cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Glacial and Interglacial Oceanographic Conditions in the South Atlantic from Variations in Calcium Carbonate and Radiolarian Distributionsc

Temperature estimates produced by a radiolarian-based transfer function, factor distributions of radiolarian assemblages, and variations in calcium carbonate were used to reconstruct the oceanographic conditions in the South Atlantic during the last glacial maximum (18,000 yr B.P.). This study suggests that while the position of the Subtropical Convergence at 18,000 yr B.P. was very similar to its present position, the Antarctic Polar Front shifted northward 1° to 3° of latitude in the eastern South Atlantic and 3° to 5° of latitude in the western South Atlantic. The largest temperature changes occurred in the subantarctic region and along the eastern portion of the Subtropical Gyre.
Memory and expectations in learning, language, and visual understanding

Research in vision and language has traditionally remained separate in part because the classic task of generating a representation of a given image or sentence has resulted in an emphasis on low level structural aspects of these media. In this paper we argue that image and language understanding should be approached with the intent of facilitating the performance of a task. Under this view research in image and language understanding must confront common issues that arise as a task is pursued. Language and images are both input that can be used to maintain a model of a task. We argue that a model may be maintained by incorporating changes in the scene that can be characterized at a high level of abstraction yet manifest themselves at relatively low levels of analysis. Existing task-relevant models and the associated domain knowledge are used to expect specific changes and disambiguate the interpretation of these changes, thereby allowing them to modify the existing model. From this perspective, understanding input is largely independent of the modality of the input.
Archival Storage Requirements

The Lawrence Livermore Laboratory has had a decade of experience with the use of an archival computer-storage facility. Along with other Department of Energy laboratories, we see a continuing need for such capabilities. This need arises from the increased speeds of large computers and from their proliferation as well. Surveys of potential sources suggest that the soonest and likeliest possibilities for developing an archival storage system are offered by optical technologies. The requirements for such a facility are briefly discussed.
Impact of the Model for Endstage Liver Disease score on liver transplantation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Allocation of deceased donor livers for transplantation is currently based on the Model for Endstage Liver Disease (MELD) score, which has fundamentally changed liver transplantation since its implementation in 2002. This review discusses the development, impact and problems associated with the system. RECENT FINDINGS The MELD system was developed to provide a more objective means of prioritizing candidates for liver transplantation and to allocate livers based on greatest medical need. Liver allocation based on MELD score has had a remarkable effect, such as reducing waiting list mortality and increasing transplantation among patients with greater severity of illness, without a measurable decrement in postoperative survival. Unfortunately, potential problems have been identified. These include wide variation in illness severity in recipients; significant variation in MELD score depending on the clinical laboratory utilized to measure international normalized ratio; and a three-fold increase in the number of liver-kidney transplant recipients. SUMMARY While MELD-based liver allocation has resulted in a marked improvement in liver allocation, there are still problems with the system. The challenge for the liver transplantation community is to prospectively evaluate the liver allocation system to ensure it remains the most effective and fair means of allocating deceased donor livers.
Introduction: International Perspectives on Educational Reform and Superintendent Leadership

During the last three decades, the rise of the global economy has launched a wide array of social, economic, and political changes in nations throughout the world and heightened concern about the q...
Regulation of skeletal muscle stiffness and elasticity by titin isoforms: a test of the segmental extension model of resting tension.

Abstract To explore the role of titin filaments in muscle elasticity, we measured the resting tension-sarcomere length curves of six rabbit skeletal muscles that express three size classes of titin isoform. The stress-strain curves of the split fibers of these muscles displayed a similar multiphasic shape, with an exponential increase in tension at low sarcomere strain followed by a leveling of tension and a decrease in stiffness at and beyond an elastic limit (yield point) at higher sarcomere strain. Significantly, positive correlations exist between the size of the expressed titin isoform, the sarcomere length at the onset of exponential resting tension, and the yield point of each muscle. Immunoelectron microscopic studies of an epitope in the extensible segment of titin revealed a transition in the elastic behavior of the titin filaments near the yield point sarcomere length of these muscles, providing direct evidence of titin's involvement in the genesis of resting tension. Our data led to the formulation of a segmental extension model of resting tension that recognizes the interplay of three major factors in shaping the stress-strain curves: the net contour length of an extensible segment of titin filaments (between the Z line and the ends of the thick filaments), the intrinsic molecular elasticity of titin, and the strength of titin thick filament anchorage. Our data further suggest that skeletal muscle cells may control and modulate stiffness and elastic limit coordinately by selective expression of specific titin isoforms.
Connective collective action online: An examination of the hyperlink network structure of an NGO issue network

Nonprofit, nongovernmental organization (NGO) hyperlink networks are connective public goods, or sets of interorganizational links that enable members and nonmembers to reach like-minded organizations in order to enhance the visibility of the network’s goals. We extend collective action theory to account for both the level and structural signatures of contributions that generalist and specialist organizations make to these connective public goods. This study examines contributions that 48 English Speaking Islamic Resistance organizations make to a NGO hyperlink network. We found that generalist organizations, or organizations with heterogeneous goals, play several key roles in the connective public good. Generalist NGOs promoted the most legitimate face of the issue network, acting as brokers and authorities to other generalist NGOs, and initiators for both specialist and generalist NGOs.
3He NMR as a sensitive probe of fullerene reactivity: [2 + 2] photocycloaddition of 3-methyl-2-cyclohexenone to C70.

