cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functional requirements for diagnostic workstations

Picture archival and communication (PACS) and teleradiology systems require workstations for image display, however not all clinical areas demand the same functionality and performance. Four workstations designed to fill different needs are compared to demonstrate the wide variation in functional requirements. In addition, the results of a survey conducted at InfoRad '92 during the 1992 annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America are presented demonstrating that more than 90% of the respondents agreed that the two most important features of a workstation are the ability to review multiple studies for a patient at the same time and fast image display.
Characterization of methyl -β -cyclodextrin toxicity in NGF-differentiated PC12 cell death

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are used to deliver hydrophobic molecules in aqueous environments. Methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MbetaCD), a member of this family of molecules, has been proposed to be a good carrier to deliver fatty acids to cells in culture. This report focuses on studying the in vitro effects of MbetaCD on nerve growth factor-differentiated PC12 (NGFDPC12) cells, a tissue culture model to study neuronal survival and differentiation. The main findings are: (1) NGFDPC12 cells have normal viability when exposed to 0.12% MbetaCD but showed a significant loss in cell viability at higher concentrations; (2) NGFDPC12 cells exposed to 0.25% MbetaCD exhibit nuclear condensation, blebbing and apoptotic bodies, and whole cell lysates exhibited an increase in caspase-3-like activity and high levels of Bax and Bcl-X(L) protein expression compared to control. Cultures treated with 0.25% MbetaCD also showed cleavage of normal 21-kDa Bax protein into a 18-kDa fragment. (3) Experiments using 0.12% MbetaCD to deliver oleic acid did not affect cell viability, in contrast NGFDPC12 cultures in which 0.25% MbetaCD concentration is used exhibited similar loss of cell viability as observed with 0.25% MbetaCD alone. Treating these cultures with caspase-3 inhibitor z-VAD-fmk did not protect the cells from MbetaCD toxic effects. (4) Immortalized Schwann cells (iSC) exposed to MbetaCD 0.12% did not show loss of cell viability while 0.25% MbetaCD triggered a significant toxicity but with a different dose and time course dynamic than NGFDPC12 cells. Thus, NGFDPC12 or iSC cell cultures exposed to 0.12% MbetaCD exhibits normal viability while higher concentrations increase in cell death and apoptosis.
Positive and negative volume-outcome relationships in the geriatric trauma population.

Importance In trauma populations, improvements in outcome are documented in institutions with higher case volumes. However, it is not known whether improved outcomes are attributable to the case volume within specific higher-risk groups, such as the elderly, or to the case volume among all trauma patients treated by an institution. Objective To test the hypothesis that outcomes of trauma care for geriatric patients are affected differently by the volume of geriatric cases and nongeriatric cases of an institution. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study using a statewide trauma registry was set in state-designated levels 1 and 2 trauma centers in Pennsylvania. It included 39 431 eligible geriatric trauma patients (aged >65 years) in the Pennsylvania Trauma Outcomes Study. Main Outcomes and Measures In-hospital mortality, major complications, and mortality after major complications (failure to rescue). Results Between 2001 and 2010, 39 431 geriatric trauma patients and 105 046 nongeriatric patients were captured in a review of outcomes in 20 state-designated levels 1 and 2 trauma centers. Larger volumes of geriatric trauma patients were significantly associated with lower odds of in-hospital mortality, major complications, and failure to rescue. In contrast, larger nongeriatric trauma volumes were significantly associated with higher odds of major complications in geriatric patients. Conclusions and Relevance Higher rates of in-hospital mortality, major complications, and failure to rescue were associated with lower volumes of geriatric trauma care and paradoxically with higher volumes of trauma care for younger patients. These findings offer the possibility that outcomes might be improved with differentiated pathways of care for geriatric trauma patients.
Impact of humic constituents on microbial dechlorination of polychlorinated dioxins

We recently reported on the ability of a microbial consortium eluted from dioxin-contaminated Passaic River sediments to dechlorinate polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) through peridechlorination of 2,3,7,8-substituted hepta- to penta-CDDs resulting in the transient production of 2,3,7,8-tetra-CDD and through perilateral dechlorination pathway of non-2,3,7,8-substituted congeners. The dechlorination of PCDDs under combined reductive activities of the same microbial community and model humic constituents (MHCs) (resorcinol, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid [3,4-DHBA], and catechol) was investigated. Model humic constituents alone caused reductive dechlorination of PCDDs, resulting in the production of hepta-, hexa-, and tetra-CDD congeners. Whereas abiotic MHC-stimulated dechlorination ceased at the tetra-CDD group of congeners, microbial activity caused further dechlorination to tri-, di-, and mono-CDDs. Combined with the microbial community, MHCs effected the appearance of a new profile of tetra through mono-CDD congeners that was distinguishable from either microbially or MHC-stimulated processes alone. An important overall trend could be discerned: the peridechlorination of PCDDs was promoted by MHCs, resulting in both a relative and an absolute (except for 3,4-DHBA) increase of 2,3,7,8-tetra-CDD relative to either microbially or MHC-stimulated dechlorination. This study indicates that, aside from direct deposition, the increase of 2,3,7,8-tetra-CDD concentrations in the environment may result from combined biotic and abiotic PCDD dechlorination.
The impact of competing zealots on opinion dynamics

