cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The irregular tetrahedron of classical and quantum spins subjected to a magnetic field

We obtain analytical expressions for the total magnetic moment and the static spin correlation functions of the classical Heisenberg model for an irregular tetrahedron array of spins that interact via two different exchange interactions and that are subject to a uniform magnetic field of arbitrary strength. This system provides a useful theoretical framework for calculating the magnetic properties of several recently synthesized molecular magnets. The tetrahedron systems, each considered for antiferromagnetic exchange, are of particular interest since they exhibit frustrated spin ordering for sufficiently low temperatures and weak magnetic fields. We compare the results with the corresponding irregular tetrahedron of quantum spins for several quantum spin values.
Banning the Handshake From the Health Care Setting

The handshake represents a deeply established social custom. In recent years, however, there has been increasing recognition of the importance of hands as vectors for infection, leading to formal recommendations and policies regarding hand hygiene in hospitals and other health care facilities.1 Such programs have been limited by variable compliance and efficacy.1,2 In an attempt to avoid contracting or spreading infection, many individuals have made their own efforts to avoid shaking hands in various settings but, in doing so, may face social, political, and even financial risks.
DNA sequence alterations in Hr-t deletion mutants of polyoma virus

Abstract We have investigated the DNA sequence alterations in several hr-t mutants of polyoma virus. These mutants are defective in one of the two known viral functions essential for transformation and are altered with respect to several minor T antigen species. The lesions in some of these mutants have been mapped previously by marker rescue experiments to Hpa II fragment 4 (Hpa II-4, 78.4–91.7 map units) in the proximal part of the early region of the viral DNA. Thirteen of sixteen hr-t mutants examined carry deletions 2 to 5 map units (100–250 bp) long in Hpa II-4. Three mutants carry either points mutations or very small deletions/insertions. Eight of the deletion mutants were mapped closely with restriction enzymes. Seven of them have deletions located entirely within the Hae III subfragment A of Hpa II-4 (the Hae A subfragment, 78.4–85.2 map units), and one extends just beyond this subfragment, ending at 85.5 map units. The complete sequence of the wild-type Hae A subfragment was determined and compared with those of four deletion mutants, NG-18, A-8, 6B-5 and B-2. The deletion in each of these mutants is out-of-phase: NG-18, 187 bp; A-8, 127 bp; 6B-5, 179 bp; B-2, 241 bp. All are expected to remove protein sequences in the C terminal part of the small t antigen.
Nanodomain analysis via coincidence ion mass spectrometry

Abstract We report an example of elemental and chemical mass analysis on surface nanostructures by using the coincidence ion mass spectrometry (CIMS) technique. In the CIMS technique, the event-by-event operation mode of bombardment and coincidental detection of secondary ions are used for selection of secondary ions emitted from a different nanoscale spots on the surface. The nanostructures investigated were silver nanoparticles on aluminum silicate zeolite substrates. The ability of CIMS to characterize solely the ∼30 nm particles, can to date not be duplicated with other techniques. Our approach should be applicable to mass analysis of periodic domains. Coincidental SI detection is based on the condition of coemission from an individual projectile impact. The latter defines the emission volume and ensures thus the accuracy of the nanophase analysis. To estimate the accuracy of our experiment, we assess the contribution of interfacial impacts, i.e. events where ion from the substrate is coemitted with ion from the nanoparticles due to finite size of emission volume (∼5 nm). The magnitude of the interfacial contribution is evaluated with an “interference coefficient” k. Using a simple model of interference, we calculate k for our experimental conditions.
Critical collapse of a cylindrically symmetric scalar field in four-dimensional Einstein's theory of gravity

Four-dimensional cylindrically symmetric spacetimes with homothetic self-similarity are studied in the context of Einstein's theory of gravity, and a class of exact solutions to the Einstein-massless scalar field equations is found. Their local and global properties are investigated and it is found that they represent gravitational collapse of a massless scalar field. In some cases the collapse forms black holes with cylindrical symmetry, while in the other cases it does not. The linear perturbations of these solutions are also studied and given in closed form. From the spectra of the unstable eigenmodes, it is found that there exists one solution that has precisely one unstable mode, which may represent a critical solution, sitting on a boundary that separates two different basins of attraction in the phase space.
Empirical Selection of Anchors for Tests of Differential Item Functioning

Differential item functioning (DIF) occurs when items on a test or questionnaire have different measurement properties for one group of people versus another, irrespective of group-mean differences...
Tumorigenic properties of neurofibromin-deficient Schwann cells in culture and as syngrafts in Nf1 knockout mice

