cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Free to be Me: The Relationship Between the True Self, Rejection Sensitivity, and Use of Online Dating Sites

Prior research (Blackhart et al., 2014) found that rejection-sensitive individuals are more likely to use online dating sites. The purpose of the current research was to explain the relationship between rejection sensitivity and online dating site usage. Study 1 examined whether true self mediated the relation between rejection sensitivity and online dating. Study 2 sought to replicate the findings of Study 1 and to examine whether self-disclosure moderated the relationship between true self and online dating in the mediation model. Results replicated those found by Blackhart et al. and also found that true self mediated the relationship between rejection sensitivity and online dating site usage. These findings suggest that rejection-sensitive individuals feel they can more easily represent their "true" selves in online environments, such as online dating sites, which partially explains why they are more likely to engage in online dating.
Waste less, enjoy more: forming a messaging campaign and reducing food waste in restaurants

Food waste not only has significant and negative impacts on the environment but also harms food businesses due to rising food costs. This study investigated consumers’ perceptions, attitudes, and b...
10: Cell-restricted deletion of MyD88 affects tau pathology in hTau mouse model of tauopathy

Background Tangle pathology (hyperphosphorylated and aggregation of tau) is a major neuropathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related tauopathies. Increasing evidence suggests that inflammatory processes in the brain precede tau pathology. A previous study from our group has demonstrated that enhancing neuroinflammation either via a Toll-Like Receptor-4 (TLR-4) ligand lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or genetic ablation of the Cx3cr1 (fractalkine receptor) led to increased tau phosphorylation, aggregation and working memory impairment in a manner dependent upon the activation of interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R)-p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) pathway. Aims and methods To block IL-1R and TLR-4 receptor signaling, we targeted and performed cell-specific deletion of MyD88 – a common adapter protein of IL-1 and TLR-4 receptors using Cre-LoxP technology. Results and conclusions First, in contrast to what was expected, microglia-restricted deletion of MyD88 (in CD11bCreMyD88f/fmice) led to enhanced AT8- and AT180-site tau phosphorylation. Notably, this effect was exacerbated upon LPS administration, suggesting the MyD88 may be required for homeostasis of tau. Second, infiltration of CD45 + peripheral monocytes was increased within the brains of CD11bCreMyD88f/f mice compared to MyD88f/f mice. Third, gene expression analysis comparing the CD11bCreMyD88f/f to MyD88f/f suggested alterations in key inflammatory cytokines. Finally, neuronal-restricted deletion of MyD88 in hTau mouse model of tauopathy (hTau-Mapt−/−/CamKII α CreMyD88f/f) showed drastic reduction in the levels of truncated neurotoxic tau in the cortex of hTauMapt−/−/CamKII α CreMyD88f/f mice compared to hTauMapt−/− mice, suggesting neuron-restricted deletion of MyD88 is neuroprotective. Further studies on the characterization of truncated tau species and the effect of hTau on microglia-restricted (CD11b) deletion of MyD88 on tangle pathology and cognitive function are ongoing.
The Challenge of Postmodernism and the Health of Theology

This article addresses the situation of contemporary theological thinking in relation to postmodernism, or contemporary Continental philosophy. Using a criterion of health from Freudian and Lacanian psychoanalysis, it argues that theology should avoid either simpleminded assimilation of postmodernism or closeminded rejection. After critically surveying some current theological movements and figures, such as Radical Orthodoxy, I turn away from a paradigm of theology based on Barth to one based on Paul Tillich. Finally, an alternative notion of health is elaborated which leads to a deep and transformative encounter between postmodernism and theology.
Abstract 783: Impact of KRAS and TP53 co-mutations on outcomes following 1st-line therapy among patients with LKB1/STK11 mutated stage IV NSCLC

* Authors E. M. B. and M. E. M. contributed equally Introduction: LKB1/STK11 is a tumor suppressor and a negative regulator of mTOR signaling. NSCLC patients with STK11 mutations (MT) commonly also have other co-mutations. We evaluated the impact of STK11 MT on outcomes following chemotherapy for metastatic NSCLC, and the role of common co-existing MTs in KRAS and TP53. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients (pts) with NSCLC and STK11 MT treated at the University of Pennsylvania. STK11 MT was identified through next generation sequencing (NGS) in tissue or using the Guardant 360TM platform for plasma. Four treatment groups were analyzed: STK11 alone (A), and 3 co-MT groups: STK11/KRAS (B), STK11/TP53 (C), and STK11/KRAS/TP53 (D). Chi-square analysis was used to assess differences in baseline characteristics between the MT groups. Cox proportional hazard models (HR) were used to determine the relationship of STK11 co-MT to survival. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Results: Between 2/14/13 and 12/1/16, 77 pts with STK11 MT who received systemic therapy were identified (56 tissue, 21 plasma): median age at diagnosis 66 yrs, 51.5% male, 85% ECOG PS of 0 or 1, 94% of pts received 1st-line chemotherapy. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics among mutation groups. Pts with STK11/KRAS had a worse median PFS and OS vs. pts with STK11 alone (Table 1). Pts with STK11/TP53 had a significantly better OS compared to STK11/KRAS patients. Conclusion: Among STK11 mutant NSCLC pts treated with chemotherapy, co-MT with KRAS was associated with a significantly worse PFS and OS compared to patients with STK11 alone. By contrast, co-MT with TP53 conferred a better prognosis. These results warrant further validation in a larger study. Citation Format: Erin M. Bange, Melina E. Marmarelis, Wei-Ting Hwang, Yu-Xiao Yang, Jeffrey C. Thompson, Joshua Bauml, Christine A. Ciunci, Evan W. Alley, Tracey L. Evans, Jennifer J. Morrissette, Roger B. Cohen, Corey J. Langer, Erica L. Carpenter, Charu Aggarwal. Impact of KRAS and TP53 co-mutations on outcomes following 1st-line therapy among patients with LKB1/STK11 mutated stage IV NSCLC [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 783.
Energy Consumption and Environmental Impact Analysis of Ozonation Catalytic Membrane Filtration System for Water Treatment

