cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Updating implicit impressions: New evidence on intentionality and the affect misattribution procedure.

Recent work has shown that implicit first impressions of other people can be rapidly updated when new information about them is highly diagnostic or provides a reinterpretation of the basis of prior belief. The Affect Misattribution Procedure (AMP; Payne, Cheng, Govorun, & Stewart, 2005) is one prominent implicit measure that has been widely used in this and other work. However, the status of the AMP as a measure of unintentional responding has been a matter of debate, which necessarily also raises questions about the “implicitness” of the updated responses within recent person impression research. In re-analyses of published work, we identify multimodal distributions of AMP responses that raise concerns about potential intentional influences on this task. Drawing on 8 new studies, however, we find that such patterns are not likely attributable to intentional responding (Studies 1, 2A–2B), and that methodological modifications to the AMP procedure eliminate bimodality but do not eliminate effects of rapid revision (Studies 3A–6). Furthermore, these modifications provide evidence that the rapid-revision effects reported in earlier work can be produced under suboptimal conditions such as distraction and increased vigilance against prime influence. We advocate for the continued use of judgmental misattribution as a valuable tool in the arsenal of implicit social cognition researchers, but also encourage researchers to continue to examine the distributional patterns of measures like the AMP, and what those patterns might reflect. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Gluconeogenesis: Re-evaluating the FOXO1–PGC-1α connection

Increased expression of the gene encoding the enzyme glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) contributes to the increased production of glucose by the liver that occurs in individuals with diabetes. Puigserver et al. show that the transcription factor FOXO1 and the transcriptional co-activator PGC-1alpha act synergistically to stimulate the expression of genes in the gluconeogenesis pathway and propose that PGC-1alpha acts, in part, directly through FOXO1. Here we show that FOXO1 is neither required nor sufficient for the stimulation of G6Pase-luciferase fusion gene expression by PGC-1alpha. Our results indicate that the transcriptional interaction between FOXO1 and PGC-1alpha is indirect.
Governing the noisy sphere: Geographies of noise regulation in the US:

Over the last 10 years there has been considerable growth in the range of geographical work on sound, particularly on how sound shapes everyday life. One area that is beginning to receive attention...
Modular Tasks Design for Teaching Young Students on Physical Computing Platforms

Physical computing has gained popularity as a hands-on approach to introduce computing. Young students can create tangible computing artifacts that connect across the curriculum subjects on a wide range of kid-friendly devices. However, physical computing can place a higher demand on cognitive capacity than traditional screen-based environments since learning involves the more complex tasks of programming and constructing hardware components and circuits. In this paper, we present an instructional design approach to address the challenges of teaching physical computing for middle school students. A hands-on project is modularized into tasks that isolate the software or hardware workloads. The tasks are then optimized into a sequence to minimize context switches between programming and hardware construction. Students' individual progress over a task sequence is monitored by group and peer checkpoints. We conducted a preliminary study among three random groups of grade 5-7 students working on activities of different levels of hardware complexity. The results indicate that our modular approach help students maintain a positive attitude and persist over difficulties while learning complex physical computing tasks.
Demographic Influences and Health Disparities

Diabetes is one of the most common incurable, chronic diseases of childhood. Metabolic changes associated with diabetes are associated with development of serious acute and chronic complications with increased morbidity and mortality. The incidence and prevalence of diabetes, success in achieving optimal management, outcomes, and risk for developing later complications have been found to vary between patients of different race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Disparities between race/ethnic groups have been found to have persisted or worsened despite improvements in management technology. Potentially the interplay of genetic, biological factors along with environment and socioeconomic influences contributes to continued health disparities among children with diabetes. Better understanding of factors mediating health disparities can help bring about changes in management leading to optimal outcomes for all patients.
Policing car space and the legal liminality of the automobile

The car is a primary locus for police-civilian interaction as measured by routine legal intrusion into the lives of vulnerable populations – communities of color, undocumented immigrants, and those...
High school youth and E-cigarettes: The influence of modified risk statements and flavors on E-cigarette packaging

Objectives: In this paper, we test variations of e-cigarette warning labels on high school youth, alone, and alongside modified risk statements (MRS) and/or flavors, to determine how perceptions of and intentions toward use of e-cigarettes are influenced by these package elements. Methods: An experiment (N = 715 high school youth) varied the warning label participants viewed (FDA warning label/ MarkTen warning label/ abstract warning label) and whether they viewed the label alone or alongside MRS and/or flavors. Results: Drawing upon the Heuristic Systematic Model, we found that youth who view an MRS with any of the warning labels are more likely to engage in counterarguing (compared to the FDA warning label alone), which increases risk perceptions. Additionally, the greater youth perceive the risks associated with e-cigarettes, the lower their intentions of using them, even if they have tried an e-cigarette in the past. Conclusions: Tobacco education and public health messages should encourage youth to evaluate the tobacco industry messages they receive, as counterarguing is associated with higher risk perceptions. Furthermore, fostering increased awareness of the risks associated with e-cigarette use by youth can reduce intentions to use them.
Synthesis of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles via electrospraying into a liquid collector