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is one of the most common dominantly inherited genetic diseases associated with the nervous system. Functional loss of the NF1 tumor suppressor is frequently associated with the generation of benign neurofibromas that can progress to malignancy. Recent evidence in genetic mouse models indicates that the development of neurofibromas requires a loss of Nf1 in the cells destined to become neoplastic as well as heterozygosity in nonneoplastic cells. We tested this hypothesis in a newly developed syngraft mouse model in which Nf1 - / - Schwann cells isolated from knockout embryos were grafted into the sciatic nerves of Nf1 + / - mice, corresponding to the genetic background of NF1 patients. Furthermore, we also characterized in vitro growth of these cells. We found that embryonic mouse Nf1 - / - Schwann cells exhibit increased proliferation and less growth factor-dependence in vitro compared with heterozygous and wild-type counterparts. Moreover, Nf1 - / - Schwann cells showed tumorigenic growth when implanted into nerve of adult Nf1 heterozygous mice. These findings support the conclusion that loss of Nf1 in embryonic mouse Schwann cells is sufficient for tumor development in the heterozygous environment of adult mouse nerve. In addition, this syngraft model provides a practical means for the controlled induction of neurofibromas, greatly facilitating localized application of therapeutic agents and gene delivery.
Mid‐latitude Jovian aurora produced by the impact of comet Shoemaker‐Levy‐9

We propose a theoretical interpretation of the mid-latitude ultraviolet auroral emissions in Jupiter's atmosphere that were observed with the Hubble Space Telescope after the impact of comet Shoemaker-Levy-9 fragment K. The emissions were observed 47–57 minutes after the impact at a location ∼12° south of the (southern-hemisphere) impact site and, with brighter intensity, at the magnetically conjugate site in the northern hemisphere. Consistent with these observations, we hypothesize that the aurora is driven by the atmospheric re-entry of the impact plume. The infalling plume material, moving primarily southward, acts as a snowplow, driving a divergent pair of east-west flow jets in the upper atmosphere. These jets drive polarization currents in the dynamo layer which are closed by Birkeland (magnetic field aligned) current sheets connecting to Pedersen currents in the conjugate northern ionosphere. We expect, by analogy with terrestrial aurora, that the upward Birkeland current sheets require magnetic-field-aligned electrostatic potential drops which in turn accelerate the primary electrons that are responsible for auroral excitation. Other SL-9 fragments of similar size probably produced similar auroral emissions that were not observed, either because the viewing geometry was unfavorable or because uv observations were not made at those times.
Advances in combating fungal diseases: vaccines on the threshold

The dramatic increase in fungal diseases in recent years can be attributed to the increased aggressiveness of medical therapy and other human activities. Immunosuppressed patients are at risk of contracting fungal diseases in healthcare settings and from natural environments. Increased prescribing of antifungals has led to the emergence of resistant fungi, resulting in treatment challenges. These concerns, together with the elucidation of the mechanisms of protective immunity against fungal diseases, have renewed interest in the development of vaccines against the mycoses. Most research has used murine models of human disease and, as we review in this article, the knowledge gained from these studies has advanced to the point where the development of vaccines targeting human fungal pathogens is now a realistic and achievable goal.
NUCLEIC ACID AND PROTEIN SYNTHESIS DURING POLIOVIRUS INFECTION OF HUMAN CELLS.

Poliovirus infection of HeLa cells apparently prevents polymerization of host cell RNA on its DNA template, but most pre-existing host cell ribosomal RNA molecules remain intact during poliovirus replication. DNA-directed RNA synthesis catalysed by aggregate enzyme RNA polymerase was greatly inhibited in vitro in preparations from infected cells. The priming ability of DNA from infected cells was equal to that of normal cells when Escherichia coli RNA polymerase was employed. Attempts to bring HeLa cell aggregate enzyme RNA polymerase into solution and free it of DNA were largely unsuccessful. However, a small fraction of the polymerase activity could be “solubilized” by sonication, and the activity of this “solubilized” fraction was approximately the same when either normal or infected cells were used as the source of enzyme. HeLa cell protein synthesis was inhibited by poliovirus infection more rapidly than by actinomycin D, so that it could not be merely an indirect result arising from virus-induced suppression of messenger RNA synthesis. The mechanism by which virus depressed protein synthesis in infected cells was either weakly operative or non-operative in cell-free systems derived from infected cells.
Soybean Pollen Anatomy, Viability and Pod Set under High Temperature Stress

High temperature (HT) stress is one of the major environmental factors influencing yield of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) in the semi-arid regions. Experiments were conducted in controlled environments to study the effects of HT stress on anatomical changes of pollen and their relationship to pollen function in soybean genotype K 03-2897. Objectives of this study were to (a) quantify the effect of HT stress during flowering on pollen function and pod set and (b) observe the anatomical changes in pollen grains of soybean plants grown under HT stress. Plants were exposed to HT (38/28 °C) or optimum temperature (OT, 28/18 °C) for 14 days at flowering stage. HT stress significantly decreased in vitro pollen germination by 22.7 % compared to OT. Pollen from HT stress was deformed; it had a thicker exine wall and a disintegrated tapetum layer. HT stress decreased pod set percentage (35.2 %) compared to OT. This study showed that decreases in pollen in vitro germination by HT stress were caused by anatomical changes in pollen, leading to decreased pod set percentage under HT stress.
Comparative results with various polyclonal B-cell activators in aneuploid chronic lymphocytic leukemia

