cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Before and after: craving, mood, and background stress in the hours surrounding drug use and stressful events in patients with opioid-use disorder.

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) of specific events usually focuses more on antecedents and concomitants than on aftermaths. To examine mental state both before and after discrete episodes of stress and drug use. For up to 16 weeks, outpatients on opioid-agonist treatment carried smartphones on which they initiated entries for stressful events (SEs) or lapses to drug use (DUs), and thrice daily when randomly prompted (RPs). Participants rated their stress, opioid craving, cocaine craving, and moods. RP entries within 5 h of an event were analyzed and compared to other RPs. Stress, negative mood, and craving were generally higher before and after DUs and SEs compared to background levels in participants with at least one DU (n = 149) or SE (n = 158). Before DUs, there were increases in negative mood, opioid craving, and cocaine craving, but not background stress. Before SEs, there were increases in background stress, opioid craving, and cocaine craving, but not negative mood. These changes were more variable after events than before. Neither DUs nor SEs were significantly related to positive mood. Stress increased before stressful-event entries, but was less evident before drug use. Craving increased in the hours before drug use and stressful events—and remained elevated in the hours after either event. These results suggest a stronger link between drug use and craving than between drug use and stress. Lapses to drug use did not improve mood or reduce stress, at least not at our 1-h-bin time resolution, suggesting that if such benefits exist, they are brief.
Tools and Methodologies for Autonomous Driving Systems

Due to the advent of active safety features and automated driving capabilities, the scope and complexity of embedded computing systems within automobiles continue to increase. Moreover, with the introduction of communication technologies like dedicated short range communications (DSRC), autonomous vehicles can also communicate with each other, pedestrians and the infrastructure. As the number of applications and levels of autonomy within such connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) increase the inherent safety-critical nature of CAVs imposes strict requirements in terms of testing and verification of system correctness. Hence, appropriate tools and methodologies are to manage these increasing complexity and testing requirements. In this paper, we present a standard reference architecture for CAVs and the tools and methodologies we use to model, design, develop and test systems to realize CAV applications.
Building an Automatic Defect Verification System Using Deep Neural Network for PCB Defect Classification

In the PCB industry, automatic optical inspection (AOI) system takes an important role to increase yield rate. However, the false alarm rate of AOI equipment is high. Therefore, the high cost of human visual inspection at verify and repair system (VRS) station is becoming a problem. Therefore, we propose an automatic defect verification system, called Auto-VRS, to decrease the false alarm rate and reduce operator's workload. The proposed system is composed of two subsystems, referred to fast circuit comparison and deep neural network based defect classification. The fast circuit comparison is to find the accurate defect region of interest (ROI). The deep neural network based defect classification is to verify which is real defect or pseudo defect. The experiment results showed that the Auto-VRS can recognition defects well and has the significant reduction in both false alarm rate and escape rate. With the advantage of the Auto-VRS, it can further improve the VRS operator's efficiency and accuracy in the future.
MRI for Appendicitis: Gold Standard or Emerging Technology with Limited Role?

Although computed tomography (CT) is the preferred imaging modality to diagnose appendicitis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is growing in availability and is gaining popularity as an alternative imaging tool for potential appendicitis. MRIs do not emit ionizing radiation. As opposed to ultrasound, MRI allows for visualization of potential alternate diagnoses. CT and MRI have similar sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of appendicitis. While MRI may be costlier and take longer to perform than CT, protocols have been created to expedite the process and decrease costs. Hence, MRI is a reasonable alternative to CT in the acute care setting if available.
Enabling a Bot with Understanding Argumentation and Providing Arguments

We make our chatbot capable of exchanging arguments with users. The chatbot needs to tackle various argumentation patterns provided by a user as well as provide adequate argumentation patterns in response. To do that, the system needs to detect certain types of arguments in user utterances to “understand” her and detect arguments in textual content to reply back accordingly. Various patterns of logical and affective argumentation are detected by analyzing the discourse and communicative structure of user utterances and content to be delivered to the user. Unlike most argument-mining systems, the chatbot not only detects arguments but performs reasoning on them for the purpose of validation the claims. We explore how the chatbot can leverage discourse-level features to assess the quality and validity of arguments as well as overall text truthfulness, integrity, cohesiveness and how emotions and sentiments are communicated. Communicative discourse trees and their extensions for sentiments and noisy user generated content are employed in these tasks.
Kidney Tubular Damage and Functional Biomarkers in Acute Kidney Injury Following Cardiac Surgery.

