cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Circulating Extracellular Vesicles with Specific Proteome and Liver MicroRNAs Are Potential Biomarkers for Liver Injury in Experimental Fatty Liver Disease

Background & Aim Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in both adult and children. Currently there are no reliable methods to determine disease severity, monitor disease progression, or efficacy of therapy, other than an invasive liver biopsy. Design Choline Deficient L-Amino Acid (CDAA) and high fat diets were used as physiologically relevant mouse models of NAFLD. Circulating extracellular vesicles were isolated, fully characterized by proteomics and molecular analyses and compared to control groups. Liver-related microRNAs were isolated from purified extracellular vesicles and liver specimens. Results We observed statistically significant differences in the level of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in liver and blood between two control groups and NAFLD animals. Time-course studies showed that EV levels increase early during disease development and reflect changes in liver histolopathology. EV levels correlated with hepatocyte cell death (r2 = 0.64, p<0.05), fibrosis (r2 = 0.66, p<0.05) and pathological angiogenesis (r2 = 0.71, p<0.05). Extensive characterization of blood EVs identified both microparticles (MPs) and exosomes (EXO) present in blood of NAFLD animals. Proteomic analysis of blood EVs detected various differentially expressed proteins in NAFLD versus control animals. Moreover, unsupervised hierarchical clustering identified a signature that allowed for discrimination between NAFLD and controls. Finally, the liver appears to be an important source of circulating EVs in NAFLD animals as evidenced by the enrichment in blood with miR-122 and 192 - two microRNAs previously described in chronic liver diseases, coupled with a corresponding decrease in expression of these microRNAs in the liver. Conclusions These findings suggest a potential for using specific circulating EVs as sensitive and specific biomarkers for the noninvasive diagnosis and monitoring of NAFLD.
Quenching of Alexa Dyes by Amino Acids

Alexa dyes, rhodamine-derived fluorophores, are popular choices for labeling proteins due to their superior photo-physical properties. They are often used in quantitative fluorescence measurements like Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) or fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM). Consequently, it is important to consider the effects of nearby amino acid residues on the brightness of fluorophores that may influence quantitative measurements of fluorescence intensities or lifetimes. We report on the quenching of Alexa dyes (488, 555 and 594) by various natural amino acids. We observed quenching of Alexa488 by Tryptophan, Histidine, Methionine and Tyrosine. Lifetime measurements indicate that with the exception of Tyrosine, the quenching by the amino acids occur through both static and dynamic processes. Additionally, cyclic voltammetry experiments suggest that photo-induced electron transfer (PET) is a possible mechanism for the quenching of Alexa488.
Dimensions of the Rotter Trust Scale

A cluster analysis of scores on the Rotter Trust Scale from 70 high school students produced 3 dimensions: (1) Belief in the integrity of social role agents, (2) Belief in the trustworthiness of hu...
Assessing Hypermedia Navigation through Pathfinder: Prospects and Limitations

In response to the need for more dynamic forms of assessment, our primary aim was to evaluate the validity of Pathfinder for representing and comparing individuals' navigation through a computer-based hypermedia environment. Our secondary aim was to evaluate the validity of Pathfinder for generating an empirically-derived path that represents a set of individual navigational paths. Participants were divided into two groups: a Test-based group and a Problem-based group. Based on prior research, we assumed that these groups would differ with respect to navigation. Pathfinder-generated networks and the related C-measure were used to test the validity of Pathfinder for capturing differences between these groups. The results supported our hypothesis that Pathfinder would be able to distinguish between the two groups. Furthermore, it was shown that, with some modification, Pathfinder was able to generate an empirically-derived network that represented the paths of the individuals in the group from which it was ...
New technique for measuring Newton's constant G.

We discuss a new technique for measuring Newton's constant $G$ using a rotating torsion balance operated in a feedback mode. The method has several conceptually new features that reduce sensitivity to the dominant systematic uncertainties of previous experiments. We have successfuly conducted exploratory measurements that establish the feasibility of the new technique.
Decreased in vivo binding to brain benzodiazepine receptors during social isolation.

Pharmacologic studies have demonstrated that benzodiazepines can modulate the ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) associated with social separation of rat pups. In this study, in vivo receptor autoradiography was used to determine if brain benzodiazepine receptors were functionally less available to bind an exogenous ligand during social separation. The labelled benzodiazepine receptor antagonist 3H-RO 15-1788 was given to 10-day-old rat pups during 25minutes of social separation. In autoradiographic studies of brains from separated pups, the binding of 3H-RO 15-1788 was decreased in neocortex (frontal, motor, and somatosensory), hippocampus, and superior and inferior colliculi. As these same regions showed no alteration of in vitro binding of 3H-RO 15-1788, these in vivo binding decreases do not reflect changes in receptor number. The interpretation of decreased in vivo binding and implications of these results for defining the neural substrates of separation behavior are discussed.
Crystal structures of free and ligand-bound focal adhesion targeting domain of Pyk2.

