cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cognitive beamforming antenna

This paper presents our design of a cognitive beamforming antenna that is capable of reconfiguring its spatial and spectral receiving and transmitting properties in response to the dynamic situations encountered. We accomplish this through joint frequency and spatial scans to establish both spectral and spatial knowledge of the local RF environment. With this information we are able to establish the optimal frequencies and beam patterns to exploit the current environmental situation, including adding beam pattern nulls if required. This design is an effective solution in the common situation where strong interferences and spectral congestion are present that could impact system performance.1,2
Sex Differences in Neurotransmission Parameters in Response to Repeated Mild Restraint Stress Exposures in Intact Male, Female and Ovariectomised Female Rats

The present study determined whether a repeated mild restraint stress exposure would differentially alter neuronal activity in male and female rats to gain insights into neurobiological substrates involved in sex differences in stress-induced behavioural responses. In our first set of experiments, we used Western blot analysis to determine whether alterations in several synaptic proteins were elicited by the repeated stress treatment. We found bidirectional changes in synaptophysin levels in female cerebral cortex and hippocampus that diverged between intact and ovariectomised females. There were persistent elevations in spinophilin levels in the male, but not female, hippocampus following the repeated mild restraint stress exposure. By contrast, levels of the NMDA receptor scaffolding protein, PSD-95, were altered only in intact female cerebral cortex and ovariectomised female hippocampus. We next used immunohistochemical evaluation of Fos expression as a marker for neuronal activation. We found significant increases in Fos immunoreactivity in all sex conditions across multiple brain regions in response to the repeated mild stress. Fos protein induction was greatest in the frontal cortex, piriform cortex and amygdala, with the degree of induction varying by sex condition. Fos induction was dramatically higher in amygdala and piriform cortex only in intact females following repeated stress compared to a single restraint stress exposure, suggestive of sensitisation rather than habituation. By contrast, the frontal cortex of intact and ovariectomised females showed habituation to the repeated stressor. Males displayed modest sensitisation in both the frontal cortex and dentate gyrus with no changes in other brain areas. Taken together, these findings show that exposure to a mild repeated stress results in sex differences in synaptic adaptations and patterns of brain activation that likely contribute to observed sex differences in stress-induced behaviours. This approach provides valuable insights into interactions between the hormonal milieu and responses to a repeated mild stress, and further supports the importance of considering hormonal status in treatment of stress-related disorders.
Hepatocyte Retinoid X Receptor α-Dependent Regulation of Lipid Homeostasis and Inflammatory Cytokine Expression Contributes to Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury

Hepatocyte retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRalpha)-deficient mice are more sensitive to ethanol toxicity than wild-type mice. Because RXRalpha-mediated pathways are implicated in lipid homeostasis and the inflammatory response, we hypothesized that a compromise in lipid metabolism and associated production of proinflammatory mediators are responsible for the hepatotoxicity observed in ethanol-treated hepatocyte RXRalpha-deficient mice. Wild-type and hepatocyte RXRalpha-deficient mice were fed ethanol-containing diets or pair-fed control diets for 6 weeks. After ethanol treatment, serum ALT levels increased significantly (4-fold) in hepatocyte RXRalpha-deficient mice, but not in the wild-type mice. Hepatic liver fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) mRNA and protein levels were reduced due to RXRalpha deficiency. Ethanol induced L-FABP mRNA and protein in wild-type mice and provided protection against nonesterified fatty acid toxicity; however, this effect was absent in the mutant mice. Accordingly, hepatic nonesterified fatty acid level was increased in ethanol-fed mutant mice. Ethanol increased nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB binding activity in hepatocyte RXRalpha-deficient mice, but not in wild-type mice. In agreement, hepatic mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines were increased to a greater extent in the mutant than in wild-type mice. Furthermore, signal transducer and activator of transcription factor (STAT) 3 and associated Bcl-xL induction was observed in ethanol-fed wild-type mice but not in ethanol-fed hepatocyte RXRalpha-deficient mice. Taken together, after ethanol treatment, hepatocyte RXRalpha deficiency results in lack of L-FABP induction, increased hepatic free fatty acids, NF-kappaB activation, and proinflammatory cytokines production and a lack of STAT3 activation, which in part may contribute to alcohol-induced liver damage.
Tolerating penetrations and insider attacks by requiring independent corroboration

We describe an approach to building a system that meets its requirements even when some central components are successfully penetrated and/or when insiders attack the system. This goal is a key but elusive facet of information survivability. Our approach relies on independent corroboration, a form of redundancy. Corroboration is easy to pin down; independence is not. How can software judge whether two principals are independent? This paper begins to address the problem. We analyze the word "independence" and find that independence is not absolute, but relative to one's interests; that independence judgments are closely tied to trust; that independence judgments are based largely on known connections between the principals. We then take a two-pronged approach. The first prong is a formal, Bayesian probabilistic model of a system that uses independent corroboration to tolerate compromise. The second is a pragmatic investigation of how independence information may be imported from existing authentication data, and a preliminary look at how knowledge of independence may be dynamically obtained from third parties.
Extended spectrum beta lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae infections: a review of the literature.