Background Cardiac surgery–associated acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We examined the utility of combining biomarkers of kidney function loss (serum cystatin C) and kidney tubular damage (urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin [NGAL] and Kidney Injury Molecule-1 [KIM-1]) for the prediction of post–cardiac surgery AKI. Methods Single-center prospective cohort study of 106 adults undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valve surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Primary outcome was postoperative in-hospital AKI defined by serum creatinine (SCr)–Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria. Biomarkers were measured preoperatively, 6 hours after CPB and on postoperative days (PODs) 1 to 4. Results A total of 23 subjects (21.7%) developed AKI. After adjusting for preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction, body mass index >30 kg/m2, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) Conclusions Combining biomarkers of postoperative kidney function loss and postoperative kidney tubular damage significantly improved prediction of in-hospital AKI following cardiac surgery. Future large, multicenter studies are warranted to assess whether panels of biomarkers reflecting distinct pathobiology can be used to guide interventions and improve short- and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Identification of Pirin as a Molecular Target of the CCG-1423/CCG-203971 Series of Antifibrotic and Antimetastatic Compounds

A series of compounds (including CCG-1423 and CCG-203971) discovered through an MRTF/SRF-dependent luciferase screen has shown remarkable efficacy in a variety of in vitro and in vivo models, including significant reduction of melanoma metastasis and bleomycin- induced fibrosis. Although these compounds are efficacious in these disease models, the molecular target is unknown. Here, we describe affinity isolation-based target identification efforts which yielded pirin, an iron-dependent cotranscription factor, as a target of this series of compounds. Using biophysical techniques including isothermal titration calorimetry and X-ray crystallography, we verify that pirin binds these compounds in vitro. We also show with genetic approaches that pirin modulates MRTF- dependent luciferase reporter activity. Finally, using both siRNA and a previously validated pirin inhibitor, we show a role for pirin in TGF-β- induced gene expression in primary dermal fibroblasts. A recently developed analog, CCG-257081, which co crystallizes with pirin, is also effective in the prevention of bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis.
In Situ Testing Using Synchrotron Radiation Computed Tomography in Materials Research

High resolution (< 1 µm) computed tomography is an attractive tool in materials research due to its ability to non-destructively visualize the three-dimensional internal microstructures of the material. Recently, this technique has been further empowered by adding a fourth (temporal) dimension to study the time-lapse material response under load. Such studies are referred to as four-dimensional or in situ testing. In this snapshot review, we highlight three representative examples of in situ testing using synchrotron radiation computed tomography (SRCT) for composites failure analysis, measurement of local corrosion rate in alloys, and visualization and quantification of electrochemical reactions in lithium-ion batteries, as well as forward-looking integration of machine learning with in situ CT. Lastly, the future opportunities and challenges of in situ SRCT testing are discussed.
The roots of the ‘special relationship’: Shared values or interests?

This article reviews the history of the Anglo-American ‘special relationship’ to assess the relative importance of shared cultures and values, common enemies and political self-interest in maintaining the connection over the long term and, most important, in making it closer and more salient in the short term. The paper briefly reviews the literature and argues that culture and values are seldom decisive but serve as a precondition, a facilitating factor in the alliance. It then argues that what seems most important in explaining those moments when the relationship was closest is self-interest—for the two countries, as during the Second World War, or for particular political leaders whose visions and projects are furthered by having allies who largely share such views and plans. Examples of this more particular and limited kind of self-interest are Thatcher and Reagan and Blair and Clinton—and, to a lesser extent, Blair and Bush.
Heterotopic Ossification Leading to Ureteral Obstruction Resulting in Nephrectomy

Background: Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the presence of bone in soft tissue where bone normally does not exist. This can be acquired or inherited with the acquired form most often seen with ei...
Real-Time Contingency Analysis for Post-contingency SOL Exceedance Monitoring

This chapter introduces the implementation of Peak RC’s Real-Time Contingency Analysis (RTCA) function with hundreds of RAS models included for the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) system security assessment for every 5 min. It presents some custom features developed for Reliability Coordinator (RC) to intelligently sort out the important, actionable information. In addition, this chapter discusses the Peak RC’s monitoring methodology and procedures, and how they shape the RC’s actions when dealing with post-contingency System Operating Limit (SOL) exceedances and risk of cascading outages. Finally, the RTCA software enhancements for autonomous cascading analysis and Interconnection Reliability Operating Limits (IROL) monitoring are proposed to improve detection and validation of potential IROL conditions.
Deep Learning Classification: Modeling Discrete Labor Choice

We introduce a deep learning classification (DLC) method for analyzing equilibrium in discrete-continuos choice dynamic models. As an illustration, we apply the DLC method to solve a version of Krusell and Smith's (1998) heterogeneous-agent model with incomplete markets, borrowing constraint and indivisible labor choice. The novel feature of our analysis is that we construct discontinuous decision functions that tell us when the agent switches from one employment state to another, conditional on the economy's state. We use deep learning not only to characterize the discrete indivisible choice but also to perform model reduction and to deal with multicollinearity. Our TensorFlow-based implementation of DLC is tractable in models with thousands of state variables.
Fluorescence in situ hybridization with DNA probes

