals that seek to earn revenue from scholarly authors without following scholarly publishing best practices. Seeking to accept as many papers as possible, they typically do not perform a standard peer review, leading to the publication of improperly vetted research. Some predatory journals repeatedly use templates as their peer review reports. Related scams also victimize education researchers.
Masculine Mystique: Xu Zhimo 徐志摩, Younghill Kang, Pang-Mei Natasha Chang, and Anchee Min

MASCULINE MYSTIQUE illustrates the masculine ideal of wenren or poet-scholar, as promulgated in traditional Chinese drama and as exemplified by Xu Zhimo, a Chinese poet who appears in three Asian American works (as well as in Pearl Buck’s writing). Xu is depicted as a charismatic idealist in Younghill Kang’s autobiographical novel, as a bicultural literary vanguard adored by both British and Chinese intellectuals in Pang-Mei Natasha Chang’s memoir, and as Pearl Buck’s romantic soul mate and lover in Anchee Min’s fiction. His allure can be traced to his cultural hybridity, spirited personality, intellectual generosity, and the ability to draw together a literary community. The chapter also revives a matching feminine ideal, exemplified by the brilliant women of letters to whom Xu is irresistibly attracted.
Does direction of walking impact binocular rivalry between competing patterns of optic flow

When dissimilar monocular images are viewed simultaneously by the two eyes, stable binocular vision gives way to unstable vision characterized by alternations in dominance between the two images in a phenomenon called binocular rivalry. These alternations in perception reveal the existence of inhibitory interactions between neural representations associated with conflicting visual inputs. Binocular rivalry has been studied since the days of Wheatstone, but one recent strategy is to investigate its susceptibility to influences caused by one’s own motor activity. This paper focused on the activity of walking, which produces an expected, characteristic direction of optic flow dependent upon the direction of one’s walking. In a set of experiments, we employed virtual reality technology to present dichoptic stimuli to observers who walked forward, backward, or were sitting. Optic flow was presented to a given eye, and was sometimes congruent with the direction of walking, sometimes incongruent, and sometimes random, except when the participant was sitting. Our results indicate that, while walking had a reliable influence on rivalry dynamics, the predominance of congruent or incongruent motion did not.
Problematizing child-centeredness: Discourses of control in Waldorf education:

Contributing to recent work in the critical sociology of childhood, this article presents an ethnographic and discursive analysis of the multitude of cultural meanings associated with child-centere...
Non-traumatic Pulmonary Emergencies in the Deployed Setting.

Pulmonary disorders accounted for up to 8% of the over 70,000 medical evacuations conducted from Iraq and Afghanistan in the past 15 years. This review of non-traumatic pulmonary emergencies provides an overview of deployed military medical treatment capabilities and highlights pulmonary emergencies requiring aeromedical evacuation from theater. Recent studies have improved the epidemiologic evaluation of non-traumatic pulmonary disease, highlighted specific parenchymal diseases, and revealed infection pathologies unique to the deployed setting. Literature regarding possible chemical exposures in the current deployed environment remains limited. Respiratory disorders requiring medical evacuation represent a wide variety of diseases. Complications such as pulmonary emboli, infectious pathogens, and hazardous chemical exposures threaten the deployed warfighter. Adequate medical care requires an understanding of these potential environmental exposures. This review serves as a general overview of this topic; however, more research regarding epidemiologic and environmental exposures is required.
The behavioral economics of social anxiety disorder reveal a robust effect for interpersonal traits

Recent evidence suggests that reduced generosity among individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD) in behavioral economic tasks may result from constraint in changing behavior according to interpersonal contingencies. That is, people with SAD may be slower to be more generous when the situation warrants. Conversely, more global effects on generosity may be related to interpersonal vindictiveness, a dimension only somewhat related to SAD. A total of 133 participants, 73 with the generalized form of SAD, completed self-report instruments and a behavioral economic task with simulated interpersonal (friend, romantic partner, stranger) interactions. In a separate visit, friends (n = 88) also came to the lab and rated participants on vindictiveness. Interpersonal vindictiveness was associated with reduced initial and overall giving to simulated friends. SAD predicted a lack of increased giving to a simulated friend, and attenuated an increase in giving to simulated known versus unknown players compared to participants without SAD. Friend-reported vindictiveness predicted in the same direction as diagnosis. However, the findings for SAD were less robust than those for vindictiveness. SAD is perhaps weakly related to behavioral constraint in economic tasks that simulate interpersonal interactions, whereas vindictiveness is strongly related to lower overall generosity as well as (via friend report) behavioral constraint. Further study is needed to better characterize the construct of vindictiveness. Our findings dovetail with the suggestion that SAD is related to impairment in the proposed affiliation and attachment system, but further suggest that direct study of that system may be more fruitful than focusing on disorders.
Adenosine A1 receptor-operated calcium entry in renal afferent arterioles is dependent on postnatal maturation of TRPC3 channels.

Adenosine, a regulator of cardiovascular development and renal function, constricts renal afferent arterioles by inducing intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) elevation in smooth muscle cells...
Durable remission for a woman with refractory choriocarcinoma treated with anti-endoglin monoclonal antibody and bevacizumab: A case from the New England Trophoblastic Disease Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Abstract A 36-year-old with metastatic and refractory choriocarcinoma following single- and multi-agent chemotherapy and surgical metastectomy experienced a durable remission after receiving therapy with an anti-endoglin monoclonal antibody and bevacizumab. Treatment options and scientific advances in this disease are highlighted.