The mitotic index and number of abnormal metaphases of cells stimulated with the various B-cell polyclonal mitogens (PBA) in six B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cases were evaluated. The PBA included tetradecanoyl-0-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), staphylococcus bacterial strain Cowan I (Cowan I), pokeweed mitogen (PWM), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and lipopolysaccharide W from E. coli 0.55:B5 (LPS). TPA could stimulate only 1 of 12 samples. Even though Cowan I led to a relatively high mitotic index, abnormal clones were inconsistently obtained with this mitogen. PWM, EBV, and LPS appear to be the most desirable activators of B-CLL cells among the PBA used in this study.
Magnetization Processes in melt-spun Sm-Co-based alloys with the TbCu/sub 7/-type structure

The initial magnetization processes in melt-spun Sm-Co alloys with remanent ratios above 0.7 have been studied. Alloys of (Sm/sub 1/(6+x)/Co/sub (5+x)/(6+x)/)/sub 94/Nb/sub 3/C/sub 3/ (x=0.67, 1.7, 2.3 and 3) alloys modified with Nb and C were melt spun at wheel speeds of 20 and 40 m/s, and the compositions span the range between the Sm/sub 2/Co/sub 17/ and SmCo/sub 5/ stoichiometries. Structurally, all alloys formed in the TbCu/sub 7/-type structure, although a small amount of Sm/sub 2/Co/sub 7/ was observed in Sm-rich samples, and a small amount of fcc Co formed in Co-rich samples. From transmission electron microscopy analysis, grain sizes typically ranged from 100 to 500 nm, and the grains were randomly oriented. The as-spun ribbons had remanence ratios of 0.7 and coercivity values ranging from 3 to 18 kOe. The initial magnetization curves showed a steep linear response to the applied field for all samples, suggesting that nucleation-controlled processes dominate the magnetization process. In addition, the initial susceptibility decreased with increasing Sm content, reflecting the anisotropy differences between SmCo/sub 5/ and Sm/sub 2/Co/sub 17/ compounds. The initial susceptibility also increased with increasing wheel speed, suggesting that the microstructure has important ramifications on the magnetization process as well.
Sleep duration and self-rated health: the national health interview survey 2008.

Background Self-rated health (SRH) has been shown to consistently predict overall mortality and cardiovascular mortality in several population-based studies across the world. Similarly sleep duration have been found to be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. However, relatively few studies have examined the association between sleep duration and SRH, and the results have not been consistent. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of n = 20,663 National Health Interview Survey 2008 participants ≥ 18 years of age (56.2% women). Sleep duration was categorized as ≤ 5 h, 6 h, 7 h, 8 h, and ≥ 9 h. The main outcome interest was fair/poor SRH (n = 3043). Results We found both short and long sleep duration to be independently associated with fair/poor SRH, independent of age, sex, race-ethnicity, smoking, alcohol intake, body mass index, physical activity, depression, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and CVD. Compared with a sleep duration of 7 h (referent), the multivariate odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of fair/poor SRH was 2.29 (1.86-2.83), 1.68 (1.42-2.00), 1.38 (1.18-1.61), and 1.98 (1.63-2.40) for sleep duration ≤ 5, 6, 8, and ≥ 9 h. This association persisted in subgroup analyses by gender, race-ethnicity, and body mass index categories. Conclusion Compared with sleep duration of 7 h, there was a positive association between both shorter and longer sleep duration and fair/poor self-rated health in a representative sample of US adults.
Models of HIV-1 disease: A review of current status

There is an urgent need for more effective drugs to treat HIV-1 infection and AIDS, in particular new compounds with activity against virus resistant to currently licensed antiretrovirals. Drug resistance occurs in >50% of patients on antiretroviral therapy and is the leading cause of treatment failure. The highly specific tropism of HIV-1 for human cells makes disease modeling a considerable challenge. To address this challenge, several models have been developed enabling greater insight into disease pathogenesis and more efficient evaluation of new therapies.
X-ray absorption spectroscopic investigation of the environment of cerium in glasses based on complex cerium alkali borosilicate compositions

Abstract We present the results of cerium L III X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) studies of two series (-I and -II) of alkali boro-aluminosilicate based glasses prepared from compositions containing different amounts of CeO 2 and P 2 O 5 , and melted at a variety of temperatures and redox conditions. Model XANES spectra for Ce 3+ in the glass, Ce 4+ in the glass, and crystalline CeO 2 , were used to fit the Ce L III XANES spectra obtained from the glasses. This analysis allowed both the [Ce 4+ ]/[Ce total ] ratio and the distribution of Ce environments to be determined for each glass. The [Ce 4+ ]/[Ce total ] ratios, which varied from 0.00 to 0.58, determined independently by XANES spectroscopy were found to have a correlation, r >0.9, with those previously obtained using wet chemical methods. Furthermore, using this method, these two series of glasses, which differed in the amounts of BaO, Bi 2 O 3 , SnO 2 , and ZrO 2 , had different distributions in their cerium environments. The Ce L III XANES spectra obtained from series II glasses (1.0 wt% BaO, 1.0 wt% Bi 2 O 3 , no SnO 2 , and 1.0 wt% ZrO 2 ) melted at 1350°C were able to be fit using only Ce glass 3+ and Ce glass 4+ environments; whereas, those from series I glasses (2.7 wt% SnO 2 , no BaO or Bi 2 O 3 , and 5.1 wt% ZrO 2 ) melted at 1120°C could only be fit when an additional Ce 4+ CeO 2 component was included, confirming the previous assessment that the series I glasses exhibited CeO 2 related heterogeneities.
Effects of Preparation Time on Phase of Cultured Tissues Reveal Complexity of Circadian Organization

