cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract P6-07-30: Identifying novel glycosylation markers in Her2+ breast cancer using MALDI mass spectrometry

Breast cancer characterized by human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression represents approximately 25-30% of all breast cancer cases. Many patients acquire resistance to current chemotherapies, leading to a more aggressive disease state with severe clinical outcomes. Lapatinib, a first generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor of HER2 and EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), is commonly used to treat HER2+ breast cancer. Resistance to lapatinib is steadily increasing among HER2+ patients, highlighting the need for therapy development. Identifying markers that predict treatment response or potential drug targets could enhance treatment efficacy and patient survival. To investigate this, we have used MALDI mass spectrometry to identify N-linked glycans specific to human breast cancer cell lines with known resistance and sensitivity to lapatinib treatment, JIMT-1 (resistant) HER2+ and BT474 (sensitive) HER2+. After different lapatinib dose and time course experiments, N-linked glycans were isolated and comparatively profiled by high resolution MALDI mass spectrometry. Differences in the levels of fucosylation and sialylation of glycans from sensitive and resistant cell lines, before and after treatment, were evaluated. In addition, mouse xenograft tumor tissues derived from the same cell lines treated with and without lapatinib were processed for on-tissue imaging of N-glycans using a MALDI imaging mass spectrometry approach. Tissues from HER2+ human breast tumors were also imaged with the same MALDI imaging approach. Cumulatively, these preliminary studies have identified novel glycosylation patterns associated with lapatinib treatment sensitivity and resistance. Citation Format: Scott DA, Angel P, Xu H, Drake R, Yeh E. Identifying novel glycosylation markers in Her2+ breast cancer using MALDI mass spectrometry [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-07-30.
Genetic interaction mapping in mammalian cells using CRISPR interference.

CRISPR interference screens with pairs of sgRNAs allow for quantitative characterization of genetic interactions. We describe a combinatorial CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) screening platform for mapping genetic interactions in mammalian cells. We targeted 107 chromatin-regulation factors in human cells with pools of either single or double single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) to downregulate individual genes or gene pairs, respectively. Relative enrichment analysis of individual sgRNAs or sgRNA pairs allowed for quantitative characterization of genetic interactions, and comparison with protein–protein-interaction data revealed a functional map of chromatin regulation.
Association Between Purpose in Life and Objective Measures of Physical Function in Older Adults.

Importance Higher purpose in life is hypothesized to reduce the likelihood of developing weak grip strength and slow walking speed because purpose has been linked with a range of positive health behaviors and biological processes that are potentially protective against declining physical function. However, the association between purpose in life and objective physical function has not been examined. Objective To assess whether higher purpose in life among adequately functioning older adults is associated with lower risk of developing weak grip strength and slow walking speed over time. Design, Setting, and Participants Data for a longitudinal cohort study were collected in 2006 and again in 2010 from the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative study of US adults older than 50 years. Data analysis was conducted from November 23, 2016, to June 2, 2017. Main Outcomes and Measures The risk of developing weak grip strength (assessed as a binary yes or no outcome) or slow walking speed (yes or no) during the 4-year follow-up period. Grip strength was assessed using Smedley spring-type hand dynamometers, and walking speed was assessed by asking respondents to walk 2.5 m at their normal walking pace. Results In this study, 4486 adults had grip scores at baseline indicating adequate function (2665 women and 1821 men; mean [SD] age, 63.0 [8.2] years) and 1461 adults had walking scores at baseline indicating adequate function (801 women and 660 men; mean [SD] age, 70.8 [6.5] years). After controlling for sociodemographic factors, each 1-SD increase in purpose was associated with a 13% decreased risk (95% CI, 1%-23%) of developing weak grip strength and a 14% decreased risk (95% CI, 8%-20%) of developing slow walking speed. Associations with walking speed were maintained in all covariate models (fully adjusted model: risk ratio, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83-0.95), but associations with grip strength did not reach conventional levels of statistical significance after additionally adjusting for relevant baseline health factors, depressive symptoms, and health behaviors (fully adjusted model: risk ratio, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.80-1.04). Conclusions and Relevance Purpose in life was prospectively associated with a decreased risk of developing weak grip strength and slow walking speed, although the findings were more robust for walking speed than for grip strength. These findings suggest that a sense of purpose in life, a modifiable factor, may play an important role in maintaining physical function among older adults.
Reaction Conversion for a Plasma-Based Steady-State Flow Process Is Independent of Reactor Volume

