cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Emotional Intelligence and Negotiation Performance

When individuals negotiate, they employ many personal and intellectual skills. Over the many years I have taught Negotiation courses, I have sought to determine the factors that influence bargaining outcomes. I have found no statistically significant differences based upon the gender or race of the participants, and no correlation with student GPAs. Since Daniel Goleman suggests that if something is not due to IQ it must be based upon EQ, or emotional intelligence, I decided to determine whether there is any correlation between my student perofmance on negotiation exercises and their individual emotional intelligence scores. I had the exceptional assistance of Psychologist Dr. Allison Abbe, who unfortunately lost her non-tenure track teaching position and had to accept a full-time external position which caused a delay in the work on our project. Nonetheless, once finished, it became clear that there was no correlation between student emotional intelligence scores and their performance on course negotiation exercises.
Cumulative experience and long term follow-up of pentostatin-based chemoimmunotherapy trials for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

ABSTRACTBackground: 7 regimens of pentostatin based chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) for progressive previously untreated CLL primarily with long term follow-up to update both efficacy and toxicity.Research design and methods: Prognostic markers including assessment of IGVH and FISH status were done on all. Response rates and 95% binomial confidence intervals were calculated for each regimen and in the combined cohort. Overall survival and treatment-free survival were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier methods.Results: The initial CIT trial was pentostatin (2 mgs/m2), cyclophosphamide (600 mg/m2) and rituximab (PCR) but subsequent P based CIT trials with modifications in subsequent trials. The cohort (n = 288) included 52% with unmutated IGVH status and del17p (4.5%) and del11q (14.9%). Toxicity profiles were primarily hematologic and no patient has developed MDS or AML after a median follow-up of 6.4 years. The overall response rate across all trials was found to be over 90% with a 41% complete response rate. We valid...
An empirical investigation of chronic diseases: A visualization approach to Medicare in the United States

This study explores the condition of chronic diseases and the association with demographics, hospital statistics, and spending. It provides a contemporary view of the current state of chronic disea...
Plasmodium male gametocyte development and transmission are critically regulated by general and transmission-specific members of the CAF1/CCR4/NOT complex

With relatively few known specific transcription factors to control the abundance of specific mRNAs, Plasmodium parasites also regulate the stability and turnover of transcripts to provide more comprehensive gene regulation. Plasmodium transmission stages impose translational repression on specific transcripts in part to accomplish this. However, few proteins are known to participate in this process, and those that are characterized primarily affect female gametocytes. We have identified and characterized PyCCR4-1, a putative deadenylase, which plays a role in the development and activation of male gametocytes, regulates the abundance of specific mRNAs in gametocytes, and ultimately increases the efficiency of host-to-vector transmission. We find that when pyccr4-1 is deleted or its protein made catalytically inactive, there is a loss in the initial coordination of male gametocyte maturation and a reduction of parasite infectivity of the mosquito. Expression of only the N-terminal CAF1 domain of the essential CAF1 deadenylase, which prevents PyCCR4-1 association with the complex, leads to a similar phenotype. Comparative RNA-seq revealed that PyCCR4-1 affects transcripts important for transmission-related functions that are associated with male or female gametocytes, some of which directly associate with the immunoprecipitated complex. Finally, circular RT-PCR of one of the bound, dysregulated transcripts showed that PyCCR4-1 does not have gross changes in UTR or poly(A) tail length. We conclude that general and transmission-specialized members of the CAF1/CCR4/NOT complex play critical and intertwined roles in gametocyte maturation and transmission.
Neuropsychology of Primate Reward Processes

All animals attach positive value to stimuli associated with rewards and reproduce actions that lead to positive outcomes. The unique features of reward processes in primates involve the contributions of the granular prefrontal cortex. These areas, the most prominent parts of the prefrontal cortex in primates, lack homologs in other mammals. Together with other cortical areas, the granular prefrontal cortex produces a uniquely primate way of processing rewards, and it does so in large part through its interactions with the amygdala and basal ganglia.
Nutritional Value and Food Safety of Bivalve Molluscan Shellfish

The Nutrient Database for Standard Reference published by the U.S.D.A. describes molluscan shellfish as an excellent source of vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, choline, iron, selenium, and zinc. Edible molluscs consist primarily of mussels, clams, scallops, and oysters and are naturally low in carbohydrate, as well as total and saturated fat. With regard to omega-3 fatty acids, iron, selenium, and zinc, the nutrient value of some shellfish is superior to land-based protein sources, such as beef, chicken, and pork. Unfortunately, adverse human health considerations need to be noted because of naturally occurring pathogens, particularly Vibrio species, and algal toxins (brevetoxin, saxitoxin, and domoic acid) that may be present in these shellfish, as well as fecal-associated viruses (hepatitis A and norovirus) and bacteria (Salmonella) as a consequence of contamination of shellfish harvest sites. Other environmental contaminants (mercury, methylmercury, and polychlorinated biphenyls) may bioaccumulate in molluscan shellfish tissues as part of their filter feeding behavior and have potential health implications. Cooking molluscan shellfish greatly reduces the risk of foodborne infections and increases the nutrient value because of water loss; however, some vitamins are destroyed by cooking and natural toxins and environmental contaminants are not always eliminated by normal cooking temperatures. Coastal monitoring of water quality and postharvest processing of some products should help mitigate risks associated with shellfish consumption and promote a safer, nutrient-rich product.
Reversal of warfarin anticoagulation in geriatric traumatic brain injury due to ground-level falls.

