cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Down-regulation of sfrp1 in a mammary epithelial cell line promotes the development of a cd44high/cd24low population which is invasive and resistant to anoikis.

Background The Wnt family of secreted proteins is implicated in the regulation of cell fate during development, as well as in cell proliferation, morphology, and migration. Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway leads to the development of several human cancers, including breast cancer. Secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1) antagonizes this pathway by competing with the Frizzled receptor for Wnt ligands resulting in an attenuation of the signal transduction cascade. Loss of SFRP1 expression is observed in breast cancer, along with several other cancers, and is associated with poor patient prognosis. However, it is not clear whether the loss of SFRP1 expression predisposes the mammary gland to tumorigenesis.
Analysis of crossover designs with multivariate response.

Crossover designs involve observing the same response variate under different experimental conditions for each subject. Univariate methods are commonly used for analysis of data arising in these designs, but multivariate procedures offer a more general approach. The general multivariate linear model provides a natural framework for the simplest data structure as well as more complex settings with two or more response variates and measurements repeated over time. Multivariate models for crossover designs provide a unified approach that clarifies specification of hypotheses, assumptions required, and testing procedures in a wide class of applications that include longitudinal data as a special case. We focus on the 2 × 2 crossover design, but also describe models for analysing more complex crossover designs.
Adenomatous polyposis coli protein nucleates actin assembly and synergizes with the formin mDia1

The tumor suppressor protein adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) regulates cell protrusion and cell migration, processes that require the coordinated regulation of actin and microtubule dynamics. APC localizes in vivo to microtubule plus ends and actin-rich cortical protrusions, and has well-documented direct effects on microtubule dynamics. However, its potential effects on actin dynamics have remained elusive. Here, we show that the C-terminal “basic” domain of APC (APC-B) potently nucleates the formation of actin filaments in vitro and stimulates actin assembly in cells. Nucleation is achieved by a mechanism involving APC-B dimerization and recruitment of multiple actin monomers. Further, APC-B nucleation activity is synergistic with its in vivo binding partner, the formin mDia1. Together, APC-B and mDia1 overcome a dual cellular barrier to actin assembly imposed by profilin and capping protein. These observations define a new function for APC and support an emerging view of collaboration between distinct actin assembly–promoting factors with complementary activities.
Unstable modes versus non-normal modes in supercritical channel flows

We propose a measure to quantify the relative importance of unstable and non-normal modes in supercritical channel flows. The effect of non-normal modes is quantified by measuring the response of the flow to body force excitations. In the supercritical regime, unstable modes in channel flows grow relatively slowly, and we show that when compared over long but finite times, non-normal modes dominate the dynamics by orders of magnitude. Our analysis method is based on computing so-called exponentially discounted input-output system gains. It is well known that non-normal modes in the form of elongated streamwise structures prevail over Tollmien-Schlichting (TS) modes in subcritical channel flows. Our method of analysis shows that effectively, this is also the situation in the supercritical regime.
A Phase I Clinical and Pharmacokinetic Study of Carboplatin and Autologous Bone Marrow Support

The key to Fig 1 in the report by Shea et al published in the May issue (J Clin Oncol 7:651–661, 1989) contained several errors. It is reprinted here correctly with the figure in its entirety. Please see the PDF for Figure.
Emotional stress as a factor in ventricular arrhythmias

Abstract Clinical evidence suggests that in some cases psychologic stress may be a more potent factor than exercise in precipitating pathologic cardiac effects. An experiment designed to test this hypothesis with one patient is described. The data suggest the importance of a more careful evaluation of the differential cardiac effects of emotional factors and physical exercise when outlining a treatment plan for coronary patients.
Gender and Age in the Relation between Stress and Children's School Adjustment

The role of gender and age in the relations between children's school adjustment and negative stress was studied in a sample of 60 fifth and 61 seventh graders. Maladjustment and competence in the ...
Multi-Party Audio Conferencing Based on a Simpler MCU and Client-Side ECHO Cancellation

Traditional multiparty audio conferencing uses a star-shaped topology where all the clients connect to a central MCU (multipoint control unit). The MCU mixes the signals from the speakers, encodes it, and sends back the encoded signal to each client. To prevent the speakers from hearing their own voices, the MCU has to produce and encode a different mixed signal for each speaker. As a result, the CPU load on the MCU increases proportionally to the number of speakers in the conference. In this paper, we introduce a new conferencing architecture, where the MCU produces a single encoded signal sum of all received signals and each client is responsible for removing its own signal if necessary. This architecture can substantially reduce CPU load on the MCU. The major challenge, however, is that the client's original speech is non-linearly distorted by the MCU encoding process. Simply subtracting the original speech from the mixed signal would produce an echo-like distortion. We solve that problem using a novel algorithm which completely removes the echo with minimal artifacts. Mean opinion score (MOS) results imply that the proposed algorithm works well, making the proposed multiparty audio conferencing architecture promising.
Diazonium ions. Topological electron density analysis of cyclopropeniumyldiazonium dications and of their stability toward dediazoniation