Abstract An individual’s opinion on an issue is greatly impacted by others in his or her social network. Most people are open-minded and ready to change their opinion when presented evidence; however, some are zealots or inflexibles, that is, individuals who refuse to change their opinion while staunchly advocating an opinion in hopes of convincing others. Zealotry is present in opinions of significant personal investment, such as political, religious or corporate affiliation; it tends to be less commonplace in opinions involving rumors or fashion trends. In this paper, we examine the effect that zealots have in a population whose opinion dynamics obey the naming game model. We present numerical and analytical results about the number and nature of steady state solutions, demonstrating the existence of a bifurcation in the space of zealot fractions. Our analysis indicates conditions under which a minority zealot opinion ultimately prevails, and conditions under which neither opinion attains a majority. We also present numerical and simulation analysis of finite populations and on networks with partial connectivity.
Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections in Children

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is now an established community pathogen in many areas of the United States as well as the world. Community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) infections have changed several aspects of staphylococcal infections in children including the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, laboratory approach, antibiotic management, and prevention.
Relational Aggression Narratives of African American and Latina Young Women

This article presents findings from a narrative study conducted to address young women’s experiences of relational aggression and violence in their female peer relationships. Few studies have examined the nature of relational aggression among urban African American and Latina young women. Moreover, when young urban women have been studied, prior research has predominantly focused on physical aggression, often excluding nonphysical forms of aggression that may precipitate violence. Using the listening guide method, this narrative analysis of 19 young African American and Latina women (18–21 years) living in New York City will demonstrate young urban women’s experiences of relational aggression and violence, and the social and emotional impact of these experiences in their everyday lives. Findings reveal that young women use different forms of relational aggression, and these forms of relational aggression provoke violence between female peers. Listening to young women’s voices as they talk about their experiences of relational aggression in their female peer relationships provides rich contextual information about the underlying social and cultural meanings of the various forms of aggressive behaviors for young women living and surviving in urban communities. Implications for clinical social work practice and policy are discussed.
Stewardship Approach for Optimizing Antimicrobial Therapy through Use of a Rapid Microarray Assay on Blood Cultures Positive for Enterococcus Species

Enterococci are a major cause of bloodstream infections in hospitalized patients and have limited antimicrobial treatment options due to their many resistance mechanisms. Molecular technologies have significantly shortened the time to enterococcal isolate identification compared with conventional methods. We evaluated the impact of rapid organism identification and resistance detection with the Verigene Gram-positive blood culture microarray assay on clinical and economic outcomes for patients with enterococcal bacteremia. A single-center preintervention/postintervention quasiexperimental study compared inpatients with enterococcal bacteremia from 1 February 2012 to 9 September 2012 (preintervention period) and 10 September 2012 to 28 February 2013 (postintervention period). An infectious disease and/or critical care pharmacist was contacted with the microarray assay results, and effective antibiotics were recommended. The clinical and economic outcomes for 74 patients were assessed. The mean time to appropriate antimicrobial therapy was 23.4 h longer in the preintervention group than in the postintervention group (P = 0.0054). A nonsignificant decrease in the mean time to appropriate antimicrobial therapy was seen for patients infected with vancomycin-susceptible Enterococcus isolates (P = 0.1145). For patients with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus bacteremia, the mean time to appropriate antimicrobial therapy was 31.1 h longer in the preintervention group than in the postintervention group (P < 0.0001). In the postintervention group, the hospital length of stay was significantly 21.7 days shorter (P = 0.0484) and mean hospital costs were $60,729 lower (P = 0.02) than in the preintervention group. The rates of attributed deaths in the two groups were not statistically different. Microarray technology, supported by pharmacy and microbiology departments, can decrease the time to appropriate antimicrobial therapy, the hospital length of stay, and health care costs.
Market-Led Pluralism: Rethinking Our Understanding of Racial/Ethnic Spatial Patterning in U.S. Cities