Background The efficacy of prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) compared with fresh frozen plasma (FFP) for reversal of oral anticoagulants has not been investigated in geriatric patients suffering intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) due to a ground-level fall (GLF). Methods Patients 65 years and older who were treated at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital between January 2011 and March 2018 with ICH after a GLF while taking warfarin were reviewed. Patients were reversed with either FFP (n=25) or PCC (n=27) and patient outcomes were compared. Separate analyses were conducted for patients who received adjuvant vitamin K administration and those who did not. Results Mortality rates, hospital length of stay, intensive care unit admission and length of stay were similar for both FFP and PCC intervention. There was no difference in radiological progression of hemorrhage within the first 24 hours of admission (FFP: 36%, PCC: 43%, p=0.365). In patients who had international normalized ratio (INR) values measured prior to intervention, 81% (17 out of 21) of the PCC group reached an INR value below 1.5 within an 8-hour period, whereas only 29% (4 out of 14) of the FFP group did (p=0.002). Vitamin K was concomitantly given to 28% of the patients receiving FFP, and 81% of those patients receiving PCC. No significant differences in outcomes were found whether adjunctive vitamin K was administered or not, in either FFP or PCC group. However, when vitamin K was not administered, the PCC group had a higher rate of INR reversal (80% vs. 10% for FFP, p=0.006). Conclusion Administration of PCC is as effective in short-term outcomes as FFP in treating geriatric patients on warfarin sustaining an ICH after a GLF. INR reversal was more successful, significantly faster, and required lower infusion volumes in patients receiving PCC. Level of evidence Level III.
Prediction of Dementia-related Agitation Using Multivariate Ambient Environmental Time-series Data

Dementia-related agitation causes high stress for dementia caregivers (CG) and to persons with dementia (PWD). Current clinical research suggests that dementia agitation can be affected or triggered by the ambient environment and other contextual factors. In this study, we evaluate this hypothesis through an analysis of ambient environmental data collected with a remote sensing system deployed in the homes of PWDs and their CGs. Furthermore, we determine if the occurrence of dementia-related agitation can be predicted from ambient environmental data, creating the potential for agitation to be prevented via the environmental alteration. These collected data are used to learn the environmental patterns using a predictive model approach. The agitation labels, used in model training, are provided by the CGs living with the PWDs. The results of the agitation prediction model evaluation suggest that ambient environment can be used as predictors for upcoming dementia-related agitation. We also observed that environmental triggers for agitation are PWD-specific. Future opportunities and techniques used to understand triggers for dementia agitation are also discussed.
The progress of isolated premature thelarche pathogeny in infants and toddlers

Isolated premature thelarche(IPT) in infants and toddlers are not uncommon, according to the relevant epidemiological data; there is a possibility that IPT may deteriotare into central precocious puberty, causing the lower final height in their adulthood and probably making a negative impact on their mental health while growing old. Therefore, to make clear the pathogeny of IPT in infants and toddlers is critical to treatment.In addition to the physiological " mini-puberty" , disease (ovarian cyst) and genetic factor, IPT also results from some drugs, living environment and nutrition.Among which, the former are endopathic factors that either organism secrete too much oestrogen or oestrogen receptors of breast tissue become more sensitive to oestrogen; the latter are exopathic factors that either much more oestrogen or oestrogen-like substance is taken or environmental influence(lighting, migration, endocrine disrupting chemicals). Key words: Isolated premature thelarche; Infants and toddlers; Precocious puberty; Endocrine disrupting chemicals; Mini-puberty
Personality change and personality as predictor of change in psychotherapy: A longitudinal study in a community mental health clinic

Abstract Research suggests that personality may change due to important life events, such as psychotherapy, and that personality and attitudes may predict treatment progress. Longitudinal data in a community mental health clinic showed positive changes in Emotional Stability, Hope, Gratitude, and Motivation during the course of psychotherapy. The static approach relating baseline personality and attitudes to treatment progress did not yield fruitful results. The dynamic approach was more effective, in which we treated personality and attitudes as malleable and used changes in these variables as predictors of progress. Treatment progress correlated with an increase in Emotional Stability. Positive changes in general life attitudes (Hope, Gratitude, Quality of Life) more so than therapy-specific attitudes (Motivation, Working Alliance) predicted symptom reduction.
Thymic Epithelial Neoplasms