Infections caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing pathogens, particularly Klebsiella pneumoniae, are increasing. The epidemiology of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae, the mechanisms of resistance, and treatment strategies for infections caused by these organisms are reviewed.
Calculation ofP2shape resonances in Be and Mg

Shape resonances of $^{2}P$ type are calculated for electron scattering with Be and Mg target atoms using the Harris method with an ad hoc polarization potential. Good agreements are obtained for resonance energies and widths.
High panel reactive antibody against cross-reactive group antigens as a contraindication to renal allotransplantation.

Preformed circulating cytotoxic IgG anti-HLA alloantibodies induced by previous failed grafts, blood transfusion, or pregnancy are a contraindication to allotransplantation and result in hyperacute rejection. These persistent, highly cytotoxic panel reactive antibodies (PRAs) may be specific for epitopes that are shared among HLA antigens known as cross-reactive groups (CREGs). The present investigation includes 24 subjects awaiting renal transplants with flow cytometric PRAs >30%. Eighty-seven percent of the patients developed alloantibodies specific for the mismatched antigens of previous failed grafts. The complement-dependent cytotoxicity test revealed that A1 and A2 antigens were highly immunogenic, whereas A23, B35, and B7 were less so. All patients who formed anti-A1 and anti-A2 also had developed alloantibodies specific for other antigens of the 1C and 2C CREGs, respectively. The presence of anti-class II HLA alloantibodies led to poor graft survival, i.e., a maximum of 2 years.
Developing a multi-year learning progression for carbon cycling in socio-ecological systems

This study reports on our steps toward achieving a conceptually coherent and empirically validated learning progression for carbon cycling in socio-ecological systems. It describes an iterative process of designing and analyzing assessment and interview data from students in upper elementary through high school. The product of our development process—the learning progression itself—is a story about how learners from upper elementary grades through high school develop understanding in an important and complex domain: biogeochemical processes that transform carbon in socio-ecological systems at multiple scales. These processes: (a) generate organic carbon (photosynthesis), (b) transform organic carbon (biosynthesis, digestion, food webs, carbon sequestration), and (c) oxidize organic carbon (cellular respiration, combustion). The primary cause of global climate change is the current worldwide imbalance among these processes. We identified Levels of Achievement, which described patterns in the way students made progress toward more sophisticated reasoning about these processes. Younger learners perceived a world where events occurred at a macroscopic scale and carbon sources, such as foods and fuels, were treated as enablers of life processes and combustion rather than sources of matter transformed by those processes. Students at the transitional levels—levels 2 and 3—traced matter in terms of materials changed by hidden mechanisms (level 2) or changed by chemical processes (level 3). More advanced students (level 4) used chemical models to trace matter through hierarchically organized systems that connected organisms and inanimate matter. Although level 4 reasoning is consistent with current national standards, few high school students reasoned this way consistently. We discuss further plans for conceptual and empirical validation of the learning progression. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 46: 675–698, 2009
In vitro chemosensitivity of human bladder cancer

The chemosensitivity of fresh specimens of human transitional cell carcinoma was tested using a novel dye exclusion assay based upon Fast Green staining, cytocentrifugation, and H & E counterstaining. Assays were successful (three or more drugs tested) in 22/24 specimens obtained by cytoscopy and 2/2 specimens obtained by open biopsy. Three of 17 specimens had more than 70% cell kill after a 1-hour exposure to thiotepa (500 ug/ml), compared with 10/18 after exposure to mitomycin C (250 ug/ml), and 19/19 after exposure to doxorubicin (100 ug/ml). There was a trend for specimens with high histologic grades or low control viabilities in short-term culture to be more sensitive to mitomycin C than specimens with low histologic grades or high control viabilities. Comparison of these data with published clinical data suggests that intrinsic chemosensitivity may be the most important determinate of clinical response to intravesical chemotherapy with thiotepa, while drug penetration to the tumor cells may primarily determine clinical response to intravesical doxorubicin. Thiotepa may be most valuable in treating large lesions which are intrinsically sensitive, while doxorubicin may be valuable in nearly all small lesions. Improved drug distribution to tumor sites could improve intravesical therapy with doxorubicin. Cancer 51:1490-1496. 1983. HERE IS a 50-70% recurrence rate of superficial T bladder cancer following endoscopic resection.’ Thi~tepa~-~ and doxorubicin4 were found to reduce recurrence rates when given prophylactically after “complete” endoscopic resection. Such prophylactic treatment reduced recurrence rates by 50% or more, but did not eliminate recurrences. With nonresected bladder tumors, intravesical chemotherapy with thi~tepa,’.~.~ mitomycin C,’-8 or doxorubicin9-lL has been found to produce responses in about 65-80% of patients. Only 4565% of these responses are complete, however. Drug and patient selection for intravesical chemotherapy could possibly be improved with the use of predictive in vitro chemosensitivity assays. A number of authors have proposed chemosensitivity assays for transitional cell carcinoma based on: cl~nogenicity,’~.’~ ra
Maladaptive behaviors are linked with inefficient sleep in individuals with developmental disabilities