Publisher Summary Fluorescence in situ DNA hybridization (FISH) is used to label fluorescently specific nucleic acid sequences in cells or chromosomes. The FISH procedure is used to reveal the location of these sequences and to quantify their copy number. The advantages of FISH over in situ hybridization with radioactively labeled probes include spatial resolution, convenience, and speed. FISH techniques approach the sensitivity of autoradiographic techniques. Several laboratories have reported the successful localization of the single-copy sites of specific sequences using probes of 2–5 kilobase pairs (kbp). Several schemes for probe modification and hybridization detection are described: biotinylated probe detected with fluorescently labeled avidin or antibiotin antibody, aminoacetylfluorene (AAF)-modified probe detected with an anti-AAF antibody, sulfonate-modified probe detected with an antisulfonate antibody, mercurated probe detected by a sulfhydryl group linked to either a fluorescent ligand or a hapten, which is detected with an antihapten antibody, and digoxigenin- labeled probes detected with an antidigoxigenin antibody. Biotin and digoxigenin moieties have been introduced in the probe through nick translation or random-primed polymerase reactions. Aminoacetylfluorene, sulfonate, and mercury have been introduced in the probe through simple chemical reactions.
COLLAGEN FORMATION AND FIBROGENESIS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE ROLE OF ASCORBIC ACID.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the collagen formation and fibrogenesis with special reference to the role of ascorbic acid. Collagen is present in almost all multicellular animals ranging from the primitive poriferans and coelenterates, through the annelids and echinoderms up to the vertebrates. It is one of the most abundant of the mammalian proteins and constitutes about 25–30% of the total body protein. The fibroblast, like the osteoblast and odontoblast, is profoundly influenced by ascorbic acid deficiency. In the absence of the vitamin, these cells characteristically fail to produce their respective fibrous proteins—collagen, osteoid, and dentin. In most respects, the cytochemical properties of these cells are analogous (except for the extremely high phosphatase production by the osteoblast), and that ascorbic acid deficiency brings about a reversal of the differentiated cells to more immature cell types. The administration of ascorbic acid promptly corrects the defect. The chapter discusses the origin of the collagen-forming cell, morphological studies of collagen formation, influence of ascorbic acid deficiency on collagen-forming cells, collagen formation in tissue culture, and collagen synthesis.
Hypermethylation of the p14ARF Gene in Ulcerative Colitis-associated Colorectal Carcinogenesis

The p14(ARF) protein directly inhibits the MDM-2 oncoprotein, which mediates degradation of the p53 protein. It has been shown that p14(ARF) expression is frequently down-regulated by p14(ARF) gene hypermethylation in colorectal cancer. To determine whether p14(ARF) inactivation was involved in ulcerative colitis (UC)-associated carcinogenesis, the frequency and timing of p14(ARF) methylation was investigated in four different histological stages of UC-associated carcinogenesis. Methylation-specific PCR and bisulfite sequencing were used to determine the prevalence of p14(ARF) gene methylation. p14(ARF) methylation was observed in 19 of 38 (50%) adenocarcinomas, 4 of 12 (33%) dysplasias, and 3 of the 5 (60%) nonneoplastic UC mucosae. In contrast, 3 of 40 (3.7%) normal tissues showed p14(ARF) methylation (chi(2) test: P = 0.0003). Bisulfite sequencing was used to analyze 28 CpGs of p14(ARF) gene in 20 samples. The number of methylated CpGs ranged from 0 to 4, 0 to 20, and 0 to 28 in the normal, dysplastic, and carcinomatous samples, respectively (Kruskall-Wallis test: P = 0.0005). Densely methylated alleles were detected only in carcinomas by bisulfite sequencing. In conclusion, our data suggest that methylation of p14(ARF) is a relatively common early event in UC-associated carcinogenesis. p14(ARF) offers potential as a biomarker for the early detection of cancer or dysplasia in UC. Finally, analyses of p14(ARF) methylation in other organs should explore not only frank cancers but other premalignant lesions.
Genzyme Center (A)

Genzyme Corporation is in the midst of planning its new corporate headquarters, which incorporates many innovative green building features. After learning that the building as planned would likely earn a LEED Silver rating, an intermediate score in the LEED green building rating scheme, the CEO charged the building team with exploring opportunities that would enable the building to earn the highest rating, LEED Platinum. Five additional green building features are described, and students are asked to analyze and recommend which, if any, of these features to pursue based on their cost, likelihood of earning LEED credits, and their influence on the building's environmental performance.
Polynomial Model: Introduction

A special case of the linear model, a polynomial model allows representation and estimation of curvilinear relationships while using the theory and computation efficiency of the linear model. Keywords: curvilinear models; linear models; polynomials
Matlab Based LOCO