The [2 + 2] photoadditions of 3-methyl-2-cyclohexenone to C70 and 3He@C70 have been studied by a combination of HPLC chromatography and FAB-MS, as well as IR and 1H and 3He NMR spectroscopies. The total yield of the mixture of monoadducts was 55% (67% on the basis of the recovered C70). The use of 3He NMR was especially powerful in determining the regioselectivity of the photoaddition reaction of enone to C70. Results of the 3He NMR experiments conducted on the product mixture implicate the two [6,6] bonds closest to the poles of the fullerene (C1−C2 and C5−C6) in the photoaddition process. This reaction mode is analogous to that of most thermal addition reactions to C70. Separation and characterization of the product mixture shows that eight distinct monoadducts are formed in the photoaddition, namely, the four diastereomeric adducts to the C1−C2 and C5−C6 bonds of the C70 cage, each consisting of cis- and trans-fused isomers in a ratio of 2:3. The major mode of photoaddition, accounting for 65% of the p...
Phase II trial of sequential paclitaxel and 1 h infusion of bryostatin-1 in patients with advanced esophageal cancer

We sought to determine the response rate and toxicity profile of sequential paclitaxel and bryostatin-1, a novel, selective inhibitor of protein kinase C, in patients with advanced esophageal cancer. Patients with advanced esophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancer were enrolled. All gave informed consent. They were initially treated with paclitaxel 90 mg/m2 intravenously on Day 1 and bryostatin-1 50 μg/m2 on Day 2 weekly for three consecutive weeks out of four. Because of severe myalgias, dosing was reduced to paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 with bryostatin-1 40 μg/m2 and then to paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 with bryostatin-1 25 μg/m2. Twenty-four patients were enrolled, with 22 assessable for response. The partial response rate was 27%. 10 patients treated with bryostatin-1 40–50 μg/m2 had a response rate of 40 versus 17% at bryostatin-1 25 μg/m2 (p-value = 0.3). Median time-to-progression was 3.7 months and median survival was 8.3 months. Grade 3/4 myalgias were seen in 50% of patients. Myalgias appeared to be related to bryostatin-1 dose. Because of toxicity, the trial was closed prior to full accrual. Despite potential anti-tumor activity of this combination in patients with advanced esophageal cancer, further development is not warranted, given the severe toxicity, especially myalgias, that were seen.
Identification of dynamic properties of plate-like structures by using a continuum model

Abstract The common approach currently used in the aircraft structural analysis is the finite element method. NASA's research in computational structures technology (CST) is helping to develop the finite element analysis to a new stage, although the significant limitations still exist. The elements used in the finite element method are usually void of dynamics. The consequence is that hundreds and thousands of elements are needed to represent large flexible aircraft structures in order to acquire analytical accuracy. To avoid the large dimensionality the current practice is to reduce the order of the model for structural system identification and control synthesis. This approximation, however, can lead to system instability due to the dynamics which are ignored. In contrast, distributed parameter modeling seems to offer a viable alternative to the finite element approach for modeling large flexible aerospace structures. Distributed parameter models have the advantage of improved accuracy, reduced number of modal parameters, and the avoidance of modal order reduction. Most of the effort on the continuum modeling so far is contributed to the beam-like structures which are composed of beams, tethers and rigid bodies. For the aircraft structural analysis, however, another important type of structural elements is plate. The principle of the monocoque or semi-monocoque type of aircraft construction is fundamentally the use of a thin-walled tube to carry compression, tension, shear, and bending. It is necessary, therefore, to expand the continuum modeling methodology to the plate-like structures to satisfy the requirement in the aircraft structural analysis, especially for the monocoque structures. This paper has developed a continuum modeling algorithm for the identification of dynamic properties of plate-like structures. A closed-form solution of the Timoshenko plate equation consistent with the maximum likelihood estimator has been derived. The closed-form expressions of the gradient functions have thereby been resulted from the solution of the partial differential equation. The proposed distributed parameter model involves far fewer unknown parameters than independent modal characteristics for finite element models. Illustration of this approach is given by a computer simulation which shows that the estimated results by using continuum model are reasonably accurate compared with the theoretical results.
Improved Mortality and Rehabilitation of Transplant Candidates Treated with a Long-term Implantable Left Ventricular Assist System