Abstract Focal adhesion targeting (FAT) domains target the non-receptor tyrosine kinases FAK and Pyk2 to cellular focal adhesion areas, where the signaling molecule paxillin is also located. Here, we report the crystal structures of the Pyk2 FAT domain alone or in complex with paxillin LD4 peptides. The overall structure of Pyk2-FAT is an antiparallel four-helix bundle with an up–down, up–down, right-handed topology. In the LD4-bound FAT complex, two paxillin LD4 peptides interact with two opposite sides of Pyk2-FAT, at the surfaces of the α1α4 and α2α3 helices of each FAT molecule. We also demonstrate that, while paxillin is phosphorylated by Pyk2, complex formation between Pyk2 and paxillin does not depend on Pyk2 tyrosine kinase activity. These experiments reveal the structural basis underlying the selectivity of paxillin LD4 binding to the Pyk2 FAT domain and provide insights about the molecular details which influence the different behavior of these two closely-related kinases.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in the Elderly

Excerpt To the editors: Data from the article by Murphy and colleagues (1) paint a depressing picture. Lest readers be left with the impression that cardiac resuscitation of elderly patients in the...
Observation of a nu =1/2 fractional quantum Hall state in a double-layer electron system.

We report the observation, for the first time, of a fractional quantum Hall state at \ensuremath{\nu}=1/2 Landau-level filling in a low disorder, double-layer electron system realized in a 680-\AA{}-wide GaAs/AlGaAs single quantum well. A nearly vanishing diagonal resistance and a Hall resistance quantized at 2h/${\mathit{e}}^{2}$ to within 0.3% are observed at \ensuremath{\simeq}15 T and \ensuremath{\simeq}26 mK. The activated temperature dependence of the diagonal resistance minimum yields a quasiparticle excitation energy gap of 230 mK.
The Military and Society: Reaching and Reflecting Audiences in Fiction and Film

Descriptions of the most popular current (1997-1999) American novels and movies mention military culture in only about 6% of the books and 4% of the films. Most are either reflections of the past (such as Saving Private Ryan) or projections of the future (such as Starship Troopers), although they do reflect today's attitudes. This cultural "gap" can also be seen in works that only glance at the military (Wag the Dog).Military or ex-military protagonists in popular action novels and movies see themselves as tough realists with higher standards, technological expertise, and responsibility than their civilian counterparts. Contemptuous of politicians and intrusive media journalists, they like finding creative ways around "constricting" rules. But the more "literary" books and films tend to be more critical of the military's bureaucratic inertia and preoccupations with status and power. This widening gap essentially reflects a shift from an American ethic of national service toward one of self-service.
Ultrasound measurements of the calcaneus: effects of ethnicity.

Abstract This study investigated whether there were differences in quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of the calcaneus between African-American and Caucasian females. QUS-1X TM , an ultrasonometer by Metra Biosystems Inc., was used to determine broadband ultrasound attenuation (UBI-4) using Burg Spectral Estimation in decibels/megahertz. The average transit time through the heel (TTH) in microseconds was used to estimate bone size. A multiple factor index taking into account bone size, UBI-4T, was calculated by dividing UBI-4 by TTH in decibels/(Megahertz-microseconds). Results showed that premenopausal Caucasian females ( n = 37) have approx 6-8% lower values ( p n = 54) counterparts. However, after adjusting for bone size, the differences in attenuation disappeared. Pilot data for males (Caucasian: n = 16, African-American: n = 18) suggest that the differences in QUS appear to be related to bone size. The limited scope of our study supports the fact that there are differences in QUS between premenopausal Caucasian and African-American females, but not with the same magnitude as evidenced by dual X-ray absorptiometry. We recommend that more data be collected on ethnic differences across all age ranges, to help understand how QUS may be used to assess bone mass and determine its value either as a screening tool to diagnose low bone mass or as a tool to predict osteoporotic fracture within various ethnic groups.
Estimation of hedonic price functions via additive nonparametric regression

We model a hedonic price function for housing as an additive nonparametric regression. Estimation is done via a backfitting procedure in combination with a local polynomial estimator. It avoids the pitfalls of an unrestricted nonparametric estimator, such as slow convergence rates and the curse of dimensionality. Bandwidths are chosen using a novel plug in method that minimizes the asymptotic mean average squared error (AMASE) of the regression. We compare our results to alternative parametric models and find evidence of the superiority of our nonparametric model. From an empirical perspective our study is interesting in that the effects on housing prices of a series of environmental characteristics are modeled in the regression. We find these characteristics to be important in the determination of housing prices.
Experimental studies of full-scale posttensioned steel connections