Abstract Productivity of water filtration can be improved with ceramic membranes when compared with polymeric membranes because of their higher stability, longer lifetime, and higher permeability. ...
A functional limit theorem for Erdös and Rényi's law of large numbers

We use the theory of large deviations on function spaces to extend Erdos and Renyi's law of large numbers. In particular, we show that with probability 1, the double-indexed set of paths {WN, n} defined by\(W_{N,n} (t,\omega ) = \frac{{S_{n + [h(N)t]} (\omega ) - S_n (\omega )}}{{h(N)}} + \frac{{h(N)t - [h(N)t]}}{{h(N)}}X_{n + [h(N)t] + 1} (\omega ),\) where\(S_n = \frac{1}{n}\sum\limits_1^n {X_i }\), {Xi:i≧1} is an iid sequence of random variables, andh(N)=[clogN] is relatively compact; the limit set is given by the set [x∶I*(x)≦1/c] whereI*(x) = ∫01I(x′(t))dt andI is Cramer's rate function.
Princely Ambiguity: A Translation of Nikolaus of Modruš’ Funeral Oration for Cardinal Pietro Riario: Oratio in funere Petri Cardinalis Sancti Sixti (1474)

This article provides an introduction to, and an English translation of, the Latin funeral oration written by Nikolaus, the bishop of Modrus (or Nicholas de Korto), on the occasion of Cardinal Pietro Riario’s death in January 1474. The article opens with a contextualizing introduction to the oration, its author, and its subject, as well as the contemporary late-fifteenth-century trend in publishing funeral orations. Following this introduction is an English translation from, and comparison with, Neven Jovanovic’s openaccess, peer-reviewed Latin transcription (Croatiae Auctores Latini) and the British Library’s copy of the oration (ISTC No. in000488000), which was first printed in Rome in 1474 by Antonio and Raffaele Volterrano.
Calculation of Upper Confidence Bounds on Proportion of Area containing Not-sampled Vegetation Types: An Application to Map Unit definition for Existing Vegetation Maps

This paper explores the information forest inventory data can produce regarding forest types that were not sampled and develops the equations necessary to define the upper confidence bounds on not-sampled forest types. The problem is reduced to a Bernoulli variable. This simplification allows the upper confidence bounds to be calculated based on Cochran (1977). Examples are provided that demonstrate how the resultant equations are relevant to creating mid-level vegetation maps by assisting in the development of statistically defensible map units.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults with inflammatory bowel disease: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials with implications for clinical social work

Background: Psychotherapeutic research on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is of particular importance to licensed clinical social workers since they represent the biggest source of mental health p...
Euthanasia in America - Past, Present, and Future: A Review of a Merciful End and Forced Exit

In this article Professor Larson reviews two books regarding euthanasia in America - 'Merciful End: The Euthanasia Movement in Modern America' by Ian Dowbiggin and 'Forced Exit: The Slippery Slope from Assisted Suicide to Legalized Murder' by Wesley J. Smith. Professor Larson summarizes and comments on both books as well as the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1997 opinions in Washington v. Glucksburg and Vacco v. Quill.
What’s in a Name? Managing Multiple Organizational Identities in a Catholic University

This paper examines the situation surrounding a proposed nickname change for Marquette University. The analysis draws upon current work that explores multiple organizational identities and stakeholder participation in making such a decision. The article focuses on Catholic universities and considers tensions that emerge as the faith mission interacts with the secular purposes of the organization. We argue that, rather than focusing on the faith-mission alone, Catholic universities are at their best when they attend to multiple identity targets when communicating decisions to various constituency groups.
“Hey, Such-and-Such on the Internet Has Suggested …”: How to Create Content Models That Invite User Participation