Thymic epithelial neoplasms are rare tumors that account for no more than 1.5% of all malignancies (Engels and Pfeiffer, J Cancer 105:546–551, 2003). These tumors originate from the epithelial cells of the thymic gland and can be divided into thymoma and thymic carcinoma. The presence of organotypical features, i.e., features recapitulating the normal thymic gland, such as a lobulated architecture, the presence of thymic lymphocytes (thymocytes) and perivascular spaces and the absence of malignant cytologic features is used to separate thymomas from the overtly malignant thymic carcinomas. Although our knowledge about the microscopic anatomy and function of the thymic gland has progressed significantly in the last few decades, the classification and staging of its tumors remains a contentious issue. This is partly to blame on their wide morphological variability but may also be due to the fact that many pathologists are unfamiliar with these exceptional neoplasms. Above all, the lack of a widely accepted classification schema has limited focused research into these tumors, and to date treatment strategies are still inconsistent. This chapter will discuss the clinical, pathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular characteristics of thymic epithelial neoplasms with particular focus on the contentious issues of the classification and staging of these tumors.
Mechanisms of Racial Health Disparities: Relationships between Coping and Psychological and Physiological Stress Responses

Objective: Psychological distress and physi­ological dysregulation represent two stress response pathways linked to poor health and are implicated in racial disparities in aging-related health outcomes among US men. Less is known about how coping re­lates to these stress responses. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine whether midlife and older men’s coping strategies and behaviors accounted, in part, for Black-White disparities in men’s psycho­logical and physiological stress responses. Methods: We examined racial differences in 12 coping strategies (COPE Inventory subscales, religious/spiritual coping, and be­haviors such as stress eating and substance use) and their relationships with psycho­logical distress (Negative Affect scale) and physiological dysregulation (blunted diurnal cortisol slopes) using regression models and cross-sectional data from 696 Black and White male participants aged 35-85 years in the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) II, 2004-2006. Results: Black men exhibited more psychological distress and physiological dysregulation than White men. Black and White men reported comparable use of most coping strategies, none of which demonstrated similar relationships with both stress responses. Coping strategies explained variations in psychological distress consis­tent with conventional protective-harmful categorizations. Coping accounted for racial disparities in men’s psychological distress, as Black men reported using harmful strategies more often and were more susceptible to their negative effects. Neither differential use of coping strategies nor differing rela­tionships accounted for racial disparities in physiological dysregulation. Conclusions: Findings revealed complex relationships between coping and psycho­logical and physiological stress responses and suggest the importance of differing approaches to reducing associated racial health disparities among men. Ethn Dis . 2020;30(4):563-574; doi:10.18865/ed.30.563
Fluorescent Antibody Multiplexing with Oligo-Based Combinatorial Labeling

Abstract Fluorescent antibodies are a workhorse of biomedical science, but fluorescence multiplexing has been notoriously difficult due to spectral overlap between fluorophores. We recently established proof-of-principal for fluorescence Multiplexing using Spectral Imaging and Combinatorics (MuSIC), which uses combinations of existing fluorophores to create unique spectral signatures for increased multiplexing. However, a method for labeling antibodies with MuSIC probes has not yet been developed. Here, we present a method for labeling antibodies with MuSIC probes. We conjugate a DBCO-Peg5-NHS ester linker to antibodies, a single stranded DNA “docking strand” to the linker, and finally, hybridize two MuSIC-compatible, fluorescently-labeled oligos to the docking strand. We validate the labeling protocol with spin-column purification and absorbance measurements, which show a degree of labeling of ~9.66 linker molecules / antibody. We demonstrate the approach using (i) Cy3, (ii) Tex615, and (iii) a Cy3-Tex615 combination as three different MuSIC probes attached to three separate batches of antibodies. We incubated MuSIC probe-labeled antibodies with protein A beads to create single and double positive beads that are analogous to single cells. Spectral flow cytometry experiments demonstrate that each MuSIC probe can be uniquely distinguished, and the fraction of beads in a mixture with different staining patterns is accurately measured. The approach is general and might be more broadly applied to cell type profiling or tissue heterogeneity studies in clinical, biomedical, and drug discovery research.
Stress Perfusion Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) Provides Strong Long-term Prognostic Value to Cardiac Events Irrespective of Patient Sex