Methods that allow for high-throughput synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles are necessary to more feasibly fabricate materials for real-world applications. To accomplish this, in this article, we describe a versatile electrospray-based synthesis method for the synthesis of magnetic cobalt ferrite nanoparticles. This method has the potential to be readily scaled up using methods similar to those currently used in place for the large-scale electrospinning of fibers. To mitigate film formation as often seen with electrospraying ceramics onto a flat plate collector, we developed a method where the magnetic cobalt ferrite nanoparticles were electrosprayed into a silicone oil–based liquid collector. The as-sprayed particles were then crystalized by salt calcining with sodium chloride at 800 °C. The synthesized magnetic nanoparticles obtained using this method had an average particle diameter of 20.7 ± 11.5 nm. This liquid collection method for the synthesis of cobalt ferrite also presents a versatile platform for the synthesis of a wide range of functional nanomaterials and nanocomposites.
Management of Intestinal Failure

Intestinal or gut failure can be defined as “symptoms and pathophysiologic state associated with inadequate nutrient assimilation as a result of surgical or medical etiology.” The primary goal in the management of intestinal failure is to achieve gut autonomy, obtaining adequate nutrient balance without parenteral nutrition (PN) supplementation. In addition to the macro- and micronutrients provided by PN, fluid and electrolyte replacements are critical to success in attaining gut autonomy. Pharmacologic management must also be considered and generally involves the use of antidiarrheal/antimotility medications, antisecretory medications, and mucosal growth factors.
#gotmuscles? Instagram and Body Image in College Men

Abstract The exploratory study investigated the immediate effect of exposure of ideal male bodies on Instagram on state body satisfaction, drive for muscularity, and body comparison in male college students. Male college students were exposed to real Instagram accounts that included either images of the male mesomorphic ideal or neutral images. State Body Satisfaction was measured before and immediately after using computer based visual analogue scales. After exposure, participants completed social comparison and drive for muscularity measures. Exposure to muscular-ideal images on Instagram led to lower appearance satisfaction, weight satisfaction, and more social comparison compared to the neutral images. The novel and interesting findings from this study provide preliminary evidence for the negative role of social media images, specifically via Instagram, on men’s body image and social comparison.
The purpose of sport: perspectives of players, coaches, parents, and administrators

Research question: How do stakeholders in a school community sport program view the purpose of sport? Research methods: Participants (n=61) in a community school sport program included administrato...
Broadband continuous beam-steering with time-modulated metasurfaces in the near-infrared spectral regime

A time-modulated metasurface integrated with indium-tin-oxide (ITO) can dynamically manipulate the scattered light by imparting dispersionless phase discontinuities with 2π span on wavefronts of the generated sidebands. However, maximal frequency conversion efficiency is restricted to a narrow bandwidth at the vicinity of the resonant wavelength due to the dispersive nature of light–matter interactions in such ITO-integrated metasurfaces. Herein, a multiwavelength time-modulated meta-molecule is numerically investigated, which consists of four metal–insulator–metal meta-atoms that are judiciously designed to support four resonant wavelengths at the near-infrared regime. The metasurface platform allows for application of four sets of independent radio-frequency signals to each meta-molecule, which are optimized to excite the output spectra with dominant first-order up-modulated sidebands. Individual modulation of each meta-atom leads to efficient sideband generation at resonant wavelength corresponding to the biased meta-atom. Nevertheless, the conversion efficiency decays rapidly at off-resonant wavelengths. Concurrent modulation of all four meta-atoms within the meta-molecule configuration offers a pathway to simultaneously generate dominant sidebands at all resonant wavelengths while enhancing the frequency conversion efficiency at inter-resonant wavelengths. As the potential application, beam-steering at the up-modulated sideband by both individually and simultaneously biased meta-atoms is demonstrated. It is revealed that simultaneous modulation enables continuous dynamic light deflection over a broad spectrum spanning on 1–1.8 μm, while the steering angle of the wavelengths changes in the range of 34°–85°. Broadband continuous beam-scanning is a non-trivial task that cannot be accomplished by a quasi-static metasurface relying on dispersive resonant phase shift, which hinders simultaneous implementation of linear phase gradients at all incident wavelengths.
Fluorescent Visualization of Cellular Ion Fluxes

