cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A POM–organic framework anode for Li-ion battery

Rechargeable Li-ion batteries (LIBs) are currently the dominant power source for portable electronic devices and electric vehicles, and for small-scale stationary energy storage. However, one bottleneck of the anode materials for LIBs is the poor cycling performance caused by the fact that the anodes cannot maintain their integrity over several charge–discharge cycles. In this work, we demonstrate an approach to improving the cycling performance of lithium-ion battery anodes by constructing an extended 3D network of flexible redox active polyoxometalate (POM) clusters with redox active organic linkers, herein described as POMOF. This architecture enables the accommodation of large volume changes during cycling at relatively high current rates. For example, the POMOF anode exhibits a high reversible capacity of 540 mA h g−1 after 360 cycles at a current rate of 0.25C and a long cycle life at a current rate of 1.25C (>500 cycles).
Juvenile Delinquency and the Social Development Model: The Retrospective Accounts of Homeless Substance Abusers

Teens involved with drugs and engaged in delinquent behavior lessen their life chances. This article examines the relationship between early illicit drug exposure, delinquency, and subsequent adult experience through the life history accounts of 31 men who are homeless drug addicts today. The men's retrospective reports link personal history and social circumstance to describe common pathways associated with and emerging from adolescent delinquency and drug involvement. Their accounts, framed within the social development model, indicate that the life chances of teens at risk might improve if policy-based solutions and interventions target and ameliorate contextual and interpersonal risk factors interfering with the accumulation of social capital.
Role of Cholecystokinin in the Gastrocolonic Response to a Fat Meal

The fat component of the meal is the major stimulant of the gastrocolonic response. The aim of this study was to characterize the mechanism of the gastrocolonic response after eating fat in healthy human volunteers. A bipolar clip electrode recorded spike activity (SP) from the distal colon. An immediate increase in colonic spike activity occurred after eating a fat meal (18.0 ± 3.0 SP130 min) (p
A Critical Assessment of the Legal Principles Underlying the Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement

In May 2010, upper riparian states of the Nile opened the Nile Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement for signature. The article studies what the legal effects of the treaty are going to be if and when ratified and put into effect by the pertinent states.
Clinical Implications of the ACCORD Trial

Context: The Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Type 2 Diabetes (ACCORD) was a double factorial randomized clinical trial comparing intensive vs. standard glycemic control, intensive versus standard blood pressure control and fenofibrate versus placebo against a background of statin treatment. Evidence: The primary outcome of cardiovascular disease (CVD), a composite of CVD death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and non-fatal stroke was not reduced by either of the intensive strategies or by addition of fenofibrate; moreover, total mortality was increased by the intensive glycemic strategy. Some secondary CVD outcomes were benefited as were some secondary microvascular outcomes by the more aggressive treatments. Epidemiological analyses were perplexing: for example, earlier severe hypoglycemic episodes were a risk factor for mortality and occurred three times as often in the intensive glycemic treatment group, but the excess of deaths in that group was not accounted for by those subjects who had suf...
Membrane Protein Structure Determination Through Assembly of Trans-Membrane Helices Guided by Limited Experimental Data

We present BCL::Fold, a new computational algorithm that rapidly predicts the topology of helical membrane proteins through assembly of secondary structure elements. A symmetry folding mode allows for the prediction of homomultimers. Final models are evaluated using a knowledge-based energy potential. In a benchmark test of 40 proteins with up to 1200 residues, the method samples the correct topology in 39 cases. We will demonstrate the combination of this algorithm with limited NMR, EPR, and cryo-EM data for membrane protein structure determination. Although great progress in determining the structure of integral, helical, multi-span membrane proteins was made in recent years, only 10% of the expected 1000 membrane protein folds are represented by at least one example in the protein databank. For the 900 membrane proteins topologies that remain to be determined, billions of topologies are possible with an increasing number of trans-membrane spans. This large structural space is contrasted by experimental datasets that - if available at all - are limited in resolution of density map or number of structural restraints. It is the objective of BCL::Fold to enable and accelerate structure determination for these proteins.
Granule cell mRNA levels for BDNF, NGF, and NT-3 correlate with neuron losses or supragranular mossy fiber sprouting in the chronically damaged and epileptic human hippocampus.