Objective This nonrandomized study using concurrent controls was performed to determine whether the HeartMate implantable pneumatic (IP) left ventricular assist system (LVAS) could provide sufficient hemodynamic support to allow rehabilitation of severely debilitated transplant candidates and to evaluate whether such support reduced mortality before and after transplantation. Methods Outcomes of 75 LVAS patients were compared with outcomes of 33 control patients (not treated with an LVAS) at 17 centers in the United States. All patients were transplant candidates who met the following hemodynamic criteria : pulmonary capillary wedge pressure ≥ 20 mm Hg with a systolic blood pressure ≤ 80 mm Hg or a cardiac index ≤ 2.0 L/minute/m 2 . In addition, none of the patients met predetermined exclusion criteria. Results More LVAS patients than control patients survived to transplantation : 53 (71%) versus 12 (36%) (p = 0.001) ; and more LVAS patients were alive at 1 year : 48 (91%) versus 8 (67%) (p = 0.0001). The time to transplantation was longer in the group supported with the LVAS (average, 76 days ; range, <1-344 days) than in the control group (average, 12 days ; range, 1-72 days). In the LVAS group, the average pump index (2.77 L/minute/m 2 ) throughout support was 50% greater than the corresponding cardiac index (1.86 L/minute/m 2 ) at implantation (p = 0.0001). In addition, 58% of LVAS patients with renal dysfunction survived, compared with 16% of the control patients (p < 0.001). Conclusions The LVAS provided adequate hemodynamic support and was effective in rehabilitating patients based on improved renal, hepatic, and physical capacity assessments over time. In the LVAS group, pretransplant mortality decreased by 55%, and the probability of surviving 1 year after transplant was significantly greater than in the control group (90% vs. 67%, p = 0.03). Thus, the HeartMate IP LVAS proved safe and effective as a bridge to transplant and decreased the risk of death for patients waiting for transplantation.
Acquired inducible antimicrobial resistance in Gram-positive bacteria

A major contributor to the emergence of antibiotic resistance in Gram-positive bacterial pathogens is the expansion of acquired, inducible genetic elements. Although acquired, inducible antibiotic resistance is not new, the interest in its molecular basis has been accelerated by the widening distribution and often 'silent' spread of the elements responsible, the diagnostic challenges of such resistance and the mounting limitations of available agents to treat Gram-positive infections. Acquired, inducible antibiotic resistance elements belong to the accessory genome of a species and are horizontally acquired by transformation/recombination or through the transfer of mobile DNA elements. The two key, but mechanistically very different, induction mechanisms are: ribosome-sensed induction, characteristic of the macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B antibiotics and tetracycline resistance, leading to ribosomal modifications or efflux pump activation; and resistance by cell surface-associated sensing of β-lactams (e.g., oxacillin), glycopeptides (e.g., vancomycin) and the polypeptide bacitracin, leading to drug inactivation or resistance due to cell wall alterations.
An efficient geographic multicast protocol for mobile ad hoc networks

Group communications is important in supporting multimedia applications. Multicast is an efficient method in implementing the group communications. However, it is challenging to implement efficient and scalable multicast in mobile ad hoc networks (MANET) due to the difficulty in group membership management and multicast packet forwarding over the dynamic topology. We propose a novel efficient geographic multicast protocol (EGMP). EGMP uses a zone-based structure to implement scalable and efficient group membership management and a network-range zone-based bi-directional tree is constructed to achieve a more efficient multicast delivery. The position information is used to guide the zone structure building, multicast tree construction and multicast packet forwarding, which efficiently reduces the overhead for route searching and tree structure maintenance. EGMP does not depend on any specific geographic unicast routing protocol. Several methods are assumed to further make the protocol efficient, for example, introducing the concept of zone depth for building an optimal tree structure and combining the location search of group members with the hierarchical group membership management. Finally, we design a scheme to handle empty zone problem faced by most routing protocols using a zone structure.
On Holiday: A History of Vacationing

On Holiday:. History of Vacationing. Orvar Lofgren. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1999. ix. 320 pp., illustrations, photographs, notes, bibliography, index.
Spatial Heterogeneity of Electrical Restitution as a Predictor of Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias: A Lumped‐Parameter Approach

Estimating an individual's risk for ventricular tachyarrhythmia (VTA) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) and identifying patients at high risk who would benefit the most from an implantable device remain key challenges for the cardiac electrophysiologist. A sudden onset and broad spectrum of precipitating mechanisms and triggers are the hallmarks of these life-threatening events, making them particularly difficult to foresee. Additional challenges arise because of variations in anatomy and tissue composition when cardiac electrical activity is measured at the body surface, relatively far away from its electrical sources in the heart.
Multiple Roles for the Non-Coding RNA SRA in Regulation of Adipogenesis and Insulin Sensitivity

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) is a master transcriptional regulator of adipogenesis. Hence, the identification of PPARγ coactivators should help reveal mechanisms controlling gene expression in adipose tissue development and physiology. We show that the non-coding RNA, Steroid receptor RNA Activator (SRA), associates with PPARγ and coactivates PPARγ-dependent reporter gene expression. Overexpression of SRA in ST2 mesenchymal precursor cells promotes their differentiation into adipocytes. Conversely, knockdown of endogenous SRA inhibits 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation. Microarray analysis reveals hundreds of SRA-responsive genes in adipocytes, including genes involved in the cell cycle, and insulin and TNFα signaling pathways. Some functions of SRA may involve mechanisms other than coactivation of PPARγ. SRA in adipocytes increases both glucose uptake and phosphorylation of Akt and FOXO1 in response to insulin. SRA promotes S-phase entry during mitotic clonal expansion, decreases expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21Cip1 and p27Kip1, and increases phosphorylation of Cdk1/Cdc2. SRA also inhibits the expression of adipocyte-related inflammatory genes and TNFα-induced phosphorylation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase. In conclusion, SRA enhances adipogenesis and adipocyte function through multiple pathways.
A Linear Programming Model for Long Range Capacity Planning