The movement of ions across biological membranes is essential for generating electrical signals, regulating ion homeostasis and cell volume, and maintaining the resting membrane potential. Currently, electrophysiology is the primary tool to detect and measure ion efflux. Although electrical recordings are extremely precise, they do not report on the spatiotemporal flux of a specific ion from the landscape of an entire cell. We have developed an optical approach to detect ion efflux from living cells by covalently attaching small-molecule, fluorescent sensors specifically to the cell's glycocalyx. Using this fluorescent sensor approach, proton efflux through voltage-gated proton channels (hHv-1) and Cl-/H+ antiporters (ClC-5) was visualized at the surface of mammalian cells. Furthermore, inward proton fluxes from a Shaker “omega pore mutant” (R362H) were also fluorescently detected, demonstrating that our approach enables the visualization of both ion accumulation and depletion at the extracellular side of the membrane. The nuts and bolts of the labeling procedure and videos of cell surface ion accumulation and depletion will be presented.
Key Recommendations, Final Thoughts, and Future Directions

Recommendations for future directions for a variety of domains will be offered related to gaps identified in the literature and across school safety and prevention programming and community needs. Perspectives will be offered regarding the future direction of best practices, school programming, and policy.
Abstract 11773: Liver Transplant Candidates: To Stress or Not to Stress?

Background: The prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with end stage liver disease (ESLD) and the incidence of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) post liver transplantation (LT) remain controversial. Current AHA/ACC guidelines recommend non-invasive stress testing (NIST) for risk stratification of LT recipients based on conventional cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF). The aim of our study was to define the role of NIST in the pre-transplant evaluation of ESLD patients. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 366 patients who were referred to the Cleveland Clinic LT center between the years 2006 and 2008. We collected demographic data, CVRF, NIST, left heart catheterization (LHC) results, incidence of ACS and death. Results: In our study population, the mean age was 56±8 years, 68% were males, 83% Caucasian, 34% diabetic, 36% hypertensive, 22% smokers, 17% had hyperlipidemia, 11% known CAD, and 14% had family history of premature CAD; overall, 70% of the patients had at least 3 CVRF. Mean platelet count was 104±70 k/uL, mean INR 1.4 ±0.4, total cholesterol (TC) 143±45 mg/dL and 42% were on beta blockers (BB). A total of 270 patients underwent NIST with dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) or nuclear stress testing. DSE was diagnostic in 76% of the cases and nuclear stress test was performed in 52% of the patients with a non-diagnostic DSE. From the patients with diagnostic NIST, 40 underwent LHC. There were 5 true positive, 22 true negative, 8 false positive, and 5 false negative results giving NIST a negative predictive value of 81%. After a median follow-up of 6.2 years [IQR 3.4 to 6.7], 264 patients were transplanted, 9 patients developed an ACS and only one of them within the first year of LT. ACS was the cause of death in one patient which occurred more than 3 years from LT. All of these patients had a prior negative NIST. There were no ACS in the non-transplanted group. Conclusions: In our ESLD population, NIST had a limited role in the CV risk assessment of LT candidates. This is probably secondary to the low incidence of ACS which could be explained by inherent ESLD factors like thrombocytopenia, low TC, and elevated INR.
Doping and defect association in oxides for use in oxygen sensors

Oxygen sensors provide valuable information for improving the efficiency of, and thus reducing harmful emissions from, combustion processes, such as in internal combustion engines. Oxide materials can be used in different ways to generate an oxygen partial pressure dependent output. The type of sensor in which a particular oxide is used depends on the ionic and electronic defects in the oxide, which can be, to some extent, controlled by doping. In this paper, the issues in selection of an oxide for use in resistive-type, potentiometric-type and amperometric-type oxygen sensors are reviewed. Prototypical examples of materials, specifically titania and zirconia, commonly used in these sensors are discussed to illustrate the effects of doping and defect interaction on the electrolytic and transport properties of oxide materials for use in oxygen sensors.
Beam-Gas Studies of Cu II, C1 II, and As II

We have used the beam-gas technique to obtain some preliminary lifetimes for Cu II and Cl II. In addition we have recorded spectra for As+ and As++ beams.
Asymptotic Analysis of Two Coupled Queues with Vastly Different Arrival Rates and Finite Customer Capacities

We consider two coupled queues, with each having a finite capacity of customers. When both queues are nonempty they evolve independently, but when one becomes empty the service rate in the other changes. Such a model corresponds to a generalized processor sharing (GPS) discipline. We study the joint distribution p(m, n) of finding (m, n) customers in the (first, second) queue, in the steady state. We study the problem in an asymptotic limit of “heavy traffic,” where also the arrival rate to the second queue is assumed to be small relative to that of the first. The capacity of the first queue is scaled to be large, while that of the second queue is held constant. We consider several different scalings, and in each case obtain limiting differential and/or difference equation for p(m, n), and these we explicitly solve. We show that our asymptotic approximations are quite accurate numerically. This work supplements previous investigations into this GPS model, which assumed infinite capacities/buffers. The present model corresponds to a random walk in a lattice rectangle, where p(m, n) satisfies a different boundary condition on each edge.
On the Economic Meaning of Interaction Term Coefficients in Non-Linear Binary Response Regression Models