The purpose of the current study was to assess the relations between nightly sleep patterns and the frequency of daily maladaptive behavior. Antecedent and consequential relations between sleep patterns and behavior were evaluated with time series analysis. Sleep efficiency and maladaptive behavior were determined for 20 female residents of an institutional care facility for adults with developmental disabilities. Daily maladaptive behavioral data and nightly sleep/awake logs were collected for 4 months for each participant. Efficient sleep patterns were significantly associated with lower frequencies of maladaptive behaviors. All lagged cross-correlations 8 days before and 8 days after an evening of sleep were significant. These findings suggested that inefficient sleep was associated with increased maladaptive behaviors and that the lagged associations reflected a chronic but not an acute linkage between sleep and behavior.
Curcumin, a component of turmeric: From farm to pharmacy

Curcumin, an active polyphenol of the golden spice turmeric, is a highly pleiotropic molecule with the potential to modulate the biological activity of a number of signaling molecules. Traditionally, this polyphenol has been used in Asian countries to treat such human ailments as acne, psoriasis, dermatitis, and rash. Recent studies have indicated that curcumin can target newly identified signaling pathways including those associated with microRNA, cancer stem cells, and autophagy. Extensive research from preclinical and clinical studies has delineated the molecular basis for the pharmaceutical uses of this polyphenol against cancer, pulmonary diseases, neurological diseases, liver diseases, metabolic diseases, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and numerous other chronic diseases. Multiple studies have indicated the safety and efficacy of curcumin in numerous animals including rodents, monkeys, horses, rabbits, and cats and have provided a solid basis for evaluating its safety and efficacy in humans. To date, more than 65 human clinical trials of curcumin, which included more than 1000 patients, have been completed, and as many as 35 clinical trials are underway. Curcumin is now used as a supplement in several countries including the United States, India, Japan, Korea, Thailand, China, Turkey, South Africa, Nepal, and Pakistan. In this review, we provide evidence for the pharmaceutical uses of curcumin for various diseases.
Volumes to Learn: Advancing Therapeutics with Innovative Computed Tomography Image Data Analysis

Semi-automated methods for calculating tumor volumes from computed tomography images are a new tool for advancing the development of cancer therapeutics. Volumetric measurements, relying on already widely available standard clinical imaging techniques could shorten the observation intervals needed to identify cohorts of patients sensitive or resistant to treatment.
Improving Patient Care Can Set Your Brain on Fire

In this issue, Higashi and colleagues conclude that “better performance on process quality measures is strongly associated with better survival among community-dwelling vulnerable older adults.” Th...
Peptidyl fluorescent chemosensors for the detection of divalent copper.

Fluorescent organic chemosensors for the detection of divalent copper with high selectivity and sensitivity are the subject of intense research in the recent years. Structurally, ionophore and fluorophore are two essential parts determining the resultant performance of the chemosensor. While much work has been focused on designing highly selective ligands, little attention has been paid to the possible influence of ionophore−fluorophore interaction on their properties in metal ion binding. We studied here fluorescent chemosensors based on the Gly-His peptidyl motif and found that the functionality of the chemosensors was greatly influenced by the spatial alignment of the fluorophore in the molecules. In Gly-His-Lys(Dns) (1), the dansyl group is on a side branch and does not interact with copper, while in Dpr(Dns)-His-Lys (2), the dansyl group is also on a side branch but the close placement allows it to directly participate in the binding with copper ions. Therefore, although dansyl can signal the binding...
Attitudes Toward Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual College Students: The Contribution of Pluralistic Ignorance, Dynamic Social Impact, and Contact Theories

Abstract Social psychology theories may be useful in developing new interventions to reduce prejudice against lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) college students. For this preliminary study, the authors surveyed 109 college dormitory residents to determine their personal comfort with LGB students and their perceptions of other students' comfort with these individuals. They found widespread evidence of pluralistic ignorance—the students rated themselves as significantly less anti-gay than either their friends or the typical student. Students' attitudes showed geographic clustering, with the building of residence a significant predictor of students' attitudes. Finally, consistent with the contact hypothesis, the perception that 1 or 2 LGB students lived on the same floor or in the same building was associated with more positive attitudes.
Understanding and altering cell tropism of vesicular stomatitis virus

Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is a prototypic nonsegmented negative-strand RNA virus. VSV's broad cell tropism makes it a popular model virus for many basic research applications. In addition, a lack of preexisting human immunity against VSV, inherent oncotropism and other features make VSV a widely used platform for vaccine and oncolytic vectors. However, VSV's neurotropism that can result in viral encephalitis in experimental animals needs to be addressed for the use of the virus as a safe vector. Therefore, it is very important to understand the determinants of VSV tropism and develop strategies to alter it. VSV glycoprotein (G) and matrix (M) protein play major roles in its cell tropism. VSV G protein is responsible for VSV broad cell tropism and is often used for pseudotyping other viruses. VSV M affects cell tropism via evasion of antiviral responses, and M mutants can be used to limit cell tropism to cell types defective in interferon signaling. In addition, other VSV proteins and host proteins may function as determinants of VSV cell tropism. Various approaches have been successfully used to alter VSV tropism to benefit basic research and clinically relevant applications.
Using ultrasonic sealers to remove fractured root posts

Abstract The removal of an existing cast or cemented stainless steel post has proved difficult, time consuming, and to require excessive removal of tooth structure. The use of the ultrasonic sealer alone and in combination with other techniques provides a conservative, efficient method for retrieval of broken posts from root canal spaces. The primary advantage of these techniques in the removal of posts is the conservation of remaining tooth structure.
Universal Preference for the Open Syllable as an Independent Process in Interlanguage Phonology

The focus of this study is the question: Is there evidence of a universal preference for the open syllable in Interlanguage (IL) phonology? The subjects are two Vietnamese speakers and the data consist of recordings of the subjects in informal conversation first in the IL and then in the native language (NL). An error analysis conducted on the IL data was restricted to the subjects' attempts at target language words most similar in syllable structure to words in the NL, monosyllabic words ending in postvocalic [p t k m n η]. The findings give limited support for the hypothesis that a universal preference for the open syllable is a shaping force in IL phonology independent of the process of NL transfer but also indicate the importance of the preceding vocalic context in the NL transfer processes, and the overall importance in IL research of gathering NL data comparable to the IL data, as the subjects' NL data proved crucial in shaping the findings of this study.
Adolescent substance abuse and suicide

Rates of adolescent suicide have increased significantly in the last five decades as have rates of adolescent substance abuse. However, the relationship between substance abuse and adolescent suicide is unclear. To better understand this relationship, a literature review that focused on the role of substance abuse in adolescent suicide was performed. The results of this review are discussed in this article. The most important risk factors for completed and attempted suicide are mental disorders (mood disorders and disruptive behavior disorders) and substance abuse [Brent, 1995: Suicide Life-Threatening Behav 25:52-63]. Furthermore, family history, social factors, and the presence of firearms in the home may contribute significantly to the risk for suicide. More research is needed in this area particularly with regard to cultural issues, substance abuse, and suicide.
The Culture of Production: Aesthetic Choices and Constraints in Culinary Work

The Creation of objects of "aesthetic value" is not merely a topic of philosophical speculation, but is a distinctly sociological activity. Each occupation maintains a sense of superior production (an "occupational aesthetic") that is not reducible to organizational demands. This perspective extends the production of culture approach that sees art as being like all work, suggesting, in contrast, that all work is like art. An aesthetic component to work is reflected in the desire to produce objects (or perfom tasks) so as to demonstrate the competence of the worker, as exemplified in a case study of work in four restaurant kitchens. The production of quality is not unbounded, as client demands, organizational efficiency, and the organization's resource base have effects. The centrality of an aesthetic orientation depends upon the market niche of one's organization, career stage in the occupation, and the nature of the work task.
Relating to speech evoked car personalities

Could an in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system with a speech evoked personality change your relationship with your car? Alter your behavior? Would you like it more? Would it be easier or harder to use? Would a snarky or encouraging speech style make a difference? We report the findings of a preliminary 30 participant study using an experiential prototype that used three different speech styles designed to evoke different personalities: Neutral, Encouraging and Snarky. Our results indicate that driving preferences are conservative in practice and were not strongly influenced by a brief exposure to our system; however reactions to the system were more nuanced than expected. We report on some significant results for initial evaluations of desired attributes for embedded agents (p
Impact of radio irregularity on wireless sensor networks