Six full-scale interior connection subassemblies of posttensioned wide flange beam-to-column moment connections were subjected to inelastic cyclic loading up to 4% story drift to simulate earthquake loading effects. Bolted top and seat angles are used in the connection, along with posttensioned high strength strands that run parallel to the beam. These strands compress the beam flanges against the column flange to develop the resisting moment to service loading and to provide a restoring force that returns the structure to its initial position following an earthquake. The parameters studied in these experiments were the initial posttensioning force, the number of posttensioning strands, and the length of the reinforcing plates. The experimental results demonstrate that the posttensioned connection possesses good energy dissipation and ductility. Under drift levels of 4%, the beams and columns remain elastic, while only the top and seat angles are damaged and dissipate energy. The lack of damage to the beams, columns, and the posttensioning enable the system to return to its plumb position (i.e., it self-centers). Closed-form expressions are presented to predict the connection response and the results from these expressions compare well with the experimental results.
A role for radiotherapy in the treatment of solid and papillary neoplasms of the pancreas

Solid and papillary neoplasms of the pancreas are rare tumors that usually occur in young women as enlarging abdominal masses. These lesions almost never metastasize but may be locally destructive. Although the usual treatment is surgery, the authors herein report a case that was treated solely by radiotherapy. They conclude that solid and papillary neoplasms of the pancreas are radiosensitive and can be successfully treated by radiation therapy.
First Report of Sirococcus conigenus on Deodar Cedar in Oregon.

Cedrus deodara is a highly valued conifer widely grown as an ornamental in the Pacific Northwest and southern United States. C. deodara in the Pacific Northwest is normally problem free but occasio...
Conjunctival Goblet Cell Secretion Stimulated by Leukotrienes Is Reduced by Resolvins D1 and E1 To Promote Resolution of Inflammation

The conjunctiva is a mucous membrane that covers the sclera and lines the inside of the eyelids. Throughout the conjunctiva are goblet cells that secrete mucins to protect the eye. Chronic inflammatory diseases such as allergic conjunctivitis and early dry eye lead to increased goblet cell mucin secretion into tears and ocular surface disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the actions of the inflammatory mediators, the leukotrienes and the proresolution resolvins, on secretion from cultured rat and human conjunctival goblet cells. We found that both cysteinyl leukotriene (CysLT) receptors, CysLT1 and CysLT2, were present in rat conjunctiva and in rat and human cultured conjunctival goblet cells. All leukotrienes LTB4, LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4, as well as PGD2, stimulated goblet cell secretion in rat goblet cells. LTD4 and LTE4 increased the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), and LTD4 activated ERK1/2. The CysLT1 receptor antagonist MK571 significantly decreased LTD4-stimulated rat goblet cell secretion and the increase in [Ca2+]i. Resolvins D1 (RvD1) and E1 (RvE1) completely reduced LTD4-stimulated goblet cell secretion in cultured rat goblet cells. LTD4-induced secretion from human goblet cells was blocked by RvD1. RvD1 and RvE1 prevented LTD4- and LTE4-stimulated increases in [Ca2+]i, as well as LTD4 activation of ERK1/2. We conclude that cysteinyl leukotrienes stimulate conjunctival goblet cell mucous secretion with LTD4 using the CysLT1 receptor. Stimulated secretion is terminated by preventing the increase in [Ca2+]i and activation of ERK1/2 by RvD1 and RvE1.
Loading of oxidizable transmitters into secretory vesicles permits carbon-fiber amperometry.

Carbon-fiber amperometry detects oxidizable molecules released by exocytosis. We extended this electrochemical technique to cells that do not normally secrete oxidizable transmitters. We incubated AtT-20 cells, pituitary gonadotropes, cultured cerebellar granule cells, and yeast with high concentrations of dopamine (DA) and observed spontaneous and evoked quantal release of DA by amperometry. The rate of detectable spontaneous amperometric events was used as a measure of loading in AtT-20 cells. With 70 mM DA in the bath, loading was complete within 40 min. Cytoplasmic accumulation preceded vesicular loading. Loading decreased proportionally as the bath DA concentration was lowered. Loading rates were similar at 37 and 25°C and much slower at 15°C. Loading was blocked by bafilomycin A1, a proton pump inhibitor, but not by bupropion, an inhibitor of the plasma membrane DA transporter. Other cells were tested. Spontaneous quantal events became more frequent and evoked events became larger and more frequent when PC12 cells were loaded with DA. Fluidphase loading of neurons by short stimulation in DA solutions seemed selective for the synaptic vesicles. Thus, many cell types can be loaded with DA to study spontaneous and evoked exocytosis. The amine molecules enter these cells passively and may become concentrated in acidic vesicles by protonation.
Molecular assessment of phosphorus and iron physiology in Trichodesmium populations from the western Central and western South Atlantic

