cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Elucidation of Drug Combination Synergy in Treatment of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Background/aim Advances in therapies targeting proteins and pathways affected by genetic alterations has raised the possibility of personalized cancer treatments. Materials and methods The efficacy of targeting molecular aberrations was determined in the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell line, CAPAN2. Two mutations were targeted, KRAS (p.G12V) and ABL1 (p.G1060D), and cells were treated with regorafenib and trametinib, individually and in combination. Results Exposure to either drug significantly increased cell death compared to the current standard of care, gemcitabine. Treatment with combinations of the drugs led to significant increases in cell death compared to either monotherapy. Strong additive/synergistic interactions were observed across a range of dosages and ratios, reducing dose requirements with potential clinical relevance. Conclusion The data obtained in this PDAC cell model: i) support the use of matched monotherapies; ii) indicate the effectiveness of matched combination therapies; and iii) provide potential proof-of-concept for precision medicine approach to cancer treatment.
Physician interpretation of variants of uncertain significance.

A growing number of physicians will interact with genetic test results as testing becomes more commonplace. While variants of uncertain significance can complicate results, it is equally important that physicians understand how to incorporate these results into clinical care. An online survey was created to assess physician self-reported comfort level with genetics and variants of uncertain significance. Physicians were asked to respond to three case examples involving genetic test results. The survey was sent to 488 physicians at Mayo Clinic FL on 8/16/2017. Physicians from all specialties were invited to participate. A total of 92 physicians responded to the survey. Only 13/84 (14.6%) responded to all three case examples with the answer deemed “most correct” by review of literature. Physicians that specialized in cancer were more likely to answer questions appropriately (P = .02). Around half (39/84) of the physicians incorrectly defined a variant of uncertain significance (VUS). Over 75% made a recommendation for genetic testing that was not warranted. Many physicians have never received formal genetics training; however, they will be expected to provide an accurate explanation of the genetic test results and subsequent evidence-based medical management recommendations. These results demonstrate that a substantial proportion of physicians lack a true understanding of the implications a VUS. Utilization of supplemental genetics training programs coupled with increase awareness of genetic services may help to improve patient care.
A Flexible Nanopore Thin-Film-Enabled Device for Pressure Sensing and Drug Release

A new multifunctional flexible nanopore thin film device for both drug release and pressure sensing is reported. Different from previously reported drug release device based on the nanopore thin film fabricated on rigid substrates, this new flexible device offers two functions: it not only can serve as a drug delivery device, but also can be used as a pressure sensor as well. Specifically, the periodically distributed honeycomb-shape nanopores in the device are used to store the drugs, facilitating the extended drug release. In addition, the applied pressure on the device deforms the nanopore thin film, causing the change of the incident angle of the illuminating optical light on the device surface. As a result, the reflected optical interference fringes from the device shift, which is used as a pressure transducing signal. It has been found that the pressure sensitivity is ∼0.01 nm/mmHg, and the drug release can be easily extended to three weeks for this type of flexible nanopore thin film devices.
Images and Inverse Images

In the last chapter, we looked at where points in the domain are mapped to under a function f and where points in the range come from under f. But sometimes we need to look at where f maps a whole set, or where an entire set comes from. So here are two definitions that are waiting to be understood.
Stability of Vocational Interests of Adolescents and Young Adults.

Three research methods were used to determine the stability of interests of two groups with whom the Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory (SCII) frequently is used—adolescents and young adults. Each ...
The Psychometric Properties of the Outcome Rating Scale Used in Practice: A Narrative Review

ABSTRACTBackground: The Outcome Rating Scale (ORS) is a measure frequently utilized in clinical practice settings to monitor client therapeutic progress and assess therapeutic outcomes. The ORS was...
The Effects of Presentation Order of Apparel Product Images on Consumers’ Information Processing Style and Purchase Intentions

Image presentation order has the potential to affect the way consumers process product information when shopping and to increase or decrease their product preferences, which may affect their interest in purchasing. Because websites by the nature of their construction are viewed in a preset order, presentation order has the potential to affect website retail purchases. With a potential impact on sales, online retailers need to understand the image presentation order effect; however, no specific research has investigated this effect on consumers’ preferences for online shopping. This study investigates how presentation order of apparel product images (i.e., which image is first or last) influences consumers’ information processing styles (i.e.,imagery and analytical) and ultimately their purchase intentions.
Formation, flow and break-up of ephemeral ice mélange at LeConte Glacier and Bay, Alaska