Vast differences between the U.S. city of today and that of a quarter-century and half-century ago call for a rethinking of conventional frameworks that provide an explanation of clustering/segregation along racial/ethnic lines. Accordingly, we put forth a new framework, market-led pluralism, that better fits today's realities. Existing frameworks—assimilation, stratification, and resurgent ethnicity—miss a central element of today's racial/ethnic residential mosaic, the market makers. At the center are housing developers who continually unveil new urban spaces with culturally open communities; lending agencies that, encouraged and supported by government policy, provide highly affordable mortgages to an increasingly wide range of households; real estate brokers and agents for whom the discriminatory practices of the past are illegal, profit reducing, and often beside the point in today's marketplace; consumers whose preferences emphasize class-type elements such as amenities in housing and neighborhood, ...
X-ray photoelectron spectra and electronic structure of Bi2X3 (X = O, S, Se, Te)

Abstract The valence band density of states and core levels have been measured for Bi 2 O 3 , Bi 2 S 3 , Bi 2 Se 3 , and Bi 2 Te 3 by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results for Bi 2 Se 3 and Bi 2 Te 3 are compared with theoretical band structure calculations. The low ionization energy bands are interpreted as arising from p-like bands of bismuth and the Group VI atom. The core levels of bismuth have been found to shift to higher ionization energy with increasing electronegativity of the Group VI element in the compound. Evidence for two inequivalent selenium atoms in the spectrum of the Bi 2 Se 3 structure has been observed.
Amplification of Air Shock Waves by Textile Materials

The peak reflected pressure measured under a flexible and porous textile material exposed to air shock waves may increase by an order of magnitude over the case where no material is present. This peak pressure amplification is a result of the development of shock waves in the two phase (solid/air) material as a result of the low equilibrium sound speed in porous materials and the increase in density of the materials during the transit of the shock wave. This peak pressure amplification may increase the lung injury severity for humans with layered textile materials covering their torso who are exposed to strong air shock waves. The dynamics of shock wave propagation and reflection in flexible and porous textile materials were studied both analytically and experimentally by using an air driven shock tube. A numerical model of the human chest-lung system was adapted for evaluating the effects of different textile materials covering the human chest. Experimental shock tube results were input to the computer m...
Is It the Clicker, or Is It the Question? Untangling the Effects of Student Response System Use:

Previous research on the effectiveness of clickers has found their use to be positively associated with exam scores but not without methodological issues that hinder the conclusions that can be dra...
Cysteines in the neuropilin-2 MAM domain modulate receptor homooligomerization and signal transduction

Neuropilins (NRPs) are transmembrane receptors involved in angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and neuronal development as well as in cancer metastasis. Previous studies suggest that NRPs exist in heteromeric complexes with vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and VEGF receptors as well as plexins and semaphorins. We determined via site-directed mutagenesis and bioluminescent resonance energy transfer assays that a conserved cysteine (C711) in the Danio rerio NRP2a MAM (meprin, A-5 protein, and protein tyrosine phosphatase μ) domain modulates NRP2a homomeric interactions. Mutation of this residue also disrupts semaphorin-3F binding in NRP2a-transfected COS-7 cells and prevents the NRP2a overexpression effects in a zebrafish vascular model. Collectively, our results indicate the MAM domain plays an important role in defining the NRP2 homodimer structure, which is important for semaphorin-dependent signal transduction via NRP2. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 104: 371–378, 2015.
THE PEDESTRIAN PRINCIPLE FOR DIFFERENTIAL GAMES

A dynamic normal formulation for differential games is introduced and the "pedestrian principle" is discussed as a means of dynamically implementing the equilibrium strategy in a single game. Our formulation emphasizes the distinction between a player's rational prediction and the actual evolution of the game dynamics. To model the free will of players, a randomized strategy is introduced which serves as the justification of mixed strategies and the bridge from a static analysis to a dynamic one. Existence of Nash equilibrium in the class of mixed strategies is proved for non-cooperative deterministic differential games.
Effect of convective stretching and folding on aerosol mixing deep in the lung, assessed by approximate entropy

Butler, J. P., and A. Tsuda. Effect of convective stretching and folding on aerosol mixing deep in the lung, assessed by approximate entropy. J. Appl. Physiol. 83(3): 800–809, 1997.—There is a surp...
Alewife Mortality, Condition, and Immune Response to Prolonged Cold Temperatures

ABSTRACT Alewife, Alosa pseudoharengus, have been recognized for several decades as one of the most important forage fish in the Laurentian Great Lakes. Although massive alewife die-offs have regularly been observed throughout the Great Lakes and other inland lakes, little substantive information is available regarding physiological mechanisms associated with adult alewife mortality. Long-term field surveys have shown a correlation between cold winter temperatures, poor condition and adult alewife mortality. In this study, adult alewife were raised in replicate pond systems and subjected to contrasting cold temperatures (4 and < 2°C) representing mild and severe winter conditions. We evaluated alewife mortality, condition and immune response to these temperatures. In contrast to our expectations, alewife exposed to mild and severe winter temperatures showed no difference in mortality or condition (measured as the ratio of dry to wet weight). Survival of alewife held in ponds with mild winter conditions (~...
On the transfer in the homology of symmetric groups