The phases of central (SCN) and peripheral circadian oscillators are held in specific relationships under LD cycles but, in the absence of external rhythmic input, may damp or drift out of phase with each other. Rats exposed to prolonged constant light become behaviorally arrhythmic, perhaps as a consequence of dissociation of phases among SCN cells. The authors asked whether individual central and peripheral circadian oscillators were rhythmic in LL-treated arrhythmic rats and, if rhythmic, what were the phase relationships between them. The authors prepared SCN, pineal gland, pituitary, and cornea cultures from transgenic Period1-luciferaserats whose body temperature and locomotor activity were arrhythmic and from several groups of rhythmic rats held in LD, DD, and short-term LL. The authors measured mPer1gene expression by recording light output with sensitive photomultipliers. Most of the cultures from all groups displayed circadian rhythms. This could reflect persistent rhythmicity in vivo prior to c...
Grid portal architectures for scientific applications

Computational scientists often develop large models and codes intended to be used by larger user communities or for repetitive tasks such as parametric studies. Lowering the barrier of entry for access to these codes is often a technical and sociological challenge. Portals help bridge the gap because they are well known interfaces enabling access to a large variety of resources, services, applications, and tools for private, public, and commercial entities, while hiding the complexities of the underlying software systems to the user. This paper presents an overview of the current state-of-the-art in grid portals, based on a component approach that utilizes portlet frameworks and the most recent Grid standards, the Web Services Resource Framework and a summary of current DOE portal efforts.
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for aerosol analysis

This paper will focus on the status of LIBS for quantitative analysis of individual aerosol particles. Emphasis is on recent efforts to understand the laser-particle interactions, and the improvement of analyte response and precision.
MicroRNA-21 is induced by rapamycin in a model of tuberous sclerosis (TSC) and lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM).

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a multisystem disease of women, is manifest by the proliferation of smooth muscle-like cells in the lung resulting in cystic lung destruction. Women with LAM can also develop renal angiomyolipomas. LAM is caused by mutations in the tuberous sclerosis complex genes (TSC1 or TSC2), resulting in hyperactive mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. The mTOR inhibitor, Rapamycin, stabilizes lung function in LAM and decreases the volume of renal angiomyolipomas, but lung function declines and angiomyolipomas regrow when treatment is discontinued, suggesting that factors induced by mTORC1 inhibition may promote the survival of TSC2-deficient cells. Whether microRNA (miRNA, miR) signaling is involved in the response of LAM to mTORC1 inhibition is unknown. We identified Rapamycin-dependent miRNA in LAM patient angiomyolipoma-derived cells using two separate screens. First, we assayed 132 miRNA of known significance to tumor biology. Using a cut-off of >1.5-fold change, 48 microRNA were Rapamycin-induced, while 4 miRs were downregulated. In a second screen encompassing 946 miRNA, 18 miRs were upregulated by Rapamycin, while eight were downregulated. Dysregulation of miRs 29b, 21, 24, 221, 106a and 199a were common to both platforms and were classified as candidate “RapamiRs.” Validation by qRT-PCR confirmed that these microRNA were increased. miR-21, a pro-survival miR, was the most significantly increased by mTOR-inhibition (p<0.01). The regulation of miR-21 by Rapamycin is cell type independent. mTOR inhibition promotes the processing of the miR-21 transcript (pri-miR-21) to a premature form (pre-miR-21). In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that Rapamycin upregulates multiple miRs, including pro-survival miRs, in TSC2-deficient patient-derived cells. The induction of miRs may contribute to the response of LAM and TSC patients to Rapamycin therapy.
Asymmetries in finger-tapping interference produced by mental versus manual rotation of Shepard and Metzler type objects☆

Two experiments were conducted using dual-task finger-tapping procedures to examine cerebral hemisphere laterization for mental versus manual rotation. Actual three-dimensional block-designs based on Shepard and Metzler's (1971) abstract three-dimensional cubes were constructed. Forty-eight right-handed introductory psychology students participated in each study. The first experiment showed greater right-hand than left-hand interference for mental rotation implicating more left-hemisphere involvement. In contrast, more left-hand than right-hand finger-tapping disruption with manual rotation was observed suggesting more right-hemisphere involvement. A second experiment was conducted to determine if the right-hemisphere involvement found with manual rotation was due to the manual activity of handling and rotating the blocks. Results showed that dual-task interference produced by irrelevant manual rotation combined with mental rotation was not lateralized. Thus, the pattern of results indicate that the manipulospatial processing required in the first experiment was responsible for the asymmetry implicating right-hemisphere involvement.
Coblation of rhinophyma