Electrical discharges in gases or plasmas allow dissociation and conversion of molecular precursors, such as methane, at relatively low temperature. In a steady-state reactor geometry, the reaction conversion has been suggested to be dependent on basic process parameters, such as residence time, which, in turn, is a function of reactor volume and gas flow rate, and power. Here, we show, through a combined experimental and modeling study, that, for a plasma-based steady-state reactor, conversion is dependent on gas flow rate and power, but essentially independent of volume. A critical part of the experiments was to confine the plasma volume so that the power and volume could be controlled separately, and a critical part of the modeling was to segment the reactor into a volume containing filamentary discharges and a volume containing an afterglow to capture the spatial heterogeneity of our dielectric barrier discharge. The resulting similarity law for the conversion is consistent with the idea of energy den...
Guidelines Governing Program Evaluation

Program evaluation involves the systematic collection and analysis of information about alternatives. Evaluations may be informal and quick, or they may be complex, highly structured efforts. But regardless of their size, all evaluations are subject to the same general rules. Even though an evaluation may have a small budget or a short time frame, evaluators need to follow the same rules or guidelines so as to provide accurate and precise answers to the comparisons they are trying to make.
Adaptive Alterations in Receptor Mediated Processes and their Implications for Some Mental Disorders

The locus and mechanisms of long-lasting adaptation in neural systems have been the subject of intensive re search efforts for many years. Prominent among early efforts was the demonstration of an increased sensitivity to acetylcholine in denervated skeletal muscle (CANNON and ROSENBLUTH, 1949). More recently, the technology for the direct study of high affinity receptor binding specific to individual neurotransmitters has evolved and with it has grown our knowledge of the complexity of receptor-ligand interactions and subsequent coupling to effector sites in the target cell. It has become clear that cell surface receptors for neurotransmitters can undergo long-lasting changes in sensitivity to ligand that are reciprocal to the frequency of ligand encounter (FRIEDHOFF, 1977). It is further apparent that in some instances the elements coupling cell surface receptors to an effector complex within the cell are capable of independent adaptation. Finally, it is evident that the purposeful manipulation of these receptor systems, by pharmacological strategies, may provide novel means by which to produce long-lasting remediation of some clinical disorders possibly resulting from receptor dysfunction.
Principles of Medical Oncology and Chemotherapy

This chapter provides an overview of the process that the medical oncologist undertakes when diagnosing and treating the patient diagnosed with a solid tumor. The use of molecular pathology, clinical patient assessment, and staging systems is reviewed. Local therapy (interventional techniques and surgery), along with adjuvant therapy, are discussed. Finally, chemotherapy and molecularly targeted therapies and their roles in prolonging survival and quality of life in the advanced cancer patient are reviewed.
Letter to the editor: "Safety of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in copperhead snakebite patients" by Pham and Mullins, Clin Toxicol 2018 May 18.

To the Editor,We read with interest the publication by Drs. Pham and Mullins examining the safety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) administration to victims of copperhead snakebite [...
Pregnancy Intention, Risk Perception, and Contraceptive Use in Pregnant Women Who Use Drugs.

OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to evaluate pregnancy intention, risk perception, and contraceptive utilization among women reporting substance use during pregnancy. METHODS Data were obtained from the 2009 to 2011 Tennessee Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), an annual cross-sectional survey which assesses behaviors before, during and after pregnancy. Substance use during pregnancy and contraceptive use at the time of conception and after delivery were captured by self-report in the postpartum period. Pregnancy intention was categorized as intended (pregnancy desired then or earlier) or unintended (pregnancy desired later or not at all). Weighted descriptive and multivariable analyses were performed. RESULTS A total of 3042 women completed the PRAMS survey, with 168 (5.4%) reporting substance use during pregnancy. Compared with women who did not report drug use, women who used drugs were more likely to have an unintended pregnancy (65.6% vs 48.4%, P = 0.003), were more ambivalent towards pregnancy planning or prevention (69.7% vs 46.2%, P < 0.001) and were less likely to report contraceptive use before pregnancy (31.3% vs 46.8%, P = 0.022) or in the postpartum period (79.6% vs 88.1%, P = 0.019). Finally, women reporting substance use in pregnancy had 2 times higher odds of reporting that they did not think they could get pregnant at the time of conception after adjusting for age, race, income, education, insurance, and smoking status (adjusted OR 2.18, 95% confidence interval 1.07-4.49, P = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS Women who report substance use in pregnancy have unique reproductive health needs and would benefit from additional education and counseling concerning their pregnancy intention, contraceptive use, and ability to conceive.
Interdisciplinary and Topical in the Science Classroom: Regulating Carbon Emissions to Mitigate Climate Change

In this chapter we introduce our module Regulating Carbon Emissions to Mitigate Climate Change, in which students learn about the geoscientific analysis that has produced our understanding of the grand challenge of global climate change and then explore how that scientific analysis informs economic analysis and political decision-making in the United States. The module includes 4+ weeks of activity-based instruction within seven units that may be implemented in part or in whole. As with all InTeGrate-developed materials, this curriculum was piloted at three separate institutions and underwent revision both before and after the pilot. Highlights of the module are summarized and include a mix of pedagogical techniques including a climate-economics modeling, a role-playing game, and a unique format of summative writing assignment. Student attitudinal data was encouraging: almost all of the students surveyed stated that they became more engaged and aware of environmental issues after instruction.
Chemistry & Physics of Carbon : Volume 30

