cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human and automated detection of high-frequency oscillations in clinical intracranial EEG recordings.

Abstract Objective Recent studies indicate that pathologic high-frequency oscillations (HFOs) are signatures of epileptogenic brain. Automated tools are required to characterize these events. We present a new algorithm tuned to detect HFOs from 30 to 85Hz, and validate it against human expert electroencephalographers. Methods We randomly selected 28 3-min single-channel epochs of intracranial EEG (IEEG) from two patients. Three human reviewers and three automated detectors marked all records to identify candidate HFOs. Subsequently, human reviewers verified all markings. Results A total of 1330 events were collectively identified. The new method presented here achieved 89.7% accuracy against a consensus set of human expert markings. A one-way ANOVA determined no difference between the mean F -measures of the human reviewers and automated algorithm. Human κ statistics (mean κ =0.38) demonstrated marginal identification consistency, primarily due to false negative errors. Conclusions We present an HFO detector that improves upon existing algorithms, and performs as well as human experts on our test data set. Validation of detector performance must be compared to more than one expert because of interrater variability. Significance This algorithm will be useful for analyzing large EEG databases to determine the pathophysiological significance of HFO events in human epileptic networks.
Force-driven unbinding of proteins HU and Fis from DNA quantified using a thermodynamic Maxwell relation

Determining numbers of proteins bound to large DNAs is important for understanding their chromosomal functions. Protein numbers may be affected by physical factors such as mechanical forces generated in DNA, e.g. by transcription or replication. We performed single-DNA stretching experiments with bacterial nucleoid proteins HU and Fis, verifying that the force-extension measurements were in thermodynamic equilibrium. We, therefore, could use a thermodynamic Maxwell relation to deduce the change of protein number on a single DNA due to varied force. For the binding of both HU and Fis under conditions studied, numbers of bound proteins decreased as force was increased. Our experiments showed that most of the bound HU proteins were driven off the DNA at 6.3 pN for HU concentrations lower than 150 nM; our HU data were fit well by a statistical-mechanical model of protein-induced bending of DNA. In contrast, a significant amount of Fis proteins could not be forced off the DNA at forces up to 12 pN and Fis concentrations up to 20 nM. This thermodynamic approach may be applied to measure changes in numbers of a wide variety of molecules bound to DNA or other polymers. Force-dependent DNA binding by proteins suggests mechano-chemical mechanisms for gene regulation.
The Human-Climate-Wildlife Nexus

As more and more diseases are discovered to be of animal origin and the effects of climate change on disease become clearer, now is the time to examine how best to mobilize health professionals, policy makers, and security experts around these connections.
Geology of the Reull Vallis Region, Mars

Abstract The geology and stratigraphy of the Reull Vallis region (27.5–47.5°S, 245–270°W) of the southern highlands of Mars are documented through geomorphic analyses and geologic mapping at 1:2,000,000 scale. Crater size–frequency distributions are used to constrain relative ages of geologic units and determine the timing and duration of the various geologic events. The origin and evolution of the Reull Vallis outflow system and the extent to which Reull Vallis and other fluvial features modified the surrounding highlands are also evaluated. Rugged highland terrains were formed by repeated impact events and were extensively degraded and embayed by a series of plains. Highland terrains incised with well developed valley networks record some of the earliest fluvial activity in the region. Reull Vallis originates in Hesperia Planum, and dissects units of various types and ages. Truncated and bisected wrinkle ridges in Hesperia Planum indicate that the formation of Reull Vallis postdates ridge formation. The morphology of Reull Vallis suggests it had a long and complex history, including subsurface and surface movement of fluids followed by extensive modification by mass wasting. Volcanic and sedimentary plains units in the region record evidence of erosion by surface flow possibly related to development of Reull Vallis. Features produced by mass wasting, such as debris aprons and crater fill material, and aeolian processes appear to form the youngest deposits exposed in the region.
Porous Carbon Spheres from Energetic Carbon Precursors using Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis

Porous carbon spheres with unique structures and morphologies are prepared from energetic carbon precursors, alkali propiolates, via ultrasonic spray pyrolysis. Aerosolized liquid droplets containing alkali propiolates act as microreactors that confine the thermal decomposition of energetic precursors and lead to the formation of several unprecedented carbon morphologies.
Differential effects of sulforaphane on histone deacetylases, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in normal prostate cells versus hyperplastic and cancerous prostate cells.