In this paper, we investigate the impact of radio irregularity on the communication performance in wireless sensor networks. Radio irregularity is a common phenomenon which arises from multiple factors, such as variance in RF sending power and different path losses depending on the direction of propagation. From our experiments, we discover that the variance in received signal strength is largely random; however, it exhibits a continuous change with incremental changes in direction. With empirical data obtained from the MICA2 platform, we establish a radio model for simulation, called the Radio Irregularity Model (RIM). This model is the first to bridge the discrepancy between spherical radio models used by simulators and the physical reality of radio signals. With this model, we are able to analyze the impact of radio irregularity on some of the well-known MAC and routing protocols. Our results show that radio irregularity has a significant impact on routing protocols, but a relatively small impact on MAC protocols. Finally, we propose six solutions to deal with radio irregularity. We evaluate two of them in detail. The results obtained from both the simulation and a running testbed demonstrate that our solutions greatly improve communication performance in the presence of radio irregularity.
Life-History Strategy, Food Choice, and Caloric Consumption

Do people’s perceptions that they live in a harsh environment influence their food choices? Drawing on life-history theory, we propose that cues indicating that the current environment is harsh (e.g., news about an economic crisis, the sight of people facing adversity in life) lead people to perceive that resources in the world are scarce. As a consequence, people seek and consume more filling and high-calorie foods, which they believe will sustain them for longer periods of time. Although perceptions of harshness can promote unhealthy eating, we show how this effect can be attenuated and redirected to promote healthier food choices.
A critique of relativity and localization

Abstract A new philosophical model makes particles and information at single points derivative. Space-time grids are not events but only ideal comparisons made by observers. Therefore the identity of space-time points and also of single particles is inherently a speculative assumption. The conservation of units can be derived and is not a foundation for events. An interaction is an actual change and can determine changed particles and a changed space-time grid from itself, both forward and backward in time. In contrast, relativity theory still retains the classical unit model in which information is localized at single points, merely positing more than one observer. One implication of the new model is that quantomechanical solutions meed not be limited by the requirements of relativity as is currently done. The model correctly predicts where difficulties should be found, and relates and explains many puzzles which are otherwise separated and inexplicable.
Correlation spectroscopy of third-harmonic generation by single nanorods

We have observed third-harmonic generation by single nanorods in solution and investigated its excitation polarization dependence. Our findings demonstrate the possibility of using third-harmonic signals for correlation spectroscopy, in contrast to conventional fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.
Inhibition-Induced Forgetting When More Control Leads to Less Memory

The ability to inhibit prepotent responses is a core executive function, but the relation of response inhibition to other cognitive operations is poorly understood. In the study reported here, we examined inhibitory control through the lens of incidental memory. Participants categorized face stimuli by gender in a go/no-go task (Experiments 1 and 2) or a stop-signal task (Experiment 3) and, after a short delay, performed a surprise recognition memory task for those faces. Memory was impaired for stimuli presented during no-go and stop trials compared with those presented during go trials. Experiment 4 showed that this inhibition-induced forgetting was not attributable to event congruency. In Experiment 5, we combined a go/no-go task with a dot-probe test and found that probe detection during no-go trials was inferior to that on go trials. This result supports the hypothesis that inhibition-induced forgetting occurs when response inhibition shunts attentional resources from perceptual stimulus encoding to action control.
Late Pleistocene evolution of Scott Glacier, southern Transantarctic Mountains: implications for the Antarctic contribution to deglacial sea level

Abstract Glacial deposits preserved adjacent to Scott Glacier, southern Transantarctic Mountains, provide a record of past fluctuations in the thickness of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. Geologic mapping of these deposits, in conjunction with emerging 10 Be surface-exposure data, indicate that the most recent expansion of Scott Glacier occurred during the last glacial maximum in response to grounding of ice in the Ross Sea Embayment. At that time, the ice surface at the confluence of Scott Glacier and the West Antarctic Ice Sheet lay at ∼1100 m elevation. While this ice-surface reconstruction is in accord with other geologic estimates from throughout the Ross Sea Embayment, it contrasts with most computer-based simulations, which tend to overestimate former ice thickness in the southern Ross Sea. Together with recently modelled estimates of Antarctica's contribution to sea level, this finding calls into question an Antarctic source for meltwater pulse 1A.
Application of High-Resolution 1H MAS NMR Spectroscopy to the Analysis of Intact Bones from Mice Exposed to Gamma Radiation

Abstract Herein we demonstrate that high-resolution magic angle spinning (MAS) 1H NMR can be used to profile the pathology of bone marrow rapidly and with minimal sample preparation. The spectral resolution obtained allows several metabolites to be analyzed quantitatively. The level of NMR-detectable metabolites in the epiphysis + metaphysis sections of mouse femur were significantly higher than that observed in the diaphysis of the same femur. The major metabolite damage to bone marrow resulting from either 3.0 Gy or 7.8 Gy of whole-body γ radiation 4 days after exposure were (1) decreased total choline content, (2) increased fatty acids in bone marrow, and (3) decreased creatine content. These results suggest that the membrane choline phospholipid metabolism (MCPM) pathway and the fatty acid biosynthesis pathway were altered as a result of radiation exposure. We also found that the metabolic damage induced by radiation in the epiphysis + metaphysis sections of mouse femur was higher than that of the dia...
Firm-specific characteristics of R&D collaborators and non-collaborators in US biotechnology clusters and elsewhere