Trichodesmium is capable of responding to low phosphorus (P) and low iron (Fe) concentrations through the induction of alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity (an enzyme that hydrolyzes inorganic phosphate from phosphomonoesters) and the IdiA protein (an iron deficiency protein that putatively binds iron), respectively. We monitored AP activity and IdiA expression as molecular diagnostics of P and Fe stress in Trichodesmium field samples on a transect from the western central to the western South Atlantic and compared the expression of these markers with physical, chemical, and N2 fixation measurements. Trichodesmium AP activity was detected at many stations, whereas IdiA expression was not. Incubation additions of inorganic P at one station resulted in a loss of AP activity and an increase in N2 fixation. Our data suggest that P, and not Fe, is the constraining factor limiting Trichodesmium N2 fixation along most of the transect. These results support previous modeling efforts predicting that diazotrophs in this region are P-stressed and further validate the use of molecular diagnostics of nutritional physiology, in concert with more traditional approaches, for identifying constraints on marine N2 fixation.
Decision trees can initialize radial-basis function networks

Successful implementations of radial-basis function (RBF) networks for classification tasks must deal with architectural issues, the burden of irrelevant attributes, scaling, and some other problems. This paper addresses these issues by initializing RBF networks with decision trees that define relatively pure regions in the instance space; each of these regions then determines one basis function. The resulting network is compact, easy to induce, and has favorable classification accuracy.
A Model for New Venture Initiation: A Discourse on Rapacity and the Independent Entrepreneur

This conceptual model reflects a representative behavioral pattern for “the independent entrepreneur” re the venture construct. The model includes a five-stage sequence beginning with the pre-venture set up and extending through the anxious moments of re-negotiation or termination of the venture, resulting from the entrepreneur's rapacious act.
Laminin β1a controls distinct steps during the establishment of digestive organ laterality

Visceral organs, including the liver and pancreas, adopt asymmetric positions to ensure proper function. Yet the molecular and cellular mechanisms controlling organ laterality are not well understood. We identified a mutation affecting zebrafish laminin β1a (lamb1a) that disrupts left-right asymmetry of the liver and pancreas. In these mutants, the liver spans the midline and the ventral pancreatic bud remains split into bilateral structures. We show that lamb1a regulates asymmetric left-right gene expression in the lateral plate mesoderm (LPM). In particular, lamb1a functions in Kupffer’s vesicle (KV), a ciliated organ analogous to the mouse node, to control the length and function of the KV cilia. Later during gut-looping stages, dynamic expression of Lamb1a is required for the bilayered organization and asymmetric migration of the LPM. Loss of Lamb1a function also results in aberrant protrusion of LPM cells into the gut. Collectively, our results provide cellular and molecular mechanisms by which extracellular matrix proteins regulate left-right organ morphogenesis.
It's the little things: Everyday gratitude as a booster shot for romantic relationships

Gratitude and indebtedness are differently valenced emotional responses to benefits provided, which have implications for interpersonal processes. Drawing on a social functional model of emotions, we tested the roles of gratitude and indebtedness in romantic relationships with a daily-experience sampling of both members of cohabiting couples. As hypothesized, the receipt of thoughtful benefits predicted both gratitude and indebtedness. Men had more mixed emotional responses to benefit receipt than women. However, for both men and women, gratitude from interactions predicted increases in relationship connection and satisfaction the following day, for both recipient and benefactor. Although indebtedness may maintain external signals of relationship engagement, gratitude had uniquely predictive power in relationship promotion, perhaps acting as a booster shot for the relationship.
Model evaluation for prognostics: estimating cost saving for the end users

Unexpected failures of complex equipment such as trains or aircraft introduce superfluous costs, disrupt operation, have an effect on consumer's satisfaction, and potentially decrease safety in practice. One of the objectives of prognostics and health management (PHM) systems is to help reduce the number of unexpected failures by continuously monitoring the components of interest and predicting their failures sufficiently in advance to allow for proper planning. In other words, PHM systems may help turn unexpected failures into expected ones. Recent research has demonstrated the usefulness of data mining to help build prognostic models for PHM but also has identified the need for new model evaluation methods that take into account the specificities of prognostic applications. This paper investigates this problem. First, it reviews classical and recent methods to evaluate data mining models and it explains their deficiencies with respect to prognostic applications. The paper then proposes a novel approach that overcomes these deficiencies. This approach integrates the various costs and benefits involved in prognostics to quantify the cost saving expected from a given prognostic model. From the end user's perspective, the formula is practical as it is easy to understand and requires realistic inputs. The paper illustrates the usefulness of the methods through a real-world case study involving data-mining prognostic models and realistic costs/benefits information. The results show the feasibility of the approach and its applicability to various prognostic applications.
Presence of depressive symptoms during early pregnancy and the risk of preterm delivery: a prospective cohort study

results: Among the 791 participants who answered CESD questions and delivered a live birth, after controlling for potential confounders using the Cox proportional hazard regression, women with CESD scores � 16 had almost twice the risk of preterm delivery compared with women without depressive symptoms: adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) ¼ 1.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0 -3.7. The risk of preterm delivery increased with increasing severity of depression: aHR ¼ 1.6 (CI 0.7 -3.6) for CESD 16- 21 and aHR ¼ 2.2 (CI 1.1- 4.7) for CESD � 22. The risk of preterm delivery associated with prenatal depression appears to be exacerbated by low educational level, a history of fertility problems and the presence of obesity and stressful events. The observed associations were not confounded by the use of antidepressants, although some of the associations did not reach statistical significance. conclusions: Our findings show that pregnant women with depressive symptoms are at increased risk of preterm delivery and, in addition, provide preliminary evidence that social and reproductive risk factors as well as obesity and stressful events may exacerbate the
Entanglement and correlation for identical particles in quantum computing