Scope: Sulforaphane (SFN) is an isothiocyanate derived from cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli. The ability of SFN to inhibit histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes may be one mechanism by which it acts as a chemoprevention agent. The ability of a chemopreventive agent to specifically cause cytotoxicity in cancer and not normal cells is an important factor in determining its safety and clinical relevance. Methods and results: We characterized the effects of SFN in normal (PrEC), benign hyperplasia (BPH1) and cancerous (LnCap and PC3) prostate epithelial cells. We observed that 15 μM SFN selectively induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in BPH1, LnCap and PC3 cells but not PrEC cells. SFN treatment also selectively decreased HDAC activity, and Class I and II HDAC proteins, increased acetylated histone H3 at the promoter for P21, induced p21 expression and increased tubulin acetylation in prostate cancer cells. HDAC6 over-expression was able to reverse SFN-induced cyotoxicity. In PrEC cells, SFN caused only a transient reduction in HDAC activity with no change in any other endpoints tested. The differences in sensitivity to SFN in PrEC and PC3 are likely not due to differences in SFN metabolism or differences in phase 2 enzyme induction. Conclusion: SFN exerts differential effects on cell proliferation, HDAC activity and downstream targets in normal and cancer cells.
The impact of culture on Japanese public relations

The need for international public relations in a modern world characterised by collapsing trade barriers and increased international trade sets the stage for the study reported in this paper. The authors argue that public relations practitioners and scholars should recognise the importance of culture (both societal and organisational) as a variable that affects public relations practice in various countries. They then report on quantitative and qualitative data gathered from 81 public relations practitioners working in Japan. They conclude that media relations are highly valued by Japanese practitioners who use friendships, typified by the personal influence model, to conduct their media relations. Wa, kou‐chou, amae and tatemae were among the cultural concepts that played a significant role in the way Japanese public relations practitioners operate. Although Japanese practitioners valued symmetrical forms of public relations, they seemed constrained to practise the one‐way models. The authors conclude that similar studies of public relations practice in various cultures will contribute to effective public relations and help toward building a strong theory of international public relations.
Altering Turbulence in Compressible Base Flow Using Axisymmetric Sub-Boundary-Layer Disturbances

The turbulent structures in the highly compressible near-wake region of a cylindrical base, to which an axisymmetric sub-boundary-layer strip disturbance has been applied, are examined in detail using a planar Rayleigh/Mie scattering visualization technique. When the downstream edge of the axisymmetric disturbance is placed approximately 12 momentum thicknesses upstream of the base termination, a base pressure increase of approximately 3% is noted over the no-tab case. The increased base pressure due to the presence of the axisymmetric disturbance is attributed to the transfer of turbulent energy into instability modes that are not supported in the near-wake region
The relationship between NO2− accumulation, nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase in suspension cultures of Paul's scarlet rose

Abstract Nitrite accumulated, temporarily, in the medium at certain stages during the growth of suspension cultures of Paul's Scarlet rose. The accumulation of NO 2 − was 30-fold greater in cultures grown in medium containing only NO 3 − as compared to cultures grown with both NO 3 − and NH 4 + . The ratio of nitrate reductase to nitrite reductase changed during culture growth, but at all stages the in vitro nitrite reductase activity exceeded the activity of nitrate reductase. Changes in the levels of nitrate reductase versus nitrite reductase did not provide a satisfactory explanation for the accumulation of NO 2 − .
Direct probing of micromechanical properties of hydrogen-bonded layer-by-layer microcapsule shells with different chemical compositions.

The mechanical properties of hydrogen-bonded layer- by-layer (LbL) microcapsule shells constructed from tannic acid (TA) and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVPON) components have been studied in both the dry and swollen states. In the dry state, the value of the elastic modulus was measured to be within 0.60.7 GPa, which is lower than the typical elastic modulus for electrostatically assembled LbL shells. Threefold swelling of the LbL shells in water results in a significantreductionoftheelasticmodulustovalueswellbelow1MPa, which is typical value seen for highly compliant gel materials. The increaseofthemolecularweightofthePVPONcomponentfrom55to 1300 kDa promotes chain entanglements and causes a stiffening of the LbL shells with a more than 2-fold increase in elastic modulus value. Moreover, adding a polyethylenimine prime layer to the LbL shell affects the growth of hydrogen-bonded multilayers which conse- quently results in dramatically stiffer, thicker, and rougher LbL shells with the elastic modulus increasing by more than an order of magnitude, up to 4.3 MPa. An alternation of the elastic properties of very compliant hydrogen-bonded shells by variation of molecularweightisacharacteristicfeatureofweaklybondedLbLshells.Suchanabilitytoaltertheelasticmodulusinawiderangeis critically important for the design of highly compliant microcapsules with tunable mechanical stability, loading ability, and permeability.
Relational aggression in middle childhood predicting adolescent social-psychological adjustment: the role of friendship quality.