This study determined in temporal lobe epilepsy patients if there were correlations among hippocampal granule cell expression of neurotrophin mRNAs, aberrant supragranular mossy fiber sprouting, and neuron losses. Consecutive surgically resected hippocampi (n=9) and comparison tissue from autopsies (n=3) were studied for: Clinically, patients were classified into those with hippocampal sclerosis (HS;n=7) and non-HS cases (i.e., mass lesions and autopsies;n=5). Results showed that compared to non-HS cases, HS patients showed increased granule cell mRNA levels for BDNF, NGF, and NT-3 (p=0.035,p=0.04,p=0.045 respectively; one-tail directional test). Moreover, granule cell BDNF mRNA levels correlated inversely with Ammon’s horn neuron densities (p=0.02) and correlated positively with greater supragranular mossy fiber sprouting (p=0.02). NGF mRNA levels correlated inversely with Ammon’s horn neuron densities (p=0.02), and TN-3 mRNA levels correlated inversely with age at surgery (p=0.04) and correlated positively with greater mossy fiber sprouting (p=0.026). These results indicate in the chronically damaged human hippocampus that granule cells express neurotrophin mRNAs, and mRNA levels correlate with either hippocampal neuron losses or aberrant supragranular mossy fiber sprouting. These data support the hypothesis that in the epileptic human hippocampus, there may be pathophysiologic associations among mossy fiber synaptic plasticity, hippocampal neuron damage, and granule cell mRNA neurotrophin levels.
Heaps of health, metaphysical fitness: Ayurveda and the ontology of good health in medical anthropology

Because most scholars take it for granted that medicine is concerned with healing and problems of ill health, the way in which various medical systems define good health has not been adequately studied. Moreover, good health as such is usually regarded as a natural, normative state of being even by most medical anthropologists, who otherwise take a critical, relativist perspective on the subject of illness, pain, and disease. Using the case of Ayurvedic medicine, this article shows that there is a very different way of looking at the question of how health is embodied. This perspective is proactive and concerned with overall fitness rather than reactive and primarily concerned with either illness or disease. The argument presented here therefore seeks to go beyond the limiting--although extremely useful--orientation of remedial health care and suggest a radical challenge to some of the most basic ontological assumptions in the cross-cultural comparative study of medical systems.
Legionella pneumophila intracellular growth in normal vs. Immune guinea pig macrophage cultures

Intracellular growth ofLegionella pneumophila, an opportunistic intracellular bacterium considered the cause of legionellosis, was assessed in peritoneal macrophages from normal and immunized guinea pigs. These bacteria grew exceedingly well in the normal guinea pig macrophages. Uptake of these bacteria was about the same by macrophages from either normal or immune guinea pigs, but their growth in immune macrophages was completely inhibited. Macrophages from normal guinea pigs stimulated with mezerin, a compound similar to diterpene ester, a known nonspecific stimulator of macrophages, or with specificLegionella vaccine released moderate or only small amounts of hydrogen peroxide, an indicator of macrophage activation to antimicrobicidal activity. In contrast, macrophages from immune guinea pigs produced much higher levels of hydrogen peroxide when stimulated with mezerein or theLegionella vaccine, and also showed a heightened response when cultured without a stimulator. These results indicate that macrophage activation related to the immune status of the host appears to have an important role in initial resistance toLegionella growth in susceptible individuals.
Determining Stability Boundaries Using Gyroscopic Eigenfunctions

By taking advantage of modal decoupling and reduction of order we derive a simplified procedure for applying the method of multiple scales to determine the stability boundaries of parametrically excited, gyroscopic systems. The analytic advantages of the procedure are illustrated with three examples.
WE‐E‐203‐01: One Model for Teaching Clinical Skills to Medical Physics Master's Degree Students: Employing a Clinical Skills Workbook as Part of a Structured Clinical Practicum Course

Purpose: To present one model for teaching clinical skills to medical physics master's degree students: employing a clinical skills workbook as part of a structured practicum course. Method and Materials: By creating a workbook and accompanying practicum course structure, our goal is to provide a framework for improved learning of medical physics skills in practice. Each workbook section begins with selected references. Included exercises seek to empower the students to think deeply and critically by guiding them through a series of tasks and detailed questions. This encourages them to understand the rationales behind medical physics procedures and to acquire the skills needed to analyze, compare, and implement new technologies. Additional structure and materials help to keep the course cohesive, relevant, and organized. A competency list is employed to track student progress over time. Discussions between students and clinical preceptors are emphasized, and regular individual meetings of each student and preceptor with our Director of Clinical Education are required. The information obtained during these meetings allows close monitoring of student development and intervention when appropriate. Quarterly student evaluations of the course, preceptor, and clinical sites, as well as preceptor input, enable continual improvement of the workbook and course structure. Results: Feedback from students and preceptors indicates that students meet our expectation of at least two full days of practicum work per week for 6 of their 7 quarters in the program, master the majority of tasks outlined in the clinical competency list prior to graduation, achieve a good level of understanding of clinical procedures, and benefit from the enhanced structure our course provides. Conclusion: Through the use of a clinical skills workbook and structured practicum course, we seek to ensure that our students will learn to safely and appropriately practice clinical medical physics.
Use of lymphoscintigraphy in radiation treatment of primary breast cancer in the context of lymphedema risk reduction.