The transfer has long been a fundamental tool in the study of group cohomology. In recent years, symmetric groups and a geometric version of the transfer have begun to play an important role in stable homotopy theory (2, 5). Thus, motivated by geometric considerations, we have been led to investigate the transfer homomorphismin group homology, where n is the nth symmetric group, (n, p) is a p-Sylow sub-group and simple coefficients are taken in /p (the integers modulo a prime p). In this paper, we obtain an explicit characterization (Theorem 3·8) of this homomorphism. Roughly speaking, elements in H*(n) are expressible in terms of the wreath product k ∫ l → n (n = kl) and the ordinary product k × n−k→ n. We show that tr* preserves the form of these elements.
Special Municipal Legislation in Iowa.

The Iowa constitution of 1857 was one of the first to prohibit the passage of special laws for cities and towns. Section 30 of Article III of the constitution enumerates six subjects upon which the legislature is forbidden to pass any special act; the fourth of which proscribes the passage of any act "For the incorporation of cities and towns." The same section also declares that "In all the cases above enumerated, and in all other cases where a general law can be made applicable, all laws shall be general, and of uniform operation throughout the state." In addition to these provisions Section 6 of Article I of the Bill of Rights requires that "All laws of a general nature shall have a uniform operation; the general assembly shall not grant to any citizen or class of citizens, privileges or immunities, which upon the same terms shall not equally belong to all citizens." Just what prompted the convention which drafted the constitution of 1857 to declare against special legislation for cities and towns is not clear. The proceedings of the convention do not disclose any debate upon the provision when adopted. The experience of other states may have impressed the constitution makers of Iowa with the evils arising from the unlimited exercise of powers over municipalities by legislative bodies, but that these evils had manifested themselves seriously in Iowa as early as 1857 is almost beyond belief. In 1856 the total population of Iowa was only 517,8751 and this was largely rural. The federal census of 1860 shows but two cities in the state with a population above 10,000 and these were both under 15,000. The largest communities in practically all of the counties did not exceed 1200,
An accurate determination of stresses in thick laminates using a generalized plate theory

Analytical solutions for displacements and stresses in composite laminates are developed using the laminate plate theory of Reddy. The theory accounts for a desired degree of approximation of the displacements through the laminate thickness, allowing for piecewise approximation of the inplane deformation through individual laminae. The solutions are compared with the 3-D elasticity solutions for the simply supported case and excellent agreement is found. Analytical solutions are also presented for other boundary conditions. The results indicate that the generalized shear deformation plate theory predicts accurate stress distributions in thick composite laminates.
Low Frequency Vibrations Induce Malformations in Two Aquatic Species in a Frequency-, Waveform-, and Direction-Specific Manner

Environmental toxicants such as industrial wastes, air particulates from machinery and transportation vehicles, and pesticide run-offs, as well as many chemicals, have been widely studied for their effects on human and wildlife populations. Yet other potentially harmful environmental pollutants such as electromagnetic pulses, noise and vibrations have remained incompletely understood. Because developing embryos undergo complex morphological changes that can be affected detrimentally by alterations in physical forces, they may be particularly susceptible to exposure to these types of pollutants. We investigated the effects of low frequency vibrations on early embryonic development of two aquatic species, Xenopus laevis (frogs) and Danio rerio (zebrafish), specifically focusing on the effects of varying frequencies, waveforms, and applied direction. We observed treatment-specific effects on the incidence of neural tube defects, left-right patterning defects and abnormal tail morphogenesis in Xenopus tadpoles. Additionally, we found that low frequency vibrations altered left-right patterning and tail morphogenesis, but did not induce neural tube defects, in zebrafish. The results of this study support the conclusion that low frequency vibrations are toxic to aquatic vertebrates, with detrimental effects observed in two important model species with very different embryonic architectures.
Legal Issues Associated with Antimicrobial Drug Resistance

An effective public health strategy against the development of antimicrobial drug resistance needs to be informed by legal as well as scientific analysis. This article describes some legal issues arising from current efforts against antimicrobial resistance and underscores the interdependence between law and public health in these efforts.
How many sentinel lymph nodes are enough during sentinel lymph node dissection for breast cancer