The present longitudinal study examined the indirect effect of 6th-grade negative friendship quality on the associations between 5th-grade relational aggression and age 15 social-psychological adjustment (i.e., depressive symptoms and risky behavior). The study consisted of a secondary analysis of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development using 776 children (M = 10.42 years in 5th grade; 50.4% boys) from the original sample. Using teacher and self-report ratings, relational and physical aggression, friendship quality, depressive symptoms, and risky behavior were measured. Bootstrapping mediation analyses were conducted. Negative friendship quality was found to mediate the association between relational aggression and depressive symptoms as well as between relational aggression and risky behavior, when controlling for physical aggression, gender and age. This longitudinal study identifies possible developmental pathways by which relational ...
Crossbreeding in Beef Cattle: Evaluation of Systems

Summary The basic objective of beef cattle crossbreeding systems is to optimize simultaneously the use of both nonadditive (heterosis) and additive (breed differences) effects of genes. Experimental results evaluating rotational crossbreeding systems indicate that high levels of heterosis are sustained in successive generations and that the relationship between loss of heterosis and loss of heterozygosity approaches linearity. Major differences among breeds have been demonstrated for most characters that contribute to production efficiency. Results based on both experimentation and computer simulation indicate that differences in additive genetic merit of breeds for specific characters can be used in specific crossbreeding systems to synchronize genetic resources with other production resources and to provide for complementarity through terminal sire breeds. Rotational crossbreeding systems have the advantage of using heterosis in all females and progeny in a self-contained commercial herd; however, fluctuation between generations in additive genetic composition relll~es use of breeds that are generally compatible. This requirement restricts the use that can be made of breed differences to synchronize germ plasm resources with other production resources and eliminates the use of complementarity other than in a combined breed-rotation, terminal-sire system. A static terminal-sire crossbreeding system provides opportunity to synchronize germ plasm resources with other production resources in about 50% of the cow herd, to use maximum (FI) heterosis in about 67% of the calves marketed and to use complementarity in
Small-Molecule APOBEC3G DNA Cytosine Deaminase Inhibitors Based on a 4-Amino-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol Scaffold

APOBEC3G (A3G) is a single-stranded DNA cytosine deaminase that functions in innate immunity against retroviruses and retrotransposons. Although A3G can potently restrict Vif-deficient HIV-1 replication by catalyzing excessive levels of G→A hypermutation, sublethal levels of A3G-catalyzed mutation may contribute to the high level of HIV-1 fitness and its incurable prognosis. To chemically modulate A3G catalytic activity with the goal of decreasing the HIV-1 genomic mutation rate, we synthesized and biochemically evaluated a class of 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol small-molecule inhibitors identified by high-throughput screening. This class of compounds exhibits low-micromolar (3.9-8.2 μM) inhibitory potency and remarkable specificity for A3G versus the related cytosine deaminase, APOBEC3A. Chemical modification of inhibitors, A3G mutational screening, and thiol reactivity studies implicate C321, a residue proximal to the active site, as the critical A3G target for this class of molecules.
STUDIES ON THE TOTAL BILE : IV. THE ENTEROHEPATIC CIRCULATION OF BILE PIGMENT.

In dogs fed the green bile or the liver tissue of herbivora, the bile later secreted frequently becomes green, changing from the previous yellow-brown. When they are fed sheep bile that contains cholohematin, their bile comes to contain this pigment. When they are fed dog bile in quantity a well marked increase in the output of bilirubin by the liver frequently follows. Taken together, these facts indicate the existence of an enterohepatic circulation of bile pigment.
Contrasting time mode and sensory modality in the performance of computer mediated groups using asynchronous videoconferencing