Abstract Purpose The goal of this study was to determine the feasibility of SPECT/CT scintigraphic method for mapping lymphatic drainage for radiation therapy of breast cancer. Materials and methods Thirty-six patients were enrolled in a SPECT/CT lymphoscintigraphy study. 99m Tc sulfur colloid (1 mCi) was injected intradermally in the ipsilateral arm. After 5–8 h post-injection, the SPECT/CT scans were taken and analyzed on a GE eNTRGRA system. The SPECT/CT images were co-registered in the treatment planning system (TPS). The original treatment plan was recreated for nodal dosimetry. Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) planning was performed for reducing lymph node dose for reducing arm lymphedema. Results The number of lymph nodes varied from 0 to 10 with a mean value of 3.4 ± 5.4 nodes. The location of nodes varied in the axillary, supraclavicular, and breast regions depending upon the surgical procedure and the extent of the disease. The prescribed radiation dose to the breast varied from 45 to 50.4 Gy depending on the disease pattern in 32 evaluated patients having CT data. The dose to lymph nodes varied from 0 to 61.8 Gy depending upon the location and the radiation technique used. SPECT/CT study in conjunction with IMRT plan showed that it is possible to decrease nodal dose and thereby potentially reduce the risk of developing arm lymphedema. Conclusions The SPECT/CT device provides a novel method to map the lymph nodes in the radiation treatment fields that could be used to tailor the radiation dose.
Schottky barrier gate field effect transistor

An obvious addition to the ever-growing family of field-effect devices is a field-effect transistor with a Schottky barrier gate. It is the purpose of this correspondence 1) to demonstrate that indeed such a device does function as expected and 2) to point out several advantages of such a structure under certain circumstances. A schematic cross section of the device is shown in Fig. 1. The gate consists of a metal in intimate contact with the clean semiconductor surface. Clearly the ohmic contacts can be placed either on top of or under the semiconductor layer.
An automated current‐awareness service for public libraries

The results of an SDI demonstration in a public library situation are reported. Modified second summaries of the Dewey Decimal Classification schedule were used as reading interest checksheets, and the resulting profiles were matched against recent acquisitions using an IBM 7040 computer and a FORTRAN IV program. Output, which consisted of basic bibliographic information, was printed out under the names and addresses of the participating patrons. Both user response and time and cost data indicate the feasibility of such a service.
A rapid measure of primary antigen binding capacity of antiserum

INTRODUCTION The observation that binding of a small ligand (cetylpyridium chloride) to bacteria could be quantitatively measured in a matter of minutes utilizing the concept of steady state transport suggested that a similar approach might be used in the measurement of primary antigen-antibody interaction. (1). The method allows the same measurements of primary antigen-antibody interaction as equilibrium dialysis, but again, in a much shorter period of time. The antigen-antibody mixture is placed in a minibeaker chamber through which hollow fiber membranes pass. The fiber membranes provide a large surface over which saline or buffer may be pumped at a constant rate. Under these conditions, unbound antigen passes from the chamber into the hollow fibers. The amount of antigen appearing in the eftluent is directly proportional to the unbound antigen, allowing calculation of both the total free and the total bound antigen in the sample.
MOISTURE ADSORPTION INFLUENCES ON RICE

Rice is a hygroscopic grain which adsorbs or desorbs moisture depending on its ambient environment. Moisture desorption is associated with rice drying. Much research has been conducted to determine those drying procedures which produce the highest head rice yield. Moisture adsorption is associated with water reentering the rice grain. This occurs when the vapor pressure within the grain is lower than the vapor pressure in the surrounding air. Rapid moisture readsorption causes the rice grain to fissure. Fissured grains usually break during subsequent hulling and milling operations. This paper reviews the literature related to moisture adsorption and fissuring of the rice grain, and discusses those preharvest and postharvest conditions where rice grains are subjected to moisture-adsorbing environments which have the potential to fissure the grain and subsequently reduce head rice yield.
Internal Heat Transfer Coefficient Determination in a Packed Bed From the Transient Response Due to Solid Phase Induction Heating

Non-intrusive measurements of the internal heat transfer coefficient in the core of a randomly packed bed of uniform spherical particles are made. Under steady, one-dimensional flow the spherical particles are subjected to a step change in volumetric heat generation rate via induction heating. The fluid temperature response is measured. The internal heat transfer coefficient is determined by comparing the results of a numerical simulation based on volume averaging theory (VAT) with the experimental results. The only information needed is the basic material and geometric properties, the flow rate, and the fluid temperature response data. The computational procedure alleviates the need for solid and fluid phase temperature measurements within the porous medium. The internal heat transfer coefficient is determined in the core of a packed bed, and expressed in terms of the Nusselt number, over a Reynolds number range of 20 - 500. The Nusselt number and Reynolds number are based on the VAT scale hydraulic diameter, . The results compare favorably to those of other researchers and are seen to be independent of particle diameter. The success of this method, in determining the internal heat transfer coefficient in the core of a randomly packed bed of uniform spheres, suggests that it can be used to determine the internal heat transfer coefficient in other porous media.
The performance evaluations of the correlations of digital images - using figures of merit