This study examines the difference between collaborators and non-collaborators, in clusters and elsewhere, in the US biotechnology industry. In doing so, the relationship among R&D intensity, collaboration, innovation, and location is examined. Particular attention is given to R&D strategies of these firms, with regard to university-based collaborations and the importance of location for collaboration. Firms with higher levels of R&D intensity are more intent on engaging in R&D alliances, especially research collaborations with universities. Many alliances occur with scientists located outside of the local area, including other countries. More firms located in defined clusters of the biotechnology industry engage in collaborative R&D than do firms located elsewhere. University scientists are the main research partners (although not necessarily locally based) and the main purpose of collaboration by a cluster firm is access to basic research. One of the main purposes of such collaborations for a non-cluster firm is product development. Firms engaged in collaborative R&D exhibit better innovation performance. Location continues to be important for start-up companies. Locational inertia is important for established firms, who acknowledge the importance of reputation and networks, as well as factors like nearness to universities, venture capitalists, and the supply of skilled labour, in the process of innovation.
Evidence against a systemic arterial defect in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract Background Despite increasing interest in local microvascular alterations associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the potential contribution of a primary systemic vascular defect in the etiology of IBD is unknown. We compared reactivity of large diameter mesenteric arteries from segments affected by Crohn disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) to an uninvolved vascular bed in both IBD and control patients. Methods Mesenteric and omental arteries were obtained from UC, CD, and non-IBD patients. Isometric arterial contractions were recorded in response to extracellular potassium (K + ) and cumulative additions of norepinephrine (NE). In addition, relaxation in response to pinacidil, an activator of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive K + channels was examined. Results Contraction to K + and sensitivity to NE were not significantly different in arteries from CD, UC, and controls. Relaxation to pinacidil was also similar between groups. Conclusions Potassium-induced contractions and sensitivity to NE and pinacidil were not significantly different in large diameter mesenteric and omental arteries obtained from IBD patients. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the sensitivity to K + , NE, and pinacidil between mesenteric and omental arteries of CD and UC patients and those from non-IBD patients. Our results suggest an underlying vascular defect systemic to CD or UC patients is unlikely to contribute to the etiology of IBD.
Paxillin Dynamics Measured during Adhesion Assembly and Disassembly by Correlation Spectroscopy

Paxillin is an adaptor molecule involved in the assembly of focal adhesions. Using different fluorescence fluctuation approaches, we established that paxillin-EGFP is dynamic on many timescales within the cell, ranging from milliseconds to seconds. In the cytoplasmic regions, far from adhesions, paxillin is uniformly distributed and freely diffusing as a monomer, as determined by single-point fluctuation correlation spectroscopy and photon-counting histogram analysis. Near adhesions, paxillin dynamics are reduced drastically, presumably due to binding to protein partners within the adhesions. The photon-counting histogram analysis of the fluctuation amplitudes reveals that this binding equilibrium in new or assembling adhesions is due to paxillin monomers binding to quasi-immobile structures, whereas in disassembling adhesions or regions of adhesions, the equilibrium is due to exchange of large aggregates. Scanning fluctuation correlation spectroscopy and raster-scan image correlation spectroscopy analysis of laser confocal images show that the environments within adhesions are heterogeneous. Relatively large adhesions appear to slide transversally due to a treadmilling mechanism through the addition of monomeric paxillin at one side and removal of relatively large aggregates of proteins from the retracting edge. Total internal reflection microscopy performed with a fast acquisition EM-CCD camera completes the overall dynamic picture and adds details of the heterogeneous dynamics across single adhesions and simultaneous bursts of activity at many adhesions across the cell.
Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs) in Gliomas and Glioma-Development

Myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of cells that inhibit anti-tumor immunity through a variety of mechanisms. Malignant gliomas are heavily infiltrated by myeloid cells, some of which appear to share biological functions of MDSCs. Our data with mouse de novo gliomas indicate critical roles of these cells in glioma development. This review summarizes the current understanding of MDSC biology in gliomas and discusses therapeutic interventions that can safely reverse the suppressive effects of MDSCs. The insight gained from these findings may lead to the development of novel immunotherapeutic strategies for gliomas.
Synthesis of combinational logic circuits for path delay fault testability

An approach to the design of multilevel, multi-output combinational logic circuits in which all path delay faults are detectable by robust tests is proposed. Inadequacies of previous approaches for synthesis for testability of path delay faults are discussed. A necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of a hazard-free robust test for a path is stated. Violation of this condition is adopted as the criterion for identifying the paths, in a given circuit, which are not testable by hazard-free robust tests. Transformation methods to render these paths testable are proposed. >
Coagulation changes during abortion induced by prostaglandin F2α