Written by distinguished researchers in carbon, the long-running Chemistry and Physics of Carbon series provides a comprehensive and critical overview of carbon in terms of molecular structure, intermolecular relationships, bulk and surface properties, and their behavior in an amazing variety of current and emerging applications, rang
Recovering Evapotranspiration Trends from Biased CMIP5 Simulations and Sensitivity to Changing Climate over North America

AbstractFuture projections of evapotranspiration (ET) are of critical importance for agricultural and freshwater management and for predicting land–atmosphere feedbacks on the climate system. Howev...
Entrepreneurial Apparel Design, Development and Production: An Embedded Socio-Economic Process

Individualswho launch entrepreneurial apparel design, development, and productionbusinesses often experience start-up difficulties associated with resourceavailability and constraints, as well as incomplete knowledge and perceptionsof opportunities in the apparel industry. We examine the concept ofembeddedness as a mechanism for accessing resources and for addressinginformation gaps. This empirical research uses Giddens’ theory ofstructuration to investigate the conception of entrepreneurship, involved inregional apparel design, development, and production, as an embeddedsocio-economic process. Application of structuration enables exploration of thelink between entrepreneurship (as agent) and the context (as structure); thus, allowingstudy of how social structures affect or encourage entrepreneurial activity. Qualitativemethodology was employed as the objectives were to explore and understandthe relationships acquired rather than to measure. Drawing evidence from alongitudinal study of three regional supporting structures and their impact onthree entrepreneurial apparel design, development, and production businesses,this research presents an initial investigation into embeddedness over time.
C 13 NMR studies of the normal and superconducting states of the organic superconductor κ-(ET ) 2 Cu[N(CN ) 2 ]Br

The authors report $^{13}\mathrm{C}$ NMR spin-lattice relaxation rates 1/${\mathit{T}}_{1}$ and Knight shifts ${\mathit{K}}_{\mathit{S}}$ in the quasi-two-dimensional organic superconductor \ensuremath{\kappa}-(ET${)}_{2}$Cu[N(CN${)}_{2}$]Br (${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$=11.6 K), for an aligned single crystal. The normal-state behavior is reminiscent of the high-${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ cuprates, in which antiferromagnetic fluctuations and spin-gap behavior dominate. In the superconducting state, the data rule out the BCS electron-phonon mechanism as the source of the superconductivity, but support an unconventional pairing state with possible nodes in the gap function.
Highly Selective and Divergent Acyl and Aryl Cross-Couplings of Amides via Ir-Catalyzed C-H Borylation/N-C(O) Activation.

Herein, we demonstrate that amides can be readily coupled with nonactivated arenes via sequential Ir-catalyzed C–H borylation/N–C(O) activation. This methodology provides facile access to biaryl ke...
Unemployment and child health during COVID-19 in the USA.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to high rates of unemployment across advanced economies.1Holzer HJ The COVID-19 crisis: how do U.S. employment and health outcomes compare to other OECD countries?.https://www.brookings.edu/research/the-covid-19-crisis-how-do-u-s-economic-and-health-outcomes-compare-to-other-oecd-countries/#cancelDate: June 2, 2020Date accessed: September 11, 2020Google Scholar The burdens associated with unemployment, however, have not hit all households equally. Families with children and unemployed parents have reported especially high rates of hardship, with potential long-term consequences for child wellbeing and development. The increase of parental unemployment in the USA necessitates greater attention towards these potential consequences.
Instructional designers’ roles in emergency remote teaching during COVID-19

During the spring of 2020, institutions of higher education (IHEs) closed their buildings but continued to offer instruction through emergency remote teaching procedures in the United States of Ame...
Decentralized geospatial metadata management

Metadata descriptions are typically monolithic data structures and their denormalized, text-based nature yields shortcomings such as inconsistencies and heterogeneities. Moreover, fluidity of research environments, coupled with single-tenancy of metadata descriptions, impedes enforcing authority on the related datasets effectively. We propose a novel paradigm for metadata articulation, delegation, that helps solve the aforementioned issues. After elaborating on the requirements to this practice, we present two worked-out implementation examples in the domain of geospatial metadata and discuss its advantages with respect to key issues in this domain; namely, metadata consistency, interoperability, and mitigating semantic heterogeneity. The technique and the supporting software we present are equally applicable to any XML-based metadata schema and application domain.
Statistical aspects of grain-level strain evolution and reorientation during the heating and elastic-plastic loading of a Ni-base superalloy at elevated temperature