Background Compelling evidence indicates that women with coronary artery disease (CAD) experience worse outcomes than men due to a lack of early diagnosis and management. Numerous clinical studies have shown the interest of stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). However, long-term prognosis data are limited. Purpose The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that stress perfusion CMR imaging can provide robust prognostic value in women presenting with suspected ischemia, to the same extent as in men. Methods Consecutive patients referred for vasodilator stress perfusion CMR with dipyridamole were followed for the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) defined as cardiovascular death or non-fatal myocardial infarction. Univariable and multivariable Cox regressions for MACE were performed to determine the prognostic value of inducible ischemia or late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Results Of 3436 patients referred for stress CMR in a single French center, 3322 (97 %) completed the CMR protocol (59.9 ± 11.8 years, 57 % men), and among those 3033 (91 %) completed the follow-up (median follow-up 5.4 ± 0.2 years). Stress CMR was well tolerated without severe adverse event. Using Kaplan-Meier analysis, the presence of myocardial ischemia identified the occurrence of MACE for both women (hazard ratio HR 2.36; 95 % confidence interval CI: 1.54–3.62; P Fig. 1 ). In a multivariable stepwise Cox regression including clinical characteristics and CMR, inducible ischemia was an independent predictor of a higher incidence of MACE for both women (hazard ratio HR 1.85; 95 % confidence interval CI: 1.18–2.92; P = 0.008) and men (HR 3.55; 95 % confidence interval CI: 2.73–4.63; P Conclusion Stress CMR is feasible, safe and has a good discriminative prognostic value to predict the occurrence of MACE in patients of either sex presenting with inducible ischemia.
Remyelination restores myelin content on distinct neuronal subtypes in the cerebral cortex

ABSTRACT Axons in the cerebral cortex exhibit diverse patterns of myelination, with some axons devoid of myelin, some exhibiting discontinuous patches of myelin, and others continuous myelin that is interrupted only by nodes of Ranvier. Oligodendrocytes establish this pattern by sorting through a high density of potential targets to select a small cohort of axons for myelination; however, the myelination patterns established on distinct excitatory and inhibitory neurons within the cortex remain to be fully defined and little is known about the extent to which these patterns are restored after oligodendrocyte regeneration. Here we show that axons in layer I of the somatosensory cortex, a key region for integration of input from local and distant sources, exhibit an extraordinarily diverse range of myelination patterns, even among distinct neuronal subtypes. Although larger axons were more often selected for myelination, neuronal identity profoundly influenced the probability of myelination. The relative differences in myelination among neuron subtypes were preserved between cortical areas with widely varying myelin density, suggesting that regional differences in myelin abundance arises through local control of oligodendrogenesis, rather than selective reduction of myelin on distinct neuron subtypes. By following the loss and regeneration of myelin sheaths along defined neurons in vivo we show that even though the distribution of myelin on individual PV and VM neuron axons was altered following remyelination, the overall myelin content on these neurons was restored. The findings suggest that local changes in myelin can be tolerated, allowing opportunistic selection of available targets by newly formed oligodendrocytes to restore relative differences in myelin content between functionally distinct neurons.
Application of Machine Learning Techniques to Aviation Operations: A Case Study

There is an increasing interest in applying methods based on Machine Learning Techniques (MLT) to problems in aviation operations. The current interest is based on developments in Cloud Computing, the availability of open software and the success of MLT in automation, consumer behavior and finance involving large database. Historically aviation operations have been analyzed using physics-based models and provide information for making operational decisions. This talk describes issues to be addressed in applying either model-driven or data-driven methods. Aviation operations involving many decision makers, multiple objectives, poor or unavailable physics-based models and a rich historical database are prime candidates for analysis using data-driven methods. The issues are illustrated by a detailed example and summary of current research in the area. The application of MLT to aviation operations falls into two categories 58; (a) based on the lack of a physics-based model, MLT is the favored approach and (b) marginal difference between regression methods using physics-based models and MLT. Further research is needed in the selection of MLT to critical aviation operations. As always, the best approach depends on the task, the physical understanding of the problem and the quality and quantity of the available data.
A Two-Level MPPT Algorithm in Dynamic Partial Shading Condition using Ripple Correlation Control

This paper presents a two-level maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm in dynamic solar irradiation conditions. In the first control level, a discretization process is used to hone in on the region of the global maximum power point (GMPP) under partial shading conditions. In the second control level, ripple correlation control (RCC) is used to converge directly to the MPP. The integrated algorithm can swiftly and accurately track the MPP under extreme temperature or solar irradiation swings, which causes rapid changes in the MPP level or GMPP level of the photovoltaic (PV) array. The proposed algorithm can be implemented in a low-powered microcontroller for any DC-DC converter topology.
Nanoscale optics with plasmonic nanoparticle lattices

This talk will discuss current advances and future prospects in manipulating light at the nanoscale by plasmonic nanoparticle lattices. These meta-materials support collective hybrid resonances with both light scattering and localization properties. First, we will describe the expanded scope of plasmonic lattices based on exquisite tuning of topological symmetries and nanoparticle materials. Next, we will highlight how the nanoscale cavities combined with quantum emitters show unprecedented nano-lasing properties. Finally, we will discuss how this platform is opening new opportunities in imaging, strong coupling, and photoelectrocatalysis.
The Built Environment and Predicting Child Maltreatment: An Application of Random Forests to Risk Terrain Modeling

An estimated one third of children in the United States will suffer from maltreatment. The use of spatial predictive analytics offers an opportunity to delineate places at elevated risk of child ab...
The medicinal chemistry of aldose reductase inhibitors