Abstract To determine whether inducing midtrimester abortion with intra-amniotically administered prostaglandin F 2α (PGF 2α ) causes changes in clotting factors, six, young, physically healthy, midtrimester gravidas were serially studied throughout induction and abortion. An initial dose of 50 mg. of PGF 2α was administered and an identical dose was given in 24 hours if abortion had not yet occurred. After induction, the hematocrit, platelet count, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, thrombin clotting time, Factor V, Factor VIII, fibrinogen-fibrin degradation, and the fibrinogen survival time were determined at four-hour intervals until after abortion and compared to preinduction values. No significant changes occurred during injection or over the course of abortion. To compare these results with those obtained with the hypertonic saline (saline) method, results (previously reported by two of the coauthors) obtained from saline-treated gravida were recalculated. The saline method resulted in statistically significant decreases in platelets, fibrinogen, fibrinogen survival, Factors V and VIII, and an increase in the incidence of fibrinogen-fibrin degradation products when compared to the PGF 2α method. Although these results may indicate that the PGF 2α method may be preferred in clinical conditions where hypofibrinogenemia is a threat and that the incidence of hypofibrinogenemia after therapeutic abortion may be less with PGF 2α than with saline, comparative studies will be necessary to prove these hypotheses.
Analysis of Discrimination in Prime and Subprime Mortgage Markets

This paper examines evidence of lending discrimination in prime and subprime mortgage markets in New Jersey. Existing single-equation studies of race-based discrimination in mortgage lending assume race is uncorrelated with the disturbance term in the loan denial regression. At the individual loan-level, we show that race is correlated with both observable and unobservable risk variables, leading to biased coefficient estimates. To mitigate this problem, we specify a system of equations and use a full information maximum likelihood (FIML) method that does not need to identify instrumental variables for system identification. We find that minorities are less likely to be rejected than whites in the subprime market. The individual loan-level FIML results are robust to using two-stage least squares when we examine discrimination at the neighborhood-level. We also find that the reduction in rejection rates to minority neighborhoods from 1996 to 2008 cannot be fully justified by risk, suggesting a relaxation of lending standards to minority neighborhoods. Using the methodology of Mian and Sufi [2009], we also find evidence for strong credit supply effects.
The Timing and Frequency of Pulmonary Veins Unexcitability Relative to Completion of a Wide Area Circumferential Ablation Line for Pulmonary Vein Isolation

Abstract Objectives This study sought to assess loss of pulmonary vein (PV) excitability to pacing relative to the development of entrance block and the anatomic completion of the circumferential radiofrequency ablation (RFA) line. Background During encircling RFA for PV isolation (PVI), entrance block develops before anatomic completion of encirclement (early) in some patients. We hypothesized that early entrance block may be associated with loss of PV excitability to pacing. Methods In 30 patients undergoing PV isolation (age 61 ± 10 years, 21 men), excitability to pacing was assessed at predefined PV sites when entrance block developed and after completion of the RFA line. Results Of 60 PV pairs, 37 developed entrance block early, with a gap ≥10 mm in the RFA line. In only 35% of PV pairs in this subgroup, both PV sleeves captured, and all of the capturing PV pairs showed exit block (no conduction from PV to atrium) despite the presence of an excitable gap. In the remaining 23 PV pairs, entrance block did not occur until encircling RFA was anatomically complete. In 83% of these PV pairs, both sleeves captured with exit block (p Conclusions The majority of PV pairs develops entrance and exit block before complete anatomic encircling by RFA lesions. Early entrance block is frequently associated with loss of PV sleeve excitability, consistent with a spreading wave of injury or edema rather than a permanent conduction barrier. This may help to explain the significant rate of PV conduction recovery associated with the acute endpoints of entrance and exit block.
China’s Emergent Military Aerospace and Commercial Aviation Capabilities

Testimony before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Commission, Washington, DC. The testimony is focused on China's civil aerospace aspirations.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Isometry is Affected by the Orientation of the Femoral Tunnel.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft length and tension throughout knee range of motion with transtibial, anteromedial (AM) portal, and all-epiphyseal drilling techniques with suspensory and apical femoral fixation. Methods The three different femoral tunnel drilling techniques using the same intra-articular starting point within the center of the femoral footprint were performed on fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens. All groups underwent standard tibial drilling in the center of the ACL tibial footprint. FiberWire (Arthrex Inc., Naples, FL) was used to simulate anatomic single bundle reconstructions. Changes in graft length and tension were measured at knee flexion angles of 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 135 degrees. Results Graft length and tension decreased from 0 through 60 degrees and subsequently increased from 90 to 135 degrees for all groups. The transtibial, AM portal suspensory, and apical fixation groups were similar. However, the all-epiphyseal tunnel with suspensory fixation had a significantly increased change in length (90, 120, and 135 degrees) and tension (120 and 135 degrees). Conclusion Transtibial and AM portal suspensory fixation and apical fixation demonstrate similar changes in length and tension throughout knee range of motion. The all-epiphyseal tunnel with suspensory fixation was associated with greater length and tension changes at higher degrees of knee flexion. All techniques demonstrated decreased graft length and tension with knee flexion to 60 degrees after which they increased with further knee flexion. Clinical Relevance ACL graft length and tension change throughout knee range of motion and also depend on femoral tunnel orientation and fixation type. The use of an all-epiphyseal tunnel with suspensory fixation should be studied further for evidence of graft elongation.
Active Illumination Low-light Computational Correlation Microscopy