Introduction Rhinophyma is a disfiguring hypertrophy of the skin of the tip of the nose. Objective To assess the new technique of coblation of rhinophyma. Study design Case series of six patients. Results All patients had a good cosmetic result. Comparison with existing techniques showed advantages due to the lower tissue temperature involved. Conclusion Coblation of rhinophyma is an effective treatment with few side effects.
Ethical issues in qualitative health research with homeless youths

Background. There is a need for increased guidance for the ethical conduct of qualitative research with vulnerable populations such as homeless youths. Aim. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the main ethical challenges of conducting qualitative research with homeless youths and to propose possible solutions to these challenges. Methods. This paper was informed by a review of professional guidelines for the ethical conduct of adolescent health research, national (US) and international bioethics bibliographical searches, and personal experience with qualitative research with homeless youths. Findings. The main ethical challenges of conducting qualitative research with homeless youths include establishing and maintaining healthy researcher roles and boundaries, addressing the risks of researcher burn-out and safety issues, assuring optimal confidentiality, and avoiding sensationalism and voyeurism. Conclusion. It is important for qualitative researchers who work with vulnerable populations to ensure that research is conducted in the most ethical way possible.
Iconic coral reef degraded despite substantial protection

The largest barrier reef in the world, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef (GBR), extends for over 2,300 km and encompasses nearly 3,000 individual reef formations. An ecosystem of extraordinary diversity and beauty (Fig. 1A), it is a World Heritage Site that brings substantial resources to the Australian economy, including over 50,000 full-time jobs and A$5.5 billion annually (1). It is also widely considered the gold standard for coral reef management. Thus, the documentation by De’ath et al. (2) in PNAS that the substantial efforts by Australia to protect the GBR may not be adequate is cause for considerable alarm.
A paradigm for quality-of-service in wireless ad hoc networks using synchronous signaling and node states

Most limitations in mechanisms geared at achieving quality-of-service (QoS) in wireless ad hoc networking can be traced to solutions based on mapping wireless networks to a wireline paradigm of nodes and links. We contend that this paradigm is not appropriate since links are not physical entities and do not accurately represent the radio frequency (RF) media. Using the link abstraction makes arbitration of the use of the RF media cumbersome leaving only overprovisioning techniques to deliver QoS. In this paper, we argue that an appropriate paradigm should match the physics of the network. The critical resource is electromagnetic spectrum in a space; in turn, this results in a complex paradigm since the part of the spectrum-space that each node wants to use is unique to that node and its destination and will overlap with parts that other nodes may want to use creating interdependences among nodes. This paper describes protocol approaches for access and routing that seek solutions within this wireless paradigm. Access is arbitrated using synchronous signaling and topology is resolved through the dissemination of node states. This approach provides an intuitive framework that provides mechanisms that can be exploited to arbitrate RF media use and implement traffic engineering techniques to deliver QoS. Our proposed approach provides a novel way of tracking the state of the network that can serve as a unified state dissemination mechanism to simultaneously support routing, multicasting, and most QoS heuristics.
PySy: a Python package for enhanced concurrent programming

SUMMARY Over the last decade, the popularity of Python has increased considerably. Python is widely used and has been demonstrated to be effective over many problem domains including scripting, prototyping, and simulation. Python's easy to use and concise syntax is highly expressive and allows a developer to create considerably shorter and easier to understand programs than semantically equivalent programs written in languages like C, C++, or Java. An important aspect of any language's flexibility is a highly parallelizable environment that allows its users to write concurrent programs. However, Python is still lacking a high-level, expressive concurrent and distributed programming environment. This paper presents our experience creating PySy, a Python package (on the basis of the SR and JR concurrent programming languages), which provides an easy to use and expressive concurrent environment and allows for the distributed sharing of resources. This paper discusses our design decisions, describes our implementation, and shows qualitative and quantitative analyses of well-known concurrent programs written in PySy. Overall, PySy is reasonable to use for expressing the more common programming scenarios, while it provides acceptable performance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photo-oxidation of triplet aromatic dianions in rigid solution

Abstract An ESR study of the photo-oxidation of the triplet dianions of triphenylbenzene and triphenylene in rigid MTHF provided information about the ion pair structures of both mono- and dianions.
The effect of enzyme-inducing antiseizure drugs on the pharmacokinetics and tolerability of procarbazine hydrochloride.