The LOCO algorithm has been used by many accelerators around the world. Although the uses for LOCO vary, the most common use has been to find calibration errors and correct the optics functions. The light source community in particular has made extensive use of the LOCO algorithms to tightly control the beta function and coupling. Maintaining high quality beam parameters requires constant attention so a relatively large effort was put into software development for the LOCO application. The LOCO code was originally written in FORTRAN. This code worked fine but it was somewhat awkward to use. For instance, the FORTRAN code itself did not calculate the model response matrix. It required a separate modeling code such as MAD to calculate the model matrix then one manually loads the data into the LOCO code. As the number of people interested in LOCO grew, it required making it easier to use. The decision to port LOCO to Matlab was relatively easy. It's best to use a matrix programming language with good graphics capability; Matlab was also being used for high level machine control; and the accelerator modeling code AT, [5], was already developed for Matlab. Since LOCO requires collecting and processing amore » relative large amount of data, it is very helpful to have the LOCO code compatible with the high level machine control, [3]. A number of new features were added while porting the code from FORTRAN and new methods continue to evolve, [7][9]. Although Matlab LOCO was written with AT as the underlying tracking code, a mechanism to connect to other modeling codes has been provided.« less
Patterns and Correlates of Risky Behavior Among HIV+ Gay Men: Are They Really Different from HIV− Men?

With the advent of highly effective antiretroviral therapies, the prospects for persons living with HIV infection (HIV+) undoubtedly include many years of continued sexual activity. Reports of unsafe sexual behavior among a subset of HIV+ men has alarmed some prevention researchers and stimulated rethinking of HIV prevention interventions for gay/bisexual men. This paper examines the rates of unsafe sex among HIV+ gay/bisexual men and their correlates, comparing them to HIV− men recruited simultaneously to the Chicago MACS/C&CS and AIM studies. Aside from initial differences in the rates of unprotected anal sex (UAS) among men prior to learning their HIV serostatus, there were no differences in actual rates of UAS or their correlates in the two samples. Further, the importance of attitudinal measures—i.e., sexual sensation seeking, preference for UAS, and belief in the efficacy of the new therapies—in predicting risky sex among gay/bisexual men regardless of serostatus argues for an emphasis on modifying these attitudes in any HIV prevention interventions for gay and bisexual men and the importance of combining primary and secondary HIV prevention strategies whenever possible.
The multiscale coarse-graining method. XI. Accurate interactions based on the centers of charge of coarse-grained sites

It is essential to be able to systematically construct coarse-grained (CG) models that can efficiently and accurately reproduce key properties of higher-resolution models such as all-atom. To fulfill this goal, a mapping operator is needed to transform the higher-resolution configuration to a CG configuration. Certain mapping operators, however, may lose information related to the underlying electrostatic properties. In this paper, a new mapping operator based on the centers of charge of CG sites is proposed to address this issue. Four example systems are chosen to demonstrate this concept. Within the multiscale coarse-graining framework, CG models that use this mapping operator are found to better reproduce the structural correlations of atomistic models. The present work also demonstrates the flexibility of the mapping operator and the robustness of the force matching method. For instance, important functional groups can be isolated and emphasized in the CG model.
Inductance Surface Learning for Model Predictive Current Control of Switched Reluctance Motors

In this paper, an inductance surface estimation and learning for utilization with a stochastic model predictive control (MPC) scheme for the current control of switched reluctance motors (SRMs) is introduced. This MPC is equipped with state estimators and is implemented as a recursive linear quadratic regulator for practical deployments in hybrid vehicle applications. Additionally, a learning mechanism is developed to dynamically adapt to the inductance profile of the machine and update the MPC and Kalman filter parameters. The introduced control scheme can cope with noise as well as uncertainties within the machine nonlinear inductance surface. The introduced system will benefit from a fixed switching frequency and will offer low current ripples by calculating the optimal duty cycles using the SRM model. Finally, simulations and experimental results are provided to evaluate the proposed method.
Monitoring knowledge flow through scholarly networks

The production and creation of knowledge is not dependent on any individual and isolated entity; instead, knowledge is diffused, exchanged, and circulated among various entities. To study the knowledge flow and transfer within and across different disciplines can help us better understand science and scientific collaboration. This paper presents a methodological framework to study knowledge flow, including a knowledge hierarchy, the construction of knowledge flow network, and indicators that can be used to measure disciplinarities.
And Who Will Teach Them? An Investigation of the Logistics PhD Market

At a time when there is high demand for logistics/supply-chain education at the undergraduate and master's levels, there is short supply of logistics PhDs to take faculty positions. In this research, the authors used both primary and secondary research to confirm the gap between supply and demand of logistics/supply-chain scholars. Their study draws attention to this salient issue and offers suggestions as to how the discipline can monitor and manage the production of logistics/supply-chain PhDs to bridge the supply and demand gap.
Disorders of decision in affective disease: An effect of β-adrenergic dysfunction?