The performance of two dimensional correlations applied to a set of images of a scene, each exhibiting a different characteristic of it, is presented. The probability density function for the correlation output is assumed to be Gaussian. Both edge and area correla-tions are used. The Bayes probability of error, Chernoff and Bhattacharyya error bounds and Fisher's criteria are used as figures of merit to characterize the performance of the matching algorithm. Empirical results are given for a set of four images of a scene, i.e., down-looking, target-looking, real and synthetic images. These results show that for real images the target-looking view has better performance than the down-looking view and for synthetic images the down-looking view outperforms the target-looking view.
Search patterns using the line bisection test for neglect

Background/Objective: Neglect has been attributed to sensory-attentional, motor-intentional, and representation disorders. Although patients with neglect may have defective visual exploration, the nature of this exploration deficit has not been entirely elucidated. The purpose of this study is to learn how, compared with control subjects, a patient with neglect performs visual exploration. Methods: The line bisection test is commonly used to detect and evaluate the performance of patients with unilateral or hemispatial spatial neglect. We tested an experimental subject with left premotor-intentional neglect using an infrared eye monitoring instrument. Thirteen right-handed healthy volunteers served as control subjects. From different starting ocular positions, we assessed the direction of eye movements when the subjects initially oriented to the line, scanned the line, and then attempted to look at the center of the line. Results: Independent of starting ocular position, normal subjects most often initially orient to the left end of the line, scan rightward, then look leftward to the center. However, the eye movements in our experimental subject with neglect were directed to the right end of the line without any scanning or leftward eye movement back to the center of the line. Conclusion: Our subject with neglect had defective line exploration that may be attributed to a directional ocular motor intentional deficit.
Effects of environmental pH and calcium on ammonia toxicity in channel catfish

Abstract The twenty-four-hour median lethal concentrations (24-hour LC50) of total ammonia nitrogen (TA-N) to channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) at pH 7, 8, and 9 (total hardness, 40 mg/liter; temperature, 21–25 C) were 263.6 ± 11.3 (SE), 38.8 ± 1.8, and 4.5 ± 0.2 mg/liter, respectively. The 24-hour LC50 of un-ionized ammonia nitrogen (UIA-N) concentration at pH 8 was significantly higher (1.82 ± 0.06 mg/liter) than at pH 7 or 9 (1.39 ± 0.06 and 1.49 ± 0.12 mg/liter). Enrichment of the water to 440 mg/liter total hardness at pH 7 significantly increased the 24-hour LC50 of TA-N and UIA-N (356.3 ± 16.4 and 1.79 ± 0.07). Fish exposed to 25 mg/liter TA-N for 12 hours at pH 7 and 8 showed no differences from control fish in hematocrit, percent total plasma protein, or plasma and muscle chloride. Plasma sodium showed no difference between control and experimental groups at pH 7; however, a significant decrease occurred in fish exposed to 25 mg/liter TA-N at pH 8. No differences in blood pH were found betwee...
Controlling lipid digestion by encapsulation of protein-stabilized lipid droplets within alginate–chitosan complex coacervates

Abstract The control of lipid digestibility within the human gastrointestinal tract is important for the development of many functional food and pharmaceutical products. This article describes the preparation, characterization, and in vitro digestibility of lipid droplets encapsulated within hydrogel beads. Protein-stabilized lipid droplets were first coated with an alginate layer, and then they were trapped within chitosan/calcium alginate coacervates. The filled hydrogel beads were formed using two methods: “direct method” – add a suspension of alginate-coated lipid droplets to a calcium/chitosan solution; “indirect method” – add chitosan solution to a suspension of alginate-coated lipid droplets and calcium. The in vitro digestibility of the encapsulated lipid droplets was then monitored using a pH-stat method to simulate the small intestine. For both methods, the filled hydrogel beads were relatively stable to aggregation/dissociation from pH 1 to 6, but underwent extensive aggregation and sedimentation at higher pH values. Relatively small hydrogel beads ( d d > 100 μm) could delay the digestion rate appreciably. This study has important implications for designing delivery systems that control lipid digestion by encapsulating lipid droplets within hydrogel beads.
Understanding and communicating sustainability: global versus regional perspectives

While there is no single definition of sustainability, most would agree that it implies that a system is to be maintained at a certain level, held within certain limits. Sustainability denies run-away growth, but it also precludes any substantial set backs or cuts. This sustainability path is hard to reconcile with the renewal cycle that can be observed in most living systems developing according to their natural intrinsic mechanisms. Besides, since different human dominated systems are in significantly different states and stages of development, sustaining those states assumes maintaining social disparities in perpetuity. This creates a challenge in communicating the ideas of sustainability in different regions. Systems are parts of hierarchies where systems of higher levels are made of subsystems from lower levels. Renewal in components is an important factor of adaptation and evolution. But then sustainability of a system borrows from sustainability of a supra-system and rests upon lack of sustainability in subsystems. Therefore by sustaining certain systems beyond their renewal cycle, we decrease the sustainability of larger, higher level systems. The only way to resolve this contradiction is to agree that the biosphere as a whole with humans as one of its components is the only system which sustainability we are to seek.
Linear-Network Model for Magnetic Breakdown in Two Dimensions