Ice melange has been postulated to impact glacier and fjord dynamics through a variety of mechanical and thermodynamic couplings. However, observations of these interactions are very limited. Here, we report on glaciological and oceanographic data that were collected from 2016 to 2017 at LeConte Glacier and Bay, Alaska, and serendipitously captured the formation, flow and break-up of ephemeral ice melange. Sea ice formed overnight in mid-February. Over the subsequent week, the sea ice and icebergs were compacted by the advancing glacier terminus, after which the ice melange flowed quasi-statically. The presence of ice melange coincided with the lowest glacier velocities and frontal ablation rates in our record. In early April, increasing glacier runoff and the formation of a sub-ice-melange plume began to melt and pull apart the ice melange. The plume, outgoing tides and large calving events contributed to its break-up, which took place over a week and occurred in pulses. Unlike observations from elsewhere, the loss of ice melange integrity did not coincide with the onset of seasonal glacier retreat. Our observations provide a challenge to ice melange models aimed at quantifying the mechanical and thermodynamic couplings between ice melange, glaciers and fjords.
Chronic elevation of plasma vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) is associated with a history of blast exposure.

Abstract Mounting evidence points to the significance of neurovascular-related dysfunction in veterans with blast-related mTBI, which is also associated with reduced [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake. The goal of this study was to determine whether plasma VEGF-A is altered in veterans with blast-related mTBI and address whether VEGF-A levels correlate with FDG uptake in the cerebellum, a brain region that is vulnerable to blast-related injury 72 veterans with blast-related mTBI (mTBI) and 24 deployed control (DC) veterans with no lifetime history of TBI were studied. Plasma VEGF-A was significantly elevated in mTBIs compared to DCs. Plasma VEGF-A levels in mTBIs were significantly negatively correlated with FDG uptake in cerebellum. In addition, performance on a Stroop color/word interference task was inversely correlated with plasma VEGF-A levels in blast mTBI veterans. Finally, we observed aberrant perivascular VEGF-A immunoreactivity in postmortem cerebellar tissue and not cortical or hippocampal tissues from blast mTBI veterans. These findings add to the limited number of plasma proteins that are chronically elevated in veterans with a history of blast exposure associated with mTBI. It is likely the elevated VEGF-A levels are from peripheral sources. Nonetheless, increasing plasma VEGF-A concentrations correlated with chronically decreased cerebellar glucose metabolism and poorer performance on tasks involving cognitive inhibition and set shifting. These results strengthen an emerging view that cognitive complaints and functional brain deficits caused by blast exposure are associated with chronic blood-brain barrier injury and prolonged recovery in affected regions.
Cohesin in space and time: architecture and oligomerization in vivo

Abstract Cohesin helps mediate sister chromatid cohesion, chromosome condensation, DNA repair and transcription regulation. Cohesin can tether two regions of DNA and also extrude DNA loops. We interrogated cohesin architecture, oligomerization and function in vivo through proximity based labeling of cohesin domains. Our results suggest that the hinge and head domain of cohesin both bind DNA, and that cohesin coiled coils bend, bringing the head and hinge together to form a butterfly conformation. Our data also suggest that cohesin efficiently oligomerizes on and off DNA. The levels of oligomers and their distribution on chromosomes are cell cycle regulated. Cohesin oligomerization is blocked by mutations in distinct domains of the Smc3p and Mcd1p subunits of cohesin or in Pds5p, a cohesin regulator. These mutations also block the maintenance of cohesion but not loop extrusion, suggesting that cohesin oligomerization plays a specific role in the maintenance of cohesion.
Squid: Simplifying Quantitative Imaging Platform Development and Deployment

Abstract With rapid developments in microscopy methods, highly versatile, robust and affordable implementations are needed to enable rapid and wide adoption by the biological sciences community. Here we report Squid, a quantitative imaging platform with a full suite of hardware and software components and configurations for deploying facility-grade widefield microscopes with advanced features like flat field fluorescence excitation, patterned illumination and tracking microscopy, at a fraction of the cost of commercial solutions. The open and modular nature (both in hardware and in software) lowers the barrier for deployment, and importantly, simplifies development, making the system highly configurable and experiments that can run on the system easily programmable. Developed with the goal of helping translate the rapid advances in the field of microscopy and microscopy-enabled methods, including those powered by deep learning, we envision Squid will simplify roll-out of microscopy-based applications - including at point of care and in low resource settings, make adoption of new or otherwise advanced techniques easier, and significantly increase the available microscope-hours to labs.
Assessment of Carfilzomib Treatment Response in Lung Transplant Recipients With Antibody-mediated Rejection.