We show that it is perfectly correct to use just the interaction term, along with its standard error, to draw inferences about interactive effects in binary response regression models. This point is currently in dispute among applied econometricians, some of whom insist that simply relying on the interaction term is incorrect, since the cross partial derivative of the probability of occurrence with respect to interacted covariates can, for some observations, have the sign opposite to that of the interaction term coefficient. We show that this sign flip results from a mechanical saturation effect that is of no importance to researchers who recognize that small changes in probability are more important near the boundaries than near the center. For such researchers, the interaction term coefficient (which is the cross partial derivative of the logit or probit function of the probability) provides a more meaningful measure of interactive effects than does the cross partial derivative of the probability itself. We introduce an alternative cross partial derivative of the probability for which these sign changes cannot occur. Finally, we demonstrate some simple and intuitive ways of interpreting the economic meaning of interaction term coefficients.
Learning from users (pane presentation): testing web design

The panel will actively model methods of collecting input from users about the effectiveness of Web pages. During the fall of 2000, Owens Library, Northwest Missouri State University, conducted a Web usability study of six of the library's high-use Web pages. These pages were created by librarians without the benefit of formal and systematic user input regarding the design and intuitiveness of the library site's architecture. The study consisted of one-on-one observations [1], focus groups [2], and user dialogues [3]. By consulting a representative, cross-section of student, staff, and faculty populations, librarians gained valuable assessment of how the library's Web pages are perceived and used. The study was funded by Culture of Quality monies awarded by Northwest Missouri State University. Panel members and volunteers from the audience will provide mini-demonstrations of one-on-one observations where the “user” will be asked to complete tasks using a specified Web page. During the presentation, volunteers will also be recruited for participation in a mini focus group, followed by a demonstration of a user dialogue. In addition to modeling methods of collecting input, the librarians will share the process they developed to undertake the study. A timetable was developed to ensure that tasks were assigned to the appropriate persons; questions were developed for each of the pages to be tested; participants were recruited; and the data was analyzed. The panel members will also share the method used to assess the qualitative data gathered in this type of study. [4] The session will end with concrete examples of what librarians learned during the fall 2000 study and how the data collected was used to improve the intuitive functionality and appeal of Owens Library Web pages.
Evolution of business to business electronic commerce introduction to the minitrack

The objective of this one day minitrack is to provide a forum for researchers and practitioners to share and disseminate information about important current issues concerning business to business electronic commerce. The minitrack will be conducted in a workshop like setting where presentations of research papers and a panel involving leading experts, as well as demonstrations of innovative and prototype technologies will be made.The technical papers are selected with an intention to reflect real-life experience and relate to such disciplines as Business and Law including topics on Semantic and Systems Interoperability, Internet-Based Negotiation and Bidding, Business Processes and Workflow Management and Internet-Based Negotiation and Bidding.The minitrack also presents a panel discussion on Business Processes and Workflow Management. The panel will discuss internet related business to consumer relationships and reasons why many companies are still hesitant to move essential parts of their business contacts into the networked age. The panel will consist of the chairman and four panel members.
Anatomy of Motivation

The past thirty years have seen a revolution in our understanding of neural connectivity. The enormous amount of new neuroanatomical data has significantly altered our ideas about how different parts of the brain interact to control behavior. This chapter assesses what we currently understand about the neuroanatomical basis of motivated behaviors. These behaviors enable animals to organize their interactions with the goal objects that promote the survival of an individual or maintain sustainable numbers of individuals within a species. Four classes of behavior are recognized: ingestive and thermoregulatory behaviors, which are the behavioral adjuncts of physiological homeostasis, and defensive and reproductive behaviors, which organize those social interactions that are more concerned with individual security and the maintenance of the species. Keywords: drive; feedback; goal object; motor control; reward
Raman noise-figure improvement and multipath interference mitigation in effective-area-optimized dispersion-managed cable

We have experimentally demonstrated that dispersion-managed cable designed such that the inverse-dispersion-fiber (-D) section is sandwiched between two positive-dispersion-fiber (+D) sections has many advantages over existing transmission fibers and other dispersion-managed configurations. The symmetric configuration where the -D fiber section is centered in the middle of the span is the most interesting case for cable deployment.
Controlled release of β-estradiol from PLAGA microparticles:: The effect of organic phase solvent on encapsulation and release