Abstract The advancement of microstructure-sensitive models for elevated temperature applications requires experimental data at the relevant length scales and usage environments. Towards this goal, we studied the evolution of grain-level strains in a Ni-based superalloy during heating and subsequent loading at elevated temperature. The specimen was heated using two halogen lamps in a furnace designed explicitly for the special load frame used for the synchrotron-based experiment. High energy X-ray diffraction was used to non-destructively characterize the initial 3D microstructure, confirm the temperature of the specimen, and monitor the evolution of grain-level strains, stresses, and orientations through the elastic-plastic transition. The distributions of grain-level normal strains were observed to broaden with elastic loading, whereas elastic-plastic loading led to development of local intergranular “hotspots”, or activation of plastic slip within select grains, that both broaden and skew the grain-level strain distributions. These grain-level strain distributions were fit to a generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution function. The GEV shape parameter is observed to change significantly at the onset of macroscopic plasticity. At the grain scale, more grain reorientation (plasticity) occurred for grains oriented for lower strength-to-stiffness ratios. During the onset of plastic deformation for LSHR at 660 ∘ C load shedding from lower strength-to-stiffness-oriented grains to higher strength-to-stiffness-oriented grains was observed. Additionally, based on the grain-averaged reorientation axis, it was found that LSHR has a preference for activation of multiple slip systems at 660 ∘ C. We conclude with a discussion on the critical need for statistical analysis of such mesoscale data obtained in situ at elevated temperature for the verification/validation of the next generation of microstructure-sensitive models.
An Ecological Momentary Assessment of College Women's Decisions to Use Protective Behavioral Strategies.

Protective behavioral strategies (PBS) have been associated with reduced risk for sexual assault victimization in college women. Sexual assault risk reduction programs have had limited success incr...
Career Barriers Affecting First-Generation College Students: Can Socializing Messages Increase Career Confidence?

Two studies were conducted on the career barriers emerging adults perceive hinder their future career success. Study One asked what barriers are believed to be obstacles to career opportunities. Re...
SU-E-J-195: Evaluation of a Camera-Based External Patient Position Tracking System

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of a camera-based patient external position monitoring system optimized for localized patient movements. Methods: A prototype software application implements a template-based tracking algorithm. The application generates templates located at strategic points on the patient’s anatomy as seen in an acquired initial video image frame. For subsequent frames, the template pattern is matched in a userdefined region around those points using cross-correlation, and the match is used to determine the local motion at those points.A motion stage was used to move a fabric sample (representing patient’s clothing) to various positions around a 20 by 20 mm space. An optical camera, at 1.5 m distance, monitored the movement of the sample. At each sample position, the software application evaluated the displacement from initial position based on the camera image; results were compared to the known motion stage displacements.A motorized breathing manikin was set up on a treatment machine couch. The same optical camera was positioned so as to monitor both breathing and random motion of the manikin in simulation of a clinical treatment scenario. Setups for both torso tracking (respiratory) and face tracking (stereotactic head) conditions were simulated and measured for precision and accuracy. Results: On the motion stage, calibrated tracking accuracy and precision were both consistently better than 0.5 mm in both vertical and lateral axes. Similar results were achieved for the manikin motion in the clinical simulations. Conclusion: Localized camera-based tracking is capable of monitoring external changes in patient position to submillimeter level. While not able to track internal tumor motion directly, such a system would nonetheless be able to detect tiny movements of the body, bumps, and respiratory motion, any of which may signal a need to check the position of the tumor. All work funded by Varian Medical Systems Inc.
Metastatic Ampullary Adenocarcinoma Presenting as a Hydrocele: A Case Report

Context Metastases from ampullary malignancies are common, but spread to the testicle and paratesticular tissue is exceedingly rare with only 2 reported cases in the literature. Case Report We report a case of a 70 year-old male with a history of ampullary adenocarcinoma status post pancreaticoduodenectomy who presented with a symptomatic right-sided hydrocele. Subsequent pathology revealed metastatic ampullary adenocarcinoma. Conclusions Metastasis to the testicle and paratesticular tissue from ampullary malignancies is rare, but must be considered in the evaluation of scrotal masses in patients with a history of ampullary malignancy. Image: Right-sided inguinal fluid collection at CT scan.
Signal integrity improvement in the TMDS link at UXGA

Transition Minimized Differential Signaling (TMDS) link connecting a Digital Visual Interface (DVI) compliant Transmitter and Receiver between a PC and a Display Device was characterized at 162MHz, that is the UXGA pixel clock frequency. The transmission line model of the link was simulated using Pspice and it was observed from the simulation data as well as the data collected from bench that a matching source termination at the transmitter end in addition to the far end termination at the receiver improved the signal integrity. The improvements were seen in the eye at the receiver with considerable reduction in data dependent jitter. Currently the DVI Revision 1.0 does not specify the requirement of a source termination.
Excitation/inhibition imbalance and impaired synaptic inhibition in hippocampal area CA3 of Mecp2 knockout mice