Results are presented of topological analyses of the electron density functions of cyclopropeniumyldiazonium dication, 1, of its 2,3-diamino derivative, 2, and of their products 3 and 4, respectively, formed by dediazoniative ring-opening. The new CN-bonding type in 1 and 2, recently realized synthetically in derivatives of 2, is compared to prototypical aliphatic diazonium ions with regard to electronic structure and thermodynamic stability, factors that both are crucial for the appreciation of the mechanisms of deamination reactions of chemical and biochemical significance. Association of the dication with N2 involves density accumulation in the CN bonding region, occurs without major overall charge transfer, and leads to an electrostatically favorable quadrupolar charge distribution in the diazonium ion. The CN-bonding model recently proposed for aliphatic diazonium ions also applies to these dications. 1 is thermodynamically stable while the dediazoniation of 2 is exothermic but kinetically hindered. Our best estimates for the reaction energies of the dediazoniations 1 3 + N2 and 2 4 + N2, respectively, are 65.5 and −7.2 kcal/mol, respectively. We have found that, in general, the cation is destabilized and that N2 is stabilized upon CN-bond cleavage. Cations force N2 to form diazonium ions. The remarkable difference between the stabilities of 1 and 2 is primarily due to the larger destabilization of the open dication 3 compared to 4. Push-pull interactions between the diazo- and the overall electron-withdrawing amino-functions characterize the electronic structure of 2. CN-Bonding and the overall electronic structure of 2 are incompatible with the usual Lewis resonance notations. Instead of dismissing the Lewis notations, it is shown that the topological description can be reconciled with the Lewis notations if the resonance forms are interpreted in a way that appropriately reflects the atom populations and first moments. Implications of the model with regard to reactivity are discussed.
Configurable controller for rapid development of satellite sensor systems

In an effort to improve instrument resource usage and key development metrics, we have developed a field programmable gate array (FPGA) based sampling controller to be used as the core timing controller for the satellite borne sensor systems developed and produced at the University of Texas at Dallas.12 The newly developed sampling controller core produces the required function triggering patterns and addressing patterns by decoding a continuously running counter output to generate function enable and address selection signals. The system architecture, implementation approach, and results of demonstration design synthesis are described. We present a software design tool that facilitates rapid system development and verification, while providing the basis of the system documentation as part of the design flow. The high level of system modularity and parameterization helps to maximize module reuse from one design to the next, and reduce design effort for each particular design. Compared to previous approaches, the new approach is a significant improvement in key programmatic areas of interest including system documentation, overall system simplicity, and design cycle time.
Liesegang rings engineered from charged nanoparticles

Functionalized nanoparticles (NPs) serve as building blocks of self-organizing chemical patterns comprising periodic zones of nanoparticle precipitation. In contrast to ions, which underlie most pattern-forming chemical systems and whose properties cannot be readily modified, NPs allow for flexible adjustment of particle charges and/or material properties. In particular, changes in the particle charges control the precipitation behavior and ultimately the morphologies of the emerging patterns. The phenomenon of NP-based periodic precipitation is explained by reaction-diffusion modeling and can be used for the fractionation of NPs of different sizes.
Racing to the Bottom? Trade, Environmental Governance, and ISO 14001

Globalization critics argue that international trade spurs a race to the bottom among national environmental standards. ISO 14001 is the most widely adopted voluntary environmental regulation which encourages firms to take environmental action beyond what domestic government regulations require. Drawing on a panel study of 108 countries over seven years, we investigate conditions under which trade linkages can encourage ISO 14001 adoption, thereby countering environmental races to the bottom. We find that trade linkages encourage ISO 14001 adoption if countries’ major export markets have adopted this voluntary regulation.
Characterization of astrocytes derived from human NTera-2/D1 embryonal carcinoma cells.