In comparing long-and short-term commitments to fulfill demand for some kind of capacity, a linear formulation of the problem may prove useful. The general capacity-planning problem treated here is that in which the demand for capacity may be met by ownership, leases of various terms, or spot contracts. Certain kinds of machine capacity, tankers, or trucks might be examples. Variations in demand and prices for the various alternatives give rise to a computational problem of considerable proportions and in addition one must account for the firm's time preference for money. A linear model is presented to aid in developing answers to such questions as the following: 1 What effect will any given demand forecast have on capacity plans, 2 what will be the effect of an expected change in ownership costs, 3 if prices for leased capacity increase by some given amount, how will plans and costs be affected, 4 what is the sensitivity of decisions and costs to forecast error? Computation of an optimal plan under various assumed conditions should provide 1 the best policy for the expected future and 2 those changes in policy which ought to follow from changed conditions.
A Cluster Study of the Stabilities of Adsorption Sites and Charge Transfers at the Na/Si (100) Surface

The adsorption properties of sodium adatom on silicon (Si) surfaces are investigated using ab initio molecular orbital theory. Twenty-three bare silicon clusters are studied at the unrestricted Hartree-Fock (UHF) many-body perturbation theory (MP4) levels. Twenty-seven alkali atom-silicon (AM-Sin) adsorbate systems are studied with adsorption sites classified as on-top, open, and bridge sites. Adsorption distances are found by optimizing the distance between the alkali atom and Sin clusters at the UHF level and then chemisorption energies are calculated at the Mp4 level. Electron correlation is found to have significant effects on cluster stability and chemisorption energy. The chemisorption energies are smaller at the Mp4 level than at the SCF level for most systems, and usually increase with increasing number of atoms in the cluster. Am-Si bonds appear to be of mixed type.
HIV Nef Inhibits T Cell Migration

Nef is a viral regulatory protein of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that has been shown to contribute to disease progression. Among its putative effects on T cell functions are the down-regulation of CD4 and major histocompatibility class I surface molecules. These effects occur in part via Nef interactions with intracellular signaling molecules. We sought to better characterize the effects of HIV Nef on T cell function by examining chemotaxis in response to stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) as well as CXCR4 signaling molecules. Here, we report the novel observation that HIV Nef inhibited chemotaxis in response to SDF-1α in both Jurkat T cells and primary peripheral CD4+ T lymphocytes. Our data indicate that HIV Nef altered critical downstream molecules in the CXCR4 pathway, including focal adhesion kinases. These findings suggest that HIV Nef may blunt the T cell response to chemokines. Because T lymphocyte migration is an integral component of host defense, HIV Nef may thereby contribute to the pathogenesis of AIDS.
Far-Infrared Polarization Absorption in the Molecular Cloud Sagittarius B2*

This paper presents a 2' × 2' map of 60 μm polarization from the core of the massive molecular cloud Sagittarius B2, located near the center of the Galaxy. The measurements were obtained from the Kuiper Airborne Observatory with the array polarimeter Stokes. The polarization (up to 8%) is large compared to the polarization at 115 μm and, in contrast to other molecular clouds, is greatest toward the peaks in the dust column density. We argue that the far-infrared polarization is due to absorption by aligned dust grains. The magnetic field in the absorbing cloud, as projected onto the plane of the sky, is roughly north-south, making an agle of 54° with the Galactic plane.
Ethics of Frey syndrome: ensuring that consent is truly informed.

Frey syndrome is a widely recognized sequela of parotidectomy with a variable prevalence dependent upon diagnostic criteria. There exists a multitude of strategies for both prevention and treatment. Surgeons are obligated to engage patients in a frank and open discussion of the opera- tive risks, benefits, and alternatives. Due to uncertainty regard- ing the significance of Frey syndrome postoperatively, the process of informed consent and preoperative decision-mak- ing pose a potential ethical quandary. This commentary is designed to heighten the awareness of the preoperative informed consent process by dissecting the ethical tenets underlying these patient encounters using Frey syndrome as an example, ensuring that patients are granted the opportunity to participate in their own care in accordance with the concept of individual autonomy. V C 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 32: 1125-1128, 2010
Gene Regulatory Network Interactions in Sea Urchin Endomesoderm Induction