Problem: Few frameworks exist for building content strategies around user-generated content. We present a framework for building content strategies that enable user participation in the development and delivery of content. Key concepts: For this framework to be successfully implemented, this implementation team needs a working knowledge of user-generated content strategy, or the development of strategies for the creation, publication, and governance of useful, usable content that encourage user participation. The framework also requires an understanding of the relationship between content models and technologies. Finally, practitioners utilizing the framework must also understand the role of content moderation in facilitating development of user-generated content. Key lessons: Our framework for user-generated content strategy specifies three main practices: 1. Developing a content strategy that enables interactions among administrators, moderators, users, types of content, and technologies within a given network; 2. building content models within technologies so that all interactions flow seamlessly; and 3. using content moderation to ensure that users are empowered to contribute content while respecting quality guidelines. Implications: Though there are challenges to facilitating user-generated content that unites organizational goals and user goals, the use of a framework like ours can benefit organizations that want to make user-generated content a core part of what they do.
The POOR Get POORer: A Hypothesis for the Pathogenesis of Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury

Protective ventilation strategies for the injured lung currently revolve around the use of low Vt, ostensibly to avoid volutrauma, together with positive end-expiratory pressure to increase the fraction of open lung and reduce atelectrauma. Protective ventilation is currently applied in a one-size-fits-all manner, and although this practical approach has reduced acute respiratory distress syndrome deaths, mortality is still high and improvements are at a standstill. Furthermore, how to minimize ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) for any given lung remains controversial and poorly understood. Here we present a hypothesis of VILI pathogenesis that potentially serves as a basis upon which minimally injurious ventilation strategies might be developed. This hypothesis is based on evidence demonstrating that VILI begins in isolated lung regions manifesting a Permeability-Originated Obstruction Response (POOR) in which alveolar leak leads to surfactant dysfunction and increases local tissue stresses. VILI progresses topographically outward from these regions in a POOR-get-POORer fashion unless steps are taken to interrupt it. We propose that interrupting the POOR-get-POORer progression of lung injury relies on two principles: 1) open the lung to minimize the presence of heterogeneity-induced stress concentrators that are focused around the regions of atelectasis, and 2) ventilate in a patient-dependent manner that minimizes the number of lung units that close during each expiration so that they are not forced to rerecruit during the subsequent inspiration. These principles appear to be borne out in both patient and animal studies in which expiration is terminated before derecruitment of lung units has enough time to occur.
Team Performance, Market Characteristics, and Attendance of Major League Baseball: A Panel Data Analysis

A panel data analysis procedure was used to differentiate the effects of selected team attributes and market characteristics on attendance in Major League Baseball in addition to that of winning percentage. An econometric model was established in the analysis to empirically project the attendance potential determined by these selected variables. The results suggested that: (a) size of county population was a significant predictor for attendance potential in the major metropolitan cities in addition to winning percentage; (b) demand to admission cost was inelastic, while demand to the cost of "sport extensions" products was elastic; (c) presence of a major professional sport team in the same market would decrease attendance potential in Major League Baseball; and (d) population growth in certain age groups could serve as a long-term predictor for the improvement of attendance ratio to the capacity of stadium. Other findings and their implications to attendance of Major League Baseball were also presented in this study.
Positive Youth Development Approach to Support Life Skills of Young People with Chronic Conditions

Positive Youth Development (PYD) is a theoretically founded, developmental framework that is strengths-based, incorporates ecological assets, and has been effective in supporting at-risk youth. A growing number of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with chronic conditions will survive into adulthood, and thus greater focus on understanding their long-term development is paramount. This chapter presents the development of the PYD model from a historical and theoretical lens. It introduces Lerner and Lerner’s 5Cs framework as an empirically supported perspective shown to positively impact long-term outcomes in at-risk youth. Next, the utility of the application of PYD to AYA with childhood onset chronic conditions (COCC) is examined. Finally, empirical evidence on PYD-based interventions and programs for AYA with COCC are described, and recommendations for practice are outlined. PYD remains a promising approach to support the development of positive assets and life skills in AYA with COCC.
The Impact of the Real Estate Crisis on a South European Metropolis: From Urban Diffusion to Reurbanisation

Beginning in the 1970s, the urban core of the Rome Metropolitan Area (RMA) experienced four decades of intense depopulation and urban diffusion, which caused a considerable social impact. On the basis of an original dataset on residential mobility within the city of Rome, this paper aims to show that the RMA is currently experiencing a new stage of reurbanisation resulting from the bursting of the housing bubble after the 2008 crisis. Unlike other European contexts, the RMA repopulation is lacking forms of “urban resurgence” and is taking place in one of the most difficult periods of the city’s recent history. Paradoxically, the trend of private real estate market succeeded to stop urban sprawl where for a long time public decision-maker had failed. This created an opportunity to finally govern the process and steadily halt the urban diffusion, implementing targeted residential densification measures aimed at stabilising the demographic recovery of the urban core and preventing a return to urban sprawl.
Timing of postoperative oral feeding after head and neck mucosal free flap reconstruction