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopment disorder associated with intellectual disabilities and caused by loss-of-function mutations in the gene encoding the transcriptional regulator Methyl-CpG-binding Protein-2 (MeCP2). Neuronal dysfunction and changes in cortical excitability occur in RTT individuals and Mecp2-deficient mice, including hippocampal network hyperactivity and higher frequency of spontaneous multiunit spikes in the CA3 cell body layer. Here, we describe impaired synaptic inhibition and an excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalance in area CA3 of acute slices from symptomatic Mecp2 knockout male mice (referred to as Mecp2(-/y) ). The amplitude of TTX-resistant miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSC) was smaller in CA3 pyramidal neurons of Mecp2(-/y) slices than in wildtype controls, while the amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSC) was significantly larger in Mecp2(-/y) neurons. Consistently, quantitative confocal immunohistochemistry revealed significantly lower intensity of the alpha-1 subunit of GABAA Rs in the CA3 cell body layer of Mecp2(-/y) mice, while GluA1 puncta intensities were significantly higher in the CA3 dendritic layers of Mecp2(-/y) mice. In addition, the input/output (I/O) relationship of evoked IPSCs had a shallower slope in CA3 pyramidal neurons Mecp2(-/y) neurons. Consistent with the absence of neuronal degeneration in RTT and MeCP2-based mouse models, the density of parvalbumin- and somatostatin-expressing interneurons in area CA3 was not affected in Mecp2(-/y) mice. Furthermore, the intrinsic membrane properties of several interneuron subtypes in area CA3 were not affected by Mecp2 loss. However, mEPSCs are smaller and less frequent in CA3 fast-spiking basket cells of Mecp2(-/y) mice, suggesting an impaired glutamatergic drive in this interneuron population. These results demonstrate that a loss-of-function mutation in Mecp2 causes impaired E/I balance onto CA3 pyramidal neurons, leading to a hyperactive hippocampal network, likely contributing to limbic seizures in Mecp2(-/y) mice and RTT individuals.
A GENEALOGY OF BADGES: Inherited meaning and monstrous moral hybrids

The use of badges on the web, particularly on community sites, has become very popular, and these badges are becoming both more easily carried from one site to another and more valuable in the process. But badges are not new; the metaphor of the online badge draws on centuries of use in the offline world. And the use of badges online has the potential of bringing with it the echo of these earlier uses and the values that they were imbued with. This article explores online badges, drawing on their history and the ethical framework presented by Jane Jacobs in ‘Systems of Survival’ to suggest some ways of ensuring that badges are used effectively online.
Abstract W P135: Usability of a Virtual Reality Tool for In-Home Stroke Rehabilitation: A Case Series

Stroke is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States. Exercise and activity in the chronic phase of stroke have shown to be beneficial in achieving and maintaining improvements in motor and ADL function. Interactive video games and virtual reality (VR) have also shown to be effective in improving motor function following stroke. We developed a prototype VR rehabilitation tool called Mystic Isle that uses the Microsoft Kinect sensor and a standard PC. The purpose of this case series was to explore the usability of Mystic Isle as a 5-week intervention to improve performance of client identified activities for adults (>21 years) with chronic stroke (>6 months post) in the home setting. Three participants with chronic stroke completed the five week intervention. Outcomes were measured at baseline, immediately pre-intervention (after a 2 week delay from baseline), and immediately post-intervention. The intervention was conducted in each participant’s home. The results of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure at baseline guided the choice of the virtual tasks for the intervention. The participants were instructed to complete 4 hours each week. The primary outcome was usability and feasibility of the intervention measured with the Game Experience Questionnaire, the System Usability Questionnaire, and a semi-structured interview. Primary outcome data were analyzed using a mixed methods grounded theory approach. Secondary outcomes included motor impairment, quality of life and occupational performance measured using standard clinical measures. Two of the three participants had very positive responses to the intervention and use of the VR tool in the home setting. All three participants demonstrated improvements in quality of life from pre- to post-intervention and improvements in motor function were scattered across participants. All participants expressed the desire to use the system in the future if improvements were made to increase the usability of the system for the home setting. They also spoke about how they attempted to integrate the game into their daily routine or schedule. A major barrier to use for all participants was a busy day that left them too fatigued to interact with the system and complete the intervention.
Progress on millimeter wave Josephson junction mixers

Preset, recyclable Nb point contacts are tested as low-noise Josephson mixers at a signal frequency of 115 GHz. The best result achieved is a mixer noise temperature (single sideband) of 120 K with unity conversion efficiency (SSB) for a junction at 6 K. Variation of mixer properties with temperature and other parameters is presented.
From Star To Galaxy Formation