We present a low-light, reflection mode correlation imaging technique based on sequential random patterns illumination and integrated backscattered light intensity. Live cell and low contrast target imaging at very low-light levels are demonstrated experimentally.
Abstract C75: Unique SPOP somatic mutations in African American prostate cancer

SPOP (Speckle-type POZ protein) is a tumor suppressor in prostate cancer (PCa). Somatic heterozygous missense mutations in SPOP have been reported in up to 15% of PCa in Caucasian American (CA). However, the mutation frequency and the genetic role of SPOP in African American (AA) PCa are currently unknown. We sequenced exons 6 and 7 of the SPOP gene for somatic mutations in 49 AA prostate tumor tissues collected in the Southern Louisiana area and identified five (10%) tumors carrying heterozygous missense mutations and one tumor carrying a novel synonymous variant. Intriguingly, all mutations are clustered in exon 6 and change conserved amino acids. Moreover, three mutations represent novel mutations and unique to AA PCa. To further identify unique SPOP somatic mutations in AA PCa, we expanded mutation screening to all of the other exons of the SPOP gene but no additional coding variant or deletion/insertion was identified. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis indicates that the SPOP mutations in AA prostate tumors reduced SPOP RNA levels in tumors compared with SPOP levels in their adjacent normal prostate tissues; therefore, supporting the notion of SPOP as a tumor suppressor gene. These results indicate that AA prostate tumors carry similar frequency but a unique profile of SPOP somatic mutations as in Caucasian PCa. The clinical relevance and the pathological significance of SPOP mutations in AA PCa will be discussed. Citation Format: Eric L. Buckles, Chiping Qian, Sumana Majumdar, Jovanny Zabaleta, Wanguo Liu. Unique SPOP somatic mutations in African American prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Sixth AACR Conference: The Science of Cancer Health Disparities; Dec 6–9, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014;23(11 Suppl):Abstract nr C75. doi:10.1158/1538-7755.DISP13-C75
Source Magnification: The Role of Multiple Sources in the Processing of Advertising Appeals:

Using the information processing approach adopted by Harkins and Petty, the authors find the polarization of thoughts and attitudes in response to strong versus weak arguments to be greater when su...
Phage Display Technology in Biosensor Development

The utility of phage display technology in biosensor development lies in the ability to rapidly discover novel peptide and protein modules that serve as molecular detection domains in sensor architectures. Phage display allows for connecting a protein or peptide (phenotype) to the DNA (genotype) that encodes it, allowing users to screen billion member libraries of compounds against targets of interest, while using the genetic information of the virus for both output identification and amplification. This process known as in vitro selection mimics natural selection through the use of selective pressure followed by the amplification of the selected mutant in a bacterial host cell. Because of the robust nature of phage, the output virions from a selection can sometimes be used directly in a biosensor. More commonly, the genetic information contained within the phage can be translated to a peptide, protein, or antibody that serves as the recognition domain in a biosensor. Several modalities of phage display have been utilized for discovering receptors for biosensors, including peptide display (low and high valency), antibody display, and small protein display. These phage display approaches have greatly aided in the development of novel biosensor receptors.
Perinatal Mortality Due to Pre-Eclampsia in Africa: A Comprehensive and Integrated Approach Is Needed

See related article by Hodgins. In a recent Global Health: Science and Practice editorial, Hodgins identified key steps to “take a big chunk out of the wedge of maternal, newborn, and stillbirth mortality attributable to eclampsia/pre-eclampsia,” calling for early case identification with more frequent antenatal care (ANC) contacts, effective management of complications in pregnant women that progress to life-threatening states, and timely delivery.1 The editorial is an important call to action and we agree with its proposals; however, there are complementary programmatic issues that must also be considered in crafting an integrated strategy for addressing the burden of perinatal morbidity and mortality attributable to hypertensive disorders in pregnancy in Africa. These include: (a) strengthening management of preterm neonates, (b) strengthening delivery of secondary prevention through ANC, and (c) integrating primary prevention into ANC delivery.