Author(s): Stramiello, Joshua; Nuyen, Brian; Saraswathula, Anirudh; Blumenfeld, Liza; Divi, Vasu; Rosenthal, Eben; Orosco, Ryan; Starmer, Heather M | Abstract: Fistula remains a common complication of upper aerodigestive tract reconstruction. Optimal timing of oral feeding is unknown and the impact of early feeding on swallow function and fistula rates remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to better understand the effects of "early feeding" on fistula rate and swallow in patients with free flap reconstruction of upper aerodigestive tract defects. Retrospective cohort study. One hundred and four patients undergoing free flap reconstruction of mucosalized head and neck defects. Two groups, early feeding (oral intake on or before postoperative day 5) and late-feeding (oral intake after postoperative day 5). Primary outcome was incidence of salivary fistula. Secondary outcomes included Functional Oral Intake Scale scores. Fistula rate was 16.5% in late-feeding group and 0% in early-feeding group (Pn= .035). Patients who were fed early had an association with progression to a full oral diet by 30 days (Pn=n.027). This cohort analysis suggests that in properly selected patients with free flap reconstruction for mucosal defects, early feeding may not increase risk of salivary fistula and may improve swallow functional outcomes earlier. Level of Evidence: 3.
Engaging Cuban Physicists Through the APS/CPS Partnership

In his reflections on Cuban physics, Marcelo Alonso urges APS to take steps to promote interactions between Cuban and US physicists. As an introduction to Marcello’s essay, this note will summarize past and current activities.
Biologic Enhancement of Healing in Ham Injuries

Hamstring injuries are among the most common lower extremity injuries in athletes and can result in significant disability and lost productivity on the athletic field of play. Current standards of care include traditional modalities such as rest and physical therapy to return the athlete back to peak performance. Despite these efforts, many athletes are at risk for repetitive injury and persistent symptoms. Enhancing the biologic response to enable faster recovery with a diminished risk of recurrence has led to an interest in growth factors and platelet-rich plasma therapy for the treatment of these injuries. Several commercial preparations are available with variable efficacy based on platelet concentration, white blood cell concentration, and method of procurement. While many studies have demonstrated beneficial effects with regard to muscle repair and clinical improvement, further basic science and clinical studies are necessary to determine the true benefits of this therapy as it relates to current clinical practice.
Development of Enzyme Activities and a Circadian Rhythm in Pineal Gland Serotonin: Evidence for a Nonretinal Pathway of Light to the Pineal Gland of Newborn Rats

Publisher Summary There is more 5-HT in the pineal gland than in any other mammalian tissue. This chapter discusses the physiological role of this amine in the pineal gland and in other tissues with respect to comparative and developmental studies, especially in submammalian species. The development in the rat of enzymic activities related to 5-HT and melatonin metabolism and of the circadian rhythm in pineal gland 5-HT are examined. The chapter describes an experiment in which the activity of monoamine oxidase (MAO), 5-HTP decarboxylase, hydroxyindole-O-methyl transferase (HIOMT), and the concentration of 5-HT was studied in pooled pineal glands from rats aged 1 day to 60 days. Animals were maintained under diurnal lighting and killed between 9 and 10 a.m.. At each age, aliquots were taken from five different pools of ten pineal glands each for enzyme and amine determination. Monoamine oxidase was the first enzyme activity to develop and attained adult levels by 12 days of age. Results suggested that MAO is present in the pineal parenchyma from birth, and between 6 and 12 days there is a development of MAO in pineal sympathetic nerves. Unlike MAO, 5-HTP decarboxylase is not localized in sympathetic nerves. After sympathetic denervation, there is a significant increase in pineal 5-HTP decarboxylase activity. HIOMT is the last enzyme to develop. Its activity is barely detectable until 12 days of age and increases gradually to attain an adult level at 32 days.
Latin American Economic Integration

During the last quarter of 1978, efforts were made to revitalize three ailing economic integrative groups. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Latin Free Trade Association (LAFTA), and the Andean Common Market (ANCOM), all received the much needed political support from their member governments to ensure their continued existence. The respective sovereigns now appear serious about making economic integration a workable concept once again.
Hoping to Establish Common Ground for Saving Biodiversity

The Creation . An Appeal to Save Life on Earth. By Edward O. Wilson . Norton, New York, 2006. 185 pp. $21.95, C$27.50. ISBN 0-393-06217-1. Constructing the book as a letter to an imagined Southern Baptist preacher, the author seeks to ally religion and science in an ethic of "honorable" self-restraint toward the natural world.
Visual Imagery, Neural Basis of

Visual imagery is the process of seeing with the ‘mind's eye’. The neural bases of visual imagery have been investigated using physiological recordings of normal brain activity and behavioral measurements in people with brain damage. Keywords: perception; occipital lobe; spatial; neuroimaging; agnosia
Development of digital elevation models (DEMs) for agricultural applications

Topographic data collected using RTK-DGPS-equipped farm vehicles during field operations could add additional benefits to the original capital investment in the equipment through the development of high accuracy field-DEMs. Repeated surveys of elevation data from repeated field operations may improve DEM accuracy over time. However, minimizing the amount of data to be processed and stored is also an important goal for practical implementation. A method was developed to utilize repeated GPS surveys acquired during field operations for generating field-level DEMs. Elevation measurement error was corrected through a continuity analysis. Fuzzy logic (FL) and weighted averaging (WA) methods were used to combine new surveys with past elevation estimates without requiring storage and reprocessing of past survey data. After 20 surveys were included, the DEM of the study area generated with FL and WA methods had an average RMSE of 0.08 m, which was substantially lower than the RMSE of 0.16 m associated with the DEM developed by averaging all data points in each grid. With minimum control of errors in elevation measurements, the effect of these errors can be reduced with appropriate data processing
Assessment of Sustainability for Small Municipalities