Astrocytes are the predominant cell type in the vicinity of glutamatergic synapses, where they monitor and maintain low levels of glutamate. Synaptic homeostasis of glutamate involves its removal from the synaptic cleft via high-affinity glutamate transporters, glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1)/excitatory amino acid transporters (EAAT)2 and glutamate and aspartate transporter (GLAST)/EAAT1, and glutamate-catabolizing enzyme, glutamine synthase. Glutamate transporters have been mostly characterized in rodent astrocytes, due to the lack of a convenient human cell system. We report here that NTera-2 (NT2/D1, a cell line derived from a human teratocarcinoma and known to differentiate into neurons) can also be differentiated by a 4-week treatment with retinoic acid into functional astrocytes (NT2/A). Differentiation was accompanied by decreased cell proliferation and cell-cycle arrest, as measured by flow cytometry, immunostaining for Ki67 and incorporation of 5-bromo-2'deoxyuridine (BrdU). Immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis showed that NT2/A expressed glial fibrillary acidic protein, vimentin and S100beta. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detected mRNA encoding glutamate transporters GLT-1/EAAT2 and GLAST/EAAT1. The expression level of GLAST/EAAT1 was higher than that of GLT-1/EAAT2, which is a typical expression pattern for primary astrocytes. Functionality of the transporters was demonstrated by the uptake of (3)H-glutamate. NT2/A also expressed active glutamine synthase, and treatment with glutamate (up to 1 mM for 24 hr) was non-toxic, suggesting that these cells were capable of converting it to non-toxic metabolites. NT2/A and NT2-derived neurons could be grown as mixed cultures and this may prove to be a useful experimental model to study molecular mechanisms underlying glutamate excitotoxicity.
Applications for expression data in relational database systems

The support for the expression data type in a relational database system allows storing of conditional expressions as data in database tables and evaluating them using SQL queries. In the context of this new capability, expressions can be interpreted as descriptions, queries, and filters, and this significantly broadens the use of a relational database system to support new types of applications. The paper presents an overview of the expression data type, relates expressions to descriptions, queries, and filters, considers applications pertaining to information distribution, demand analysis, and task assignment, and shows how these applications can be easily supported with improved functionality.
Whispering gallery mode biosensors using semiconductor quantum dots

We are constructing optically coupled biosensors from microspheres and semiconductor quantum dots (QDs). Detection will be accomplished through the resonance shift of whispering gallery modes (WGMs) in the microspheres as an analyte is adsorbed to the surface of the microsphere. The use of QDs in such a system allows us to remotely couple to the biosensors with an external optical system. Because the QDs have a high quantum yield and a broad absorption band, the biosensors may be excited with a low light flux well outside the spectral detection region. The resonant effect will permit sensitive detection due both to the WGM's narrow spectral linewidths as well as to multiple sampling as light circulates in the resonant cavity. Detection is local to the microsphere surface as changes in index are sampled via the WGM's evanescent field outside the microcavity. Since the microspheres are smaller than many cells, we anticipate that the system will be useful in both in vitro and in vivo environments
PROGRESSIVE FIBROSIS OF THE QUADRICEPS MUSCLES.

Limitation of flexion of the knees in a young girl was found to be caused by progressive fibrosis of the quadriceps muscles. The child had had many intra-muscular injections into the thighs in early infancy.
Presence, Identity, Self-Representation, and Perspective Taking Within Virtual Online Courses

In addition to the flashy nature of 3-dimensional online worlds and the perceived juxtaposition to video games, it can be argued that these worlds are becoming popular in education because they allow a student user to represent themselves in ways that provide them with a sense of social presence. This presence allows the user to take on an individual identity and gain a perspective of another through the development and use of avatars. This chapter will focus on the plethora of work we have been doing on these critical areas and how others can build upon our work.
Changing patterns of asthma medication use related to US Food and Drug Administration long-acting β2-agonist regulation from 2005-2011

Background Safety concerns associated with long-acting β 2 -agonists (LABAs) have led to many US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory activities for this class of drugs. Little is known about the effect of these regulatory activities on use of LABA-containing agents or other asthma medications. Methods We created rolling cohorts of pediatric and adult asthmatic patients in the Mini-Sentinel Distributed Database between January 2005 and June 2011. The proportions of asthmatic patients using LABA-containing products, inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs), leukotriene modifiers, short-acting β 2 -agonists, oral corticosteroids, other bronchodilators, and no medications were measured on a monthly basis, and the changes were evaluated by using interrupted time series with segmented regression analysis. Results When the 2005 regulatory activity was announced, there were statistically significant decreases in the use of fixed-dose ICS-LABA agents in children (−0.98 percentage points) and adults (−1.24 percentage points). Increased use of ICSs and leukotriene modifiers was observed just after the regulatory activities were announced in both children and adults. Although of smaller magnitude, continued favorable changes in the use of LABA agents were observed after the 2010 FDA regulatory activity. Conclusion The 2005 and 2010 FDA regulatory activities might have contributed to reduced use of LABA agents, as intended; however, their effect, independent of other factors, cannot be determined. Use of other classes of asthma medications was similarly affected.
The case for colorectal cancer screening

There is strong evidence that sigmoidoscopic screening can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer mortality by as much as 70%, but the case for extensive fecal occult blood testing is less convincing. Flexible sigmoidoscopy performed once every five to 10 years in patients aged 50 to 75 appears to be warranted; however, many practical barriers to widespread implementation still need to addressed.
Crowd development