Data supporting the use of carfilzomib (CFZ) for treatment of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) in lung transplantation in combination with plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin suggest positive outcomes through donor-specific antibody (DSA) depletion or conversion to noncomplement-activating antibodies. Herein, we describe our center's experience treating AMR with CFZ. Methods All patients treated with CFZ for AMR from 2014 to 2019 were included. The primary outcome was a positive response to CFZ was defined as: (1) loss of DSA C1q-fixing ability after last CFZ dose; (2) clearance of de novo DSA; or (3) decrease in de novo DSA mean fluorescence intensity of >3000. Results Twenty-eight patients with 31 AMR episodes were treated with CFZ. A positive response was observed in 74.4% of AMR episodes and 82.1% of patients. This response was driven by loss of complement 1q fixation (70.6%), elimination of class I DSAs (78.6%), and reduction in both classes I (median 2815, 79.5% reduction from baseline) and II DSA mean fluorescence intensity (3171, 37.1%). Conclusions CFZ shows potential for ameliorating AMR; however, additional studies are needed to define optimal time of administration.
The experiences of foreign-born female academics (FBFA): a photo-elicitation analysis

This article reports on a study that examined the lived experience of 15 foreign-born female university faculty members through the qualitative research methodology called photo elicitation. The ar...
Experimental study on the effect of O2 on the decomposition characteristics of C6F12O/CO2 gas mixture

C6F12O has the potential to be used in gas-insulated equipment because of its excellent insulation performance and low global warming potential value. In order to study the effect of O2 on the decomposition characteristics of the C6F12O/CO2 gas mixture, power frequency breakdown experiments were conducted on a C6F12O/O2/CO2 gas mixture with different O2 mixing ratios. The decomposition products of the C6F12O gas mixture after multiple breakdowns were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The effects of the O2 mixing ratio, breakdown times, and effective gas production rate on the decomposition characteristics of the gas mixture were investigated. The results show that the main decomposition products are CF4, C2F6, C3F6, C3F8, C4F10, C5F12, C3F7H, and CF2O, and the addition of O2 will promote the formation of the above several decomposition products. Except for C3F6, the concentrations of other decomposition products tend to increase and then decrease with the increase in the O2 mixing ratio. The concentrations of CF4, C2F6, C3F6, and C3F8 increase with the times of breakdowns. The effective gas production rates of CF4, C2F6, and C3F8 show a trend of increasing and then decreasing in the process of adding O2 to the C6F12O/O2/CO2 gas mixture. This study provides a reference for the industrial application of the C6F12O/O2/CO2 gas mixture.
Paintable proteins: biofunctional coatings via covalent incorporation of proteins into a polymer network

Attaching proteins to surfaces while maintaining bioactivity is a promising avenue for developing new functional materials. This work describes a method to rapidly apply bioactive coatings by conjugating protein into an adhesive network using an ortho-phthaldialdehyde (oPA)-based linker. The polymer matrix was generated using a copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) polymerization on a commercial, antifouling copper-based paint that had not been previously examined as a catalytic material. After undergoing bioconjugation with the oPA linker, protein was retained at a higher rate on the surface when compared either with the control, which lacked a linker, or with a commercially-available maleimide linker. The ability to apply in situ, polymerize, and adhere biomacromolecules to surfaces while retaining their efficacy enables the creation of novel functional materials with properties usually reserved for the biological domains.
The Time to Weight-Loss Steady State After Gastric Bypass Predicts Weight-Loss Success

There is marked variability in weight loss achieved after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) with little ability to predict pre-operatively poor weight-loss outcomes. In this study, we categorize the patterns of post-operative weight loss after LRYGB by using a novel method of measurement based on the time to weight-loss steady state (SS). A bariatric database was retrospectively reviewed for patients who underwent a LRYGB from 01/2001–12/2010. SS was defined as the month when the patient had ≤3 % excess weight loss (%EWL) or weight gain from the prior visit. Percent total weight loss (%TWL) and %EWL were compared based on time to SS. The average time to SS was 15.5 months (n = 178). A percentage of 7.3 of patients lost >5 %EWL after achieving their SS weight. Patients with SS <12 months (n = 47) had a significantly lower %TWL and %EWL at SS and a 3–4-year follow-up compared to SS ≥12 months (n = 131, p < 0.05 for all). Initial weight loss velocity (IWLV) and body mass index (BMI) were not significantly associated with the time to SS. Patients with a SS <12 months were significantly older than patients with SS ≥months (42.7 ± 10.5 versus 46.5 ± 11.8 years, p = 0.05). Few patients achieve meaningful weight loss after SS. The time to SS varies significantly among LRYGB patients and is not predicted by the IWLV or BMI. Achievement of SS within the first year after surgery is more common with increasing age and may represent rapid physiologic adaptation with significantly lower %TWL and %EWL.
Providing Fine-grained Access Control for Java Programs

There is considerable interest in programs that can migrate from one host to another and execute. Mobile programs are appealing because they support efficient utilization of network resources and extensibility of information servers. However, since they cross administrative domains, they have the ability to access and possibly misuse a host's protected resources. In this paper, we present a novel approach for controlling and protecting a site's resources. In this approach, a site uses a declarative policy language to specify a set of constraints on accesses to resources. A set of code transformation tools enforces these constraints on mobile programs by integrating the access constraint checking code directly into the mobile program and resource definitions. Because our approach does not require resources to make explicit calls to a reference monitor, it does not depend upon a specific runtime system implementation.
Intellectual Property Strategy at the Firm Level