A method for assessing sustainability of local regions and small municipalities is presented. Such a tool is needed as decisions made at the local level can have significant effects on the sustainability of a region when applied to multiple small municipalities. Quantitative and objective measures for evaluating regional sustainability should provide guidance and direction for improvement, and should help direct public policy. The ecological footprint method distills a complex system into a single parameter — the land area required to support the region under study. While this method provides a metric that is easily understood by both the public and policy makers, it is difficult to apply on the scale of many local municipalities. The method gives an overall indication of a region’s sustainability, but it can be difficult to determine specific actions that will lead to improvement, and hence has limited value as a guide to policy. The emergy accounting method is scalable and can indicate specific areas needing improvement. All energy flows are transformed into a common unit, the solar emjoule, allowing equitable assessment of sustainability within a system comprised of a broad spectrum of human, natural, and industrial resources and processes. Obtaining data for a study of any scale can be challenging; however, it is particularly so for small regions in which data may not be readily available. Adjustments in data collection methods appropriate to small regions and municipalities are evaluated. The adjusted method was applied to the analysis of a small rural municipality in western Pennsylvania. The study boundaries were defined by the borough limits — an area encompassing 2.7 square miles and 8300 residents. This study primarily treats data collection for an emergy accounting analysis of a small region. Full results of the analysis will be presented in a follow-up paper.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Women and Human Development: The Capabilities Approach

Acknowledgments Preface Introduction Feminism and international development 1. In defense of universal values 2. Adaptive preferences and women's options 3. The role of religion 4. Love, care, and dignity.
Gunn rat: a model for inherited deficiency of bilirubin glucuronidation.

Abstract Experiments in Gunn rats have provided important insights into physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms of bilirubin conjugation and disposition. The Gunn rat is a natural model for bilirubin encephalopathy, and much of our knowledge of bilirubin toxicity and its treatment has come from studies performed in Gunn rats. The genetic lesion in Gunn rats closely parallel those in Crigler-Najjar syndrome, Type I. Presently, the Gunn rat model is being used to develop methods for gene therapy for inherited bilirubin-UGT deficiency. Thus, Gunn rats continue to be a valuable model for the investigation of inherited UGT deficiency and severe nonhemolytic unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia.
Geometry of minimal flows

Abstract Our main result is that for a minimal flow φ on a compact manifold M , either M is a torus and the flow is topologically conjugate to an irrational flow, or M is not a torus and every parametrization of φ has sensitive dependence on initial conditions. Our results depend heavily on the work of Lopez and Candel.
Use of pons as a normalizing region for [C-11]PIB PET scans: Effect on subject classification

Background: Negligible levels of fibrillar Abeta deposits in the cerebellum (CER) in sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD) supports the use of CER as reference for normalizing regional [C]PiB retention measures. A CER reference, however, may not be ideal for all groups, particularly eoFAD or Down subjects, where significant CER Abeta deposition is a common autopsy finding. For this reason, we examined the suitability of pons (PON) as a reference region.Methods: [C]PiB PETwas performed in 190 subjects (93 Control, 51 MCI, 46 AD) and 46 of these (21 Control, 14, 11 AD) underwent fully quantitative imaging involving 90 min dynamic scanning, arterial input function determination, and estimation of Logan DVR outcomes (ART90). Regional SUVR50-70 retentionmeasureswere determined for all using CER (SUVRCER) and PON (SUVRPON) as reference. For the quantitative subjects, results of the SUVRmethods were compared to ART90. Iterative outlier and k-means clustering approaches were used to classify subjects as PiB positive or negative. Results: CER:plasma ratios reached a plateau of w6 at 30 min, while PON:plasma plateau was slower and more transient, peaking at w12 at 50 min. Across cortical areas, SUVRCER was less biased and more highly correlated with ART90 than SUVRPON. However, both provided similar Cohen’s effect sizes for the distinction of AD and PIB negative Control groups. This is attributable to lower variance in SUVRPON outcomes despite a compressed dynamic range. Using the iterative outlier method, SUVRPON identified significantly more PIB + Cons than SUVRCER (38/93 vs. 27/93), while the overall rate of discordance between SUVRCER and SUVRPON was 12% (23/190). When available, visual interpretation agreed with theSUVRCER classification in 89% of the discordant cases. Use of a k-means clustering algorithm resulted in less discordance between SUVRPON and SUVRCER classification (7%), but classified fewer Control subjects as PiB + compared to the iterative outlier method using both SUVRCER and SUVRPON outcomes (17/ 93 and 21/93, respectively). Conclusions: SUVRPON effectively discriminates amyloid negative controls fromAD subjects andmay be useful when cerebellar data is unavailable or contraindicated. However, the transient kinetics underlying SUVRPON may lead to less reliable subject classification at the PiB + /-interface, relative to SUVRCER.
The influence of positive and negative reinforcement on selective attention in the rat