A major goal of contemporary studies of embryonic development is to understand large sets of regulatory changes that accompany the phenomenon of embryonic induction. The highly resolved sea urchin pregastrular endomesoderm–gene regulatory network (EM-GRN) provides a unique framework to study the global regulatory interactions underlying endomesoderm induction. Vegetal micromeres of the sea urchin embryo constitute a classic endomesoderm signaling center, whose potential to induce archenteron formation from presumptive ectoderm was demonstrated almost a century ago. In this work, we ectopically activate the primary mesenchyme cell–GRN (PMC-GRN) that operates in micromere progeny by misexpressing the micromere determinant Pmar1 and identify the responding EM-GRN that is induced in animal blastomeres. Using localized loss-of -function analyses in conjunction with expression of endo16, the molecular definition of micromere-dependent endomesoderm specification, we show that the TGFβ cytokine, ActivinB, is an essential component of this induction in blastomeres that emit this signal, as well as in cells that respond to it. We report that normal pregastrular endomesoderm specification requires activation of the Pmar1-inducible subset of the EM-GRN by the same cytokine, strongly suggesting that early micromere-mediated endomesoderm specification, which regulates timely gastrulation in the sea urchin embryo, is also ActivinB dependent. This study unexpectedly uncovers the existence of an additional uncharacterized micromere signal to endomesoderm progenitors, significantly revising existing models. In one of the first network-level characterizations of an intercellular inductive phenomenon, we describe an important in vivo model of the requirement of ActivinB signaling in the earliest steps of embryonic endomesoderm progenitor specification.
Discrimination of Viable and Dead Fecal Bacteroidales Bacteria by Quantitative PCR with Propidium Monoazide

Propidium monoazide (PMA) was optimized to discriminate between viable and dead Bacteroides fragilis cells and extracellular DNA at different concentrations of solids using quantitative PCR. Conditions of 100 μM PMA and a 10-min light exposure also excluded DNA from heat-treated cells of nonculturable Bacteroidales in human feces and wastewater influent and effluent.
Performance of a Pressurized Xenon-Filled Muitiwire Proportional Chamber

We describe the performance of a multiwire proportional chamber filled with Xenon (93% Xe, 7% C02) to a pressure of 60 psi absolute. The readout is by the electromagnetic delay line method. Measurements taken at 60 keV and 140 keV show that 1 mm and 2 mm lead grid patterns can be resolved. MTF curves are given for both these energies and the projected performance for clinical work with 99Tc is described.
Baryon Resonances in Photoproduction

The composite nature of baryons manifests itself in the existence of a rich spectrum of excited states, particularly in the important mass region 1-2 GeV for the light-flavored baryons. After decades of research, the fundamental degrees of freedom underlying the baryon excitation spectrum are still poorly understood. Highly-excited baryon resonances are also sensitive to the details of quark confinement which is well described in constituent q uark models where all of the nonperturbative dynamics of the gluons being exchanged between pairs of quarks are assumed to be mimicked by a potential. A satisfying understanding of confinement within quantum chromodynamics (QCD) has not emerged, yet. The search for hitherto undiscovered but predicted baryon resonances continues at many laboratories around the world such as Jefferson Laboratory, ELSA, and MAMI. In these photo- and electroproduction experiments, a large amount of data has been accumulated in recent years including unpolarized cross section and polarization data for a large variety of meson-production reactions. These are important steps toward so-called complete experiments that will allow us to unambiguously determine the scattering amplitude in the underlying reactions and to identify the broad and overlapping baryon resonance contributions. Several new nucleon resonances have been proposed and changes to the baryon listings in the 2012 Review of Particle Physics reflect the progress in the fie ld. However, the continuing study of available data sets with consideration of new observables and improved analysis tools have also called into question some of the earlier findings in baryon sp ectroscopy.
Intratumoral IL-15 potentiates radiation-induced anti-tumor immunity

Radiotherapy (RT) can induce T cell-mediated anti-tumor immune responses by multiple mechanisms but is often unable to overcome immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. The common gamma-chain cytokines interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-15 promote the proliferation of activated T cells and, therefore, are prime agents for immunotherapy strategies aimed at sustaining anti-tumor T cell responses. The benefits of high dose IL-2, however, are undermined by serious toxicity and by regulatory T cell (Treg) stimulation. In contrast, IL-15 is well-tolerated and lacks Treg stimulatory activity, making it an attractive candidate for testing in combination with RT. Here we tested the hypothesis that IL-15 strengthens the pro-immunogenic effect of local RT to potentiate a durable anti-tumor immune response. The poorly immunogenic mouse TSA breast cancer cells were implanted s.c. in syngeneic BALB/c mice and randomly assigned to one of 4 treatment groups when tumors reached 5mm average diameters: control, RT, IL-15 or RT+IL-15. RT was delivered locally in 8 Gy fractions on days 13, 14 and 15. IL-15 (2 μg/mouse) was administered s.c. peritumorally daily for 10 days starting on day 12. Mice were followed for tumor growth. A parallel experiment was done to characterize tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) at the end of treatment (day 22). Low dose IL-15 given peritumorally as a monotherapy induced marginal tumor growth control and had no effect on survival (median survival = 45 days compared to 76 days for control). Local RT significantly delayed tumor growth (p < 0.05 compared to control) and improved survival (median= 76 days, p < 0.05). However, highest survival advantage was seen in mice given IL-15+RT (median=102 days, p < 0.05 compared to all groups) with 1 of 6 mice showing complete tumor rejection and development of anamnestic response against tumor re-challenge. Analysis of TILs showed marked infiltration of CD8+ T cells expressing activation marker CD137 (35.3% in RT+IL-15 vs 5.9% in control, p < 0.05) while the increase was modest with either monotherapy (18.8% in RT, 20.7% in IL-15, p < 0.05 compared to control). In addition, we found a significant increase in the ratio of effector CD4+ T cells to Tregs (2.5 in RT+IL-15 versus 0.78 in control, p < 0.05) whereas monotherapy had no effect (1.14 in RT, 0.96 in IL-15). Overall these results support the rational combination of low dose intratumoral IL-15 with local RT to re-awaken immunity against poorly immunogenic tumors. We are currently elucidating the mechanisms involved in pre-clinical models in preparation for future testing in patients.
Letting Go While Holding On: Postmortem Photography as an Aid in the Grieving Process:

This article examines how postmortem/funerary photography has created an historical as well as a cultural construction of visual images in the grieving process. Social practices of the display and use of postmortem photos are compared from the 19th century to present, revealing changes in societal attitudes over time. Modern rituals reflect the continued need to memorialize the deceased using a cherished keepsake, souvenir, or memento, such as a photograph. A new grieving ritual is observed, which emerged as a response to the September 11th terrorist attacks. This research employs theories from the discipline of visual sociology. The rarity of postmortem photography in the 21st century as a socially acceptable practice is acknowledged, as well as the value of using postmortem photos as an historical and cultural grieving ritual. Further research is recommended to continue the examination of attitudes toward death, while considering the use of visual aids (such as postmortem photography and other represent...
Forearm endurance training attenuates sympathetic nerve response to isometric handgrip in normal humans

Recent evidence indicates that muscle ischemia and activation of the muscle chemoreflex are the principal stimuli to sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) during isometric exercise. We postulated that physical training would decrease muscle chemoreflex stimulation during isometric exercise and thereby attenuate the SNA response to exercise. We investigated the effects of 6 wk of unilateral handgrip endurance training on the responses to isometric handgrip (IHG: 33% of maximal voluntary contraction maintained for 2 min). In eight normal subjects the right arm underwent exercise training and the left arm sham training. We measured muscle SNA (peroneal nerve), heart rate, and blood pressure during IHG before vs. after endurance training (right arm) and sham training (left arm). Maximum work to fatigue (an index of training efficacy) was increased by 1,146% in the endurance-trained arm and by only 40% in the sham-trained arm. During isometric exercise of the right arm, SNA increased by 111 +/- 27% (SE) before training and by only 38 +/- 9% after training (P less than 0.05). Endurance training did not significantly affect the heart rate and blood pressure responses to IHG. We also measured the SNA response to 2 min of forearm ischemia after IHG in five subjects. Endurance training also attenuated the SNA response to postexercise forearm ischemia (P = 0.057). Sham training did not significantly affect the SNA responses to IHG or forearm ischemia. We conclude that endurance training decreases muscle chemoreflex stimulation during isometric exercise and thereby attenuates the sympathetic nerve response to IHG.
Breast cancer treatment-associated cardiovascular toxicity and effects of exercise countermeasures

Advances in breast cancer treatment have improved disease-free survival and overall survival in women with early-stage breast cancer. However, these improvements may be attenuated by the adverse cardiovascular effects associated with breast cancer adjuvant therapy. Exercise may be a potential strategy to counteract these toxicities. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview on the adverse cardiovascular effects of breast cancer therapy as well as the evidence supporting the potential cardioprotective effects of exercise training in breast cancer patients during and after treatment. We will also discuss research gaps and avenues for future research.
Detailed Explaination of TV Secondary Parallel by Mistake

This paper introduces the working principle of voltage transformer secondary voltage parallel,parallel method and the impact of parallel by mistake.On the basis of theoretical analysis combining with the simple secondary circuit and sequence component calculation methods,it respectively calculates and analyzes one-phase ground fault and two-phase fault occured to the system,reaching the second voltage value of different fault cases,from the perspective of the simulated actual fault,it summarizes the cause of TV secondary parallel by mistake making protection rejecting act and TV secondary lead wire fusing;Meanwhile it also analyzes the cause of the isolating switch contact making voltage automiatic switching circuit abnormal work and making the TV secondary parallel by mistake.
On the Force-Generating Capacity of Disassembling Microtubules