To determine the effect of the organic solvent used during microparticle preparation on the in vitro release of β-estradiol, a number of formulations were evaluated in terms of size, shape and drug delivery performance. Biodegradable microparticles of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) were prepared containing β-estradiol that utilized dichloromethane, ethyl acetate or a mixture of dichloromethane and methanol as the organic phase solvent during the particle preparation. The drug delivery behavior from the microparticles was studied and comparisons were made of their physical properties for different formulations. The varying solubilities of β-estradiol and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) in the solvents studied resulted in biodegradable microparticles with very different physical characteristics. Microparticles prepared from solid suspensions of β-estradiol using dichloromethane as the organic phase solvent were similar in appearance to microparticles prepared without drug. Microparticles prepared from dichloromethane/methanol solutions appeared transparent to translucent depending on the initial amount of drug used in the formulation. Microparticles prepared using ethyl acetate appeared to have the most homogeneous encapsulation of β-estradiol, appearing as solid white spheres regardless of initial drug content. Studies showed that microparticles prepared from either ethyl acetate or a mixture of dichloromethane and methanol gave a more constant release profile of β-estradiol than particles prepared using dichloromethane alone. For all formulations, an initial burst of release increased with increasing drug loading, regardless of the organic solvent used.
Multiple agents rescue PC12 cells from serum-free cell death by translation- and transcription-independent mechanisms

Past studies revealed that NGF and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) prevent the death of PC 12 pheochromocytoma cells that otherwise occurs in serum-free medium. Additional agents were tested here for their abilities to promote long-term survival of naive and NGF-pretreated (primed) PC 12 cells in serum-free conditions. Forskolin and permeant cAMP analogs effectively prevented serum-free cell death, as did micromolar levels of insulin and 10-100-nM levels of insulin-like growth factors I and II. In contrast to NGF and FGF, none of these agents caused neuronal differentiation of naive cells or neurite regeneration by primed cells. Each of the agents also prevented rapid cell death in a balanced salt solution, thus apparently ruling out a mechanism dependent on regulation of nutrient uptake. Epidermal growth factor and elevated K+ appeared to slow the rate of cell death, but did not promote long-term survival; phorbol ester, dexamethasone, or vanadate did not prevent cell death. Each of the survival-promoting agents was effective even when macromolecular synthesis was blocked. Because the synthesis inhibitors themselves did not significantly prevent cell death, such findings indicate that survival was promoted by mechanisms that do not require synthesis of RNA or protein. In addition, various lines of experimental evidence (using the kinase inhibitor K-252a or PC 12 cell variants deficient either in protein kinase A activity or in responsiveness to NGF) further suggested that the effective agents maintain survival by independent initial pathways. Regulation of protein kinase activity appears to be a common feature of each pathway and may therefore play a key convergent role in mediating prevention of cell death.
Submission of Law Student Articles for Publication

Each year law students collectively write a large number of papers that could become law review articles but that are never published. Most law schools require students at some point during their time in law school to research and write an academic paper of publishable quality or seminar paper. Some of these are law review notes and comments that are not selected for publication. Others of these are papers written for specific substantive classes or to fulfill research and writing requirements.Most of these student papers - even very worthy ones - will never be published or posted online. The publishing route for law students who want to publish in a venue other than their home law journal is not clearly marked. And many law reviews simply will not accept submissions from students outside their own school. Often, the publishing opportunities for non-law review members in their home school’s law review are also not well known.The purposes of this essay are twofold. First, it offers a number of suggestions for law students (and implicitly for students in other graduate programs) who want to publish their research papers. Second, this essay presents a chart of the policies of 194 law reviews with respect to whether they will publish comments submitted by non-law review members who are students at their home school or notes, comments or articles submitted by law students from other schools.
In utero stem cell transplantation and gene therapy: Recent progress and the potential for clinical application

Advances in prenatal diagnosis have led to the prenatal management and treatment of a variety of congenital diseases. Although surgical treatment has been successfully applied to specific anatomic defects that place the fetus at a risk of death or life-long disability, the indications for fetal surgical intervention have remained relatively limited. By contrast, prenatal stem cell and gene therapy await clinical application, but they have tremendous potential to treat a broad range of genetic disorders. If there are biological advantages unique to fetal development that favor fetal stem cell or gene therapy over postnatal treatment, prenatal therapy may become the preferred approach to the treatment of any disease that can be prenatally diagnosed and cured by stem cell or gene therapy. Here, we review the field including recent progress toward clinical application and imminent clinical trials for cellular and gene therapy.
Inner nuclear membrane and signal transduction

Recent research has shown that the inner nuclear membrane is a site for regulation of signal transduction from the plasma membrane to the nucleus. This has coincided with discoveries showing that mutations in extrinsic and intrinsic inner nuclear membrane proteins cause a variety of inherited diseases. In most instances, the mechanisms by which mutations in inner nuclear membrane proteins cause disease are not understood. In at least one case, however, an alteration in signal transduction appears to underlie disease pathogenesis.
The limited utility of utilitarian analysis.

Jonathan Baron claims that approaches to bioethics decision making other than utilitarian decision analysis often cause harm that could be avoided (Baron 2006). Because of this problem, he makes th...
A protein component at the heart of an RNA machine: the importance of protein l27 for the function of the bacterial ribosome.