Abstract We clarify the relationship and physical implications of different measures of entanglement and quantum particle correlation in a system containing indistinguishable particles. We also propose a subspace-restricted (due to superselection rules and/or space–time boundary conditions) entanglement measure and show that this measure is suitable to be used for describing the entanglement between qubits in quantum computer (QC) architectures involving identical particles.
To what extent have sweetened beverages contributed to the obesity epidemic

Objective: A systematic literature review was conducted to determine whether sweetened beverage intake increases the risk for obesity, and the extent to which it has contributed to recent increases in energy intake and adiposity in the USA. Design: The search included studies published between 1970 and 2010 that examined secular trends, mechanisms, observational associations and intervention outcomes. Observational and intervention studies were abstracted and systematically evaluated for quality. Setting: Trends in obesity prevalence in the USA and studies from industrialized (developed) countries were included. Subjects: Studies were included for all ages, genders, ethnic and socio-economic groups for which data were available. Results: Obesity rates and sweetened beverage intake have increased in tandem in the USA. Studies consistently show that higher intake of sweetened beverages is associated with higher energy intake. Energy in liquid form is not well compensated for by reductions in the intake of other sources of energy. Well-designed observational studies consistently show a significant positive relationship between sweetened beverage intake and adiposity. More importantly, several well-conducted randomized controlled trials have shown statistically significant changes in adiposity as a result of corresponding changes in sweetened beverage intake. Conclusions: All lines of evidence consistently support the conclusion that the consumption of sweetened beverages has contributed to the obesity epidemic. It is estimated that sweetened beverages account for at least one-fifth of the weight gained between 1977 and 2007 in the US population. Actions that are successful in reducing sweetened beverage consumption are likely to have a measurable impact on obesity.
Nutritional requirements for extracellular accumulation of toxin produced by a pathogenic Vibrio sp.

. A Vibrio species isolated from hatchery-reared, diseased oyster larvae, Crassostrea virginica Gmelin, was shown to produce a teratogenic metabolite when grown in a complex, undefined medium. Nutritional studies determined that the pathogen required several inorganic salts, glucose and asparagine for growth. Bioassays demonstrated that toxin did not accumulate in this chemically-defined medium. However, toxin accumulation did occur when the medium was supplemented with hypoxanthine and either glutamic acid, histidine or thiosulphate.
Using pulse shape analysis to improve the position resolution of a resistive anode microchannel plate detector

Abstract Digital signal processing techniques were employed to investigate the joint use of charge division and risetime analyses for the resistive anode (RA) coupled to a microchannel plate detector (MCP). In contrast to the typical approach of using the relative charge at each corner of the RA, this joint approach results in a significantly improved position resolution. A conventional charge division analysis utilizing analog signal processing provides a measured position resolution of 170 μ m (FWHM). By using the correlation between risetime and position we were able to obtain a measured resolution of 92 μ m (FWHM), corresponding to an intrinsic resolution of 64 μ m (FWHM) for a single Z-stack MCP detector.
Influence of partial harvesting and site factors on the abundance and composition of natural regeneration in the Acadian Forest of Maine, USA

Understanding the factors regulating the composition and abundance of natural regeneration in forest ecosystems is critical to sustainable management worldwide. Using a long-term silvicultural experiment in Maine, we partitioned the variation in natural regeneration and examined the contribution of overstory and understory vegetation (biotic factors), substrate and soil attributes (abiotic factors), and silvicultural treatment. We hypothesized that silvicultural treatment (single-tree selection with 5, 10, and 20-year cutting cycles and diameter-limit cutting) would be less influential than abiotic and biotic factors in structuring regeneration pattern. Overall, treatment and site (biotic and abiotic) factors accounted for 26% of the variation in regeneration species composition, highlighting stochasticity of the regeneration process. In support of our hypothesis, regeneration pattern that could be explained was primarily associated with local site factors; overstory and understory vegetation uniquely accounted for 16% of the variation in species composition. Substrate and soil attributes along with silvicultural treatment accounted for 4% of variation, and uniquely accounted for 2% and 4%, respectively. In support of earlier reports, shifts toward hardwood dominance were apparent at early stages of cohort development and were associated with high harvest intensities. Our findings suggested that overstory and understory vegetation exhibit greater control over regeneration patterns than substrate and soil attributes, or silvicultural treatment, in partially harvested Acadian Forest mixedwood stands, and also indicated the potential for composition control through selective overstory removal.
A Surprising Level of Genetic Diversity in an Invasive Wasp: Polistes dominulus in the Northeastern United States