In Experiments 1 and 2 rats were trained under two multiple schedules of reinforcement. In one, bar pressing during a tone-light compound stimulus was reinforced under a variable-interval food reinforcement schedule. In the other multiple schedule, bar pressing avoided grid shock on a free-operant schedule. In both multiple schedules, a discrimination was maintained by an extinction schedule that was operative during the absence of the tone-light compound. In Experiments 1 and 2 the intensity of the tone-light compound was manipulated over three levels. Subsequent extinction tests revealed that light was attended to, almost exclusively of the tone, when food reinforcement had maintained bar pressing. On the other hand, the tone gained considerable attentional control under the shock avoidance schedule. This stimulus-reinforcer interaction was maintained for all three levels of the compound intensity. In Experiment 3 it was investigated whether this interaction was associative by presenting shock during the absence of the tone-light compound when food reinforcement maintained responding, and food during the absence of the compound when shock avoidance maintained responding. Since both food and shock were presented during a single session for both schedules, nonassociative effects of the reinforcing stimuli were equivalent across the schedules. Nevertheless, the stimulus-reinforcer interaction was maintained, indicating that the interaction was an associative effect.
GPCR ligand–dendrimer (GLiDe) conjugates: future smart drugs?

Unlike nanocarriers that are intended to release their drug cargo at the site of action, biocompatibile polyamidoamine (PAMAM) conjugates are designed to act at cell surface G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) without drug release. These multivalent GPCR ligand–dendrimer (GLiDe) conjugates display qualitatively different pharmacological properties in comparison with monomeric drugs. They might be useful as novel tools to study GPCR homodimers and heterodimers as well as higher aggregates. The structure of the conjugate determines the profile of biological activity, receptor selectivity, and physical properties such as water solubility. Prosthetic groups for characterization and imaging of receptors can be introduced without loss of affinity. The feasibility of targeting multiple adenosine and P2Y receptors for synergistic effects has been shown. Testing in vivo will be needed to explore the effects on pharmacokinetics and tissue targeting.
Primary structure of dystrophin-associated glycoproteins linking dystrophin to the extracellular matrix

The primary sequence of two components of the dystrophin–glycoprotein complex has been established by complementary DNA cloning. The transmembrane 43K and extracellular 156K dystrophin-associated glycoproteins (DAGs) are encoded by a single messenger RNA and the extracellular 156K DAG binds laminin. Thus, the 156K DAG is a new laminin-binding glycoprotein which may provide a linkage between the sarcolemma and extracellular matrix. These results support the hypothesis that the dramatic reduction in the 156K DAG in Duchenne muscular dystrophy leads to a loss of a linkage between the sarcolemma and extra-cellular matrix and that this may render muscle fibres more susceptible to necrosis.
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing for evaluation of chronic cardiac failure.

Abstract The heart, lungs and hemoglobin form the body's gas transport system, which links the atmosphere and its supply of O 2 with tissue, while simultaneously providing for the elimination of the metabolic end-product, CO 2 , into the atmosphere. The transport of these respiratory gases must be in accordance with metabolic need. This is particularly evident during the physiologic stress of isotonic exercise, when the O 2 requirements and CO 2 production of skeletal muscle are increased. The monitoring of these respiratory gases during exercise, referred to as cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CAR-PET), can be used to assess heart and lung function in patients with cardiovascular or lung disease or both. Chronic cardiac failure (CCF) may be defined in physiologic terms as that circumstance in which the heart fails to provide tissue with O 2 at a rate commensurate with aerobic requirements. In patients with CCF, CAR-PET represents a noninvasive means to determine aerobic capacity (that is, maximal O 2 up-take) and anaerobic threshold during incremental treadmill exercise. It can also provide an objective measure of the severity of failure, the functional status of the patient and the heart's pump reserve. By using additional measurements of ventilation, arterial O 2 saturation and, in selected cases, hemodynamic monitoring, the nature and severity of cardiovascular and pulmonary disease may be evaluated.
Characterization of murine T and B cells by computerized microphotometric analysis

Splenocytes and column-separated T cells are differentiated into subpopulations of T and B cells on the basis of computer-assisted morphometric analysis of Feulgen-positive nuclear DNA. Differentiation is based upon the analysis of computable image information related to DNA distribution patterns. The technique at the present time does not allow immunofluorescent and morphometric measurements to be made on a given cell. However, the differentiation obtained by using descriptors proven capable of detecting pure populations of T and B cells shows excellent agreement with the differentiation obtained by immunofluorescence analysis. The descriptors and decision rules used in the discrimination among splenocytes are reproducible from one experiment to another and remain valid for the differentiation of lymphocytes from animals of different sex and strain.
Effect of competing anions on the adsorption of arsenate and arsenite by ferrihydrite.