Intellectual Property is a knowledge-based creation whose ownership is formally recognized by a nation or international legal system. Patents and copyrights assert the holder's right to exploit the creation. Firms' IP holdings, and their approaches to managing those holdings are critical strategic considerations. Keywords: intellectual property; IP strategy; cyber security; IPR; intellectual capital
Fundamental rights in the EU after Kadi and Al Barakaat

This article takes stock of the emerging scholarship on the European Court of Justice's 2008 Kadi decision and seeks to make sense of the court's apparent evasiveness towards international law. The article argues that Kadi is best understood as an act of civil disobedience prompted by the UN Security Council's misapplication of foundational principles of the international order. In turn, the court's forceful articulation of the stakes in this case signals a prioritisation of basic rights within the supranational constitutional architectonic. In this respect, the ‘domestic’ constitutional implications of Kadi are just as far reaching as its consequences for the EU's status as an actor under international law.
Differences in Life Satisfaction and School Satisfaction Among Adolescents From Three Nations: The Role of Perceived Autonomy Support

Past research shows that higher well-being is reported by adolescents who live in individualistic rather than collectivistic nations. Such cross-national differences may be due to the amount of autonomy support adolescents receive from authority figures. To examine this hypothesis, in the current study, 322 adolescents from Denmark, South Korea, and the United States completed self-report surveys that assessed adolescents' school and life satisfaction and their experience of autonomy support from parents and teachers. Results showed that Danish adolescents reported highest school satisfaction, life satisfaction, and perceived autonomy support, followed by American and Korean adolescents, respectively. Furthermore, cross-national differences in school and life satisfaction were partially mediated by adolescents' perceptions of autonomy support from authority figures. These findings support self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985) and the ecological model of child development (Bronfenbrenner, 1986).
Multivitamin/multimineral supplements for cancer prevention: implications for primary care practice

There is a popular belief that multivitamin and mineral (MVM) supplements can help prevent cancer and other chronic diseases. Studies evaluating the effects of MVM supplements on cancer risk have largely been observational, with considerable methodologic limitations, and with conflicting results. We review evidence from the few available randomized, controlled trials that assessed the effects of supplements containing individual vitamins, a combination of a few select vitamins, or complete MVM supplements, with a focus on the recent Physicians' Health Study II (PHS II). PHS II is a landmark trial that followed generally healthy middle-aged and older men (mean age 64 years) who were randomized to daily MVM supplementation for a mean duration of 11 years. Men taking MVMs experienced a statistically significant 8% reduction in incidence of total cancer (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.86-0.998; p = 0.04). Men with a history of cancer derived an even greater benefit: cancer incidence was 27% lower with MVM supplementation versus placebo in this subgroup (HR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.56-0.96; p = 0.02). Positive results of PHS II contrast with randomized studies of individual vitamins or small combinations of vitamins, which have largely shown a neutral effect, and in some cases, an adverse effect, on cancer risk. The results of PHS II may have a considerable public health impact, potentially translating to prevention of approximately 68 000 cancers per year if all men were to use similar supplements, and to an even greater benefit with regard to secondary prevention of cancer.
Incidental findings in the oncology patient: pancreas and spleen

Recent advances in multidetector CT, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound have led to the detection of incidental pancreatic and splenic lesions that in the past remained undiscovered. These incidentalomas are unexpected, asymptomatic abnormalities discovered serendipitously while searching for other pathology. These incidental lesions have created a management dilemma for both clinicians and radiologists, particularly in the oncology patient in whom any mass, clinical or subclinical, warrants further evaluation. Strategies for optimizing patient management have emerged in terms of deciding which of these incidentalomas can be ignored, which can simply be monitored over time, and which lesions require more aggressive workup. Subjecting the patient to unnecessary testing and treatment carries its own set of risks that can result in an injurious and expensive cascade of imaging and intervention. The exhaustive evaluation performed in some patients reflects the unwillingness of many physicians to accept uncertainty even in the case of a very rare diagnosis. This unwillingness is in part driven by varying algorithms with regard to diagnostic and treatment strategies, fear of potential malpractice liability, and/or anxiety of the patient. In this review, guidelines concerning the approach to some of the more common incidental cystic pancreatic lesions including IPMN, SPT (SPEN), serous cystadenoma, mucinous cystic tumor, as well as primary and secondary cystic splenic lesions will be presented.
Teaching mobile computing and developing software to support computer science education