Abstract We investigated response bias (defined as the decision rule subjects adopt when uncertain) in two experiments using a variant of Signal Detection Theory (SDT) with the discrimination measure d' L and the bias measure C L , under which it is possible to independently evaluate discrimination and response bias. In the first experiment, manics, depressed subjects, and matched psychiatrically normal controls were tested with a recognition memory task with easier and more difficult components before and after 1 month of appropriate pharmacological treatment. This experiment showed that abnormally conservative bias was characteristic of depression and liberal (yea-saying) bias was found in mania regardless of severity of illness; discrimination deficits were found only when symptoms were severe. After treatment, aspects of discrimination worsened in both hypomanic and depressed nonresponders whereas response bias remained unchanged in these patients. In both groups of responders, improvements in response bias were more dramatic than improvements in discrimination. In the second experiment, psychiatrically normal hypertensives were tested with a Stenberg short-term memory scanning task on and off treatment with the centrally active β-blocker propranolol. This experiments showed that treatment with propranolol modeled the bias deficit of depression; that is, bias became more conservative. Both sets of result suggest that disorders of decision may be modulated by β-adrenergic function.
Larval American Shad: Effects of Age and Group Size on Swimming and Feeding Behavior

Abstract We analyzed the behavior of 3–4-d-old prolarval and 28–33-d-old metalarval American shad Alosa sapidissima in groups of 3–1,000 fish per 22-L glass tank, to determine whether (1) previously described juvenile behavior patterns first develop in larvae, (2) group size or density alters the behavior of larvae, and (3) schooling or other forms of cohesive behavior develop in larvae to promote social interactions. Twelve discrete behaviors or modal action patterns (MAPS) oflarvae were observed at all group sizes; halfthese patterns are unique to larval stages. Conversely, larvae do not develop five previously described juvenile MAPS. Stereotyped metalarval feeding sequences were absent or poorly developed in prolarvae. Group size was directly related to duration of free swimming in water column (metalarvae only) and to frequencies of “proximity to another fish” (all larvae), “contact another fish” (all larvae), and “escape or flee” (all larvae). Age or larval stage significantly affected all swimming-...
Analysis of TEC data from the TOPEX/Poseidon mission

[1] TOPEX/Poseidon mission has provided an extensive database of vertical TEC over the ocean since August 1992. Data from nearly 10 years of TOPEX TEC observations were analyzed to study the TEC climatology. First, TEC data were binned by season, geomagnetic activity, and solar activity to create longitudinally averaged TEC maps in magnetic latitude and local time. These maps show the annual and semiannual anomalies well known from climatological studies of NmF2 but lack the seasonal anomaly because of the longitudinally averaged binning. The equatorial anomaly is the most prominent feature in the maps, and they show strong TEC variations with solar activity but relatively weak variations with geomagnetic activity in our three Kp bins. Compared with the low solar activity conditions (F10.7 < 120), the TEC values for F10.7 ≥ 120 are much larger and the equatorial anomaly lasts longer into the night, up to midnight. During geomagnetically active periods, the TEC maps generally show a noticeable increase at low latitudes for F10.7 < 120, but this effect is barely detectable for F10.7 ≥ 120. Finally, three longitudinal bins (Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic) were added in order to see how the TEC morphology varies with longitude. The TEC measurements display strong longitudinal variations that closely follow the longitudinal variation of the magnetic declination. In the southern Pacific, where the declination is positive and large, the diurnal TEC variations significantly differ from those in the other longitude sectors, where the magnetic declination is negative in the Southern Hemisphere. Also, at noon, the phase of the longitudinal TEC variation is typically opposite to that at midnight.
75-Year-Old Man With Fever, Weight Loss, and Diarrhea

75-year-old retired farmer came to our institution because of anorexia, fever, weight loss, diarrhea, and occasional right upper quadrant pain. Three months ear­ lier, the patient had noticed decreased appetite and energy. A month later, coughing and expectoration of yellowish sputum were treated with an orally administered macrolide antibiotic. Despite completion of the course of antibiotic, fever (temperatures up to 38.9°C) developed, occurring primarily at night. One month before admission, the pa­ tient had diarrhea, with production of up to seven brown liquid stools per day without hematochezia or mucus; these bouts resolved spontaneously in 3 to 4 days. At that time, he was admitted to another hospital with the diagnosis of right lower lobe pneumonia, for which he received ceftriaxone, 1 g intravenously every 24 hours, and erythro­ mycin, 500 mg intravenously four times a day, for 8 days, after which he was dismissed with a 10-day oral regimen of antibiotics. Two days after completion of the antibiotic therapy, another episode of diarrhea occurred, with up to seven brown liquid stools per day, again without mucus or hematochezia. Four days later, he was admitted to our institution with the diagnosis of dehydration. Throughout this period, the patient continued to have nightly fevers (temperatures up to 40°C) with occasional drenching night sweats. The patient had a history of a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) for at least 9 years, with low levels ofIgA, IgG, and IgM and an M peak in yof 0.8 g/dL (IgG K type). He had hypothyroidism and had also undergone a coronary artery bypass grafting procedure 2 years earlier. He had a history of farmer's lung and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with frequent use of antibi­ otics during the past few years for recurrent upper respira­ tory tract infections. Additionally, he had a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, for which he was receiving
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination induces polysaccharide-specific B cells in adult peripheral blood expressing CD19+CD20+CD3−CD70−CD27+IgM+CD43+CD5+/−

Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines have been used to elicit a protective anti-pneumococcal polysaccharide antibody response against Streptococcus pneumoniae in healthy individuals. Identifying human B cells which respond to T-cell independent type-2 antigens, such as pneumococcal polysaccharides, has been challenging. We employed pneumococcal polysaccharides directly conjugated to fluorophores in conjunction with flow cytometry to identify the phenotype of B cells that respond to pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination. We have previously identified that the majority of pneumococcal polysaccharide-selected cells responding to vaccination are CD27(+)IgM(+) (IgM(+) memory) cells. In this study, we further characterized pneumococcal polysaccharide-selected cells in the peripheral blood to better identify how the various B cell phenotypes responded 7 and 30 days post-immunization. We show that 7 days post-immunization the majority of pneumococcal polysaccharide-selected IgM(+) memory cells (PPS14(+) 56.5%, PPS23F(+) 63.8%) were CD19(+)CD20(+)CD27(+)IgM(+)CD43(+)CD5(+/-)CD70(-), which was significantly increased compared to pre-immunization levels. This phenotype is in alignment with recent publications describing human B-1 cells. PPS-responsive B cells receded to pre-immunization levels by day-30. These findings suggest that this B-1 like cell population plays an important role in early responses to S. pneumoniae infection and possibly other T-cell independent type-2 antigens in humans.
Vascular disrupting agents: a new class of drug in cancer therapy.

Abstract Aims To provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of development of a novel class of anti-cancer drugs, the vascular disrupting agents (VDAs), previously known as vascular targeting agents (VTAs). Materials and methods A comprehensive review, analysis and commentary of the published medical literature on VDAs was performed. Results Tumour vascular targeting therapy exploits known differences between normal and tumour blood vessels. VDAs target the pre-existing vessels of tumours (cf anti-angiogenics), and cause vascular shutdown leading to tumour cell death and rapid haemorrhagic necrosis within hours. It is becoming clear that VDAs have overlapping activity with anti-angiogenic drugs, which prevent the formation of new blood vessels. There are two types of VDA. First, biological or ligand-directed VDAs use antibodies, peptides or growth factors to target toxins or pro-coagulants to the tumour endothelium. In contrast, small molecule VDAs work either as tubulin-binding agents or through induction of local cytokine production. VDAs can kill tumour cells resistant to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and work best on cells in the poorly perfused hypoxic core of tumours, leaving a viable rim of well-perfused tumour tissue at the periphery, which rapidly regrows. Consequently, responses of tumours to VDAs given as single agents have been poor; however, combination therapy with cytotoxic chemotherapy, external-beam radiotherapy, and radioimmunotherapy, which target the peripheral tumour cells, has produced some excellent responses in animal tumours. VDAs are generally well tolerated with different side-effect profiles to current oncological therapies. Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging is most frequently used to obtain a pharmacodynamic end point to determine whether the VDA is acting on its intended target. Conclusions VDAs are a promising new class of drug, which offer the attractive possibility of inducing responses in all tumour types with combination therapy.
The adsorption of disilane on Si(111)-7 × 7 as studied by multiple internal reflection spectroscopy

Abstract The adsorption of Si 2 H 6 on Si(111)-7 × 7 has been studied between 120 and 500 K using multiple internal reflection infrared spectroscopy. Si 2 H 6 adsorbs dissociatively on the Si(111)−7 × 7 surface at temperatures as low as 120 K. The adsorption occurs by Si-Si bond scission resulting in the formation of SiH 3 species. Evidence for molecular multilayer formation at 120 K is indicated by the linear increase in integrated intensity of the absorption features attributed to molecular Si 2 H 6 with increasing exposure and by significant lineshape differences as compared with chemisorbed SiH 3 . By use of the polarization selection rules for infrared spectroscopy, we can identify the SiH 3 symmetric stretch at 2154 cm −1 and the asymmetric stretch at 2130 cm −1 at 150 K. Ab initio cluster calculations suggest that a highly strained SiH 3 surface molecule with an expanded Si-Si-H bond angle will result in the observed splitting that we observe for the two modes. At or above 250 K the infrared spectra suggest that Si-H bond scission occurs in conjunction with Si-Si bond breaking. Exposures of disilane at 400 K result in a surface that is dominated by surface monohydrides with some higher hydrides possibly present. At an adsorption temperature of 500 K the infrared spectra show only one strong absorption feature at 2090 cm −1 with significant intensity parallel to the surface indicating the presence of only tilted silicon monohydride.
Manabe receives Revelle Medal

Syukuro Manabe was presented with the Roger Revelle Medal at the AGU Spring Meeting in Baltimore last May. The Revelle Medal recognizes outstanding accomplishments or contributions toward an understanding of the Earth's atmospheric processes, including its dynamics, chemistry, and radiation, or the roles of atmosphere or atmosphere-ocean coupling in determining the climate, biogeochemical cycles, or other key elements of the integrated climate system. The award citation, which appears below, was delivered by Jerry D. Mahlman.
Inner City Life through Drama: Imagining the Language Classroom.