This research examined the question of whether perceptions of media as inferior to face to face are socially or technologically determined. It takes advantage of a recently developed asynchronous videoconferencing system to compare the perceptions and outcomes of group projects done in a multi-cue asynchronous media to those of face to face groups. Participants engaged in collaboration over 5 weeks to develop group oral reports. Measures of social presence, conversational involvement, perceived effectiveness, and ratings of group project quality were compared between communication conditions. Results showed significant differences favoring face-to-face communication for several perceptual variables, but not for perceived or actual effectiveness. Results are discussed with respect to their pertinence for several theories, and for their illumination of some historical theoretical and measurement biases in computer-mediated communication research.
Strategizing in the real world

Strategic planning has insignificant effects on profits for four reasons. First, formalization undercuts planning's contributions. Second, nearly all managers hold very inaccurate beliefs about both their firms and their market environments. Third, no–one can forecast accurately over the long term. Fourth, several fundamental barriers make it very difficult to attain high profits through strategic actions. However, planners can make strategic planning more realistic and can use it to build healthier, more alert and responsive firms. They can make sensible forecasts and use them to foster alertness; exploit distinctive competencies, entry barriers, and proprietary information; broaden managers' horizons and help them to develop more realistic beliefs; and plan in ways that make it easier to change strategies later.
Stage-specific expression of Smad2 and Smad3 during folliculogenesis.

Paracrine and autocrine growth factors can affect many different aspects of ovarian follicle development. Many members of the transforming growth factor b (TGFb) family of growth factors and their receptors are expressed in developing follicles. However, the presence and function of the family of the TGFb signaling molecules known as Smads have not been evaluated during follicle development. We have demonstrated that two Smad family members that function as mediators for both activin and TGFb are expressed in granulosa cells of preantral follicles but not in large antral follicles. Smad2 expression, but not Smad3 expression, returns in luteal cells. Both Smad2 and Smad3 are translocated to the nucleus of granulosa cells in response to treatment with either TGFb or activin. However, Smad2 is more responsive to activin stimulation, and Smad3 is more responsive to TGFb stimulation. Stage-specific expression and differing ligand sensitivity of signaling molecules may work together to allow different effects of TGFb family ligands using the same signaling pathways over the course of follicular development. activin, corpus luteum, follicular development, granulosa cells, growth factors
WDM optical steganography based on amplified spontaneous emission noise

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) optical stealth transmission system carried by amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise. The stealth signal is hidden in both time and frequency domains by using ASE noise as the signal carrier. Each WDM channel uses part of the ASE spectrum, which provides more flexibility to apply stealth transmission in a public network and adds another layer of security to the stealth channel. Multi-channel transmission also increases the overall channel capacity, which is the major limitation of the single stealth channel transmission based on ASE noise. The relations between spectral bandwidth and coherence length of ASE carrier have been theoretically analyzed and experimentally investigated.
Protection by Dietary Proteins Against the Effects of Bile Acids on Rat Jejunum and Stomach

Because bile acids bind to certain proteins we examined whether the effect of dihydroxy bile acids on jejunal water transport and gastric mucosal function could be blocked by the presence of protein. In the rat jejunum 2.5% bovine serum albumin blocked the secretion of water and electrolytes induced by 2 mM deoxycholate, whereas 5% ovalbumin, which does not bind bile acids, had no effect. Bovine serum albumin protected large unilamellar liposomes from damage by taurodeoxycholate and reduced the monomer concentration of taurodeoxycholate, whereas ovalbumin afforded no protection. In equilibrium dialysis studies whey protein and bovine serum albumin reduced the free taurodeoxycholate concentration (150 mM HCl enhanced this effect). In the rat stomach taurodeoxycholate (2.5 or 10 mM) in the presence of 150 mM HCl reduced potential difference and enhanced sodium secretion and hydrogen ion loss. These effects were reduced in the presence of whey protein. We conclude that proteins that bind bile acids have the potential to protect mucosal membranes from the adverse effects of bile acids.
The β4 subunit cytoplasmic domain mediates the interaction of α6β4 integrin with the cytoskeleton of hemidesmosomes