Many schools have introduced, or are considering, a programming course targeting mobile devices to satisfy student interest in programming smart phones. In addition, a new class of mobile devices are appearing that combine the functionality of an eBook reader with a web browser, and many of them are based on the same programming frameworks as the smart phones. We report on the successes of mobile device programming courses at two schools. In addition, we report on the accomplishments of students developing software to leverage these newer, multi-function devices in supporting broader computer science education initiatives. In particular, we have developed a service-oriented application that allows students to compile and test programs written in Java and C++ that can be invoked from these devices. We have developed other software allowing these devices to function like Tablet PCs. After describing these important tools, we discuss our current efforts to use these mobile devices in computer science education.
Atrial fibrillation associated with hypokalemia due to primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn's syndrome)

Aldosterone is a major regulator of the body potassium stores through its role in potassium excretion by the kidney. However, it is unclear whether aldosterone affects transcellular distribution of potassium in atrial myocytes, and whether hypokalemia associated with primary hyperaldosteronism increases susceptibility to atrial fibrillation (AF). We report a case of a 58-year-old male with Conn's syndrome in whom symptomatic AF was related to hypokalemia.
The consequences for memory of imagining in another person’s voice

Subjects listened to and imagined words and then attempted to discriminate words they had heard from words they had imagined. Discrimination was better when subjects imagined themselves saying the words (Experiments 1 and 2) than when subjects imagined the words in the speaker’s voice. Subjects also had more difficulty discriminating imagined from perceived words when they imagined in the speaker’s voice than when they imagined words in a voice other than their own or the speaker’s (Experiment 1). The results are consistent with the idea that reality monitoring is affected by the degree of similarity in sensory characteristics of memories derived from perception and from imagination (Johnson & Raye, 1981).
Ensemble Monte Carlo simulation of femtosecond photoexcitation in AlGaAs

Femtosecond photoexcitation experiments have been used by many groups to investigate ultrafast scattering processes in semiconductors. Information on intervalley scattering rates can readily be deduced by monitoring valley populations in real time, and particularly, a number of groups have made measurements for (Gamma) -L and (Gamma) -X intervalley scattering in GaAs. However, due to the direct gap, the L-X scattering in GaAs can not be directly monitored. Recently, experiments to monitor the X valley population in indirect AlGaAs have been performed, and utilized to set up an upper bound for the L-X scattering lifetime. We have used an ensemble Monte Carlo (EMC) technique to calculate the evolution of valley populations in indirect AlGaAs illuminated by a femtosecond pulse laser. The time evolution of electron populations in the (Gamma) , L and X valleys is studied by varying the intervalley coupling constants. The L-X intervalley deformation potential is found to be D XL equals 1.5 +/- 0.5 X 10 8 eV/cm.
Dynamics of tidal volume and ventilation heterogeneity under pressure-controlled ventilation during bronchoconstriction: a simulation study

The difference in effectiveness between volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) and pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) on mechanically ventilated patients during bronchoconstriction is not totally clear. PCV is thought to deliver a more uniform distribution of ventilation than VCV, but the delivered tidal volume could be unstable and affected by changes in the degree of constriction. To explore the magnitude of these effects, we ran numerical simulations with both modes of ventilation in a network model of the lung in which we incorporated not only the pressure and flow dynamics along the airways but also the effect of cycling pressures and tissue tethering forces during breathing on the dynamic equilibrium of the airway smooth muscle (ASM) (Venegas et al., Nature 434: 777–782). These simulations provided an illustration of changes in airway radii, the total delivered tidal volume stability, and distribution of ventilation following a transition from VCV to PCV and during progressively increasing ASM activation level. These simulations yielded three major results. First, the ventilation heterogeneity and patchiness in ventilation during steady-state VCV were substantially reduced after the transition to PCV. Second, airway radius, tidal volume, and the distribution of ventilation under severe bronchoconstriction were highly sensitive to the setting of inspiratory pressure selected for PCV and to the degree of activation of the ASM. Third, the dynamic equilibrium of active ASM exposed to cycling forces is the major contributor to these effects. These insights may provide a theoretical framework to guide the selection of ventilation mode, the adjustment of ventilator settings, and the interpretation of clinical observations in mechanically ventilated asthmatic patients.
TRANSLOCATION IN MACROCYSTIS. II. FINE STRUCTURE OF THE SIEVE TUBES