The competitive adsorption of arsenate and arsenite and the effect of phosphate and sulfate on adsorption of arsenate and arsenite by ferrihydrite were investigated in the pH range of 3 to 10 and at varying initial ligand concentrations. In dual anion systems, arsenate retention was greater at low pH compared with greater arsenite retention at high pH. In systems with arsenate and arsenite concentrations ≤2.08 mol As kg -1 fer each, the effect of arsenate on arsenite sorption was more pronounced than vice versa. On the contrary, at arsenate and arsenite concentrations of 3.47 mol As kg -1 fer each, arsenate did not influence arsenite sorption but arsenite substantially reduced arsenate adsorption. The different sorption behavior of arsenite at low and high arsenite concentrations might be due to surface polymerization of adsorbed arsenite at high concentrations. The presence of phosphate resulted in a significant reduction in arsenate and arsenite adsorption by ferrihydrite, with strong dependence on pH and phosphate concentration. The effect of phosphate on arsenate adsorption was greater at high pH than at low pH, whereas the opposite trend was observed for arsenite. Results indicated that arsenate and phosphate compete for the same surface sites, with a moderate preference for arsenate adsorption. There was evidence of the presence of some surface sites that exhibited much higher affinity for arsenite than phosphate. The presence of sulfate did not influence arsenate adsorption but resulted in a considerable reduction in arsenite adsorption below pH 7.0, with the largest reduction at the lowest pH.
Male Youth Activities and Metropolitan Context

The research reported here examines the impact of metropolitan location on the activity choices of a sample of black and white male youths living in large metropolitan areas in the United States in 1980. The results of the analysis confirm that similar youths living in different metropolitan areas will make different activity choices. Furthermore, black male youths are found to be substantially more sensitive to metropolitan context than white male youths. The analysis also suggests that black and white disadvantaged youths respond differently to metropolitan context in terms of the trade-offs between activities. Disadvantaged black male youths are highly unlikely to be employed in all metropolitan areas and tend to trade-off staying in school with idleness, whereas disadvantaged white male youths tend to trade-off employment with idleness, depending on the metropolitan area they live in. This research confirms the importance of incorporating geographic context into our theoretical understanding of male y...
CHIRAL SOLITONS VERSUS SOFT PION THEOREMS IN LARGE N(c) QCD

It is shown that large-Nc (number of colors) QCD does not obey conventional soft pion theorems, if the nucleon is a soliton.
Embedded Damage Detection in Water Pipelines Using Wireless Sensor Networks

This paper proposes a distributed real-time detection algorithm for detecting rupture events in water pipelines noninvasively. The purpose is to suppress not only unnecessary transmission but also local processing in order to save power without sacrificing sensitivity or specificity of the events of interest. All these goals are accomplished by adaptive thresholding, a cascaded wake-up chain, local processing, and aggressive power management. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm achieves high sensitivity and high specificity while reducing the total energy consumption significantly.
Atypical presentation of pheochromocytoma as part of multiple endocrine neoplasia IIa in pregnancy.

Abstract Background Pheochromocytoma in pregnancy is extremely dangerous, especially when unrecognized, and can present alone or as part of a multineoplastic syndrome. Hypertension, its hallmark, is not present in all cases, particularly in women with multiple endocrine neoplasia type IIa. Case We report a gravida with undiagnosed multiple endocrine neoplasia IIa who presented initially with peripartum cardiomyopathy but was diagnosed with an underlying pheochromocytoma. Once recognized and treated with appropriate α-adrenergic blockade, her condition reversed quickly. Conclusion Physicians should be aware that pheochromocytoma can present as cardiovascular collapse rather than just hypertension.
HER2-positive breast cancer: current treatment strategies.

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) has been found to be an important prognostic and predictive marker of treatment response in women with breast cancer in the adjuvant setting and adva...
623. Polymer Microparticles Delivering a Idiotype/Chemokine Fusion DNA Vaccine Generate Protective Immunity in a Mice Model of B Cell Lymphoma

Top of pageAbstract Introduction: We earlier demonstrated that branched Polyethyleneimine (PEI) conjugated poly(lactide-co-glycolide)PLGA microparticles enhanced transfection in phagocytic RAW cells in vitro.1 We present herecomparison of the effects of linear and branched PEI conjugated PLGA microparticles in enhancing the potential of a model idiotype/chemokine fusion encoding genetic vaccine for B cell lymphoma in mice models. Branched PEI70kDa polymer conjugated PLGA microparticles in comparison with linear PEI conjugated microparticles; a) better adsorbed plasmid DNA b) showed significant adjuvant effects by upregulating MHC class II and CD80 molecules in macrophage cells and finally c) demonstrated enhanced anti tumor effects upon challenge with an A20 B cell lymphoma tumor in Balb/C mice in vivo. Branched PEI70kDa conjugated PLGA microparticles imparted anti tumor effects which were comparable or slightly better than gene gun mediated immunization, especially when administered intramuscularly. Materials and Methods: Synthesis of cationic microparticles and characterization was performed as described earlier1. FACS studies were conducted using fluorescent antibodies such as MHC class II, CD80, F4/80 (Ebiosciences, CA) were used to stain RAW264.7 murine macrophage cells (ATCC, VA) post formulation stimulation. Balb/c mice 8-10 weeks old were injected 3 times with cationic microparticles and with gene gun based approaches. A20 tumors were injected at 2.5 times the minimal lethal dose. Survival rates of mice (anti tumor effects) were followed and plotted to confirm statistical significance. Results and Discussion: Plasmid DNA adsorbed on 70kDa branched PEI modified PLGA microparticles demonstrated significant upregulation of MHC class II and CD80 molecules in RAW macrophage cell lines in vitro. These results were also consistent with potent anti tumor effects in vivo. Intramuscular injections of cationic microparticles with adsorbed vaccine encoding plasmid DNA demonstrated anti tumor effects which were comparable with long established gene gun based approaches. Intramuscular injections of cationic particle based formulation proved to be superior to intradermal injections. Conclusions: Cationic PEI conjugated PLGA microparticles could offer an attractive strategy to enhance the immunogenecity of weak self antigens encoded by cancer DNA vaccines. We hypothesize that these alternative approaches with injectable formulations offer more flexibility in terms of introducing additional adjuvants such as synthetic MPL-A and CpG optimized oligos which could significantly further enhance the potential of these cancer genetic vaccines. Current studies are underway to test these enhanced anti tumor effects by co-administration of soluble adjuvants.
A molecular mechanism for qE-quenching