Microtubules can generate force independently of motor enzymes, especially at kinetochores where disassembling microtubules drive movement of mitotic chromosomes. A popular explanation for this microtubule-powered motility is the conformational wave model, where individual rows of tubulin subunits, the protofilaments, push or pull on a kinetochore as they curl outward from a disassembling microtubule tip. One pioneering study has demonstrated that curling protofilaments are capable of generating force, but the measured forces were far weaker (∼0.24 pN) than forces generated at kinetochores in vivo (4 - 8 pN) or in vitro (∼9 pN). Thus it has remained unclear whether the wave mechanism can contribute significantly to kinetochore force production. Here, by developing a wave assay using recombinant tubulin and a feedback-controlled laser trap, we show that the conformational wave can generate forces 50-fold higher than previously recorded. Measuring its full capacity for work output reveals that the wave carries at least three times the energy harnessed by kinetochores in vitro, and enables an estimate of the mechanical strain energy trapped per tubulin dimer in the microtubule lattice. Surprisingly, a β-tubulin mutation that allosterically enhances microtubule stability has little effect on wave energy. Our work indicates that the conformational wave mechanism can make a major contribution to kinetochore motility and it provides a new, direct way to examine tubulin mechanochemistry.
Induction of tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine beta-hydroxylase in cultured mouse neuroblastoma by 8Br-cAMP. Involvement of RNA and protein synthesis.

8Br-cAMP elevated tyrosine hydroxylase (E.C. 1.14.16.2, L-tyrosine, tetrahydropteridine: oxygen oxidoreductase [3-hydroxylating]) and dopamine beta-hydroxylase (E.C. 1.14.17.1, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylamine, ascorbate:oxygen oxidoreductase [β-hydroxylating]) activities in neuroblastoma clone NBD-2 from the mouse C-1300 tumor. The increase in activities was associated with a 5-10 fold increase in the Vmax of both enzymes for both substrate and cofactor. Immunoprecipitation of tyrosine hydroxylase in control and treated cells demonstrated that more immunoprecipitable enzyme was present in the treated samples. Maximal elevation of both tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine beta-hydroxylase occurred after 48 hr of treatment with 1.0 mM 8Br-cAMP. Actinomycin D (0.1 µg/ml), cycloheximide (2.0 µ/ml) and lysine-deficient medium prevented the 8Br-cAMP elevation of enzyme activity. However, removal of cycloheximide or subsequent addition of lysine (even with simultaneous addition of actinomycin D) allowed the subsequent elevation of enzyme activity. The rate of increase in enzyme activity did not exhibit the lag period typically observed in cells treated only with 8Br-cAMP. These data suggest that cAMP elevates the level of tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine beta-hydroxylase protein and that an increased production of messenger RNA may be one of the steps necessary for these effects.
Hematologic disorders in the newborn.

Hematologic disorders can seriously threaten the welfare of newborn infants. A comparatively small loss of blood may be a life-endangering hemorrhage in a small infant. The susceptibility of the newborn s central nervous system to damage by bilirubin adds a most serious threat to a hemolytic crisis. Disorders of the blood in the newborn often are difficult to diagnose, and prompt emergency treatment must be administered if permanent residual damage is to be avoided.
PicXAA: A Probabilistic Scheme for Finding the Maximum Expected Accuracy Alignment of Multiple Biological Sequences

PicXAA is a probabilistic nonprogressive alignment algorithm that finds protein (or DNA) multiple sequence alignments with maximum expected accuracy. PicXAA greedily builds up the alignment from sequence regions with high local similarity, thereby yielding an accurate global alignment that effectively captures the local similarities across sequences. PicXAA constantly yields accurate alignment results on a wide range of reference sets that have different characteristics, with especially remarkable improvements over other leading algorithms on sequence sets with high local similarities. In this chapter, we describe the overall alignment strategy used in PicXAA and discuss several important considerations for effective deployment of the algorithm.
Laser Beam Engineering and Atmospheric Turbulence Effects Mitigation with Coherent Fiber Array Systems

Fiber-integrated phase shifters of coherent fiber array laser systems allow extremely fast (GHz rate) control of transmitted beam phase offering the unexplored possibility for engineering of laser beams and turbulence mitigation for various applications.
Radiological appearances of corpus luteum cysts and their imaging mimics

To review the radiological appearances of corpus luteum cysts and their imaging mimics. Corpus luteum cysts are normal post-ovulatory structures seen in the ovaries through the second half of the menstrual cycle and the first trimester of pregnancy. The typical appearance, across all modalities, is of a 1- to 3-cm cyst with a thick crenulated vascularized wall. Occasionally, similar imaging findings may be seen with endometrioma, ectopic pregnancy, tuboovarian abscess, red degeneration of a fibroid, and ovarian neoplasia. In most cases, imaging findings are distinctive and allow for a confident and accurate diagnosis that provides reassurance for patients and referring physicians and avoids costly unnecessary follow-up.
Capitalizing on Neighborhood Enterprise Zones: Are Detroit residents paying for the NEZ Homestead exemption?