Abstract The alpha 6 beta 4 integrin is structurally distinct from all the other known integrins because the cytoplasmic domain of beta 4 is unusually large and contains four type III fibronectin-like modules toward its C-terminus. To examine the function of the beta 4 cytoplasmic tail, we have expressed full-length and truncated human beta 4 cDNAs in rat bladder epithelial 804G cells, which form hemidesmosome-like adhesions in vitro. The cDNA encoded wild-type beta 4 subunit associated with endogenous alpha 6 and was recruited at the cell surface within hemidesmosome-like adhesions. A recombinant form of beta 4, lacking almost the entire cytoplasmic domain associated with alpha 6, reached the cell surface but remained diffusely distributed. A beta 4 molecule lacking almost the entire extracellular portion did not associate with alpha 6 but was correctly targeted to the hemidesmosome-like adhesions. Thus, the cytoplasmic portion of beta 4 contains sequences that are required and may be sufficient for the assembly of the alpha 6 beta 4 integrin into hemidesmosomes. To localize these sequences we examined the properties of additional mutant forms of beta 4. A truncated beta 4 subunit, lacking the most C-terminal pair of type III fibronectin homology domains, was incorporated into hemidesmosome-like adhesions, but another recombinant beta 4 molecule, lacking both pairs of type III fibronectin repeats, was not. Finally a recombinant beta 4 molecule, which was created by adjoining the region of the cytoplasmic domain including all type III repeats to the transmembrane segment, was efficiently recruited in hemidesmosome-like adhesions. Taken together these results suggest that the assembly of the alpha 6 beta 4 integrin into hemidesmosomes is mediated by a 303-amino acid region of beta 4 tail that comprises the first pair of type III fibronectin repeats and the segment between the second and third repeats. These data imply a function of a specific segment of the beta 4 cytoplasmic domain in interaction with cytoskeletal components of hemidesmosomes.
Periodic solutions of parabolic systems with nonlinear boundary conditions

This paper is concerned with the existence and stability of periodic solutions for a coupled system of nonlinear parabolic equations under nonlinear boundary conditions. The approach to the problem is by the method of upper and lower solutions and its associated monotone iterations. This method leads to the existence of maximal and minimal periodic solutions which can be computed from a linear iteration process in the same fashion as for parabolic initial-boundary value problems. A sufficient condition for the stability of a periodic solution is also given. These results are applied to three model problems arising from chemical kinetics, ecology, and population biology.
Herpes simplex virus 1 RNA-binding protein US11 negatively regulates the accumulation of a truncated viral mRNA.

Abstract The US11 gene of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) encodes a site-specific, basic, RNA-binding protein. The viral RNA sequences bound by US11 protein precipitated by a monoclonal antibody hybridized to a 1.3-kb BamHI C' fragment of the HSV-1 genome. This fragment encodes a US11-regulated transcript which accumulates to high level in the cells infected with US11- virus but not in cells infected with wild-type virus. This transcript, designated delta 34, is a truncated form of the mRNA encoding an essential protein encoded by the UL34 open reading frame. The US11 protein was shown to bind delta 34 RNA at or near its 3' terminus. The nucleotide sequence of the region surrounding the termination of transcription of delta 34 RNA transcription suggests that the latter may be the product of transcriptional attenuation. US11 protein resembles the tat protein of human immunodeficiency virus with respect to size, charge, nucleolar accumulation, and possibly effect on accumulation of its target RNA but does not share with it discernible sequence homology.
The influence of framing on attitudes toward diversity training

Although diversity training is becoming an integral component of organizations, little empirical research on the topic exists. The study examined here investigated how framing of diversity training (title, focus of content, assignment) and gender influenced participants' attitudes. In this study, 160 adults (72 men, 88 women; 124 white; 36 minority) read a diversity course description and answered questions assessing their attitudes about the course and the organization. Results revealed that (1) a frame with a traditional title and a broad focus was responded to most favorably by participants, (2) men reacted more negatively than women to the diversity training course, and (3) men reacted more negatively than women to a frame with a narrow focus and remedial assignment. Findings are discussed in terms of the effect that different frames can have on participants' pretraining attitudes toward diversity training. Implications for researchers and consultants are also discussed.
Physical properties, molecular structures, and protein quality of texturized whey protein isolate: effect of extrusion moisture content.