A heuristic model is set up for magnetic breakdown in a two-dimensional rectangular lattice at right angles to an applied magnetic field. The model is an adaptation of a method due to Pippard to a set of coupled ordinary differential equations derived from the Schr\"odinger equation. A linear-chain network is set up. This network can also be derived from Pippard's two-dimensional network and it suggests a simple way to compute the energy bands not only when the number $F$ of flux quanta through a unit cell is the reciprocal of an even integer (the case treated by Pippard) but also when $F$ is any rational fraction. Numerical computations of the energy bands suggest that in the latter case the electron wave moves on large orbits which might be called "hyperorbits." These hyperorbits may be open in a rectangular lattice and may give a resonant open-orbit ultrasonic attenuation. It is also found that when a free-electron Landau level is broadened by the lattice, it splits into two bands separated by a gap. This gap moves through the states from the Landau level as $F$ is changed and may give rise to new de Haas-van Alphen periods. The physical cause of this gap is discussed.
Sodium-dependent α-aminoisobutyrate transport by the photosynthetic purple sulfur bacterium Chromatium vinosum

Abstract α-Aminoisobutyrate (AIB) serves as a transportable, nonmetabolizable alanine analog in the purple sulfur bacterium Chromatium vinosum. AIB transport in C. vinosum appears to be catalyzed by an electrogenic Na+-alanine (AIB) symport without any direct participation of ATP-driven or H+-symport systems. In addition to Na+ being cotransported with AIB via the symport, a transmembrane Na+ gradient appears to increase the affinity of the symport of AIB. It appears that these two effects of Na+ involve different Na+-binding sites.
Shadow Prices in Public Program Evaluation Models

Distributional implications of current models, 159. — Reformulation, 162. — Shadow pricing with budget constraints, 163. — Conclusion, 164.
Alterations in the fibrinolytic cascade post-transplant: evidence of a bimodal expression pattern.

Changes in the fibrinolytic system that occur after cardiac transplantation (CTx) and the factors which influence such changes are poorly described, yet may be ultimately important in determining the varying morphologic features of transplant related coronary artery disease (Tx CAD). Baselines demographic, as well as serial clinical information and plasma fibrinolytic levels were prospectively recorded preCTx and multiple times postCTx in 110 de novo cardiac transplant recipients. We noted a biphasic change in fibrinolytic activity over the first year of CTx with an early immediate decline in PAI-1 activity (p > 0.001) matched with stable PAP (plasmin) activity corresponding to an “enhanced” fibrinolytic state early post CTx followed by a significant increase at 6 months (p = 0.004) and 1 year (p < 0.001) in PAI-1 activity concomitant with a significant decline in PAP after 3 months (p = 0.005 at 3 months, p < 0.001 at 6 months, and p < 0.001 at 1 year) corresponding to an “impaired” fibrinolytic state late post CTx. This biphasic nature of the fibrinolytic system could account for the varying morphologic features of Tx CAD.
Excepting/accepting the South: New geographies of Latino migration, new directions in Latino studies

Two decades of Latino migration to the American South have opened new geographic and theoretical terrain for Latino studies. This article examines what a study of Latino migration to the South can bring to understandings of the complexity of Latino daily life and the field of Latino studies more broadly. We discuss three themes in research on new immigrant destinations in the South: Transnational Latino migrations and translocal daily practices; racialization and the operations of racism vis-a-vis Latino/as; and neoliberal globalization and practices of flexible labor experienced by Latino workers. We conclude by speculating on what new directions the study of Latino experiences in southern destinations offers Latino studies.
Observation and investigation of a non-monotonic period function for an impact oscillator

Abstract A mathematical model for a bench-top impact oscillator (a steel pendulum and an aluminum barrier) that incorporates Hertzian contact is analyzed, and predictions derived from our model are compared with experimental data. We report our discovery of a new effect: the existence of a non-monotone period function for the annulus of periodic orbits in the phase plane surrounding the rest point that corresponds to the downward vertical position of the pendulum in the unforced, undamped case. From this non-monotonicity, we predict novel resonance response behavior for the forced, damped oscillator and verify our predictions by experiment.
Dendrimer Delivery of Oligonucleotides

AbstractFactors limiting the pharmacological effectiveness of antisense oligonucleotides include serum stability and the fact that these agents are inefficiently transported to their sites of action in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers are nonlinear polycationic cascade polymers composed of interconnected ethylenediamine molecules that are able to bind oligonucleotides electrostatically. This new complex potentially reduces metabolic degradation of phosphodiester oligonucleotides in the serum and in the lysosome. Dendrimers also have the potential to increase oligonucleotide cellular uptake, thus augmenting their pharmacological effectiveness. We studied various dendrimer generations and their ability to interact with phosphodiester oligonucleotides. Alterations in pH and in ionic strength were studied for their effects on the dendrimer–oligonucleotide complex. A fluorescent-labeled oligonucleotide was utilized to study these interactions through a fluorescence anisotropy method...
Potentially autoreactive naturally occurring transitional T3 B lymphocytes exhibit a unique signaling profile