Abstract We examined the population genetic structure of an extremely successful invasive wasp, Polistes dominulus. Although successful biological invasions of social insects have been associated with genetic bottlenecks, our research uncovered an unexpected level of genetic diversity in the northeastern U.S. invasion population. Compared with a previously studied European sample, the northeastern U.S. invasion population shows no significant reduction in gene diversity and no trace of a genetic bottleneck in the putative “introduction population.” We identified multiple private microsatellite alleles in both Massachusetts and New York, which strongly suggests that the northeastern U.S. P. dominulus population arose from at least two independent introductions. Although a genetic bottleneck may enhance invasion success for some social insects, genetic and geographical data on this successful invader suggest that this wasp may represent the converse. Our results support immediate identification of genetic d...
Internal Dialogues about Conflict: Implications for Managing Marital Discord:

Studies in social cognition suggest that people in relationships engage in imagined interactions to develop appropriate lines of actions for actual conflict situations. Additionally, imagined inter...
Periodic Cuscore charts to detect step shifts in autocorrelated processes

Among statistical control charts, the Cuscore control chart has been designed specifically for particular types of signals and process models. The synchronization between the residuals of the process and the detectors of the Cuscore makes this control chart more sensitive for detecting a signal than the Shewhart, cusum and other standard control charts. However, this synchronization happens only when the time of the occurrence of the signal is known. In this paper, we develop two approaches for applying the Cuscore chart when the time of the signal is unknown. The first approach is to reinitialize the Cuscore statistic with a prescribed cycle. The second approach considers only the most recent time periods to calculate the Cuscore statistic. We apply these two approaches to construct what we call periodic Cuscore control charts to detect step shifts in seasonal time series processes. Simulation results show that the performance of periodic Cuscore charts, in terms of average run length to signal a special cause, is better than that of cusum charts in most cases even when faced with a long mismatch period between the time of resetting the charts and the time of the occurrence of the signal. These results indicate that the two approaches are practical and effective when the time of the signal is unknown. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nogo-B receptor is essential for angiogenesis in zebrafish via Akt pathway.

Our previous work has shown that axon guidance gene family Nogo-B and its receptor (NgBR) are essential for chemotaxis and morphogenesis of endothelial cells in vitro. To investigate NogoB-NgBR function in vivo, we cloned the zebrafish ortholog of both genes and studied loss of function in vivo using morpholino antisense technology. Zebrafish ortholog of Nogo-B is expressed in somite while expression of zebrafish NgBR is localized in intersomitic vessel (ISV) and axial dorsal aorta during embryonic development. NgBR or Nogo-B knockdown embryos show defects in ISV sprouting in the zebrafish trunk. Mechanistically, we found that NgBR knockdown not only abolished its ligand Nogo-B–stimulated endothelial cell migration but also reduced the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)–stimulated phosphorylation of Akt and vascular endothelial growth factor–induced chemotaxis and morphogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Further, constitutively activated Akt (myristoylated [myr]Akt) or human NgBR can rescue the NgBR knockdown umbilical vein endothelial cell migration defects in vitro or NgBR morpholino-caused ISV defects in vivo. These data place Akt at the downstream of NgBR in both Nogo-B– and VEGF-coordinated sprouting of ISVs. In summary, this study identifies the in vivo functional role for Nogo-B and its receptor (NgBR) in angiogenesis in zebrafish.
HEMAGGLUTINATION BY REOVIRUSES PROPAGATED IN VARIOUS CELL LINES.

Summary1. Reovirus HA antigens prepared in the human diploid cell strain, WI-38 and in the established renal cell lines, LLC-MK2 and BS-C-1, may be satisfactorily employed in lieu of primary renal cell cultures of the Rhesus monkey. 2. Of the 3 host cell systems tested, WI-38 cells proved to be the most suitable for preparation of reovirus HA antigens. Maximum HA titers to the 3 reovirus types were obtained after 3 passages in this cell strain. 3. Higher reovirus HA titers were attained in stationary WI-38 cell cultures incubated at 37°C as compared with that obtained from cultures rotated at this temperature. The enhancement of CPE with respect to the methods of incubation varied with the virus strains employed. At an incubation temperature of 24°C only reovirus type 2 produced CPE and HA to a limited extent in WI-38 cells. 4. Reovirus types 1 and 2 HA antigens prepared in WI-38 cells showed no significant differences in titers when HA was carried out at temperatures of 4, 24 and 37°C. Antigens prepared ...
Mask and mask-less injection molded solder (IMS) technology for fine pitch substrate bumping

We report the results of a new pre-solder bumping technology of injection molded solder (IMS) for fine pitch organic substrates. Pure molten solder is injected through a reusable film mask (mask IMS) or directly injected without a mask (mask-less IMS) on the pads of an organic substrate to overcome the limitation of current pre-solder bumping technologies such as solder paste stencil printing and micro-ball mounting. In the case of mask IMS, targeted solder height over the solder resist (SR) is designed into the mask which has desirable thickness and hole sizes. Three different solder bump heights such as 30, 50, and 70 microns over SR were demonstrated for commercial organic substrates which have a pitch of 150 μm for 5,000 area array pads. To show the extendibility of the mask IMS bumping method to very fine pitch applications, 100 μm pitch bumping of 10,000 pads and 80 μm pitch bumping of 15,000 pads were demonstrated. In mask-less IMS, the pure molten solder is directly filled into the opening volume ...
Measuring Environmental Quality: Ecosystem Services or Human Health Effects