Abstract We discuss energy-dependent fluorescence lowering (qE-quenching), and suggest a model to explain the experimental data currently available. The main elements of the model are: (a) the qE-quenching reflects a mechanism associated with a component of the light-harvesting antenna rather than the reaction center of photosystem (PS) II — we suggest that it occurs through formation of an efficient quencher in one of the minor chlorophyll protein (CP) complexes; (b) the minor CPs have glutamate residues instead of glutamines at positions shown in light-harvesting complex II (LHCII) to be ligands to chlorophylls near the lumenal interface. We suggest that the quenching reflects a change in ligation of chlorophyll on protonation of these glutamate residues leading to formation of an exciton coupled dimer with a neighboring pigment, in which additional energy levels allow vibrational relaxation of the excited singlet. The model accounts for the dependence on low lumenal pH, the ligand residue changes between LHCII and the minor CPs, the preferential distribution of components of the xanthophyll cycle in the minor CPs, the inhibition of qE-quenching by DCCD, and the specific binding of DCCD to the minor CPs.
XPS study of polymer/organometallic interaction: Trimethyl aluminum on polyvinyl alcohol polymer

Abstract The interaction of trimethyl aluminum, (CH3)3Al, with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer, −(CH2CHOH)n−, at 300 K was studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Trimethyl aluminum (TMA) undergoes facile reaction with the alcoholic HC;OH group of the polymer with resultant loss of all three methyl groups and deposition of a monolayer of carbon-free aluminum. The aluminum is incorporated in an oxy-carbide complex, AIOC, which exhibits a stoichiometry of 1:1:1 for Al, O and C. Within this complex, Al is bridge bonded to both C and O of the HC;OH group as indicated by the appearance of low binding energy peaks in both C(1s) and O(1s) spectra. Polar angle resolved XPS measurements show that the triangular AlOC complex is oriented such that Al is on top and the C;O axis below it is aligned parallel to the surface. The Al modified surface was hydrophobic compared to the hydrophilic PVA.
Etiolation of `Royal Gala' apple (Malus×domestica Borkh.) shoots promotes high-frequency shoot organogenesis and enhanced ,-glucuronidase expression from stem internodes

Internodal explants from etiolated `Royal Gala' apple shoots were compared with those from non-etiolated shoots for frequency of shoot organogenesis and for efficiency of β-glucuronidase (GUS) expression after cocultivation of explants with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA105 (p35SGUSint). First (youngest) internodal explants from etiolated shoots produced 2-, 8- and 73-fold numbers of shoots compared to second, third, and fourth internodal explants, respectively. Moreover, these explants produced sevenfold the number of shoots as similar explants from non-etiolated shoots. All first internodes from etiolated shoots exhibited GUS-expressing zones and yielded fourfold as many GUS-expressing zones as commonly used leaf explants from non-etiolated shoots, which exhibited GUS-expressing zones in only 63% of the explants. An average of 9.8 GUS expressing calli per explant were observed on first internodes from etiolated shoots 2 weeks after cocultivation with A. tumefaciens.
Surface plasmon enhanced photocurrent in thin GaAs solar cells

We report fabrication of size-controlled plasmonic nanoparticle arrays by which optically thin GaAs single junction solar cells are decorated. Ordered Ag and Al nanoparticles with average diameters of 60-150 nm and interparticle spacings of 100-300 nm were templated onto the window layers of the GaAs solar cells using nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide membrane templates. Near the surface plasmon resonances, 60nm-diameter Ag and Al nanoparticles serve as light-absorbers so that non-radiative surface plasmon resonances reduce the photocurrent of the cells, which is improved by increasing the nanoparticle size. Photocurrent enhancements are seen at wavelengths longer than surface plasmon resonance which is maximized near the band gap edge of GaAs. These enhancements can be attributed to the increased optical path in the photovoltaic layers resulting from multi-angle scattering by the nanoparticles, while high scattering efficiency nanoparticles in turn increase the back scattering light out of the cell reducing the photocurrent.