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the medicinal chemistry of aldose reductase inhibitors. Insulin therapy has been dramatically effective in eliminating keto-acidotic coma as a cause of death in diabetics. While prolonging life, insulin therapy does not prevent the occurrence of disabling complications of chronic diabetes, such as neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, and cataracts. Insulin therapy is only partially effective in normalizing glucose levels, and the occurrence of diabetic complications appears to be related to the severity and duration of diabetic hyperglycemia. The tissues involved (nerve, kidney, retina, and lens) do not require insulin for glucose uptake and consequently are exposed to elevated glucose levels. Under normal conditions, glucose is metabolized via the energy-producing glycolytic pathway involving an initial phosphorylation by the enzyme hexokinase. As a result, in the presence of high glucose concentrations, hexokinase becomes saturated, and the polyol pathway becomes activated, resulting in the intracellular production of sorbitol and fructose in tissues where this pathway exists.
The extended box 2 subdomain of erythropoietin receptor is nonessential for Jak2 activation yet critical for efficient mitogenesis in FDC-ER cells

The development of erythroid progenitor cells depends upon exposure to the glycoprotein hormone, erythropoietin (EPO). Binding of EPO to its transmembrane receptor leads to the rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of several cellular targets including Shc, Raf-1, Gap120, the cloned EPO receptor (EPOR), pp100/97, and a M(r) 130,000 EPO-activated receptor-associated Janus protein tyrosine kinase, Jak2. A membrane-proximal cytosolic region of the EPOR recently has been shown to be essential for the activation of Jak2 and sufficient for EPO-induced mitogenesis. This cytosolic region includes 8-12 amino acid box 1 and box 2 subdomains, which are conserved in certain class I receptors as well as a more distal 10-40 amino acid subdomain (extended box 2 subdomain, ExBx2), which likewise is implicated in mitogenic signaling. Through the expression of EPOR carboxyl-terminal truncation mutants in FDC-P1 cells, we presently show that an EPOR form truncated within the ExBx2 domain efficiently activates Jak2, yet is deficient in mitogenesis. Efficient expression of this mutant receptor at the cell surface and its ability to activate Jak2 indicate that poor mitogenic activity does not result from aberrant transport or folding. Rather, failure of this mutant to support proliferation above nominal rates underlines an apparent role for the EPOR ExBx2 subdomain in the activation of a distinct primary mitogenic effector.
Ocean Dumping of Industrial Wastes

The oceans receive industrial wastes from outfall pipes, nonpoint sources, atmospheric fallout, and ocean dumping. No one knows the total quantity of these wastes entering the ocean. What is known, however, is that certain regions of the oceanic environment have been adversely affected by the presence of some kinds of waste materials. While some wastes discharged into the sea can be assimilated by the ocean without causing serious harm, others wastes cannot, and this has led to environmental damage. In order to understand the effects of wastes in the ocean, it is necessary to know (1) the types, quantities, and characteristics of the wastes discharged at sea; (2) the oceanographic conditions of the receiving waters; (3) important natural processes occurring in the ocean; (4) the biological effects of the waste; and (5) the extent of biodegradation of the waste substances. Although dumping of wastes at sea will probably occur into the future, every attempt should be made to minimize the wastes through waste-utilization schemes.
Amidine Insecticide/Acaricides

The amidines are a small class of insecticide/acaricides that share common structural and biological features and have the same mechanism of action. The group currently consists of the compounds amitraz, chlordimeform, and cymiazole. Under most circumstances, these compounds and their metabolites are biodegraded at a rate that ensures that they do not accumulate in the environment or in living organisms. Keywords: acaricides; amidines; amitraz; chlordimeform; cymiazole; insecticides
Key Questions for Low Metallicity Stars

An overview of the discussions of the working group on Low-Z stars is presented. Key questions addressed include how the abundances of lithium observed in these stars should be compared to that produced in the Big Bang. Evidence for and against a small star-to-star variation in Li abundances is reviewed, and whether such a variation, if real, necessarily indicates that stellar depletion has occurred, necessitating correction to the value compared to primordial nucleosynthesis calculations. A second key question concerns how and where the light elements are produced. Taken together, their abundance ratios strongly suggest that in low-Z stars the light elements other than 7Li are produced by cosmic ray spallation. The most recent evidence suggests that a minority of this spallation happens in the general interstellar medium, and that a larger fraction might happen in the immediate vicinity of Supernovae, possibly producing observable star-to-star variation. Finally, the question of the overall metallicity of the Galaxy is discussed. How homogeneous in space and time is its evolution? Can we identify subsystems or individual stars which indicate a pregalactic contribution to the galactic metallicity?
Interleukin‐12 Production by Dendritic Cells