Crowd development is a development process designed for transient workers of varying skill. Work is organized into microtasks, which are short, self-descriptive, and modular. Microtasks recursively spawn microtasks and are matched to workers, who accrue points reflecting value created. Crowd development might help to reduce time to market and software development costs, increase programmer productivity, and make programming more fun.
Investigating elementary school children’s daily physical activity and sedentary behaviours during weekdays

ABSTRACTThe purpose of the study was to quantify the contributions of physical education, exergaming (active video games that also are a type of exercise), recess, lunch break and after-school time segments to children’s daily physical activity and sedentary behaviours. Participants were 138 second and third graders (71 girls) who attended 20-min recess and 75-min lunch time daily, 25-min regular physical education or exergaming-based classes being alternated daily. The after-school period was defined as 3:20–10:00pm. Physical activity was assessed via accelerometry and the dependent variables were children’s time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Children’s percentages of time spent in MVPA (P < .001; except for the difference between exergaming and lunch break: P = .63), light physical activity (P < .001) and sedentary behaviour (P < .001) differed significantly across the time segments (i.e., physical education/exergaming, recess, l...
A New Species of Abgrallaspis (Homoptera: Coccoidea: Diaspididae) from Louisiana

Abgrallaspis liriodendri n. sp., collected from leaves of yellow-poplar, Liriodendron tulipifera L., near Bogalusa, Louisiana, is described as a new species of armored scale insect (Homoptera: Diaspididae). It is 1 of 2 species of Diaspididae in North America known to cause leaf galls.
Picosecond digital-to-impulse generator in Silicon

In this paper, a direct digital-to-impulse architecture is presented that generates impulses with a measured record pulse-width of shorter than 8psec and an output peak power of 6mW. It is shown that the timing of the generated impulses can be locked to the edge of an input trigger with a high timing accuracy. It is also shown that the peak amplitude of the impulses can be programmed. In addition to time-domain measurements, frequency-domain spectrum is measured from DC to 75GHz. At 75GHz, the generated impulses have a frequency stability of better than 4Hz at 20dB below peak. The impulse train also achieves a timing jitter of better than 240fsec. The chip is fabricated in a 130nm SiGe BiCMOS process.
Freedom time: negritude, decolonization and the future of the world

It is a common refrain that anti-colonialism and the arguments that fall under its oeuvre is a failed project, that the new postcolonial states failed one after another, and that those argumentativ...
Nautical Musings on Local and Global Innovation and Change

While my present administrative title is Director of the SUNY Center for Collaborative Online International Learning, my background is that of a media artist, and my particular conceptual focus in that role was on the many ways that context affects reception. Films and video presentations, especially in the 90’s when I was most active, were viewed in theatres, museums, the classroom, or on television. But because the very act of deciding to go to the cinema or selecting a show on TV presumes already having a cognitive framework of what one wants to see, and therefore what one is open to experiencing, it was clear that audiences would then be unlikely to select films that were difficult or out of their comfort zone. This seemed a significant limitation to the capacity of media to effect change.
Neighboring genes for DNA-binding proteins rescue male sterility in Drosophila hybrids.

Crosses between closely related animal species often result in male hybrids that are sterile, and the molecular and functional basis of genetic factors for hybrid male sterility is of great interest. Here, we report a molecular and functional analysis of HMS1, a region of 9.2 kb in chromosome 3 of Drosophila mauritiana, which results in virtually complete hybrid male sterility when homozygous in the genetic background of sibling species Drosophila simulans. The HMS1 region contains two strong candidate genes for the genetic incompatibility, agt and Taf1. Both encode unrelated DNA-binding proteins, agt for an alkyl-cysteine-S-alkyltransferase and Taf1 for a subunit of transcription factor TFIID that serves as a multifunctional transcriptional regulator. The contribution of each gene to hybrid male sterility was assessed by means of germ-line transformation, with constructs containing complete agt and Taf1 genomic sequences as well as various chimeric constructs. Both agt and Taf1 contribute about equally to HMS1 hybrid male sterility. Transgenes containing either locus rescue sterility in about one-half of the males, and among fertile males the number of offspring is in the normal range. This finding suggests compensatory proliferation of the rescued, nondysfunctional germ cells. Results with chimeric transgenes imply that the hybrid incompatibilities result from interactions among nucleotide differences residing along both agt and Taf1. Our results challenge a number of preliminary generalizations about the molecular and functional basis of hybrid male sterility, and strongly reinforce the role of DNA-binding proteins as a class of genes contributing to the maintenance of postzygotic reproductive isolation.
Population Of US Practicing Psychiatrists Declined, 2003–13, Which May Help Explain Poor Access To Mental Health Care