Summary Deletion of the gene for protein L27 from the E. coli chromosome results in severe defects in cell growth. This deficiency is corrected by the expression of wild-type (wt) protein L27 from a plasmid. Examination of strains expressing L27 variants truncated at the N terminus reveals that the absence of as few as three amino acids leads to a decrease in growth rate, an impairment in peptidyl transferase activity, and a sharp decline in the labeling of L27 from the 3′ end of a photoreactive tRNA at the ribosomal P site. These findings suggest that the flexible N-terminal sequence of L27, which protrudes onto the interface of the bacterial 50S subunit, can reach the peptidyl transferase active site and contribute to its function, possibly by helping to correctly position tRNA substrates at the catalytic site.
Coinfusion of irradiated splenocytes with low titer tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes augments antitumor efficacy in adoptive immunotherapy.

We hypothesized that adoptively increasing the density of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) at a tumor site would improve tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) in vivo antitumor efficacy. Irradiated splenocytes were used as crude APCs. Alone, they did not have in vitro antitumor activity nor did they augment TIL efficacy in vitro. Pulmonary metastases were established by intravenous (i.v.) injection of 5 x 10(5) MC-38 tumor into irradiated C57B1/6 mice (500 cGy). After 3 days, MC-38 TIL (0.1, 0.5, and 1 x 10(6) cells) +/- irradiated splenocytes (5,000 cGy) as APCs were administered intravenously (0.25, 0.5, and 1 x 10(6) cells) to each group (n = 5/group). Interleukin-2 (60,000 IU) was injected intraperitoneally three times daily for 3 days. Mice were sacrificed 9 days later and metastases elaborated in blinded fashion. A titer of 1 x 10(6) TIL, completely eradicated pulmonary metastases. In two consecutive experiments, when increasing titers of irradiated splenocytes were coinfused with a constant titer of TIL that did not completely eradicate pulmonary metastases, a moderate reduction in pulmonary metastases was observed. The contribution of splenocytes to an improvement in TIL antitumor efficacy was not altered when irradiated splenocytes derived from mice bearing 10-day subcutaneous MC-38 tumors were used. The coinfusion of nonirradiated splenocytes did not improve TIL antitumor in vivo activity. Activated B cells (expressing ICAM-1, B7.1, and B7.2) had no effect on in vitro tumor lysis and did not augment in vivo TIL efficacy. The results show a modest but statistically significant improvement in adoptive immunotherapy antitumor efficacy with fewer TIL by coinfusion of irradiated splenocytes. Further studies to characterize the active potential APC cell subpopulation and to clarify the mechanism(s) responsible for in vivo augmentation of TIL antitumor efficacy are in progress.
Performance evaluation of asynchronous multicarrier CDMA systems with frequency offsets and correlated fading

The effects of frequency offsets and aperiodic random spreading sequences on the performance of asynchronous multicarrier code division multiple access (CDMA) systems with correlated fading are investigated in this research. Random parameters including asynchronous delays, correlated Rayleigh fading and spreading sequences are averaged to determine the covariance matrix of the interference-plus-noise vector. An analytic expression for the average signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) is obtained. Furthermore, average bit error probability (BEP) based on the Gaussian approximation is also derived. We show that the system degrades significantly if the frequency offset of the desired user is present, while the system is insensitive to interferers’ frequency offsets. In consequence, it is crucial to estimate and compensate the desired user’s synchronization imperfection. Finally, design tradeoff among the number of sub-carriers, fading correlations, and inter-carrier interference (ICI) are presented in simulation results.
On higher order methods of multiple scales in non-linear oscillations-periodic steady state response

Abstract The application of the method of multiple scales (MMS) to determine higher order steady state responses of weakly non-linear, harmonically forced oscillators is considered. Two fundamentally different versions of MMS are currently in use in the study of such non-linear resonance phenomena. Our purpose is to describe the way in which these two versions lead to different results and to discuss each version from the standpoint of the basic ideas underlying the perturbation approach. The work is considered relevant because of the relative ease in making higher order calculations by using symbolic manipulation, which will probably render such higher order analyses routine in the future.
Extension of donor criteria in cardiac transplantation: Surgical risk versus supply-side economics

To combat the continuing shortage of ideal donor hearts, we have used cardiac allografts from high-risk donors for critically ill recipients. We defined high-risk donor variables as age greater than 40 years, systemic (noncardiac) infection, cardiopulmonary resuscitation greater than 3 minutes, ischemic time longer than 5 hours, weight more than 20% less than that of the recipient, and requirements for high doses of inotropes. Of the 305 donors we have used, 73 (23.9%) have been high-risk, with 59/73 (80.8%) exhibiting one variable, 12/73 (16.4%) exhibiting two variables, and 2/73 (2.7%) exhibiting three variables. No correlation was found between the number of donor variables and a poor postoperative result. No infectious complications occurred in 17 patients receiving hearts from potentially infected donors. Hospital mortality rates (30 day) for recipients of high-risk donor versus non-high-risk donor hearts were 8.2% and 6.9%, respectively (not significant). The 1-, 6-, and 12-month actuarial survival rates were 91.7%, 81.2%, and 75.9% for the high-risk donor group and 93.5%, 80.3%, and 77.8% for the non-high-risk donor group (not significant). Among survivors with high-risk donor hearts, mean left ventricular ejection fractions were 0.54 +/- 0.08 at 3 months, 0.55 +/- 0.08 at 1 year, and 0.54 +/- 0.09 at 2 years after transplantation. These results suggest that accepting less than ideal donor hearts can be safe and might be considered when better options are not available.
Successful immunotherapy for Triatoma protracta-induced anaphylaxis