B lymphocytes exhibit phenotypic differences that correlate with their developmental or functional stages and affect humoral immune responses. One recently described subset of naturally occurring immature transitional type 3 (T3) B lymphocytes is believed to consist of potentially autoimmune cells whose signaling properties have not been studied in detail. This study characterizes intracellular signaling in T3 B cells in wildtype C57BL/6 mice. Protein phosphorylation and Ca(2+) responses upon B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) engagement were measured by multicolor flow cytometry. We observed high baseline signaling activity and reduced BCR-mediated responses in T3 cells, which confirmed their anergy - a functional state in which lymphocytes recognize chronically present self-antigens but cannot produce immune response due to intrinsic signaling inhibition. Our results also revealed a previously unknown T3-specific phosphorylation pattern of 24 key signaling molecules involved in BCR signal transduction. These characteristics reflect the balance between stimulatory and inhibitory BCR signaling pathways in anergy. Results obtained in the collagen-induced arthritis model demonstrate the loss of anergy in T3 B cells during the onset of the disease. Our findings provide rationale for further investigating alterations in B-cell signaling patterns as earliest functional biomarkers of changes in the immune tolerance of autoreactive B cells.
Automatic decomposition of scientific programs for parallel execution

An algorithm for transforming sequential programs into equivalent parallel programs is presented. The method concentrates on finding loops whose separate iterations can be run in parallel without synchronization. Although a simple version of the method can be shown to be optimal, the problem of generating optimal code when loop interchange is employed is shown to be intractable. These methods are implemented in an experimental translation system developed at Rice University.
Annealing effects on flexible multi-layered parylene-based sensors

To mitigate long term, soaking-induced delamination failure of multi-layered Parylene C devices, a post-process annealing step can be employed to increase adhesion between the Parylene layers. However, it has been shown that annealing of Parylene thin films can alter the bulk properties of the polymer, and thus impact final device performance. To elucidate these effects, the mechanical and electrochemical properties, and sensing performance of untreated and annealed Parylene C-platinum electrochemical impedance-based force sensors were compared. Annealing reduced the height (~3%) and increased the stiffness of the Parylene C sensing channel structure (~1.6x), affecting the sensor's mechanical response. Furthermore, the electrode surface was smoothed as built-in residual stresses were removed during annealing, altering the sensor's electrochemical properties. Together, these phenomena resulted in a 24% reduction in sensor sensitivity. These results indicate that heat-based effects cannot be ignored for Parylene-metal device systems, including neural microelectrode implants, and that mechanical and electrochemical properties and performance must be determined after heat treatment, such as annealing and sterilization.
Memory beliefs and function in fibromyalgia patients.

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to investigate memory beliefs and their relationship to actual memory function in fibromyalgia (FM) patients. Methods Twenty-three FM patients, 23 age- and education-matched controls, and 22 older controls completed the Metamemory in Adulthood (MIA) questionnaire, which assessed beliefs about seven aspects of memory function. Group differences on the seven scales were assessed, and scores on the capacity scale were correlated with objective memory performance. Results FM patients reported lower memory capacity and more memory deterioration than did either control group. Patients reported lower control or self-efficacy over memory, higher achievement motivation, higher strategy use, and higher anxiety about memory than age-matched controls did. Among the patients, perceived capacity, achievement motivation, and self-efficacy were significantly correlated with objective memory performance on a recall task. Conclusion FM patients' complaints about memory function have some accuracy.
A monolithic programmable optical filter for RF-signal processing

A monolithic programmable optical filter suitable for dynamic pre-filtering of wide bandwidth RF signal-bands is presented. Bandpass filters have a passband tunable in bandwidth (3–14GHz) and center frequency (0–40GHz). Cascaded filter sections have stopband rejection exceeding 35dB.
Finite range distorted wave born approximation calculations including recoil for heavy ion particle transfer reactions

Abstract We have developed a computer code to calculate the cross section for particle transfer between heavy ions using finite range DWBA including recoil. This code uses an expansion method which reduces the evaluation of a six dimensional integral to an infinite sum of products of one dimensional radial integrals. This method is found to be accurate, stable and it converges rapidly enough to be a useful calculating technique.
Potential sources of observer bias in police observational data

Abstract Much of our knowledge about police behavior “on the street” is based on in-person observation of the police. However, little research has examined how the observers can potentially bias observational data. In this paper, anecdotal accounts from a variety of field settings are categorized into four potential sources of observer bias. Secondary analyses of data from a large-scale observational study of police are used to assess the impact of three out of the four type of observer bias (reactivity, going native, and burnout). There is evidence of reactivity for arrest, but not use of force behavior and little support for going native and burnout. More generally, observer bias is categorized as: (1) threats to the validity of observational data collected at different stages of fieldwork; and (2) the potential for human error implicit in observational data. The incorporation of a semi-structured field diary is suggested to more systematically document all four types of observer bias in future research.
Microporation and 'iron'tophoresis for treating iron deficiency anemia.