SUMMARY The enucleate, mature sieve elements of Macrocystis possess thick cell walls composed of microfibrils of cellulosic substance impregnated with amorphous substance(s). Sieve plates are also basically microfibrillar with callose deposits. Protoplasmic connections between the sieve tubes and other cells have not been observed. Freshly cut and fixed sieve tubes reveal a peripheral layer of plastids, vesicles, and endoplasmic reticulum surrounding a large lumen filled with fine granular to fibrillar material interrupted by large masses of electron dense, aggregated slime. Sieve plates with masses of slime and callose constricting pores are numerous. Liquid nitrogen-frozen, osmium-fixed sieve tubes contain a peripheral layer of plastids, numerous vesicles of many sizes, numerous mitochondria with well-developed cristae, occasional dictyosomes, and endoplasmic reticulum. Masses of slime are absent. The mature sieve tube lumen contains dispersed slime which is continuous through the unobstructed pores of sieve plates. These fine structural studies indicate many similarities between the sieve tubes of Macrocystis and those of vascular plants. However, the large number of well-preserved organelles in the peripheral layer of Macrocystis sieve elements, constitute a striking difference from most vascular plant sieve tubes so far examined, and may indicate a greater degree of metabolic independence by Macrocystis sieve tubes which lack companion cells.
Los no-lugares de la memoria: Barcelona 1888-1929

Los no-lugares y los lugares de la memoria son presencias constantes en la vida de toda ciudad, testimonios de la historia y la identidad del espacio y de sus habitantes. En este trabajo pretendo mostrar como los espacios de Montjuic y la Ciutadella, ambos lugares con una fuerte carga simbolica para la ciudad de Barcelona, cuentan con roles fundamentales dentro de la memoria colectiva de los barceloneses, como lugares de dolor e, igualmente, de transicion, alivio y reconocimiento.
Liposomal delivery of biological response modifiers to macrophages

Macrophages activated to the tumoricidal state can recognize and destroy neoplastic cells and leave normal cells unharmed. Systemic activation of macrophages can be achieved by the intravenous administration of liposomes containing various immunomodulators. Much like any particle, liposomes are cleared from the circulation by phagocytic cells. This passive but specific targeting of immunomodulators to macrophages results in their activation forin vitro andin vivo lysis of tumor cells that can be resistant to conventional therapies.
Imaging and cell targeting characteristics of magnetic nanoparticles modified by a functionalizable zwitterionic polymer with adhesive 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-l-alanine linkages

Multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) modified by a zwitterionic polymer (pCBMA-DOPA(2)) containing one poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate) (pCBMA) chain and two 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine (DOPA) residue groups were developed. Results showed that MNPs modified by pCBMA were not only stable in complex media, but also provided abundant functional groups for ligand immobilization. The pCBMA-DOPA(2) MNPs had a hydrodynamic particle size of about 130 nm, a strong saturation magnetization of 110.2 emu/g Fe and a high transverse relaxivity of 428 mM(-1)s(-1). Long-term stability in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and 10% NaCl solution was achieved for over six months. Compared to MNPs coated with dextran, pCBMA-DOPA(2) MNPs presented better stability in 100% human blood serum at 37 degrees C. Macrophage cell uptake studies revealed that the uptake ratio of pCBMA-DOPA(2) MNPs was much lower than that of dextran MNPs. Furthermore, quantitative analysis results showed that after pCBMA-DOPA(2) MNPs were conjugated with a targeting RGD peptide, uptake by human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) was notably increased, which was further visualized by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Retinotopic mapping of the visual cortex using functional magnetic resonance imaging in a patient with central scotomas from atrophic macular degeneration

Abstract Purpose To describe retinotopic mapping of the visual cortex when a central scotoma is present. Design Single observational case report. Methods Scanning laser ophthalmoscope perimetry was used to define the site and stability of fixation and the area of dense scotoma. Functional magnetic resonance imaging of the visual cortex was performed while the patient viewed an expanding annular stimulus. Results Retinotopic mapping of the visual cortex for a patient with a horseshoe scotoma from geographic atrophy involving the macular region showed a loss of stimulation to the cortical areas representing the site of the atrophic lesion. Conclusions Cortical retinotopic mapping can be performed successfully in patients with central scotomas from macular disease. This study can serve as a basis for the future investigation of cortical plasticity in visual cortex.
Relationship of obesity and high urinary enterolignan concentrations in 6806 children and adults: analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data.

Relationship of obesity and high urinary enterolignan concentrations in 6806 children and adults: analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data
A bulk perturbation in an Alexander brush

We consider the effects of a small, intruding object in the bulk of a flat Alexander polymer brush in a melt state. A pointlike object creates a pressure field that has a quadrupolar form at short distances but decays exponentially away from the source. The induced surface deformation also decays exponentially away from the source, and in both cases, the decay length is of the order of the brush thickness. We also discuss the interaction between two immersed objects.
A Reappraisal of the Exchange Rate Determination: A Liquidity Approach

A dynamic general-equilibrium model with limited participation in financial markets is constructed to study the determination of nominal exchange rates in a small open economy with tradable and non-tradable goods. The qualitative and quantitative implications of this framework are assessed under flexible prices. Then, the panel dynamic OLS regression is applied to seek the empirical support for this liquidity-exchange rate model, a slight departure from the standard monetary-exchange rate model. The findings in the present paper shed light on the cointegration between the macroeconomic fundamentals and nominal exchange rates.
A Geographic Information Systems-Based Analysis of Supercells across Oklahoma from 1994 to 2003