Both language learning theorists and practitioners of teaching English as a second language or dialect have argued that role playing moves language learners beyond their usual performance in ordinary classroom presentations. This paper tells the story of how inner city youth organizations use dramas that young people write, cast, and direct to enable them to retain their first language or dialect while gaining standard English and preparing for job entry. The story ends with implications for the language classroom.
The MutL ATPase Is Required for Mismatch Repair

Members of the MutL family contain a novel nucleotide binding motif near their amino terminus, and theEscherichia coli protein has been found to be a weak ATPase (Ban, C., and Yang, W. (1998) Cell 95, 541–552). Genetic analysis has indicated that substitution of Lys for Glu-32 within this motif of bacterial MutL results in a strong dominant negative phenotype (Aronshtam, A., and Marinus, M. G. (1996) Nucleic Acids Res. 24, 2498–2504). By in vitro comparison of MutL-E32K with the wild type protein, we show the mutant protein to be defective in DNA-activated ATP hydrolysis, as well as MutS- and MutL-dependent activation of the MutH d(GATC) endonuclease and the mismatch repair excision system. MutL-E32K also acts in dominant negative manner in the presence of wild type MutL in vitro, inhibiting the overall mismatch repair reaction, as well as MutH activation. As judged by protein affinity chromatography, MutL and MutL-E32K both support formation of ternary complexes that also contain MutS and MutH or MutS and DNA helicase II. These findings imply that the MutL nucleotide binding center is required for mismatch repair and suggest that the dominant negative behavior of the MutL-E32K mutation is due to the formation of dead-end complexes in which the MutL-E32K protein is unable to transduce a signal from MutS that otherwise results in mismatch-dependent activation of the MutH d(GATC) endonuclease or the unwinding activity of helicase II.
Cost competition: new evidence on an old issue

The relation between cost changes and market share changes is examined for five size ranked cohorts of firms in US manufacturing industries. Cost reductions are expected to yield market share increases via associated price reductions. It was found that this is indeed the case, although the realation is not strong. A 10% cost reduction produces roughly a 2% market share increase, an estimated which for various reason is most likely a lower bound. Cost reductions are also associated with both price reductions and price-cost margin increases.
Highly stereoselective reductions of α-alkoxy-β-keto esters. Aspects of the mechanism of sodium borohydride reduction of ketones in 2-propanol

Abstract Reduction of α-alkoxy-β-keto esters with sodium borohydride in 2-propanol proceeds with high stereoselectivity via a five-membered ring chelated sodium ion.
The effect of solidification on the formation and growth of inclusions in low carbon steel welds

Weld metal transformations in low carbon steels are strongly dependent on the size and size distribution of non-metallic inclusions. Since inclusions are nucleants to proeutectoid phases, the presence of these second phase particles shift the continuous cooling transformation (CCT) curves to shorter times. Thus, the modelling of the formation and growth of inclusions is desirable to predict weld metal microstructure and properties. In this study, a new model is proposed considering solute redistribution during solidification. The model predicts the weld metal inclusion size distribution, considering diffusion-controlled deoxidation as the primary growth mechanism. An interesting feature of this model is that it predicts the change in the shape of the size distribution curve with the solute composition and the local solidification time.
The effects of massage on delayed onset muscle soreness and physical performance in female collegiate athletes

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if post-exercise massage has an effect on delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and physical performance in women collegiate athletes. Design: This study used a randomized pre-test post-test control group design. Participants: Twenty-two NCAA Division I women basketball and volleyball players participated. On the day of predicted peak soreness, the treatment group (nZ11) received a thigh massage using effleurage, petrissage and vibration while the control group (nZ11) rested. Outcome measures: Paired t-tests were used to assess differences between pre and post massage measures (aZ0.05) for vertical jump displacement, timed shuttle run, quadriceps length and pressure-pain threshold in the thigh. Results: A significant increase (slowing) was found in shuttle run times for the control group (pZ0.0354). There were significant changes in vertical jump displacement (pZ0.0033), perceived soreness (pZ0.0011) and algometer readings (pZ0.0461) for the massage group. Conclusions: This study supports the use of massage in women collegiate athletes for decreasing soreness and improving vertical jump. q 2006 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Leaching and runoff losses of herbicides in a tilled and untilled field