Purpose Iontophoretic mediated transdermal delivery of ferric pyrophosphate (FPP) in combination with microneedle pretreatment was investigated as a potential treatment for iron deficiency anemia (IDA).
A new era: melanoma genetics and therapeutics†

We have recently witnessed an explosion in our understanding of melanoma. Knowledge of the molecular basis of melanoma and the successes of targeted therapies have pushed melanoma care to the precipice of a new era. Identification of significant pathways and oncogenes has translated to the development of targeted therapies, some of which have produced major clinical responses. In this review, we provide an overview of selected key pathways and melanoma oncogenes as well as the targeted agents and therapeutic approaches whose successes suggest the promise of a new era in melanoma and cancer therapy. Despite these advances, the conversion of transient remissions to stable cures remains a vital challenge. Continued progress towards a better understanding about the complexity and redundancy responsible for melanoma progression may provide direction for anti-cancer drug development.
Promoting Lifestyle Change Among Cancer Survivors: When Is the Teachable Moment?

There is mounting evidence that cancer survivors who adopt a healthy lifestyle—for example, by exercising, consuming a healthy diet, and not smoking—reap physical and emotional benefits. Depending on the behavior targeted, these benefits may include reduced fatigue, improved physical functioning, improved quality of life, and greater likelihood of disease-free survival. Given the advantages, cancer survivors should be urged to address any unhealthy behaviors. It remains unclear, however, when cancer survivors will be most receptive to advice from health care providers and others about their lifestyle behaviors. In other words, it is unclear if a “teachable moment” occurs shortly after the cancer diagnosis, during cancer treatment, or sometime after treatment has been completed. This review describes the reasons it has been difficult to identify the optimal time within the cancer trajectory to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors. Some strategies for clarifying the optimal timing are discussed. The review c...
Improving the efficiency of optical refrigeration of solids

Laser refrigeration of solids is a promising technology capable of remotely removing heat from a small active device with minimum expended energy. The most critical factors limiting performance of laser cooler are low quantum efficiency and trapping of fluorescence inside the cooling volume due to total internal reflection. This issue becomes especially pressing in semiconductors due to their large refractive index. In this work we explore two new methods of improving the refrigeration efficiency - using type II quantum wells and using surface plasmon polaritons.
Sequential threat detection for harbor defense: An x-ray physics-based bayesian approach

The timely and accurate detection of threat contraband especially for ports-of-entry (e.g. harbors, bays, borders, airports) is an extremely critical problem of national security. The investigation of advanced techniques to reliably and accurately detect threats and reject non-threats is the major focus of this effort. The characterization of signal processing models based on xray transport physics is a crucial element in advanced sequential Bayesian processor designs. Incorporating the underlying statistics of x-ray interactions with materials offering a potentially unique signature of an object or item under investigation leads to a (stochastic) physics-based approach. State-space models, common in many application areas, are introduced into the x-ray radiation area. Here the resulting processor incorporating this construct is developed from a pragmatic perspective. A Gaussian application is discussed to illustrate feasibility of the overall physics-based approach. It is shown that the sequential Bayesian processor is capable of providing a reliable and accurate solution with high confidence in a timely manner for this problem based on a set of synthesized object intensity data.
Prior exposure to palatable solutions enhances the effects of naltrexone on food intake in rats.

Abstract Previous research has suggested that chronic intake of palatable foods and fluids enhances the activity of the endogenous opioid system. To examine this suggestion, the effect of naltrexone on food intake was examined in male Long-Evans rats with or without prior exposure to palatable solutions. In Experiment 1, rats were fed laboratory chow alone or laboratory chow and a 32% sucrose solution, and in Experiment 2, were fed chow alone, chow and a 32% Polycose solution, or chow and a 0.15% saccharin solution for three weeks. The sucrose, Polycose, and saccharin solutions were removed 18 h prior to drug administration. Rats then received injections of naltrexone hydrochloride (0.0, 0.3 or 3.0 mg/kg, sc) and chow intakes were measured during the subsequent 1, 2, 4, 6 and 24 h. Naltrexone injections had minimal effects on intakes of animals which previously had consumed only chow. In contrast, naltrexone led to significant dose-related decreases in chow intakes in rats which had previously consumed the sucrose, Polycose, or saccharin solutions. These results provide confirmation for the suggestion that chronic intake of palatable solutions alters the activity of the endogenous opioid system.
Computation of Optical Rotation using Time–Dependent Density Functional Theory

A short overview of the time–dependent density–functional theory (TD–DFT) based formalism to compute the optical rotation of chiral molecules is given. Some computational data obtained with a new TD–DFT linear response implementation in the NWChem program package are reported. A selection of available computational studies is reviewed where TD–DFT methods were used for the computation of optical rotation and optical rotatory dispersion of molecules.
Bayesian approach to the detection problem in gravitational wave astronomy