Abstract Oklahoma is a region that is well known for its high frequency of severe thunderstorms, which vary in activity, mode, and coverage. In particular, this region experiences a significant number of highly organized supercell thunderstorms that pose hazards such as high winds, large hail, and tornadoes. This demonstration study focuses on the development and analysis of a 10-yr sample of supercell storms resulting from organized severe weather events in Oklahoma. Geographic information systems (GIS) were used as the primary tool to develop and analyze the 10-yr supercell dataset. The use of GIS technologies within the field of meteorology has increased dramatically in recent years and will likely continue as additional atmospheric science data formats become available in popular GIS software packages such as the Environmental Systems Research Institute’s ArcGIS series. For this specific study, GIS served as a critical component for developing individual georeferenced storm features and analyzing the ...
Diflubenzuron-induced changes in activities of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase in the newly molted integument of the American cockroach in situ and in cell free conditions

Abstract Benzoylurea-type compounds are a new class of powerful insecticides/growth regulators known to cause chitin-synthesis inhibition in vivo . We have found by using the isolated integument from the freshly molted American cockroach that diflubenzuron (Dimilin®) and its active analogs cause a rise in cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity, both in intact and homogenized ( cell free ) systems. Such a cAMP-dependent protein kinase has been found to be particularly active in the integument during molting. The effect of diflubenzuron in isolated intact epidermis was observed at the 10 nM range, occurring with only active diflubenzuron analogs. At the same time, DFB was found to cause changes in protein phosphorylation on a few specific proteins both in situ and in cell free conditions in the concentration range of 10 nM to 10 μM. The possibility that the action of diflubenzuron on chitin biosynthesis is directly or indirectly mediated through modulation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase system was discussed.
Acquisitions from the Middle East

AbstractDespite the growth of Middle Eastern studies in the U.S. and accompanying growth of library collections, in general these lag behind other areas of the world. Efforts to address this problem include the PL-480 acquisitions program and the current effort to compile a Near East Union List. Many of the problems in developing collections lie with the countries of the Middle East. National bibliographies and other bibliographical compilations are, where they are even available, often published only after the books are out of print. Some recent reference bibliographies and serials lists have made a small beginning to correcting this. Part of the problem lies with the publishing industry which is often diffuse, subject to political policies, and directed toward existing limited markets. Similarly, dealers are reluctant to offer blanket order service as currency and export restrictions act as deterrents. The two best approaches are acquisitions trips and exchanges. In general the polical volatility of the...
Carbon sequestration in concrete sidewalk samples

Abstract Concrete can sequester CO 2 from the air in a reaction commonly called carbonation. High levels of carbonation near the surface of concrete samples have been widely studied since they may lower the pH of the concrete and alter the characteristics of a concrete structure if they migrate deeper into the structure. However, little information is available about the levels of CO 2 sequestration in interior portions of concrete pavements. This study focuses on the spatial distribution of carbonation levels across the thickness of concrete sidewalk samples that are many decades old. For 120 mm thick sidewalk samples, the average carbonation percentage was found to be 80% for specimens located near the surfaces, and 25% for specimens located in the inner part of the samples (20–80 mm from the top surface). For a 160 mm thick sidewalk sample, the average carbonation was 28% for all interior specimens at least 20 mm from surfaces. These interior levels for various concrete pavements at various ages can be used together with surface carbonation information to estimate CO 2 sequestration in concrete pavements.
Antibody response to a two-dose influenza vaccine regimen in adult lymphoma patients on chemotherapy

A study was conducted to determine if a two-dose regimen of influenza vaccine would enhance the immunologic response of 41 patients with lymphoma receiving chemotherapy. Hemagglutinin-inhibiting antibody responses to influenza A/H1N1, A/H3N2 and B virus occurred in 32 %, 24 % and 20 % of patients following one dose, and in 49 %, 41 % and 46 % of patients following two doses, respectively. Responses to one or more vaccine components occurred in 42 % of patients after one dose and in 71 % after two doses. Fifty percent of the patients who did not respond after one dose responded after two doses. A two-dose regimen of influenza immunization may significantly enhance the response rate of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
A ribosome–nascent chain sensor of membrane protein biogenesis in Bacillus subtilis