The relationship between income and environmental quality is poorly understood at best. We expand the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) literature by considering not only the role of emissions but also the role of the environmentâ€™s absorptive capacity in the relationship between income and environmental quality. Building off of a simple conceptual model, we construct two different aggregate measures of environmental quality. Using these measures, we find that emissions and emissions toxicity exhibit a relationship consistent with the EKC hypothesis, while biodiversity and ecosystem services do not.
Identification of Blood Serum by Precipitin Reaction.

The precipitin reaction has been used extensively in medico-legal work for almost 30 years. Nuttall1 used the precipitin tests in zoological relationships and Boyden2 confirmed the work of Nuttall and stressed the principle of reciprocal relationships. The methods used in medico-legal work have been entirely of the “trial and error” type and no satisfactory method is known for identification of the individual bloods of a mixture, often an important item in criminal trials. Zoological relationships based on serological evidence can give a basis for a less cumbersome technique in medico-legal work.In verifying the principle of reciprocal relationships and the per cent values of relationships the methods of Boyden were used. Two per cent antigen solutions of human, horse, sheep, beef, pig, cat and rat sera were made and the protein percentage determined. Antisera of all but the cat and rat sera were used. Two and often 3 readings, were made of each reaction and they agreed very well within themselves. A comp...
Force Prediction in Milling of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers

Fiber reinforced polymers are widely used in the transportation, aerospace and chemical industries. In rare instances these materials are produced net-shape, and secondary processing such as machining and assembly may be required to produce a finished product. Because fiber reinforced polymers are heterogeneous materials, they do not machine in a similar way to metals. Thus, the theory of metal machining is not valid for the analysis of machining of fiber reinforced composites. Previous attempts in modeling this problem have adopted Merchant’s theory for metal cutting by assuming that chip formation takes place in a shear plane where the inclination angle is determined by the minimum energy principle. This class of models showed that model predictions are valid only for fiber orientations less than 60°. Furthermore, these models are incapable of predicting cutting forces for multidirectional laminates or complex tool geometry. The work presented here focuses on providing a predictive model for the cutting forces in milling both unidirectional and multidirectional laminates. The model is based on the specific cutting energy principle and accounts for a wide range of fiber orientations and chip thickness. Results from this model were found to be in good agreement with experimental results over the entire range of fiber orientations from 0 to 180°.© 2005 ASME
The Trio family of guanine-nucleotide-exchange factors: regulators of axon guidance

Axon guidance requires the integration of diverse guidance signals presented by numerous extracellular cues and cell-cell interactions. The molecular mechanisms that interpret these signals involve networks of intracellular signaling proteins that coordinate a variety of responses to the environment, including remodeling and assembly of the actin cytoskeleton. Although it has been clear for some time that Rho family GTPases play a central role in the orchestration of cytoskeletal assembly, our understanding of the components that regulate these important molecules is far more primitive. Recent functional studies of the Trio family of guanine-nucleotide-exchange factors reveal that Trio proteins play a vital role in neuronal cell migration and axon guidance. Although the molecular analysis of Trio proteins is still in its infancy, accumulated evidence suggests that Trio proteins function as integrators of multiple upstream inputs and as activators of multiple downstream pathways. Future studies of these mechanisms promise to yield insights not only into neural development but also into the ongoing function and remodeling of the adult nervous system.
Design and Development of Periodical papers Online Management System

Design idea,articles management process,system development environment and tools,and system framework and functions of Journal of Henan Agricultural Sciences journal articles on-line management system were introduced.The system consists of online submission,experts landing,editor and management landing sub-system.The system is stable and functional,including of online information,online submission,online review,financial management,so that the efficiency of journal articles management has been improved greatly.
The Operation Management Experience of Distribution Networks in Germany and its Revelation to Us

This paper analyzes the planning and operation management,power saving policies and technologies of distribution networks in Germany,and summarizes some valuable experiences as follows:to attach importance to policy-oriented power saving management and application of power saving technologies,to implement distribution power supply,to construct stronger power networks,to apply a great deal of computer technologies,and to provide excellent service.These experiences give us revelation that in China it is necessary to establish or perfect some policies and standards of power supply,increase the investment for the power networks construction,especially for the distribution power networks,spread the function software of planning optimize,operation optimize,power saving,fault detecting and restoration in distribution power networks,integrate and share resources,and extend the contents of service.
PD-1+ and Foxp3+ T cell reduction correlates with survival of HCC patients after sorafenib therapy