The analysis of data from gravitational wave detectors can be divided into three phases: search, characterization, and evaluation. The evaluation of the detection--determining whether a candidate event is astrophysical in origin or some artifact created by instrument noise--is a crucial step in the analysis. The ongoing analyses of data from ground-based detectors employ a frequentist approach to the detection problem. A detection statistic is chosen, for which background levels and detection efficiencies are estimated from Monte Carlo studies. This approach frames the detection problem in terms of an infinite collection of trials, with the actual measurement corresponding to some realization of this hypothetical set. Here we explore an alternative, Bayesian approach to the detection problem, that considers prior information and the actual data in hand. Our particular focus is on the computational techniques used to implement the Bayesian analysis. We find that the parallel tempered Markov chain Monte Carlo (PTMCMC) algorithm is able to address all three phases of the analysis in a coherent framework. The signals are found by locating the posterior modes, the model parameters are characterized by mapping out the joint posterior distribution, and finally, the model evidence is computed by thermodynamic integration. As a demonstration, wemore » consider the detection problem of selecting between models describing the data as instrument noise, or instrument noise plus the signal from a single compact galactic binary. The evidence ratios, or Bayes factors, computed by the PTMCMC algorithm are found to be in close agreement with those computed using a reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm.« less
Synergistic Effects of Munc18a and X11 Proteins on Amyloid Precursor Protein Metabolism

X11 proteins have been shown to modulate metabolism of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and to reduce the secretion of beta-amyloid peptides (Abeta) that are associated with Alzheimer's disease. Whereas X11alpha interacts with APP via its phosphotyrosine-binding domain, recent reports indicate that additional regulatory interactions involve the N terminus of X11. Here we report that the syntaxin-1a-binding protein Munc18a, which interacts with the Munc18a-interacting domain (MID) at the N terminus of X11, strongly regulates the actions of X11 on APP metabolism. When co-expressed with X11alpha, Munc18a potentiated the retention of APP and suppression of Abeta secretion by X11alpha. As a result, the constitutive release of Abeta40 was nearly abolished. Experiments using N terminus deletion mutants of X11alpha/beta and the MID-deficient X11gamma revealed that the majority of the regulatory effect by Munc18a occurred independent of a direct interaction of Munc18a with X11, although the presence of X11 was required. Munc18a expression induced a small increase in beta-secretase activity, whereas it also intensified the reduction in Abeta40 secretion by X11alpha. These data indicate that Munc18a in concert with X11 acts to suppress gamma-secretase processing. We conclude that Munc18a acts through direct and indirect interactions with X11 proteins and powerfully regulates APP metabolism and Abeta secretion.
Positron Emission Tomography in Lymphoma: Comparison with Computed Tomography and Gallium-67 Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography

Abstract With the advent of positron emission tomography (PET), metabolic imaging has become a reality for tumor staging and monitoring response to therapy in lymphoma. Increased Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose ([ 18 F]FDG) uptake in lymphomas has been well documented in the literature; it is based upon elevated glycolysis and longer residence time of FDG in malignant cells compared to most normal tissues. This suggests that in tumor staging, FDG-PET may be more sensitive and specific than the anatomic imaging modalities. Computed tomography (CT) is the standard imaging modality for the staging and restaging of lymphoma, and Gallium-67 ( 67 Ga) scintigraphy has played an important role in monitoring response to therapy and follow-up of patients. Published results suggest that FDG-PET is superior to 67 Ga imaging and may be equal or superior to CT for the detection of nodal as well as extranodal involvement in lymphoma.
Influence of hyperthyroidism on the superprecipitation response and Ca2+-sensitivity of natural actomyosin in cardiac and skeletal muscle.

Abstract In cardiac natural actomyosin prepared from hyperthyroid rabbits, the time of onset of the superprecipitation response was shortened by 58% and the rate of response was increased 4-fold compared with euthyroid animals. However, Ca2+-sensitivity of cardiac natural actomyosin prepared from either euthyroid or hyperthyroid rabbits was not changed over the range of 10−7 to 6.6·10−5 mM free Ca2+ concentrations. Skeletal natural actomyosin prepared from either euthyroid or hyperthyroid rabbits showed a far higher Ca2+-sensitivity than cardiac natural actomyosin, but there was no difference in either time of onset or rate of superprecipitation response.
Dosage compensation and ontogenic expression of suppressed and transformed Vermilion flies in Drosophila.

A spectrofluorometric assay system for tryptophan oxygenase was used to compare dosage compensation properties and ontogenic expression of suppressed, “transformed,” and wild-type vermilion flies. The results indicate that, although different stocks showed different levels of oxygenase activity, all showed dosage compensation properties. The ontogenic expression of tryptophan oxygenase was observed to be different in the various genotypes. Whereas suppressed vermilion resembled wild type in its pattern, the ontogenic profiles of “transformed” flies were different.