A large proportion of the US population suffers from mental illness. Limited access to psychiatrists may be a contributor to the underuse of mental health services. We studied changes in the supply of psychiatrists from 2003 to 2013, compared to changes in the supply of primary care physicians and neurologists. During this period the number of practicing psychiatrists declined from 37,968 to 37,889, which represented a 10.2 percent reduction in the median number of psychiatrists per 100,000 residents in hospital referral regions. In contrast, the numbers of primary care physicians and neurologists grew during the study period. These findings may help explain why patients report poor access to mental health care. Future research should explore the impact of the declining psychiatrist supply on patients and investigate new models of care that seek to integrate mental health and primary care or use team-based care that combines the services of psychiatrists and nonphysician providers for individuals with sev...
Three Decades of Politics and Failed Policies at HUD

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has long been plagued by scandals, mismanagement, and policy failures. Most recently, HUD's subsidies and failed oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac helped to inflate the housing bubble, which ultimately burst and cascaded into a major financial crisis.Given this giant policy blunder, now is a good time to review the many failures in HUD leadership over the years. This study discusses how HUD officials operate within a highly politicized environment, which is heavily influenced by the groups that HUD subsidizes and regulates, including the housing industry, financial institutions, and community activists.At the same time, HUD leaders often put their personal goals ahead of those of the general public. Recent HUD secretaries have focused on gaining private benefits while doing favors for business interests and political insiders. These leadership failures are illustrated in this study by profiles of four recent HUD secretaries: Samuel Pierce in the 1980s, Henry Cisneros and Andrew Cuomo in the 1990s, and Alphonso Jackson in the 2000s.These public officials touted seemingly noble goals while pursuing personal and political agendas that ended up harming taxpayers and the economy. Even if there were a need for federal housing programs, experience has shown that HUD could not implement such programs without mismanagement, cronyism, and other abuses.Federal housing policies illustrate broader realities of government intervention. When making decisions, policymakers usually have self-interested goals that conflict with the broader interests of taxpayers and the general public. Furthermore, their visions for improving society with federal programs usually backfire because of the distortions that those programs create in the economy.Housing was traditionally a private concern, and it should be made so again because government involvement has done great damage. Alas, policymakers have not learned this lesson even after the recent housing boom and bust. Since the housing and financial meltdowns, federal intervention in housing markets has substantially increased, thus paving the way for further troubles down the road for taxpayers and the economy.
DNA Replication Checkpoint Signaling

Eukaryotic cells respond to perturbations in DNA replication by activating checkpoint signaling pathways to maintain genome integrity. This ensures complete and accurate replication of DNA before chromosomes segregate during mitosis. Checkpoints can be activated upon replication fork stalling or DNA damage, both from extrinsic or intrinsic sources. Studies from several different eukaryotic model organisms have provided a clear picture of the broadly conserved replication checkpoint. In particular, the ATR and Chk1 kinases emerge as key regulators that mediate cellular responses to replication stress. The replication checkpoint stabilizes replication forks, coordinates repair, and induces a G2/M cell cycle arrest. It also promotes activation of nearby dormant origins while inhibiting late origin activation throughout the genome, which lengthens the S phase. In this chapter, we focus on the activation of replication checkpoint signaling, emphasizing its effect on origin activation.
Design, simulation and antenna applications of spherical high impedance surfaces

Design and simulation of a conformai high impedance surface with spherical curvature is reported. A loop antenna is located in the vicinity of this curved surface to investigate if the spherical HIS can be used as an appropriate ground plane. The return loss and gain pattern of the loop is obtained from simulations and compared with those of a flat circularly symmetric HIS. The −10 dB operational bandwidth of the surface is also obtained.
Young adults in the United States and Benin reason about gendered cultural traditions

This study explored emerging and young adults’ reasoning about cultural practices in West Africa. American (Study 1, n = 78, M = 20.76 years) and Beninese (Study 2, n = 93, M = 23.61 years) undergraduates were surveyed about their evaluations of corporal punishment, scarification, and schooling restrictions in conditions where the practices had gender-neutral or gender-specified targets. In Study 1, the majority (69%) of American participants negatively evaluated the practices, especially when targets were female. However, the majority (73%) assumed the cultural practices were consensual. In Study 2, the majority (76%) of Beninese participants negatively evaluated the practices, and their evaluations did not vary by gender of the target. Few (10%) Beninese participants assumed the cultural practices were consensual. In both studies, emerging and young adults who initially judged practices positively changed their evaluations with a change in consent.
Cardiopulmonary Bypass Cases: To Hemodilute or Not?