Purpose: Procarbazine hydrochloride (PCB) is one of the few anticancer drugs with activity against high-grade gliomas. This study was conducted to determine if the maximum tolerated dose and pharmacokinetics of PCB are affected by the concurrent use of enzyme-inducing antiseizure drugs (EIASD). Experimental Design: Adults with recurrent high-grade glioma were divided into cohorts who were (+) and were not (−) taking EIASDs. PCB was given orally for 5 consecutive days each month. Six patients were evaluated at each dose level beginning with 200 mg/m 2 /d and escalated using the modified continual reassessment method. Toxicity and response were assessed. Pharmacokinetic studies were done with a new electrospray ionization mass spectrometry assay. Results: Forty-nine patients were evaluated. The maximum tolerated dose was 393 mg/m 2 /d for the +EIASD group and the highest dose evaluated in −EIASD patients was 334 mg/m 2 /d. Myelosuppression was the primary dose-limiting toxicity. Significant hepatic dysfunction occurred in three patients in the +EIASD cohort. Four partial responses (8%) and no complete responses were observed. PCB exhibited linear pharmacokinetics with no significant differences between the two cohorts. A marked increase in peak PCB levels was noted on day 5 relative to day 1, which was not attributable to drug accumulation. Conclusions: This study suggests that ( a ) EIASD use does not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of PCB; ( b ) changes in the peak plasma concentration of PCB, consistent with decreased apparent oral clearance due to autoinhibition of hepatic metabolism, occur with daily dosing; and ( c ) severe hepatic dysfunction may accompany this administration schedule.
A Comparison Of Team Performances Using Four Scenarios Of Feedback

When providing feedback to students working in groups, professors may use a variety of methods. Using computer generated feedback to give direction and correction for group assignments provides a way to maximize the professor’s time and provide consistent feedback across different groups and assignments. This article discusses the effect of two types of computer-generated feedback. The first is a semi-automated process for inserting pre-defined comments in student papers (the software is titled Strategy Assistant). This software allows the professor to define the most commonly used feedback information, then easily insert his comments on student papers. The second type is an automated process for giving grammar and style feedback. The automated grammar software (Edit Assist) checks the student paper for numerous grammar and style errors, then automatically inserts comments that identify problems. This article discusses the improvements in group performance with each of these types of feedback and measures the change in student performance during the course of a semester. Both types of feedback tended to improve student performance over the course of the semester, with the Strategy Assistant having the biggest impact on student grades and Edit Assist having the biggest impact on writing style error improvement.
Romidepsin for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Introduction: Patients with relapsed or refractory lymphoma remain a population with unmet medical needs. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) represent a novel class of anticancer drugs currently in development in several malignancies. Inhibition of HDACs leads to acetylation of histone and non-histone proteins, which in turn results in epigenetic modification of gene expression that leads to a plethora of effects, such as cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and inhibition of angiogenesis. Romidepsin is a novel HDACI that has demonstrated preclinical and clinical activity.Areas covered: This review discusses the different HDACs and epigenetic regulation with a particular focus on the preclinical and clinical development of romidepsin in lymphoma. The review of romidepsin includes: the mechanism of action, its synergistic interaction with novel agents, pivotal clinical trials that lead to its US FDA approval in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and peripheral T-cell lymphoma as well as active combinations currently i...
Immunological reactions of the Coxsackie viruses. III. Cross-protection tests in infant mice born of vaccinated mothers; transfer of immunity through the milk

Maternal antibodies to the Coxsackie viruses (C virus) are conveyed to newborn mice through the colostrum and milk. of vaccinated mothers. No evidence for or against placental transmission of immunity was obtained. The immunity conferred on the young is type-specific. Immunity may be conferred to infants born of non-immune mice by allowing a suckling period of 24 to 48 hours with an immune mother. Immunity appears to be transferred through the milk for the duration of lactation. Strains of C virus can be typed by challenging infant mice born to mothers vaccinated with known types according to the outline presented above. Complement-fixing antibodies are also transferred from vaccinated mother mice to their offspring.
Design and Analysis of Monolithic Step-Down SC Power Converter With Subthreshold DPWM Control for Self-Powered Wireless Sensors

This paper presents a fully integrated switched-capacitor power converter for self-powered wireless sensor nodes. The design features an efficient step-down charge-pump power stage and a frequency-programmable digital feedback controller. The subthreshold-region design significantly reduces the power dissipation in the controller. Meanwhile, the programmable switching-frequency digital-pulsewidth-modulation control keeps the converter stay at high efficiency, without causing a random noise spectrum. Monolithic implementation effectively suppresses noise and glitches caused by parasitic components due to bonding, packaging, and PCB wiring. Design strategy, system modeling, optimization, and circuit implementation are addressed. An IC prototype was fabricated with a standard 0.35-?m digital CMOS n-well process. It precisely provides a dynamic-voltage-scaling-compatible adjustable power output from 0.8 to 1.5 V and from 400 ?W to 7.5 mW. The switching frequency is programmable from 200 kHz to 1 MHz. It achieves 66.7% efficiency with a controller power dissipation of only 147.5 ?W.
The Interdisciplinary Future of Supply Chain Management Research