Recent studies have demonstrated that the treatment of mice with anti-gp39 antibodies impairs T-cell functions in the murine collagen type II-induced arthritis model, in acute semi-allogenic graft-versus-host disease, and in the allo-specific CTL-reaction, that is, reactions that are believed to be mediated by Th1-type T cells. On the other hand, the administration of anti-gp39 antibody did not influence Th2 T-cells responses, suggesting that CD40-CD40L interactions are more crucial for Th1 than Th2 T-cell development. Recent studies also demonstrate that dendritic cells (DC) are capable of driving a Th1 T-cell response that is mediated by IL-12. In addition, stimulation of CD40 on human monocytes results in IL-12 production, suggesting that activated T cells expressing CD40L may directly induce the production of IL-12 by antigen-presenting cells, thus allowing for the generation of a Th1 T-cell response in the absence of intracellular pathogens. We investigated whether the CD40-CD40L interaction was important in the production of IL-12 by DCs in an in vitro system that allowed precise control of cytokine concentrations. Initially we showed that FACS-purified mouse spleen DCs produce high amounts of IL-12 p40 in response to CD40 crosslinking by CD40L-expressing fibroblasts. We then demonstrate that DCs also produce IL-12 p40 in a more physiologic system using purified DCs pulsed with ovalbumin (OVA) and then cultured with LECAM-1hi T cells from ovalbumin T-cell receptor transgenic mice. Finally, we show that IL-10 has a potent capacity to shut down CD40-induced IL-12 p40 secretion; and, in addition, IL-4 partially inhibits CD40-induced IL-12 p40 secretion and enhances IL-10-mediated inhibition in an additive fashion. We also investigated the in vivo relevance of this interaction in an experimental model for a Th1-mediated disease, the hapten reagent (TNBS)-induced colitis. The administration of anti-gp39 (CD40L) antibodies during the induction phase of the Th1 response completely prevented IFN-gamma production by CD4 T cells from the intestinal lamina propria and also the clinical and histological evidence of disease. In further studies we showed that the prevention of disease activity was due to an inhibition of IL-12 secretion. Thus, the injection of recombinant IL12 p75 heterodimer into TNBS + anti-gp39-treated mice reversed the effect of anti-gp39 and resulted in severe disease activity. In conclusion, these findings suggest that DCs produce IL-12 in response to CD40 signaling, that a mechanism by which IL-4 may induce Th2 development is by acting with IL-10 to inhibit IL-12 production by DCs, and that the CD40L-CD40 interaction is crucial for the IL-12-dependent priming of Th1 T cells in vivo.
Cellular heterogeneity in binding and uptake of low-density lipoprotein in primary rat hepatocytes

Hepatocellular heterogeneity of biochemical function is well established for many aspects of liver metabolism. This study addresses the question of cellular heterogeneity in the catabolism of low-density lipoprotein by rat hepatocytes. Low-density lipoprotein binding (4 degrees C) and uptake (37 degrees C) by rat hepatocytes were studied by use of human low-density lipoprotein labeled with a highly fluorescent lipophilic probe, N,N-dipentadecylaminostyrylpyridinium iodide, recently developed by us. Single-cell suspensions derived from rat hepatocytes in primary culture and from liver perfusion were studied with flow cytometry with and an approximation algorithm for data analysis. These studies show subpopulations of cells negative and positive for the specific binding and uptake of low-density lipoprotein. Dissociation constants for low-density lipoprotein binding and uptake were determined for the total population (18 micrograms/ml, binding; 12 micrograms/ml, uptake) and found to be in good agreement with previously reported values. Additionally, the dissociation constant for binding for the positive subpopulation was determined and found to be 3 micrograms/ml. This lower value is more typical of the values seen in other cell types. These findings are strongly suggestive of functional heterogeneity in the hepatic catabolism of low-density lipoprotein.
Bioavailability of Vitamin D in Malnourished Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa

Context: Young women with anorexia nervosa (AN) have a normal vitamin D status. The bioavailability of vitamin D during malnutrition is unknown. Objective: The objective of the study was to examine the serum response to oral ergocalciferol in AN. Design/Setting: This was a prospective cohort study, conducted in 2007–2009 at a tertiary care center. Patients/Interventions: Twelve adolescents with AN (age 19.6 ± 2.0 yr, body mass index 16.5 ± 1.4 kg/m2) and 12 matched healthy controls (20.0 ± 2.4 yr, 22.7 ± 1.0 kg/m2) received one baseline 50,000 IU oral dose of ergocalciferol. Main Outcomes: Serum D2, D3, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, collected before ingestion, at 6 and 24 h and weekly for 4 wk, and body composition measures were measured. Results: The AN group was severely malnourished (77.2 ± 6.3% median body weight), whereas the control group was normal weighted (106.2 ± 6.2%). From a common baseline D2 (1.5 ± 1.6 nmol/liter, P =0.34) the groups diverged (time × group interaction P =...
The light emission of thermally stimulated processes: some hydrazinium and ammonium salts

Emissions luminescentes mettant en jeu des reactions redox internes activees par des processus stimules thermiquement
The global financial crisis and the retrenchment of multiculturalism and economic opportunities for Brazilian immigrants in Newark, New Jersey