As we dropped our patient off in the intensive care unit (ICU), I took a look at the chest tubes: bone dry. We had just finished a Bentall (aortic root plus valve replacement) in a middle-aged patient with a stenotic, bicuspid aortic valve and aortic root dilation. The patient had few other significant comorbidities and an excellent starting hemoglobin value of 14 g/dL, so I had opted to perform acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) in addition to our standard blood conservation techniques. We managed to get through the case without blood transfusion and were coming to the unit with a hemoglobin level >11 g/dL. Furthermore, the patient seemed euvolemic, on no vasopressors, and had excellent urine output. “So why don’t we do this for all our patients?” queried the resident. He asked a good question.
Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of sodium trans-[tetrachlorobis(1H-indazole)ruthenate(III)] / indazolehydrochloride (1:1.1) (FFC14A, KP1019) in patients with solid tumors - a study of the CESAR Central European Society for Anticancer Drug Research - EWIV.

471 Introduction: We evaluated the anti-neoplastic effects of nitrosylcobalamin (NO-Cbl) an apoptosis-inducing, vitamin B12 based carrier of nitric oxide (NO) in two dogs: 1.) a ten year old male Bichon Frise with aggressive anal sac adenocarcinoma previously treated with adriamycin/radiation therapy and 2.) a 13 year old female Giant Schnauzer with parathyroid adenocarcinoma previously treated with intra-tumor ethanol injection. Methods: Both dogs were given NO-Cbl 28 mg/kg/day s.c. which was increased to 42 mg/kg/day divided into two or three doses per day .Tumor regression was measured by physical exam and verified using CT, ultrasound and MRI. Summary of Data: After 15 weeks of daily NO-Cbl treatment, the male Bichon demonstrated a 50% regression in tumor volume based on physical exam and MR studies. No adverse side effects were noted as evidenced by normal liver enzyme levels, CBC analysis, and normal creatinine levels, however BUN was elevated 3 times normal which may be a result of increased nitrate levels, a metabolite of NO-Cbl. After 10 weeks of NO-Cbl treatment, the female Giant Schnauzer demonstrated a 77% reduction in tumor volume, verified by ultrasound. Interestingly, she displayed normal blood chemistry (including BUN) and cell counts. Conclusion: The use of vitamin B12 to deliver nitric oxide to tumors is novel. We have shown previously that NO-Cbl is endocytosed by malignant cells resulting in intra-tumoral NO release. In this study, we show that daily long-term administration of NO-Cbl was effective in achieving partial responses in two canines with spontaneous tumors. Importantly, both dogs tolerated treatment extremely well, maintained normal blood chemistry, and showed no evidence of bone marrow suppression. The use of NO-Cbl capitalizes on the tumor specific properties of the vitamin B12 receptor (transcobalamin II, TCII receptor) expression and represents a promising anti-cancer therapy.
Tris(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) Complexes of Late Lanthanides Tb, Dy, Ho, and Er: Solution and Mechanochemical Syntheses and Structural Comparisons

The tris(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) complexes, (C5Me5)3Ln (Ln = Tb, Dy, Ho, and Er), have been synthesized to determine if structural trends observed with the larger rare-earth metals, La–Gd, extend to the smaller metals and to determine the level of steric crowding associated with C–H bond activation of benzene and toluene as found for the (C5Me5)3Y complex of the smaller rare-earth metal, yttrium. Three different synthetic methods were used. (C5Me5)3Tb was synthesized in benzene from (C5Me5)2Tb(μ-Ph)2BPh2 and KC5Me5, which established that it does not activate benzene. In contrast, complexes of Dy, Ho, and Er were not isolable in benzene or toluene. (C5Me5)3Dy was synthesized in pentane from [(C5Me5)2DyH]2 and 1,2,3,4-tetramethylfulvene. Solvent-free mechanochemistry was utilized to synthesize the Ho and Er complexes by ball-milling (C5Me5)2Ln(μ-Ph)2BPh2 and KC5Me5 as solids. This route also provided the Tb, Dy, and Y complexes. Crystallographic analysis of these complexes of the smaller metals has al...
Dependence of output features of a micro-cavity laser on the cavity structure

In this study, we analyze the characteristics of a micro-cavity laser with the size one-order larger than the lasing wavelength by employing the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) methodology. The simulation results have been obtained under the conditions with different materials and structures of the oscillator. It is seen that the power leakage from the side wall depends on the material and structure of a micro-cavity laser system. The wall material of the micro-cavity is assumed to be BK7 glass, silver, and copper, respectively. The results indicate that the side power leakage with the wall material of BK7 glass is much more serious than those with the wall materials of silver and copper. In addition, it is demonstrated that the cavity structure is also a key factor that influences the output features of such a laser.
Long-Lifetime Metal—Ligand Complexes