Since the term supply chain management (SCM) was first introduced over 30 years ago, the field of SCM has undergone numerous transformations. Today, it is a prevailing theme in scholarly and popular research, and numerous disciplines claim its ownership. However, current and emerging SCM research challenges are becoming increasingly more complex. Fragmented and "siloed" research efforts across a range of disciplines may not be adequate to address the full complexities associated with these phenomena. We interviewed 50 SCM academic thought leaders, across a range of disciplines, and 20 SCM executives with the goal of helping researchers develop a consistent stream of work that builds on existing research, identifies relevant research directions, and provides guidance for the future. Although there were some differences in opinions, there was consensus on the boundary characteristics of SCM, as well as the identification of interdisciplinary research (IDR) as necessary for the enablement of SCM to address the numerous current and emerging intractable SCM challenges. In this article, we present these findings and provide a path forward based on the collective wisdom of these academics and executives.
Investigating Cue Selection and Placement in Tutorial Discourse

Our goal is to identify the features that predict cue selection and placement in order to devise strategies for automatic text generation. Much previous work in this area has relied on ad hoc methods. Our coding scheme for the exhaustive analysis of discourse allows a systematic evaluation and refinement of hypotheses concerning cues. We report two results based on this analysis: a comparison of the distribution of SINCE and BECAUSE in our corpus, and the impact of embeddedness on cue selection.
A High-Level Interpreted MPI Library for Parallel Computing in Volunteer Environments

Idle desktops have been successfully used to run sequential and master-slave task parallel codes on a large scale in the context of volunteer computing. However, execution of message passing parallel programs in such environments is challenging because a pool of nodes to execute an application may have architectural and operating system heterogeneity, can include widely distributed nodes across security domains, and nodes may become unavailable for computation frequently and without warning. The VolPEx (Parallel Execution on Volatile Nodes) tool set is building MPI support in such environments based on selective use of process redundancy and message logging. However, addressing this challenge requires tradeoffs between performance, portability, and usability. The paper introduces a robust MPI library that is designed to be highly portable across heterogeneous architectures and operating systems. This VolpexPyMPI library is built with Python, works with Linux and Windows platforms and accepts user level MPI programs written in C or FORTRAN. The performance of VolpexPyMPI is compared with a traditional C based implementation of MPI. The paper examines in detail the tradeoffs of these usability focused and performance focused approaches.
Barn and Long-Eared Owl Diets: A Comparative Study from Central Pennsylvannia and a Key for Identification of Prey Items

Abstract Two sympatric owl species, Tyto alba (Barn Owl) and Asio otus (Longeared Owl), are found in Lewisburg, PA. These species are of similar size, have similar hunting styles, and most likely use similar prey items. In studying the diets of these two owl species, we were able to determine their prey selection, the types and relative abundance of prey in the area, and how these sympatric predators may be partitioning their resources. A total of 80 pellets (40 from Barn Owls and 40 from Long-eared Owls) were analyzed to understand their diets. Pellets were collected from two locations in Lewisburg, PA approximately 2 km apart. Cranial and postcranial remains within the owl pellets were used to identify species by comparing them against our reference collections and keys. Typically, the Barn Owl is present in Lewisburg from late spring through fall and the Long-eared Owl from late fall through spring. Barn Owl pellets contained a greater number of larger-sized prey than Long-eared Owl pellets. Both owl s...
Susceptibility to distraction in autism spectrum disorder: probing the integrity of oscillatory alpha-band suppression mechanisms.

When attention is directed to one information stream over another, the brain can be configured in advance to selectively process the relevant stream and suppress potentially distracting inputs. One key mechanism of suppression is through the deployment of anticipatory alpha-band (~10 Hz) oscillatory activity, with greater alpha-band power observed in cortical regions that will ultimately process the distracting stream. Atypical attention has been implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including greater interference by distracting task-irrelevant inputs. Here we tested the integrity of these alpha-band mechanisms in ASD using an intersensory attention task. Electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded while participants were cued on a trial-by-trial basis to selectively deploy attention to the visual or auditory modality in anticipation of a target within the cued modality. Whereas typically developing (TD) children showed the predicted alpha-band modulation, with increased alpha-band power over parieto-occipital scalp when attention was deployed to the auditory compared with the visual modality, this differential pattern was entirely absent at the group level in the ASD cohort. Further, only the ASD group showed impaired performance due to the presence of task-irrelevant sensory information. These data suggest that impaired modulation of alpha-band activity plays a role in increased distraction from extraneous sensory inputs in ASD.
Profiles of Club Drug Users in Treatment

There is little in the literature about treatment of persons with problems with "club" or "party" drugs. This paper looks at the characteristics of individuals admitted to treatment for primary, secondary, or tertiary problems with club drugs such as ecstasy, gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), ketamine, flunitrazepam (Rohypnol), methamphetamine, and hallucinogens (e.g., LSD) in programs funded by the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse. Some 38,350 unduplicated records from 1988 through 2003 of persons admitted with problems with club drugs were compared against users of alcohol or other drugs. Club drug users were more impaired on five of six Addiction Severity Index (ASI) indices at admission and they were more likely to use multiple substances more often. They were more likely than users of alcohol or other drugs to complete treatment, but this varied by drug. At follow-up 90 days after discharge, club drug users continued to report more ASI problems. Profiles of these clients show that ecstasy use has spread beyond the club culture, as indicated by the changes in client demographics over time. GHB clients presented a mixed picture of severe problems at admission and good response to treatment. Hallucinogen clients were young and less likely to complete treatment, while Rohypnol users were on the Texas-Mexico border. The methamphetamine epidemic has resulted in increased admissions, and the proportion of "Ice" smokers has increased. However, methamphetamine clients were less likely to complete treatment and their higher level of problems at admission and follow-up are of concern. Of special note are the indications of co-occurring problems and the need for both mental health and substance dependence treatment for some clients.
Association of milk protein genes with fertilization rate and early embryonic development in Holstein dairy cattle