Abstract A successful program of immunotherapy for Triatoma protracta -induced anaphylaxis was developed. This program included a new passive extract-antigen preparation standardized by RAST inhibition. This antigen facilitated the development of a reliable skin test protocol for in vivo diagnosis of Triatoma protracta allergy. Five patients with T. protracta -induced anaphylaxis underwent a rapidly increasing dosage schedule of immunotherapy. The IgE- and IgG-antibody responses during immunotherapy were followed with solid-phase RIA. Protection against anaphylaxis was confirmed in all patients with a "bite challenge" by T. protracta . This is the first report of completely successful T. protracta immunotherapy.
More Is Better: Consensual Forecasting and State Revenue Forecast Error

Abstract The subject of this research is the question of whether revenue forecasts, which require consensus within the institutional framework of federal system governments, are more accurate than in states where forecast decision-making rests solely in the executive branch or in the legislative branch. Results are reported from a 1999 survey of various revenue forecasters in the 50 states. The methodology includes considerations of the following as independent variables: split-government legislatures; frequency of state's forecasts; whether a separate council of economic advisors was included; budgetary balance requirements; the availability of outside expert advice from universities; and the extent of a period of economic stability in the state. The results indicate some effect, which although not substantial, in terms of state budgets still constitute significant dollar amounts.
Single-Molecule Studies of Viral DNA Packaging with Optical Tweezers: Molecular Motor Function and DNA Confinement

A key step in the assembly of many viruses is the packaging of double-stranded DNA into a procapsid shell by the action of an ATP-powered molecular motor. We use optical tweezers to measure the packaging of single DNA molecules into single viral proheads in real time. We can measure DNA binding and initiation of translocation, DNA translocation dynamics, force generated by the motor, and can infer the forces resisting DNA confinement. We have developed approaches to study three different viruses: Bacteriophages phi29, lambda, and T4. These viruses have different capsid sizes and shapes, genome lengths, and structural and biochemical differences in their packaging motors, resulting in differing DNA packaging dynamics. All three motors translocate DNA processively and generate high forces exceeding 50 piconewtons, but the motor velocities vary 10-fold. In the lambda system we have found evidence for an effect of procapsid expansion on the packaging dynamics and evidence for force-induced capsid rupture in the absence of a putative stabilizing protein. We are currently investigating motor structure-function relationships by analyzing effects of point mutations. Amongst the mutants we have identified are one that exhibits a motor velocity roughly one-tenth that of the wild type, and one that exhibits increased pausing and slipping. These studies shed light on the various functional domains of viral packaging motors.
The Use of Virtual Observatory Databases in Binary Star Research

The rapidly-accumulating archives of ground-based and spacecraft data worldwide that are being linked together through the International Virtual Observatory Alliance (IVOA) provide the binary star community with unparalleled opportunities for research. The main databases that are available to the astronomical community through the IVOA are discussed. Data from long-lasting spacecraft missions such as IUE are especially valuable for studying long-term variability. Some examples of current research on close binary stars that is being carried through with UV spectra from the IUE archive are presented. Included are the search for O-subdwarf companions to bright Be stars and some results from an ongoing investigation of the Double Periodic Variable phenomenon in Algol binaries.
Skeletal growth changes in Class II subjects treated with slow palatal expansion

Abstract Background This is a retrospective cephalometric radiographic study that evaluates growth changes in subjects with Class II skeletal pattern treated with slow maxillary expansion Quad-Helix and overbite reduction utility arches. Methods Seventeen treated and eighteen untreated growing individuals with Class II skeletal pattern were included in the study. Two consecutive lateral cephalometric radiographs were collected at two time intervals; before and after treatment. Cephalometric measurements were used to evaluate growth within each group and between both groups during the observation period. Results The treated group that had palatal expansion along with utility arches showed a significant improvement in ANB angle, 1.5 degree ( p p p Conclusions The investigated treatment protocol reduced the overjet and overbite with maintaining the original growth pattern in the treated individuals, they did not show any change in the overall mandibular rate of growth when compared to the control group during the observation period.
Development and test of an IR camera for astronomical observation at the Palomar 200-inch observatory using the NICMOS II array