Proteins in the YidC/Oxa1/Alb3 family have essential functions in membrane protein insertion and folding. Bacillus subtilis encodes two YidC homologs, one that is constitutively expressed (spoIIIJ/yidC1) and a second (yqjG/yidC2) that is induced in spoIIIJ mutants. Regulated induction of yidC2 allows B. subtilis to maintain capacity of the membrane protein insertion pathway. We here show that a gene located upstream of yidC2 (mifM/yqzJ) serves as a sensor of SpoIIIJ activity that regulates yidC2 translation. Decreased SpoIIIJ levels or deletion of the MifM transmembrane domain arrests mifM translation and unfolds an mRNA hairpin that otherwise blocks initiation of yidC2 translation. This regulated translational arrest and yidC2 induction require a specific interaction between the MifM C-terminus and the ribosomal polypeptide exit tunnel. MifM therefore acts as a ribosome–nascent chain complex rather than as a fully synthesized protein. B. subtilis MifM and the previously described secretion monitor SecM in Escherichia coli thereby provide examples of the parallel evolution of two regulatory nascent chains that monitor different protein export pathways by a shared molecular mechanism.
Coevolution-driven predator-prey cycles: predicting the characteristics of eco-coevolutionary cycles using fast-slow dynamical systems theory

Eco-coevolutionary theory predicts that predator-prey coevolution occurring on the time scale of ecological dynamics (e.g., changes in population abundances) can drive novel kinds of predator-prey cycles, e.g., cryptic cycles where one species cycles while the other remains effectively constant and clockwise cycles where peaks in predator density precede peaks in prey density. However, because this body of theory has focused on particular models and studied the different cycle types in isolation, it is unclear what biological characteristics (e.g., costs for offense or defense) determine when a particular cycle type will arise. In this study, I explore the kinds of predator-prey cycles that arise in a general eco-coevolutionary model where there is disruptive selection and the coevolutionary dynamics are fast relative to the ecological dynamics of the system. With a graphical tool created using the theory of fast-slow dynamical systems, I predict what kinds of cycles can arise in the model and how cycle type depends on the costs for prey defense and predator offense. Fast-slow dynamical systems theory requires a separation of time scales between the ecological and evolutionary processes; however, numerical simulations show that this tool can help predict how coevolution drives populations cycles in systems where the speeds of ecological and evolutionary dynamics are comparable. Thus, this work is a step forward in building a general eco-coevolutionary theory.
Amylase, cellulase and protease activities in surface and gut tissues of Dendraster excentricus, Pisaster ochraceus and Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis (Echinodermata)

In general, variance in tissue hydrolase (amylase, cellulase and protease) activity between individuals of a particular species is as great or greater than variance between tissue types or between species, e.g. although the specific activity of amylase in the gut tissue ofDendraster excentricus is significantly lower than that of aboral surface tissue, it is not significantly different than that of the oral surface tissue, or of the aboral surface of eitherPisaster ochraceus orStrongylocentrotus droebachiensis. Cellulase activity of the gut tissue ofS. droebachiensis was significantly higher than that of the gut tissue ofP. ochraceus andD. excentricus, reflecting the omnivorous feeding habit of the sea urchin. Cellulase activity of the gut tissue ofD. excentricus was not significantly higher than inP. ochraceus, an unexpected result, given the highly carnivorous behavior of the latter. Protease activity of the gut tissue ofD. excentricus is significantly higher than that of the oral or aboral surface tissues, but not significantly higher than that of the gut tissues ofP. ochraceus orS. droebachiensis. Amylase and cellulase activities in the guts of detritus- and shrimp-fedD. excentricus showed significant increases over that of field individuals; protease activity displayed no significant increase. Some significant surface (oral and aboral) changes were noted with respect to hydrolase activity, but the direction and lack of consistency of the changes argues that these are incidental to the process of digestion. The lack of significant differences in the surface enzyme activity ofD. excentricus, P. ochraceus andS. droebachiensis suggests that macronutrient digestive events in surface tissues are not uniquely important inD. excentricus.
Education, Social Justice, and Development in South Africa and Cuba: Comparisons and Connections

Despite different ideologies and degrees of development, Cuba and South Africa share aspects of a historical legacy of colonization, racism, slavery, liberation struggle, revolution, and postcolonial development. A close relationship binds their leaders, President Fidel Castro and former President Nelson Mandela. They share many contemporary human resources development priorities designed to promote peace, social justice, and equality including programs in education, literacy, teacher training, housing, healthcare, community development, and environmental conservation. As South Africa proceeds through another decade of transformation and post-apartheid rule, her relationship with Cuba features in the development agenda as the country balances internal needs with competitiveness in the global arena, as President Castro noted in his Matanzas Rally address on July 26, 1991: “[H]ow far we slaves have come!” (Mandela and Castro, 1991: 41).
Reply to comment “possible structures for trimethylene radical cations in freon matrices”

Abstract The possible existence of an interaction between the ring-opened cyclopropane radical cations and the CFCl 2 CF 2 Cl solvent has been probed by ESR studies. No definitive evidence for this interaction has been obtained.