BACKGROUND. Sorafenib is an oral antiangiogenic agent administered in advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Based on preclinical and human studies, we hypothesized that, in addition to its antiangiogenic properties, sorafenib may beneficially reduce the extent of the immunosuppressive network in HCC patients. To test this hypothesis, we examined whether alterations in the immunosuppressive burden of advanced-stage HCC patients correlated with clinical outcome. METHODS. In before and after sorafenib treatment, blood samples collected from 19 patients with advanced HCC, the frequency of PD-1+ T cells, Tregs, and myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) were quantified by multiparameter FACS. Cytokine levels in plasma were determined by ELISA. RESULTS. Overall survival (OS) was significantly impacted by the reduction in the absolute number of both CD4+PD-1+ T cells and CD8+PD-1+ T cells following sorafenib treatment. Significant decreases in the frequency and absolute number of Foxp3+ Tregs were also observed, and a statistically significant improvement in OS was noted in patients exhibiting a greater decrease in the number of Foxp3+ Tregs. The ratio of CD4+CD127+PD-1– T effector cells to CD4+Foxp3+PD-1+ Tregs was significantly increased following treatment with sorafenib. Increased frequency of CD4+CD127+ T effector cells in the posttreatment samples significantly correlated with OS. CONCLUSION. This study is the first to our knowledge to demonstrate the potent immunomodulatory effects of sorafenib therapy on PD-1+ T cells and Tregs and the ensuing correlation with survival. These phenotypes could serve as predictive biomarkers to identify HCC patients who are likely to benefit from sorafenib treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION. Registration is not required for observational studies. FUNDING. This study was supported by NCI Core Grant to RPCI (NIH P30 CA016056) and discretionary funds to Y. Thanavala.
A Conceptual Model of Foundations’ Leadership Capacity in Times of Change: Lessons From Egypt:

In the wake of the January 25, 2011 Egyptian uprisings, local private and community foundations responded divergently to civil society’s calls for political change. Egypt’s community foundations quickly positioned themselves as leaders of democratic political reforms, while private foundations remained focused on their pre-2011 activities in the economic development realm. To explain the foundations’ different responses to the uprisings, the article draws upon extant literature to develop a conceptual model of foundations’ capacity to lead change. It then applies the model to the Egyptian case, arguing that community foundations’ high levels of political independence and low levels of financial and civic independence facilitated their leadership efforts, while private foundations’ low levels of political and financial independence and high levels of civic independence hampered their ability to lead reform initiatives. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Impact of Prior Hepatectomy History on Local Tumor Progression after Percutaneous Ablation of Colorectal Liver Metastases.

Abstract Purpose To test the hypothesis that, given the current resection eligibility criteria for colorectal liver metastasis (CLM), prior hepatectomy would be associated with improved local tumor control and survival after percutaneous ablation of CLMs. Materials and Methods This single-institution retrospective study included 82 consecutive patients with 97 CLMs treated with ablation (radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, or cryoablation) from January 2005 to December 2014. Local tumor progression-free survival (LTPFS), recurrence-free survival (RFS) at any organ, and overall survival (OS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method from the time of ablation and compared between patients with (n = 49) and without (n = 33) prior hepatectomy. Cox regression models were used to identify LTPFS predictors. Results Median overall follow-up period was 28 months (range, 4.5–132 months). Three-year actuarial LTPFS (patient level: 73% vs 34%, P P = .026) and OS (78% vs 48%, P = .003) were improved in patients with prior hepatectomy. At multivariate analysis, predictors of worse LTPFS were: no prior hepatectomy (hazard ratio [HR] 2.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–5.45; P = .045), minimal ablation margin P = .016), and RAS -mutant tumor (HR 2.65, 95% CI 1.18–5.94; P = .019). Conclusions Prior hepatectomy for CLMs is associated with improved local tumor control after percutaneous ablation of post-resection-developed CLMs.
CHEMICAL ORDERING IN CONCENTRATED BINARY AMORPHOUS METALS

We present the first results of computer modelling work on the degree of chemical short range order which is consistent with close packed amorphous and fee crystalline structures containing two types of atoms. Based on these calculations, which do not include effects of having two different atom sizes, we expect the maximum order parameter in concentrated amorphous alloys to be slightly less than that of ordered crystals.
A Randomized Waitlist Controlled Analysis of Team-Initiated Problem Solving Professional Development and Use:

Data-based problem solving is a hallmark of research-supported practices such as positive behavioral interventions and supports. In this study, we provided members of positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) teams from 38 elementary schools with professional development focused on a research-supported problem-solving model (Team-Initiated Problem Solving). We used direct observations to document procedures, practices, and outcomes before and after participating in the professional development workshop. Within the context of a randomized waitlist controlled trial, team members in the Immediate Group demonstrated greater improvement in (a) problem-solving procedures, (b) decision-making practices, and (c) meeting outcomes than did members of PBIS teams in the Waitlist Group. Our findings extend what is known about team-based problem solving and provide a framework for future research and improved practice related to decision making by school teams.