Abstract Transport of herbicide mass by leaching and runoff was evaluated over several years. Herbicides were applied at recommended rates to conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT) planted corn (Zea mays L.) fields on Hagerstown silty clay loam (Typic Hapludalf). Pre-emergence herbicide treatments on each tillage system included simazine (6-chloro-N,N′-diethyl-1, 3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine), atrazine (6-chloro-N-ethyl-N′-(1-methylethyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine), cyanazine (2-[[4-chloro-6-(ethylamino)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]amino]-2-methylpropanenitrile) and metolachor (2-chloro-N-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)-N-(2-methoxy-1-methylethyl) acetamide). Application rates (active ingredient basis) were 1.7 kg ha−1 (simazine, atrazine) and 2.2 kg ha−1 (cyanazine, metolachlor). Percent herbicide losses (1984–1988) in root zone leachates, sampled in pan lysimeters embedded 122 cm deep in the soil profile, were greater under NT than under CT corn production. The opposite was true for runoff losses of herbicides and the magnitude of loss was less for runoff than for leaching. Total percolate yield and spray date-leaching or runoff event intervals were critical factors controlling surface or subsurface herbicide “loadings” in water. Areal losses were directly related to percolate or runoff yield and inversely related to these time increments. Also, unusually dry conditions in 1988 increased the soil residence time for cyanazine, resulting in a late-season leaching pattern somewhat atypical for this low persistence herbicide. During the 5 years, average CT leaching losses calculated from herbicide concentrations and lysimeter percolate volumes, collected in several pits, ranged from less than 0.01 to 1.05% of sprayed amounts. The more persistent herbicides, atrazine and simazine, were generally at the upper level of this range. Under NT conditions, average leaching losses ranged from 0.05 to 6.16% of sprayed amounts. Cyanazine losses were equal to or greater than simazine and atrazine losses in several seasons. In general, metolachor was the least mobile herbicide. Runoff losses (3–5% slope) were greatest in 1985 and 1986 for simazine under CT (0.62 and 0.51% of the applied rate, respectively). Respective losses under NT were 0.18% and less than 0.01%.
Lethality In Mice Following Localized Photodynamic Therapy

Porphyrin photodynamic therapy directed specifically to the hind leg of various strains of mice was found to induce a high percentage of lethality at dosages which would be required to achieve cures in tumor bearing mice. Toxicity was observed in both pigmented and albino mouse strains. An inverse relationship between light dose rate and lethality was documented. Anti-coagulant drugs and anti-inflammatory agents which inhibit cyclo-oxygenase had protective effects. The response induced by localized PDT appears to mimic that of a classical traumatic shock syndrome and may be limited to PDT in small animals such as mice.
Overcoming Fragmentation in the Undergraduate Psychology Curriculum

Fragmentation, all too apparent to students, has the unsettling effect of obscuring underlying problems that are really common to sub-areas.
Arctic report card: Sea ice and snow reached record lows in 2012

Despite air temperatures that were not abnormally high, the Arctic set new record lows for snow cover and sea ice extent in 2012. Studies detailing these records are included in the 2012 update of NOAA's Arctic Report Card, which was released 5 December at a press conference at the AGU Fall Meeting. This is the sixth annual update of the report card, which covers a wide variety of indicators about the Arctic, including the atmosphere, sea ice, glaciers and terrestrial snow cover, and marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Among the records noted is extensive melting of the Greenland ice sheet. “I've studied Greenland for 20 years now—I've devoted my career to it—and 2012 was an astonishing year,” said Jason Box of the Byrd Polar Research Center at Ohio State University. He noted that the duration of the melting season in 2012 was the longest in the recent record, there were record high areas and volumes of ice lost, and surface melting was documented at the highest elevations of the ice sheet.
Laws for Work-Hardening and Low-Temperature Creep

The true stress-strain curves of polycrystalline aluminum, copper, and stainless steel are shown to be adequately represented by an exponential approach to a saturation stress over a significant range. This empirical law, which was first proposed by Voce, is expanded to describe the temperature and strain-rate dependence, and is put on a physical foundation in the framework of dislocation storage and dynamic recovery rates. The formalism can be applied to the steady-state limit of creep in the same range of temperatures and strain rates; the stress exponent of the creep rate must, as a consequence, be strongly temperature dependent, the activation energy weakly stress dependent. Near half the melting temperature, where available work-hardening data and available creep data overlap, they match. Extrapolation of the proposed law to higher temperatures suggests that no new mechanisms may be necessary to describe high-temperature creep. A new differential equation for transient creep also follows from the empirical work-hardening law.
Generalized math model for simulation of high-altitude balloon systems

Balloon systems have proved to be a cost-effective means for conducting research experiments (e.g., infrared astronomy) in the earth's atmosphere. The purpose of this paper is to present a generalized mathematical model that can be used to simulate the motion of these systems once they have attained float altitude. The resulting form of the model is such that the pendulation and spin motions of the system are uncoupled and can be analyzed independently. The model is evaluated by comparing the simulation results with data obtained from an actual balloon system flown by NASA.