BACKGROUND. It remains unclear how many sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) must be removed to accurately predict lymph node status during SLN dissection in breast cancer. The objective of this study was to determine how many SLNs need to be removed for accurate lymph node staging and which patient and tumor characteristics influence this number. METHODS. The authors reviewed data for all patients in their prospective database with clinical tumor, lymph node, metastasis (TNM) T1 through T3, N0, M0 breast cancer who underwent lymphatic mapping at their institution during the years 1994 through 2006. There were 777 patients who had at least 1 SLN that was positive for cancer. Simple and multiple quantile regression analyses were used to determine which patient and tumor characteristics were associated with the number of positive SLNs. The baseline number of SLNs that needed to be dissected for detection of 99% of positive SLNs in the total group of patients also was determined. RESULTS. The mean number of SLNs removed in the 777 lymph node-positive patients was 2.9 (range, 1-13 SLNs). Greater than 99% of positive SLNs were identified in the first 5 lymph nodes removed. On univariate analysis, tumor histology, patient race, tumor location, and tumor size significantly affected the number of SLNs that needed to be removed to identify 99% of all positive SLNs. On multivariate analysis, mixed ductal and lobular histology, Caucasian race, inner quadrant tumor location, and T1 tumor classification significantly increased the number of SLNs that needed to be removed to achieve 99% recovery of all positive SLNs. CONCLUSIONS. In general, the removal of a maximum of 5 SLNs at surgery allowed for the recovery of >99% of positive SLNs in patients with breast cancer. The current findings indicated that tumor histology, patient race, and tumor size and location may influence this number. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Teaching and engaging students in large classes

Teaching large classes can be a challenge, especially if you are doing this for the first time. This article addresses how to approach teaching large classes and provides some strategies for promoting student engagement to facilitate learning.
Rhenium and Rhenium Compounds

Treichel, Paul M., Jr. (University of Wisconsin, Madison). Rhenium is one of the least abundant elements, existing in nature only in trace quantities. The commercial source of rhenium is in molybdenite by-product material from porphyry copper ores. Rhenium oxides are driven off upon roasting the molybdenite concentrate. Rhenium is separated, converted to an ammonium salt, and reduced to the metal. The metal has found many high temperature uses, both as pure metal and as alloys with elements such as molybdenum, tungsten, and nickel. Uses include filaments in a wide array of bulbs and mass spectrometers, in thermocouples, and in heating elements. It is also used as a catalyst in the production of gasolines. Rhenium forms a wide variety of compounds in oxidation states to . High oxidation state compounds are common; low oxidation state compounds are restricted primarily to metal carbonyls and derivatives. Polynuclear compounds having strong metal–metal bonds are plentiful.
DIME: R-package for identifying differential ChIP-seq based on an ensemble of mixture models

Summary: Differential Identification using Mixtures Ensemble (DIME) is a package for identification of biologically significant differential binding sites between two conditions using ChIP-seq data. It considers a collection of finite mixture models combined with a false discovery rate (FDR) criterion to find statistically significant regions. This leads to a more reliable assessment of differential binding sites based on a statistical approach. In addition to ChIP-seq, DIME is also applicable to data from other high-throughput platforms. Availability and implementation: DIME is implemented as an R-package, which is available at http://www.stat.osu.edu/~statgen/ SOFTWARE/DIME. It may also be downloaded from http://cran.r
Fine-needle aspiration cytology of Rosai-Dorfman disease of the breast: A case report.

We report the cytologic findings of a case of Rosai-Dorfman disease of the breast in a 52-year-old diabetic woman, initially sampled by fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA). The patient presented with a 2-week history of a 3 × 2 cm nodule in the mid–upper area of the left breast. A mammogram taken 6 months prior was negative. FNA smears demonstrated lymphocytes, plasma cells, and large pale cells, with enlarged irregular nuclei, admixed with fragments of fibrous tissue and calcific debris. Lymphophagocytosis (emperipolesis) was scarce. Our diagnosis was atypical lymphohistiocytic proliferation. Flow cytometry was negative, but in the face of a strong clinical suspicion of a lymphoid malignancy, excision was performed. The final diagnosis was Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD). The differential diagnosis of FNA of breast inflammatory lesions with atypical cytology is discussed, with a review of the literature. The early recognition on FNA of the hallmarks of this rare disease should prevent unnecessary radical surgery. Diagn. Cytopathol. 1999;21:287–291. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Probabilistic decision diagrams for exact probabilistic analysis

A decision diagram based framework is proposed for representing the probabilistic behavior of circuits with faulty gates. The authors introduce probabilistic decision diagrams (PDD) as an exact computational tool which along with vast expressive power holds many other useful properties such as space efficiency (on average) and efficient manipulation algorithms (polynomial in size.) An algorithm for constructing the PDD for a circuit is proposed. Useful information about probabilistic behavior of the circuit (such as output error probability for arbitrary input probability distribution) can be directly extracted from the PDD representation. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed approach.
Uncapping NF-κB activity in pancreatic cancer.