Concomitant with intensive selection for increased milk yield, reproductive performance of dairy cows has declined in the last decades, in part due to an unfavourable genetic relationship between these traits. Given that the six main milk protein genes (i.e. whey proteins and caseins) are directly involved in milk production and hence have been a target of the strong selection aimed at improving milk yield in dairy cattle, we hypothesized that these genes could show selection footprints associated with fertility traits. In this study, we used an in-vitro fertilization (IVF) system to test genetic association between 66 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the four caseins (αS1-casein, αS2-casein, β-casein and κ-casein) and the two whey protein genes (α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin) with fertilization rate and early embryonic development in the Holstein breed. A total of 6893 in-vitro fertilizations were performed and a total of 4661 IVF embryos were produced using oocytes from 399 ovaries and semen samples from 12 bulls. Associations between SNPs and fertility traits were analysed using a mixed linear model with genotype as fixed effect and ovary and bull as random effects. A multiple testing correction approach was used to account for the correlation between SNPs due to linkage disequilibrium. After correction, polymorphisms in the LALBA and LGB genes showed significant associations with fertilization success and blastocyst rate. No significant associations were detected between SNPs located in the casein region and IVF fertility traits. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying the association between whey protein genes and fertility have not yet been characterized, this study provides the first evidence of association between these genes and fertility traits. Furthermore, these results could shed light on the antagonistic relationship that exists between milk yield and fertility in dairy cattle.
Caco-2 cell permeability assays to measure drug absorption.

Caco-2 cells are a human colon epithelial cancer cell line used as a model of human intestinal absorption of drugs and other compounds. When cultured as a monolayer, Caco-2 cells differentiate to form tight junctions between cells to serve as a model of paracellular movement of compounds across the monolayer. In addition, Caco-2 cells express transporter proteins, efflux proteins, and Phase II conjugation enzymes to model a variety of transcellular pathways as well as metabolic transformation of test substances. In many respects, the Caco-2 cell monolayer mimics the human intestinal epithelium. One of the functional differences between normal cells and Caco-2 cells is the lack of expression of the cytochrome P450 isozymes and in particular, CYP3A4, which is normally expressed at high levels in the intestine. However, Caco-2 cells may be induced to express higher levels of CYP3A4 by treatment with vitamin D3. Caco-2 cell monolayers are usually cultured on semipermeable plastic supports that may be fitted i...
Simian virus 40 infection of humans.

Since its discovery, simian virus 40 (SV40) has been one of the most intensely studied animal viruses. The molecular biology of SV40 has led to seminal discoveries in the fields of transcription, DNA replication, and oncogenic transformation ([19][1]). Over the last decade, provocative evidence has
Epidemiology of anthracycline cardiotoxicity in children and adults

Anthracyclines, potent cytotoxic agents used to treat a broad spectrum of malignancies, are limited in their use by an attendant risk of cardiotoxicity. Malignancies affect all age ranges, and anthracyclines are used in all age ranges, thereby exposing a broad population of patients to the development of heart disease. For some treated patients, anthracyclines affect cardiac muscle, resulting in cardiomyopathy. The type and degree of cardiomyopathy, as well as when during or after treatment the condition occurs, are dependent on what risk factors are present. Age is a major risk factor. Children and adults may develop restrictive and dilated cardiomyopathy. The length of subsequent survival and amount of subsequent somatic growth may influence late anthracycline-associated cardiac outcome. Early cardiotoxicity, occurring during or within 1 year of completion of treatment, is the largest risk factor for the development of late cardiotoxicity, which occurs beyond a year of completion of treatment. Risk factors, which appear to be specific for early cardiotoxicity in children, include black race, trisomy 21, and the use of amsacrine therapy after anthracycline therapy. More cardiotoxic effects are seen in survivors of childhood cancer, the longer from completion of treatment a patient is followed. Cumulative as well as peak anthracycline doses affect adults and children alike, and cardiotoxicity occurs early and late. In adults, left ventricular contractility is affected by anthracyclines. Children may manifest impairment of left ventricular contractility and increased afterload due to thinning of left ventricular walls. Patients with an early presentation of depressed left ventricular contractility are likely to show progression of cardiac disease with time. In addition, female gender appears to affect early and late cardiotoxicity in both adults and children, although this risk factor has been described predominantly in the survivors of childhood cancer. Thus, although anthracycline chemotherapy has improved overall survivorship of patients with cancer, there is a significant risk of cardiotoxicity associated with this class of drugs.