Throughout the previous chapters, we described fluorophores with decay times ranging from 1 to 20 ns. While this timescale is useful for many biophysical measurements, there are numerous instances where longer decay times are desirable. For instance, one may wish to measure rotational motions of large proteins or membrane-bound proteins. In such cases the overall rotational correlation times can easily be longer than 200 ns, and they can exceed 1 μs for larger macromolecular assemblies. Rotational motions on this timescale are not measurable using fluorophores which display nanosecond lifetimes. Processes on the microsecond or even the millisecond timescale have occasionally been measured using phosphorescence.1–4 However, relatively few probes display useful phosphorescence in room-temperature aqueous solutions. Also, it is usually necessary to perform phosphorescence measurements in the complete absence of oxygen. Hence, there is a clear need for probes which display microsecond lifetimes. In this chapter we describe a family of metal—ligand probes which display decay times ranging from 100 ns to 10μs. The long lifetimes of the metal—ligand probes allow the use of gated detection, which can be employed to suppress interfering autofluorescence from biological samples and can thus provide increased sensitivity.5 Finally, the metal—ligand probes display high chemical and photochemical stability. Because of these favorable properties, we expect metal—ligand probes to have numerous uses in biophysical chemistry, clinical chemistry, and DNA diagnostics.
Oviposition Preference and Larval Host Range of the Sugarbeet Root Maggot (Diptera: Ulidiidae).

The sugarbeet root maggot, Tetanops myopaeformis Roder (Diptera: Ulidiidae), is native to North America. However, its primary crop host, sugarbeet, Beta vulgaris L., was introduced to the continent from Europe in the late 19th century. This field and greenhouse research was conducted to compare the relative attractiveness of eight cultivated and wild plant species for oviposition by T. myopaeformis, and the suitability of these potential host plants for larval development to elucidate the potential native and current host range of this pest. Results indicated that females preferred ovipositing in soil immediately adjacent to or on the following plant species: sugarbeet; spinach, Spinacia olerocea L.; common lambsquarters, Chenopodium album L.; redroot pigweed, Amaranthus retroflexus L.; Palmer amaranth, Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats.; and to a lesser extent, spear saltbush, Atriplex patula L. Larval survival was greatest on spinach, sugarbeet, and spear saltbush, which all belong to the family Chenopodiaceae. Larval survival on these plants suggests that T. myopaeformis could have exploited wild chenopodiaceous plants or others within the order Caryophyllales before sugarbeet was introduced to North America. Low larval survival on common lambsquarters, redroot pigweed, and Palmer amaranth suggests that these species are suboptimal hosts, despite demonstrated attractiveness for oviposition. A general lack of oviposition preference by T. myopaeformis females was observed for sunflower, Helianthus annuus L., and common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. These results provide insights regarding the successful and somewhat rapid host preference shift by this insect to sugarbeet after cultivation of the crop began in the continent.
Controlled microtribology of a metal oxide surface

The rational control of the friction and wear (damage) of engineering, as opposed to model, surfaces under practical conditions such as high contact pressures has long been a technological challenge with much fundamental interest. Lubricant fluids and physisorbed surfactant monolayers (boundary lubricants) are effective friction modifiers but often fail at high loads. We show that the chemisorption of a suitably designed single-chained phosphonate surfactant onto crystalline α-alumina surfaces produces robust protective monolayers that significantly reduce the friction forces and wear even at high loads. The mechanisms are explained, which point to some general principles that offer a basis for scale-up in many different engineering systems.
Whole-Mount Confocal Microscopy for Vascular Branching Morphogenesis

We introduce a whole-mount immunohistochemistry method for analyzing intricate vascular network formation in mouse embryonic tissues. Laser scanning confocal microscopy with multiple labeling allows for robust imaging of blood and lymphatic vessel branching morphogenesis with excellent resolution.
Diagnosis and management of peripheral lung nodule

A solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) is a well-defined radiographic opacity up to 3 cm in diameter that is surrounded by unaltered aerated lung. Frequently, it is an incidental finding on chest radiographs and chest CT scans. Determining the probability of malignancy is the first step in the evaluation of SPN. This can be done by looking at specific risk factors and the rate of radiographic progression. Subsequent management is guided by the type of the nodule. Patients with solid nodules and low pretest probability can be followed radiographically; those with high probability, who are good surgical candidates, can be referred for surgical resection. When the pretest probability is in the intermediate range additional testing such as biopsy should be done. Various modalities are now available to obtain tissue diagnosis. These modalities differ in their yield and complication rate. Patients with SPN should be well informed of each approach’s risks and benefits and should be able to make an informed decision regarding the different diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.
State Estimation for Mitigating Positioning Errors in V2V Networks Employing Dual Beamforming