Living cells must be capable of rapidly responding to intrinsic and environmental cues to ensure normal development and homeostasis. The NF‐κB transcription factor mediates a series of such rapid‐response programs, serving as a master regulator of gene transcription in cells subjected to inflammation, irradiation, or other stress states (Karin, 2009). While cells must be able to rapidly respond to NF‐κB stimuli, it is similarly important to restrain sustained high NF‐κB levels that can trigger chronic inflammation or cellular transformation. Results published by Lu et al (2011) in this issue of The EMBO Journal identify a novel mechanism that amplifies NF‐κB activity; NF‐κB upregulates mir301a, a microRNA (miRNA) that itself blocks the expression of an NF‐κB inhibitor. The resulting positive feedback mechanism potentiates NF‐κB target gene expression. While this pathway may be important for normal cellular stress responses, the authors show that its sustained induction in pancreatic cancer cells leads to constitutive NF‐κB activity that drives tumour progression.
Novel DNA-binding proteins regulate intestine-specific transcription of the sucrase-isomaltase gene.

Abstract Sucrase-isomaltase (SI) is an enterocyte-specific gene which exhibits a complex pattern of expression during intestinal development and in the adult intestinal mucosa. In the studies described in this report, we demonstrate that enterocyte-specific transcription of the SI gene is regulated by an evolutionarily conserved promoter that extends approximately 180 bp upstream of the transcription start site. DNase I footprint analysis allowed the identification of three nuclear protein-binding sites within the SI promoter (SIF1, SIF2, and SIF3 [SI footprint]), each of which acted as a positive regulatory element for transcription in intestinal cell lines. SIF1 was shown to bind nuclear protein complexes present in primary mouse small intestinal cell and in an intestinal cell line (Caco-2). However, SIF1-binding proteins were absent in a variety of other epithelial and nonepithelial cells. In vitro mutagenesis experiments demonstrated that the SIF1 site is required for high-level promoter activity in intestinal cells. The SIF3 element formed prominent binding complexes with intestinal and liver nuclear extracts, whereas nuclear proteins from other epithelial and nonepithelial cells formed weaker complexes of different mobilities. The SIF2 element bound nuclear proteins in a pattern similar to that of SIF3, and cross-competition studies suggested that SIF2 and SIF3 may bind the same nuclear proteins. Taken together, these data have allowed the identification of novel DNA-binding proteins that play an important role in regulating intestine-specific transcription of the SI gene.
Temperature-Programmed Desorption and Reaction: Applications to Supported Catalysts

Abstract In a typical temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) experiment on a supported metal catalyst, a small amount of catalyst (10–200 mg) is contained in a reactor that can be heated by a furnace. An inert gas, usually helium at atmospheric pressure, flows over the catalyst. Following pretreatment to obtain a reduced catalyst, a gas is adsorbed on the surface, usually by pulse injections of the adsorbate into the carrier gas upstream from the reactor. After the excess gas is flushed out, the catalyst is heated to create a linear rise in temperature with time. A small thermocouple inserted in the catalyst measures the temperature and a detector downstream measures the change in the inert gas stream. The ideal detector is a mass spectrometer which measures the composition of the effluent stream as a function of catalyst temperature. Because of the high carrier-gas flow rate, the detector response is proportional to the rate of desorption if diffusion and readsorption are not limiting.
Cytomegalovirus infection in early childhood may be protective against glioblastoma multiforme, while later infection is a risk factor

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common and most aggressive type of primary brain tumor, accounting for 52% of all primary brain tumor cases and 20% of all intracranial tumors. Recently, evidence for a viral cause has been postulated, possibly cytomegalovirus (CMV). In one report, 80% of patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme had detectable cytomegalovirus DNA in their peripheral blood, while sero-positive normal donors and other surgical patients did not exhibit detectable virus. However, another study reported that five glioblastoma patients showed no circulating CMV detected either with RT-PCR or blood culture. But CMV could still be a factor in the genesis of glioblastoma multiforme, if age at infection is taken into account, since the incidence of both glioblastoma multiforme and CMV infection are inversely related to socioeconomic status. CMV infection in early childhood, more common in lower socioeconomic groups, may be protective against glioblastoma multiforme, whereas CMV infection in later childhood or adulthood may be a risk factor for glioblastoma. If so, glioblastoma multiforme occurrence would resemble paralytic polio, where low socioeconomic status, poor hygiene and early infection are protective.
Exploring Mechanisms of Effective Teacher Coaching: A Tale of Two Cohorts From a Randomized Experiment

Although previous research has shown that teacher coaching can improve teaching practices and student achievement, little is known about specific features of effective coaching programs. We estimat...
The Tax Reforms of the Eighties

The article presents a synthesis in French of the tax reforms of the 1980s in the United States.
Users Attitudes Toward Movie-Related Websites And E-Satisfaction