Star formation is the key to understanding galaxy formation. Knowledge of the initial mass function, the rate of star formation, and its efficiency are essential inputs to understanding the large-scale structure of the universe. For galaxies, viewed as ensembles of stars, are the beacons that chart the cosmos. One has to understand how star formation operates, not just in the solar neighborhood, hut throughout entire galaxies, and in the past, when conditions differed from those of the present-day environment.
Why do patients sleep on dialysis

Sleep-associated symptoms and excessive daytime sleepiness are felt to be more common in dialysis patients. Several surveys conducted in this patient population have identified a prevalence of sleep disturbances in up to 80% of patients. This review article summarizes common disorders associated with sleep disturbances in dialysis patients, including sleep-disordered breathing, restless legs syndrome, and major depression. Special attention is given to pathophysiological processes and effective approaches for the prevention and timely treatment of these conditions, which in turn reduces the substantial morbidity associated with sleep disturbances.
Merold Westphal, Levinas and Kierkegaard in Dialogue: Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2008, xiii + 185 pp., $22.95

If only to prevent the advent of buyer's remorse on the part of the reader already familiar with Merold Westphal's writings on the philosophies of S0ren Kierkegaard and Emmanuel Levinas and the relationship between the two, it must be acknowledged here, as in the text itself (ix), that Westphal's Levinas and Kierkegaard in Dialogue is in fact a collection of previously published articles. The resulting whole, however, is something other than the sum of its original parts. Material has of course been added (in the Introduction, and Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 7), removed (in the Introduction, and Chapters 5, 6, 7, and 8), and reworked (in Chapters 4, 5, 6, and 8), such that even the most ardent follower of Westphal's writings will find something here not previously available in print. Moreover, and especially for the vast majority of readers who do not own or otherwise have ready access to the three journals and six anthologies in which the bulk of this work originally appeared, the organization of the text is itself significantly inviting. Beginning with some material borrowed from his first 'Kierkegaard-Levinas' essay an essay that the author himself characterizes as "more a research agenda than anything else" (2) Westphal ostensibly organizes his subsequent eight essays by pairs into four parts concerned thematically with "Revelation" (Part 1; Chapters 1 and 2), "God" (Part 2; Chapters 3 and 4), "Heteronomy" (Part 3; Chapters 5 and 6), and "Reversal" (Part 4; Chapters 7 and 8). Thus organized, there is in fact a recognizably thematic flow to the entire work. A discussion of "God" leads to a discussion of "Revelation," which leads to a discussion of "Heteronomy," which leads to a discussion of "Reversal." Or, more specifically, an exploration of immediacy (Chapter 1), enigma and paradox (Chapter 2) opens the way for an exploration of teleological suspensions (Chapter 3) and divine commands (Chapter 4), which
Practice in a Second Language: Perspectives from Applied Linguistics and Cognitive Psychology

Practice in a Second Language: Perspectives from Applied Linguistics and Cognitive Psychology, edited by Robert DeKeyser, discusses the role of second language (L2) practice across two related research fields: applied linguistics and cognitive psychology. The notion of practice is controversial and raises debate, as DeKeyser acknowledges in the very first page of the introduction to this volume. The controversy stems from the fact that practice is wrongly equated with mechanical drills, these having been rejected by mainstream language teaching methodologies over the past 30 years. In order to minimize potential controversies, DeKeyser presents a focused definition of practice as “specific activities in the second language, engaged in systematically, deliberately, with the goal of developing knowledge of and skills in the second language” (p. 1). The book is intended to be a helpful resource for L2 practitioners and researchers interested in understanding the role of practice in L2 acquisition.
In vitro regulation of low-density lipoprotein receptor interaction by fatty acids☆

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor binding is the initial step in receptor-mediated clearance. Dietary fat composition is known to affect LDL clearance, but the mechanism of the effect is unknown. We have examined the effects of altered membrane fatty acid composition, as might occur when specific dietary fats are consumed, on LDL binding using a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) line that constitutively expresses the human LDL receptor. Binding of pooled human LDL to its receptor was compared in cells enriched with various fatty acids. Binding affinity was greater (lower Kd) for cells grown in 16:0-, 18:0-, or 18:1-enriched media than for those grown in 18:2 (P < .0001). The apparent receptor number (Bmax) was lower for cells enriched in saturated fatty acids and 18:1. Fluidity was assessed by measuring diphenylhexatriene (DPH) fluorescence anisotropy (rs). Cells enriched in 18:1 or 18:2 were the most fluid (P < .003). The correlation between binding and fluidity (r = .24, P = .27) was weak and did not appear to explain the effects of fatty acid modification on LDL receptor binding. Thus, it appears that cellular enrichment in 16:0, 18:0, and 18:1 increases binding affinity by affecting properties other than membrane fluidity. Changes in Bmax may also contribute to the observed differences in LDL binding.
Formation of a Fat Protein Complex in Milk By Homogenization