The vagaries of neoliberalism have resulted in the celebration and retrenchment of both multiculturalism and economic opportunities for Brazilian immigrants going to and returning from Newark, New Jersey. This article examines the relatively recent celebration of multiculturalism as a promising part of the neoliberal agenda in Newark and how during a time of economic crisis immigrants have become the scapegoats for a neoliberal model gone awry.
Haploinsufficiency of interferon regulatory factor 6 alters brain morphology in the mouse

Orofacial clefts are among the commonest birth defects. Among many genetic contributors to orofacial clefting, Interferon Regulatory Factor 6 (IRF6) is unique since mutations in this gene cause Van der Woude (VWS), the most common clefting syndrome. Furthermore, variants in IRF6 contribute to increased risk for non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P). Our previous work shows that individuals with either VWS or NSCL/P may have cerebral anomalies (larger anterior, smaller posterior regions), and a smaller cerebellum. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that disrupting Irf6 in the mouse will result in quantitative brain changes similar to those reported for humans with VWS and NSCL/P. Male mice heterozygous for Irf6 (Irf6gt1/+; n = 9) and wild type (Irf6+/+; n = 6) mice at comparable age underwent a 4.7T MRI scan to obtain quantitative measures of cortical and subcortical brain structures. There was no difference in total brain volume between groups. However, the frontal cortex was enlarged in the Irf6gt1/+ mice compared to that of wild types (p = 0.028) while the posterior cortex did not differ. In addition, the volume of the cerebellum of Irf6gt1/+ mice was decreased (p = 0.004). Mice that were heterozygous for Irf6 showed a similar pattern of brain anomalies previously reported in humans with VWS and NSCL/P. These structural differences were present in the absence of overt oral clefts. These results support a role for IRF6 in brain morphometry and provide evidence for a potential genetic link to abnormal brain development in orofacial clefting.
Fast pulse-shaping amplifier

Abstract We describe a fast pulse-shaping amplifier that accepts detector signals with a fast ( 100 ns) fall time and generates fast output signals with rise and fall times dependent only on the original rise time. Shaping is accomplished by subtracting an attenuated and delayed version of the input signal from the input signal itself. This circuit is ideal for operation in dead-time-limited situations although some energy information is necessarily lost. The shaping circuit is simple enough to be easily used with many types of detectors.
Further studies on fracture process zone for mode I concrete fracture

The development of a fracture process zone associated with stable crack growth in single edge-notched (SEN), three-point bend concrete specimens of different tensile strengths was monitored with moire interferometry. The experimental data was then used to drive a finite element model of the fracture specimen in its generation/propagation mode and to determine the crack closure stress due to aggregate bridging, the energy release and dissipation rates and the resistance curve.
Evaluation of a Court—Ordered MADD Presentation for Juvenile Alcohol and Drug Offenders

Abstract This study evaluates the effectiveness of a court—ordered Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) presentation to prevent alcohol or drug—related recidivism among 247 juvenile alcohol and drug offenders. The presentation, which incorporates educational components with a victim awareness program, seeks to increase offenders' empathy and knowledge about the dangers of substance use. Using a quasiexperimental design, 91 juveniles who attended the MADD presentation are compared to 72 who did not attend the presentation, and a control group of 84 juveniles arrested before the presentation was initiated. During a 12-month follow—up period, 14.3% of presentation attendees, 19.4% of non-attendees, and 21.4% of the control group had alcohol or drug—related contact with the juvenile justice system. Cox regression survival analysis shows that being male and having prior juvenile justice involvement significantly predicts future alcohol or drug—related juvenile justice contact. Attending the MADD presentation i...
Positive-mode dichroic LC display

Abstract There is considerable interest in large electronic display boards for presentation of information to mass audiences. Among the various display technologies, the dichroic dye liquid crystal display is considered best suited for such an application because ot its low power and low voltage requirements, viewability over wide angle and under high ambient lighting conditions, and potentially low fabricating cost.
Unusual Ovipositional Behavior of the Stink Bug Bagrada hilaris (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)

The stink bug Bagrada hilaris (Bermeister) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) is an Old World pest recently established in North America. Literature on the ovipositional behavior of B. hilaris is limited. As part of a study on the seasonal biology of B. hilaris in New Mexico, we included observations of the odd egg-laying behavior of this bug. Here, we describe and illustrate the phases associated with this behavior.
Interpretation bias and depressive symptoms: The role of self-relevance

Cognitive theories of depression emphasize negatively biased interpretations as an important target of therapy. Much of the research on interpretation bias in depression has focused on selection, or deciding which of several interpretations is likely. However, depressive biases may also exist in the generation of possible interpretations, or the ability to think of positive alternatives. If biases exist for generation as well as selection, therapeutic techniques to encourage the generation of more positive interpretations would be warranted. Asking therapy clients to consider someone else in a similar situation is a commonly used therapy strategy but has not been sufficiently examined empirically. In the current studies, we examine interpretation generation and selection in dysphoric and nondysphoric individuals, and contrast interpretations made for the self to interpretations made for two types of “other.” Our studies reveal depressive biases in both interpretation generation and selection, and indicate that interpretation valence is highly sensitive to the type of other considered. All participants generated and selected significantly more positive interpretations for friends than for themselves, but generated significantly more negative interpretations for hypothetical others than for themselves. Our results suggest that encouraging dysphoric individuals to imagine others can be beneficial, but the type of “other” used is critically important, with instructions to consider a close friend most likely to be effective in decreasing negativity in interpretation.
The Being/Brain Problem