In this paper, we present a novel approach for mitigating positioning errors in vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) networking environments where digital beamforming is conducted at both transmitters and receivers. Location information of all transmitters and receivers in V2V networks performing beamforming is essential in order to ensure reliable link quality. However, there exists several sources of error where this location information can be corrupted or out-of-date. By leveraging the proposed approach in this paper employing state estimation, these errors can be mitigated, thus providing more accurate location information relative to V2V networking architectures that do not employ techniques to help mitigate potential sources of location error. Simulation results show a $99\%$ improvement of the proposed approach relative to V2V beamformiong architectures that do not account for location errors.
Architecture Game-Based Mathematical Learning by Making

In this design-based research project, we investigated how and to what extent participating in architectural building and problem solving via a simulation game–based learning platform (called E-Rebuild) would facilitate mathematical practices of middle-school students in the informal learning setting. This study encompasses 2 iterative design experiments in which 20 middle graders completed E-Rebuild-based learning tasks as part of an afterschool program and a summer math camp. Data were collected via screen- and webcam-recorded participation actions and reactions, mathematical problem-solving test, and interviewing. Enriching prior research on math and science learning through making, this study informs how and under what contexts mathematical practices and disposition emerge during the making-centered learning processes.
Parenting stress in caregivers of young children with ASD concerns prior to a formal diagnosis

Robust findings demonstrate that parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience high levels of parenting stress that are associated with negative outcomes for families. Although the majority of research on parenting stress has focused on parents of children with an existing diagnosis, parents of young children with concerns about ASD-related behaviors also face many unique challenges before the time of diagnosis. However, no study to date has examined patterns of parenting stress among parents of children with ASD concerns prior to a formal ASD diagnosis. Therefore, the current study investigated longitudinal trajectories of parenting stress among parents of young children with ASD concerns compared to parents of children with non-ASD developmental concerns (e.g., language delay), and parents of children with no developmental concerns. Known predictors of parenting stress were also examined. Results from multilevel model analyses revealed that parents of children with ASD concerns experienced consistently higher levels of parenting stress across early child development compared to parents of children with non-ASD developmental concerns and those with no concerns. Additionally, parenting efficacy, psychological functioning, social satisfaction, and child social communication behaviors predicted levels of parenting stress for all parents. Autism Res 2020, 13: 82-92. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: This study examined parenting stress across time among parents of young children with ASD concerns before receiving a diagnosis. Parents of children with ASD concerns reported consistently higher levels of parenting stress compared to parents of children with other developmental concerns and parents of children with no concerns. Also, ASD concerns predicted parenting stress in addition to other parent and child predictors of parenting stress. These findings highlight the need to better support families before an ASD diagnosis.
Adapting Social Emotional Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports for Kindergarten Classrooms

This conceptual article describes key considerations for elementary school personnel to ensure social emotional multi-tiered systems of supports (MTSS) are adapted for kindergarten classrooms. Kindergarten represents a unique developmental period of early childhood when 5 to 6-year-old children transition into formal schooling and experience a learning environment that places greater emphasis on children’s independence, adherence to routines, and academic goals. This increase in demands may place stress on children’s social emotional competencies. School personnel may find existing practices associated with their elementary schools’ social emotional MTSS have not been adapted to meet the developmental needs of kindergarteners; this article describes ways to adapt existing universal, targeted, and intensive social emotional supports for kindergarten. Key considerations for administrative personnel are presented.
Longitudinal Positron Emission Tomography of Dopamine Synthesis in Subjects with GBA1 Mutations

Mutations in GBA1, the gene mutated in Gaucher disease, are a common genetic risk factor for Parkinson disease, although the penetrance is low. We performed [18 F]-fluorodopa positron emission tomography studies of 57 homozygous and heterozygous GBA1 mutation carriers (15 with parkinsonism) and 98 controls looking for early indications of dopamine loss using voxelwise analyses to identify group differences in striatal [18 F]-fluorodopa uptake (Ki ). Forty-eight subjects were followed longitudinally. Cross-sectional and longitudinal comparisons of Ki and Ki change found significant effects of Parkinson disease. However, at baseline and over time, striatal [18 F]-fluorodopa uptake in mutation carriers without parkinsonism did not significantly differ from controls. ANN NEUROL 2020;87:652-657.
Comparable Detections of Viral Pathogens in Lower Respiratory Tract Specimens with the BioFire Respiratory Panel 2 and the BioFire Pneumonia Panel.

Multiplex PCR panels are powerful tools for rapid pathogen identification in patients with respiratory tract (RT) infections ([1][1][–][2][6][3]). In particular, analysis of upper respiratory tract (URT) specimens with the BioFire Respiratory Panel 2 (BRP2), which primarily targets viruses,