Summary A fat-protein complex which sediments in a centrifugal field is produced in milk by homogenization. Fat-protein complex formation is found to increase with increasing homogenizing pressure; with increasing fat content; with an increase in concentration above 31% total solids (T.S.); and with increasing calcium concentration up to a limit of 10m M added calcium. In a suspending medium of increased density produced by adding sucrose, the fat-protein complex formed by homogenizing concentrated milk of more than 31% T.S. is found to consist of a single entity. In nonconcentrated milk, the fat-protein complexes have a range of fat-nitrogen ratios. Experiments to determine the manner in which the fat-protein complex is formed indicate that conditions existing at the homogenizer valve at the instant of homogenizing are responsible for complex formation. Ultracentrifuge analyses of the protein moiety of the fat-protein complex show it to be casein.
Coastal seismic wipe-outs: Distribution controlled by pore water salinity

Abstract The relationship between seismic wipe-outs, methane accumulation, and pore water salinity was investigated using high-resolution seismic profiles, pore water geochemical measurements, and sediment property data from the White Oak River Estuary, North Carolina. The estuary is a broad, shallow, drowned river valley filled with organic rich sediment where the salinity changes from fresh to sea water within 10 km. Uniboom seismic reflection profiles indicate a distinct pattern in the distribution of seismic wipe-outs. Wipe-outs dominate the upper estuary but are not observed in the lower estuary. Sediment pore water chlorinities decrease upstream but the sharpest gradients occur with depth. At ≤ 50 cm depths in the upper half of the estuary, pore waters typically have less than 100 mmol L −1 chloride even though overlying estuarine waters have 300–400 mmol L −1 chloride. Concave chloride profiles demonstrate that sediments in the upper estuary are actively flushed with fresh water moving upward through the sediments from underlying aquifers. The associated decrease in interstitial sulfate concentrations combined with high organic carbon content provides favorable conditions for methane production and accumulation. Seismic wipe-outs are correlated with areas of high methane concentrations and with sediments containing low pore water salinities.
Suppression of the sideband instability in tapered FELs and IFELs

Abstract A one-dimensional theory is given for the suppression of the sideband instability in tapered free-electron laser amplifiers operating in the Compton regime. It is demonstrated that strong tapering can reduce drastically the intensity of sideband radiation. It is shown that the frequency of the most unstable sideband mode varies continuously along the wiggler axis while the peak growth rate itself decreases. Due to this continuous detuning effect, no single sideband mode can grow at a fixed maximum rate along the wiggler, and hence, only a suppressed but broadened sideband spectrum can be formed. In a particular numerical example, we obtain an efficiency of approximately 70% with sideband intensities suppressed by eight orders of magnitude with respect to the intensity of the main signal. The theory is also applied to an inverse free-electron laser in which sidebands are eliminated.
DeMorgan systems on the unit interval

Logical connectives on fuzzy sets arise from those on the unit interval. The basic theory of these connectives is cast in an algebraic spirit with an emphasis on equivalence between the various systems that arise. Special attention is given to DeMorgan systems with strict Archimedean t-norms and strong negations. A typical result is that any DeMorgan system with strict t-norm and strong negation is isomorphic to one whose t-norm is multiplication.
Palliative epilepsy surgery in Aicardi syndrome: a case series and review of literature

Aicardi syndrome (AS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the triad of seizures, agenesis of corpus callosum, and chorioretinal lacunae. Seizures in AS are typically frequent, of various types, and refractory to medical therapy. Optimal treatment of seizures in AS remains undetermined. We report a series of four patients with Aicardi syndrome who underwent surgical management of their epilepsy including two with corpus callosotomy (CC) of a partial corpus callosum and three with vagus nerve stimulator implantation. Seizure outcome was variable and ranged from near complete resolution of seizures to worsening of seizure profile. The most favorable seizure outcome was seen in a patient with partial agenesis of the corpus callosum treated with CC. Seizure outcome following CC or vagus nerve stimulation in patients with Aicardi syndrome is variable. Although palliative epilepsy surgery may result in improvement in the seizure profile in some patients, studies on larger patient cohorts are needed to identify the precise role that surgery may play in the multidisciplinary approach to controlling seizures in Aicardi syndrome.
Evaluation of fluorescent probe surface intensities as an indicator of transdermal permeant distributions using wide‐area two‐photon fluorescence microscopy