Numerous websites provide information, sell products, and offer services. However, not many websites have focused on usability issues, such as ease of use, usefulness, and customer satisfaction. Therefore, in this paper, the authors first consider what factors affect ease of use and usefulness and then how ease of use and usefulness affect attitudes toward websites and customer satisfaction. This study classified four different user groups based on their degree of involvement to measure different levels of perceived ease of use and usefulness. Uses and gratification theory (Herzog 1944; McGuire 1974; Luo 2002) has been applied in this study to explain users’ attitudes toward movie-related web sites and consumer satisfaction. This study found that online users’ positive attitudes towards movie-related websites impact their satisfaction, while their positive attitudes do not significantly lead to the actual purchase of tickets online. The findings of the study contribute to the development of the uses and gratification theory by applying it to the online users’ attitudes toward movie-related sites. Further, this study provides implications and offers suggestions to e-businesses dealing with movie-related products and services.
Detection of Cryptosporidium parvum in antibody-doped gels

Doping porous oxides with organic functionalities has become increasingly useful for the detection of many types of compounds and molecules. So far the detection of microorganisms by this process has not been firmly established. There is, however, a need to develop easy to use, sensitive devices for the detection of microorganisms in potable water supplies. For example, the need for a sensor that can detect a pathogenic parasite called Cryptosporidium parvum has emerged in the United States. In this report, we describe the production of such a device via the sol-gel method. The sol-gel sensor can detect trace amounts of Cryptosporidium parvum. The advantages of the porous oxide matrix lead to high sensitivity. The sensor is easy to use and inexpensive. The presence of Cryptosporidium parvum is indicated by a color change in an otherwise colorless gel. Absorbance intensities for the enzyme-linked antibody used in the study correlated appropriately to oocyst concentration in the solution.
Abstract 615: Apigenin regulates prostate cancer matrix composition and cell attachment through an integrin alpha 1 dependent pathway

Prostate cancer (PCa) mortality is primarily attributed to metastatic rather than primary, organ-confined disease. Acquiring a motile and invasive phenotype is an important step in the development of metastasis. This step involves remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and of cell-matrix interactions, cell movement mediated by the actin cytoskeleton, and activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/Src signaling. Epidemiologic studies suggest that the metastatic behavior of PCa may be an ideal target for chemoprevention. The natural flavone apigenin is known to have chemopreventive properties against many cancers, including PCa. Building upon our previous findings showing that apigenin inhibits cell motility and invasion of PCa cells through the FAK/Src signaling pathway, here we study the effect of apigenin on integrin receptors, cell attachment, and ECM composition. By using an alpha/beta integrin-mediated cell adhesion array, we found that integrin alpha 1 (ITGA1) was the only integrin subunit to be down-regulated by apigenin in PC3-M cells. ITGA1, whose only binding partner is integrin beta 1, is a receptor for collagen and laminin. Integrin α1α1 gives cells the ability to attach to collagenous substrata. As collagen and laminin are important regulators of PCa cell survival, growth and metastasis to bone, we next elucidated the effect of apigenin on PC3-M cell attachment to laminin 1 and collagen IV. We found that apigenin decreases cell attachment to both of these ECM molecules, suggesting a potential anti-tumorigenic mechanism. It has been shown that integrin α1α1 can regulate the synthesis of collagen. So we next tested whether apigenin can alter the ECM deposited by PC3-M cells. We first tested whether ECM deposited by apigenin-treated cells provided the same adhesive support to PCa cells as the ECM deposited by the untreated cells. Interestingly, even cells not treated with apigenin did not attach and spread well on the ECM deposited by apigenin-treated cells, indicating that apigenin treatment changes the composition of the ECM. Using Western blot to evaluate differences in the composition of matrix deposited by control cells and apigenin-treated cells, we found that apigenin-treated cells produce much less collagen I and IV, thus correlating with the decrease in adhesion and spreading. These results demonstrate that the chemopreventive bioflavonoid apigenin may inhibit PCa cell adhesion through a combined effect on integrin α1α1 cell surface expression and ECM deposition. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 615. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-615
Tremor Production in Cats Given Chlorpromazine

SummaryIn a series of 28 cats injected with varying doses of chlorpromazine, 13 (46%) developed tremors. The basic tremor was present at rest and disappeared on movement. The rhythm was most often 6-8/sec, but a few animals displayed a faster or slower rate. The tremor was reversible and reproducible. The implications of these observations relative to human parkinsonism are discussed.The authors are indebted to Doctors Ingram, Sash and Correll for valuable assistance and suggestions.
Gendered citation practices in American antiquity and other archaeology journals

Citation is one of many practices affected by the sociopolitics of archaeology. Examination of citation practices in American Antiquity, the Journal of Field Archaeology, Ancient Mesoamerica, and Southeastern Archaeology yields mixed results with regard to equity issues for women. In American Antiquity, the Journal of Field Archaeology, and Ancient Mesoamerica, men cite women at rates that are statistically similar to the rates at which women cite women. Historical data show that this has not always been the case for American Antiquity. In Southeastern Archaeology, men cite women significantly less than women cite women. Despite statistical parity between the sexes in three of the four journals, both men and women in American Antiquity and Ancient Mesoamerica cite women less than expected given the rate at which women publish. Such under-referencing of women might imply a devaluation of women's archaeological labor. This paper also examines other factors besides the gender of the citing author that might affect the rate of citation to women.
An Algorithm for Synchronizing a Clock When the Data Are Received Over a Network With an Unstable Delay