The unresolved and seemingly unresolvable consciousness/brain and qualia/brain problems are bracketed in order to focus on the neglected Being/brain problem. How might our experience of Being—the very presencing of world—be explained in terms of brain functioning, without bringing in the miasma of consciousness and qualia? A thermodynamical theory of quantum brain dynamics (QBD) offers an answer. Thermofield QBD as developed here proposes dual quantum modes: 1) the ~mode retains traces of past successful recognitions, and 2) a non~ mode that expresses the current sensory input The dual quantum modes share the vacuum state, which is their between. Ontological primacy goes not to the dual quantum modes but to their vacuum state between. Being is disclosed in the unique state of this entre-deux, the between-two in which the dual modes of QBD belong-together in a ~conjugate match. Philosophical implications are discussed.
Foreign operations of U.S. banks: Impact of environmental differences and ownership advantages on organizational form preferences

Abstract U.S. banks have long faced restrictions imposed by the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933. This act erected barriers between commercial and investment banking. Although the barriers have been eroding recently, the U.S. banking system is still considered restrictive compared with countries that permit banks to perform a broad range of financial services (i.e., universal banking). As banking becomes increasingly global, this regulatory difference faced by U.S. banks becomes more important in that it selectively handicaps U.S. banks and forces them to become more competitive so that they can continue to deliver a comprehensive package of financial products to their corporate customers. In their efforts to become more competitive, coordination and structuring of foreign operations are key strategic tools. For example, foreign branches and subsidiaries have different capabilities and costs. So the choice of organizational form preferences (branches versus subsidiaries) in host countries can affect the global reach and competitiveness of U.S. banks. In this study, therefore, we examined how U.S. banks structure their foreign operations. Specifically, we tested the influence of host countries' banking (financial) system development and regulations on U.S. banks' organizational form preferences (the combination of branches and subsidiaries established by a bank in a host country). We found that a bank's size, globalization, product diversity, and charter value influence organizational form preferences within and across different host-country banking environments. Our results are consistent with the concept of natural adaptation and flexibility, or in this case, “banking environment” flexibility.
Effects of spirometrid plerocercoids on several species of lower vertebrates

Abstract 1. 1. The effects of the plerocercoid growth factor on several species of lower vertebrates were tested. 2. 2. There was little effect on growth or fattening in either fish or frogs. 3. 3. Plerocercoid infections and to a lesser degree worm homogenate injections markedly stimulated growth but not fattening in lizards.
Nerve conduction without increased oxygen consumption; the action of azide and fluoroacetate.

Using a modified Gerard-Hartline capillary respirometer the resting respiration of frog nerve at 24°C was measured, Qo2 65, as well as the increase on tetanization at 120/sec, Qo2 21, and the action spike. Azide (0.1–0.3 mM) can abolish the activity increase of oxygen consumption while leaving intact (sometimes) the resting level and conduction. Methylfluoroacetate (2 mM), conversely, can reduce the resting oxygen consumption below half while leaving intact the activity increase and conduction. Resting and active metabolism are thus separable and conduction can continue at least seven hours with no extra respiration and even with half depression of the resting level.
Comparative evaluation of antepartum and postpartum platelet function in smokers and nonsmokers

Platelet aggregation was analyzed during normal pregnancy by evaluation of the same patient cohort (n = 19) on two separate prenatal visits and at 4 weeks post partum. To analyze platelet aggregation five different parameters were evaluated in platelet-rich plasma and whole blood (by impedance aggregometry) with the use of four different aggregating agents: adenosine diphosphate, collagen, sodium arachidonate, and epinephrine. Plasma levels of beta-thromboglobulin, thromboxane B2, and 1,6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha were also analyzed. Platelet counts rose 19% after delivery. Plasma levels of beta-thromboglobulin and thromboxane B2 were not significantly changed during the two antepartum visits, but B-thromboglobulin levels were modestly elevated post partum. Levels of 1,6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha decreased significantly from a mean of 125 pg/ml before delivery to 50 pg/ml post partum. All antepartum parameters on whole blood aggregation that were significantly different from postpartum values showed enhanced antepartum reactivity. In platelet-rich plasma, pregnancy was associated with greater platelet reactivity except for two variables, time to half-maximal aggregation for epinephrine and the extent of aggregation by collagen, both noted during the first antepartum evaluation. When the patient cohort of 19 was subdivided according to smoking status, all aggregation parameters of significance (p less than 0.05) demonstrated increased platelet reactivity during pregnancy compared with postpartum values. Smoking women accounted for a disproportionate number of significantly enhanced reactivity (seven variables versus three).