A NICMOS II array, a NIR (0.80 - 2.6 micron) imaging system, was integrated into the California Institute of Technology Palomar Observatory camera. The Palomar camera system which consists of six discrete subsystems including a focal plane, an electrical interface, data acquisition electronics, a dewar, dewar optics, and the software is described. The performance and calibration data for each subsystem are presented. Emphasis is placed on test data on the focal plane performance.
SILP3: Maximum Likelihood Approach to Scaffolding

Scaffolding is the important stage of genome assembly consisting of orienting and ordering contigs based on read pairs. We present a scalable scaffolding algorithm that finds most likely contig orientation using integer linear program solved by a non-serial dynamic programming approach. We then formulate the problem of finding most likely contig ordering as an optimization problem and propose a novel ordering algorithm improving over our previous scaffolding tool SILP2.
Multiple steps and multiple excitations in photoisomerization of azobenzene

Detailed understanding of femtosecond-scale photochemical processes requires dynamical simulations that are complementary to interpretations based on transitions between energy surfaces. For cis to trans photoisomerization of azobenzene following a 100 fs laser pulse, we find that the mechanism is rotation about the central NN bond, and the process is complete in less than 1 ps. The initial excitation and subsequent de-excitation are each achieved via multiple steps, with the molecule always in a superposition of electronic states, as the 3N nuclear degrees of freedom are excited by the laser pulse.
Activation of RelA homodimers by tumour necrosis factor α: a possible transcriptional activator in human vascular endothelial cells

In vascular endothelial cells, cytokines induce genes that are expressed in inflammatory lesions partly through the activation of transcription factor NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB). Among the members of the NF-κB/rel protein family, homodimers of the RelA subunit of NF-κB can also function as strong transactivators when expressed in cells. However, the functional role of endogenous RelA homodimers has not been clearly elucidated. We investigated whether RelA homodimers are induced in cytokine-treated vascular endothelial cells. Gel mobility-shift and supershift assays revealed that a cytokine TNFα (tumour necrosis factor α) activated both NF-κB1/RelA heterodimers and RelA homodimers that bound to a canonical κB sequence, IgκB (immunoglobulin κB), in SV40 (simian virus 40) immortalized HMEC-1 (human dermal microvascular endothelial cell line 1). In HMEC-1 and HUVEC (human umbilical-vein endothelial cells), TNFα also induced RelA homodimers that bound to the sequence 65-2κB, which specifically binds to RelA homodimers but not to NF-κB1/RelA heterodimers in vitro. Deoxycholic acid, a detergent that can dissociate the NF-κB–IκB complex (where IκB stands for inhibitory κB), induced the binding of the RelA homodimers to 65-2κB from the cytosolic fraction of resting HMEC-1. Furthermore, TNFα induced the transcriptional activity of a reporter gene that was driven by 65-2κB in HMEC-1. These results suggest that in addition to NF-κB1/RelA heterodimers, TNFα also induces RelA homodimers that are functionally active. Thus RelA homodimers may actively participate in cytokine regulation of gene expression in human vascular endothelial cells.
Promoter Function and the Role of Cytokines in the Transcriptional Regulation of Rabbit CYP2E1 and CYP2E2

Rabbit CYP2E1 and CYP2E2 show considerable similarity in the 5' flanking region, but a 32-base-pair element (32-BPE) that is repeated in 2E1 is present only as a single inexact copy in 2E2. In the present investigation, footprinting disclosed two specific binding sites for liver nuclear proteins, and the DNase I sensitivity profiles of the two genes were found to be different. Several positive and negative regulatory elements were identified by transfection with a series of constructs of upstream CYP2E sequences fused to the luciferase gene. Both genes have an HNF-1 consensus motif with one nucleotide mismatch, which affects binding affinity and promoter activity. Investigation of DNA-protein interactions revealed that Sp1 and NFkappaB bind exclusively to the 32-BPE of 2E1 and 2E2, respectively, suggesting a possible regulatory role for the 32-BPE. Interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) gave rise to a 2.5-fold increase in the promoter activity of 2E1 in HepG2 cells, and the IL-1alpha-mediated induction of reporter gene expression was almost completely prevented when the 32-BPE was deleted. Increased DNA binding and Sp1 protein content as a result of IL-1alpha treatment, as well as cotransfection experiments with pPacSp1, suggest that Sp1 is a transcription activator for the induction of 2E1 by IL-1alpha in HepG2 cells.
Non-puerperal incomplete lateral uterine inversion with submucous leiomyoma: A case report

A perimenopausal, multiparous woman presented with prolapse. Clinically, there was a doubt between prolapsed submucous leiomyoma and uterine inversion. Laparoscopy showed an unusual pattern of uterine inversion restricted to the left cornual region with a submucous leiomyoma. A vaginal hysterectomy with due considerations for alterations of anatomical relationships minimized operative morbidity.