A method is presented for synchronizing the time of a clock to a remote time standard when the channel connecting the two has significant delay variation that can be described only statistically. The method compares the Allan deviation of the channel fluctuations to the free-running stability of the local clock, and computes the optimum interval between requests based on one of the three selectable requirements: 1) choosing the highest possible accuracy; 2) choosing the best tradeoff of cost versus accuracy; or 3) minimizing the number of requests to realize a specific accuracy. Once the interval between requests is chosen, the final step is to steer the local clock based on the received data. A typical adjustment algorithm, which supports both the statistical considerations based on the Allan deviation comparison and the timely detection of errors, is included as an example.
Entry and Selection Methods for Specifying Dates

Experienced and inexperienced computer users specified event dates using seven different human-computer interaction methods (three entry and four selection methods). Both groups were faster and more accurate when using the three entry methods than the four selection methods. The rank order of performance with these methods was about the same for both groups of participants. The number of keystrokes required by each method was a good predictor of participants' performance time. It was found that decomposing selection tasks into separate fields is advisable.
Practice & Analysis of Business Tax Planning in Electric Power Enterprise Technical Contract Management

Based on the study of related tax preferential policy of enterprise business tax,by taking electric power hi-tech enterprise as example,it is pointed out that standard technical contract should be formed and classified,and make power enterprise enjoy tax preferential policy through tax planning.
Research on ESB-based Integrated Method of Power Quality Information System

With the rapid development of information technology, electric power enterprises accumulated a large number of applications in power quality information. However, due to independent, heterogeneous and closed system characteristics, these systems become isolated information islands and cannot share information and resources. Therefore, this paper proposes a scheme using enterprise service bus(ESB) to achieve system information integration. The scheme utilizing service-oriented architecture(SOA) and ESB technology designs ESB power quality service bus architecture. With Mule ESB as the core integration component, the architecture achieves the seamless integration between application systems.
Mycobacteria and Macrophage Apoptosis: Complex Struggle for Survival

M. avium-infected macrophages undergo apoptosis, but M. tuberculosis suppresses apoptosis and triggers necrosis.
Telomere and Telomerase Therapeutics in Cancer

Telomerase is a reverse transcriptase capable of utilizing an integrated RNA component as a template to add protective tandem telomeric single strand DNA repeats, TTAGGG, to the ends of chromosomes. Telomere dysfunction and telomerase reactivation are observed in approximately 90% of human cancers; hence, telomerase activation plays a unique role as a nearly universal step on the path to malignancy. In the past two decades, multiple telomerase targeting therapeutic strategies have been pursued, including direct telomerase inhibition, telomerase interference, hTERT or hTERC promoter driven therapy, telomere-based approaches, and telomerase vaccines. Many of these strategies have entered clinical development, and some have now advanced to phase III clinical trials. In the coming years, one or more of these new telomerase-targeting drugs may be expected to enter the pharmacopeia of standard care. Here, we briefly review the molecular functions of telomerase in cancer and provide an update about the preclinical and clinical development of telomerase targeting therapeutics.
Using objective and subjective information to develop distributions for probabilistic exposure assessment.

The propagation of variance through complex exposure models has been simplified by simulation software running on desktop computers; however, the appropriate representation of variability in, and uncertainty about, model inputs remains a challenge. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has indicated that the Monte Carlo simulation approach to exposure assessment is acceptable as long as input distributions are credible, i.e., rooted in fact (EPA, 1992). The use of distributions based on empirical evidence is certainly desirable; however, it is not always possible to obtain measurements for all exposure model inputs under the conditions of interest. Where objective evidence is scarce or unavailable, subjective judgments are necessary. In this work, the application of both statistical and subjective approaches to the development of distributions for exposure model inputs is explored. The consequences of one's approach to distribution development, on the interpretation and applicability of the output, are also considered.
Some Reflections on HNN Extensions

Two of the basic constructions of infinite group theory are the free product with amalgamated subgroup, introduced by Schreier [11] in 1927, and Higman-Neumann-Neumann extensions, introduced by G. Higman, B.H. Neumann, and H. Neumann [4] in 1949. The main point of this talk is to argue for the adoption of a certain point of view towards these constructions. We stress from the outset that these two constructions are very parallel, and are best viewed as each being half of a single basic concept. Indeed, we shall later give a single axiomatization (Stallings’ concept of bipolar structure [13]) of both constructions.