The application of high-speed two-photon fluorescence microscopy (HTPM) to examine transdermal transport processes has enabled the noninvasive visualization of permeant spatial distributions over a larger, more clinically relevant wide area of the skin. Earlier studies demonstrated that the transdermal fluorescent probe distribution over a 2 x 2 mm skin area was well represented by a significantly reduced sampling of the 400 microscale skin sites (100 x 100 microm) constituting the wide area. In the present study, the 400 microscale skin sites are considered individually, and the site-to-site variability in permeant distributions is used as a model to reflect the range in experimentally measured skin permeabilities resulting from the inherent stratum corneum structural heterogeneity. The correlation established between the permeant surface intensity and the corresponding permeant intensity gradient at each skin site provides an indication of the potential for screening transdermal permeant distributions solely based on the evaluation of microscale permeant surface intensities. The strong linear correlation between the intensity gradient and the surface intensity for the hydrophilic model permeant, sulforhodamine B, demonstrated that surface intensities provide a robust indicator of the corresponding transdermal probe distributions at the microscale. For the hydrophobic model permeant, rhodamine B hexyl ester, however, weak correlations were observed between these two parameters. This result suggests that the stratum corneum microscale surface intensity does not validly capture the corresponding intensity gradients for the entire range of skin permeabilities typically encountered as a result of the inherent stratum corneum heterogeneity.
Induction of Oxidative Stress in Rat Brain by Acrylonitrile (ACN)

Chronic treatment with acrylonitrile (ACN) has been shown to produce a dose-related increase in glial cell tumors (astrocytomas) in rats. The mechanism(s) for ACN-induced carcinogenicity remains unclear. While ACN has been reported to induce DNA damage in a number of short-term systems, evidence for a genotoxic mechanism of tumor induction is the brain is not strong. Other toxic mechanisms appear to participate in the induction of tumor or induce the astrocytomas solely. In particular, nongenotoxic mechanisms of carcinogen induction have been implicated in this ACN-induced carcinogenic effect in the rat brain. One major pathway of ACN metabolism is through glutathione (GSH) conjugation. Extensive utilization and depletion of GSH, an important intracellular antioxidant, by ACN may lead to cellular oxidative stress. The present study examined the ability of ACN to induce oxidative stress in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were administered ACN at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 100, or 200 ppm in the drinking water and sampled after 14, 28, or 90 days of continuous treatment. Oxidative DNA damage indicated by the presence of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (OH8dG) and lipid peroxidation indicated by the presence of malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation product, in rat brains and livers were examined. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were also determined in different rat tissues. Both the levels of nonenzymatic antioxidants (GSH, vitamin E) and the activities of enzymatic antioxidants (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase) in rat brains and livers were measured. Increased levels of OH8dG, MDA, and ROS were found in the brains of ACN-treated rats. Decreased levels of GSH and activities of catalase and SOD were also observed in the brains of ACN-treated rats compared to the control group. Interestingly, there were no changes of these indicators of oxidative stress in the livers of ACN-treated rats. Rat liver is not a target for ACN-induced carcinogenesis. These data indicate that ACN selectively induces oxidative stress in rat brain at doses that produce carcinogenesis in chronic treatment studies.
Clinical evaluation of dental cement durability

T i e probability that dental cements suffer dissolution in the mouth is of considerable concern to dentists restoring teeth with cast restorations. The same concern applies to dentists using bands and other appliances which must be cemented to teeth. The conmlonly l~eld assumption that dental ce~nents are not completely durable is the basis for consideration and nmtivation in achieving perfection in the fit of a castifig. Excessi~,e cement margins must be avoided since margins from which the cement dissolves are likely to be sites for further tooth degradation. If it can be agreed that cement longevity is critical to dental treatment, it seems imperative t ha t a dependable test be devised to predict the durability of dental cements. Because of the difficulty of clinical testing of dental materials, the use of in vitro testing ires become conmmnplace in providing economical methods of evaluation. "l't~c ADA specilieation tests No. 8 and 9 provide standards for acceptonce or rejection of dental cements in accordance with their solubility in distilled water, t In addition, these solulJility tests are used to provide a criterion for product selection by dentists as well as for material development by the manufacturers. A highly questionable inference is that distilled water and the fluids of the oral environnmnt have a similar effect on cements. A significant study by Norman and associates" examined the clinical durability of three dental cements, which were placed in receptacles, in removable partial dentures. After measuring the weight loss of these cements after a period of time in the mouth, they reported that a silicate cement exhibited the least weight loss, a zinc phosphate cement, a greater weigl~t loss ; and a tenlpolary zinc oxide and eugenol cement, the greatrst weight loss. The cements in the above-mentioned stud), were subject to dissolution in oral fluids as well as to abrasion due to daily tooth brushing and tongue action. In comparing these clinical results to laboratory tests, they found
A study of levels in 92Mo and 94Ru by in-beam gamma-ray spectroscopy

Abstract Information is presented on the excitation energies, spins, parities, and lifetimes of excited states of the 50-neutron nuclei 92Mo and 94Ru, which are produced ‘in-beam’ with (α, 2n) reactions. The existence of a four-proton excited configuration, (p 1 2 )(g 9 2 ) 3 ) , is deduced from the data.