Abstract In this paper we examine the degree to which the tax benefits of the Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Homestead (NEZH) program are capitalized into the value of residential property. Although Enterprise Zone (EZ) programs and the studies examining these place-based policies are abundant, the NEZH program is unique because it offers tax abatements directly to the homeowner. Specifically, NEZH beneficiaries receive an 11.5 mill reduction (out of 66.61 total mills) for 12 years (excluding the value of land), and a phase-in to full taxation through year 15. We use residential sales data for properties sold in Detroit between 1997 and 2010 and a difference-in-differences model to estimate how much households are paying for the tax savings. Our primary results (intent-to-treat estimates) show all sales within NEZHs were 6–10% higher compared to those outside a zone. Furthermore, treatment-on-the-treated estimates highlight program beneficiaries paid 39% more for their property. With a full capitalization rate of 8.05%, these results indicate NEZH benefits are being overcapitalized by Detroit residents.
Information Bottleneck Domain Adaptation with Privileged Information for Visual Recognition

We address the unsupervised domain adaptation problem for visual recognition when an auxiliary data view is available during training. This is important because it allows improving the training of visual classifiers on a new target visual domain when paired additional source data is cheaply available. This is the case when we learn from a source of RGB plus depth data, for then test on a new RGB domain. The problem is challenging because of the intrinsic asymmetry caused by the missing auxiliary view during testing and from which discriminative information should be carried over to the new domain. We jointly account for the auxiliary view during training and for the domain shift by extending the information bottleneck method, and by combining it with risk minimization. In this way, we establish an information theoretic principle for learning any type of visual classifier under this particular settings. We use this principle to design a multi-class large-margin classifier with an efficient optimization in the primal space. We extensively compare our method with the state-of-the-art on several datasets, by effectively learning from RGB plus depth data to recognize objects and gender from a new RGB domain.
Betina Botox and Lobixomen “Tão Engraçados!” Queer Brazilian Televisual Representations Shaping Spatial (Im)possibilities in Newark

This ethnographic essay examines the ways two “tao engracados” [ very [RU1] humorous] televisual Brazilian queer representations—those of Betina Botox (a questionably-middle-class gay male from Sāo Paulo) and Lobixomen (a heterosexual man who turns into a wolf in drag under a full moon)—impacted queer Brazilian informants who lived in the Ironbound, a renowned lusophone immigrant neighborhood in Newark, New Jersey. These representations influenced queers’ enactment of or resistance to norms of “good ethnicity.” Ultimately, I show the ways these representations are symbolic of either LGBTQ+ publics at the center or Latinx counterpublics at the fringe within this exceptional neighborhood.
Inhibition of Casein Kinase 2 Impairs Wnt Signaling and Cell Survival in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Abstract The oncogenic Wnt pathway is aberrantly activated in most CLL clones, and hence is an attractive target for therapy. The casein kinase 2 (CK2) enzyme is an established positive regulator of Wnt signaling. The inhibitor Silmitasertib, also known as CX-4945, is a nanomolar inhibitor of CK2. It has been reported that CK2 is overexpressed in CLL. Here we have investigated the effects of CX-4945 on WNT signaling in primary CLL cells. We confirmed that CX-4945 displayed in vitro cytotoxic activity toward CLL cells at very low µM concentration, as previously reported by others. However, at least 2-3 fold higher concentration of CX-4945 was required to achieve a similar toxicity against normal PBMC. Previously, our laboratory has successfully utilized a short-term CLL "parking" model in immunodeficient RAG/gamma chain knock out (RG-KO) mice to evaluate the in vivo efficacy and potential toxicity of anti-CLL agents. CX-4945 at dosages of 0.3-10 mg/kg was administered by oral gavage daily for 6 days to mice injected i.p. with 10 million CLL cells. These dosages of drug were well tolerated, and potently inhibited CLL persistence in the xenotransplanted mice. In a reporter gene assay, CX-4945 dose-dependently inhibited Wnt target gene expression. Furthermore, inhibition of dishevelled-2 (Dvl-2) protein expression was observed in primary CLL patient samples treated with 3-10 µM CX-4945 for 4-16 hours. Similar reduction in p-GSK3b(S9) protein was also observed. Quantitative RT-PCR also confirmed down regulation of b-catenin gene expression in primary CLL patient samples treated with 10 µM CX-4945 for 4h. Further molecular analyses of predictive or correlative biomarkers is ongoing using Nanostring PanCancer multipathway gene analysis. In a preliminary study, we found that CX-4945 perturbed the expression of multiple genes implicated in CLL development and survival. In summary, the CK2 inhibitor CX-4945 inhibited Wnt signaling and CLL survival, and displayed oral activity in mice. CK2 inhibitors are thus potential therapeutic agents for CLL. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
21st century American environmental ideologies: a re-evaluation

AbstractAround the turn of the century, myriad books and articles – from academics, journalists, organizational leaders and grassroots activists – explored the state of American environmentalism, outlining ideological antagonisms and tracing the contours of possible twenty-first century trajectories. In recent years, however, there have been few such analyses, and those that do exist continue to rely on the ideal types of the past. This article explores the shifting ideological contours of American environmentalism by (1) detailing how extant works categorize American environmental ideologies, and (2) employing discourse and content analysis of sixteen American environmental organizations to consider whether existing ideal-types capture the ideological variability driving contemporary environmental practice. It concludes by outlining six twenty-first century American environmental ideal-types: wilderness preservationism; liberal environmentalism; traditional environmental justice; techno-ecological optimi...