To explore the complex relationship between processing conditions and functional and nutritional properties of food products containing whey protein isolate (WPI), we investigated the effect of extrusion texturization at various temperatures (50, 75, and 100°C) and varying moisture levels of the feed (20, 30, 40, and 50%) on changes in the composition, molecular structure, and protein quality of the extrudates. Bradford assay methods were used to determine protein solubility of the extruded WPI as a function of changing level of moisture. Protein compositional changes as a function of extrusion conditions were quantitatively characterized and analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE and reversed-phase-HPLC techniques. We showed that at a given temperature, increasing the extrusion moisture content resulted in a slight increase in the overall protein water solubility (at 50 and 75°C), averaging approximately 5% per 10% increase in moisture content. A reduction in β-lactoglobulin content was observed at 50°C with increasing moisture content, indicative of the sensitive nature of β-lactoglobulin to extrusion treatment, whereas the amount of α-lactalbumin remained unchanged at all moisture contents used at a set temperature. The protein quality of the extruded WPI, determined chemically by available sulfhydryl and primary and secondary amines, remained relatively unchanged as a function of moisture level. Circular dichroism and intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence spectroscopic studies revealed considerable structural changes, both at the secondary structural level and the tertiary contacts as a function of increasing temperature, and higher moisture levels can slightly preserve secondary structures but not the tertiary contacts of the protein molecules. Atomic force microscopy provided direct visualization of the fine difference of the protein particles caused by changing extrusion moisture contents, which is in close agreement with the results obtained using other techniques in this work.
Fzf1p Regulates an Inducible Response to Nitrosative Stress in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The mechanisms by which microorganisms sense and detoxify nitric oxide (.NO) are of particular interest due to the central role this molecule plays in innate immunity. We investigated the genetic b...
Anti-CEA chimeric antigen receptor T cells in combination with suppressor cell targeting for the treatment of colorectal cancer peritoneal metastases (VAC7P.1043)

Colorectal peritoneal metastases (PM) is a grave condition in which tumor cells disseminate throughout the abdomen. Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) immunotherapy is a promising therapy for PM. We developed a novel regional delivery approach to maximize CAR-T efficacy against PM while limiting systemic toxicity. Murine tumor cells expressing CEA and luciferase were injected intraperitoneally (IP) in mice to induce PM (day 0). We injected murine anti-CEA CAR-T IP on days 3 and 6, alone or in combination with antibodies against Ly6G/Ly6C, PDL1 or GITR to target myeloid suppressor cells (MSC) or regulatory T cells (Treg), which we have shown to be present in PM. Tumor burden was measured by bioluminescence. In comparison to unmodified T cells, CAR-T alone mediated a 22-fold reduction of tumor burden (p=0.028). The combination of CAR-T with anti-PDL1, anti-GITR or anti-Ly6G/Ly6C treated groups showed 25-fold, 104-fold and 153-fold reductions, respectively. The CAR-T + anti-GITR and CAR-T + anti-Ly6G/Ly6C groups had a significantly better treatment response than CAR-T alone (p=0.005 and p=0.017). On days 8 and 10, CAR-T + anti-Ly6G/Ly6C tumor burdens dropped below detectable levels. Upon gross inspection, CAR-T treated mice did not have detectable tumor. Our findings demonstrate that targeting MSC and Treg in addition to regional IP CAR-T delivery represents a viable immunotherapeutic strategy that resulted in complete responses in mice with established PM.
Function and specificity of LIM domains in Drosophila nervous system and wing development

LIM domains are found in a variety of proteins, including cytoplasmic and nuclear LIM-only proteins, LIM-homeodomain (LIM-HD) transcription factors and LIM-kinases. Although the ability of LIM domains to interact with other proteins has been clearly established in vitro and in cultured cells, their in vivo function is unknown. Here we use Drosophila to test the roles of the LIM domains of the LIM-HD family member Apterous (Ap) in wing and nervous system development. Using a rescuing assay of the ap mutant phenotype, we have found that the LIM domains are essential for Ap function. Furthermore, expression of LIM domains alone can act in a dominant-negative fashion to disrupt Ap function. The Ap LIM domains can be replaced by those of another family member to generate normal wing structure, but LIM domains are not interchangeable during axon pathfinding of the Ap neurons. This suggests that the Ap LIM domains mediate different protein interactions in different developmental processes, and that LIM domains can participate in conferring specificity of target gene selection.
Rhombostilbella Parasitizing Chaetothyriaceae and Capnodiaceae

(1988). Rhombostilbella Parasitizing Chaetothyriaceae and Capnodiaceae. Mycologia: Vol. 80, No. 5, pp. 757-759.
Time and Accuracy Measures for Alternative Multidimensional Scaling Data Collection Methods

The impact of stimulus set size and data collection methods on response accuracy and response time were investigated in an empirical study. Anchor Point collection techniques proved superior in red...
Racism in the global era: Analysis of Korean media discourse around migrants, 1990–2009:

Racism has taken on subtle forms that are hard to notice unless given careful attention. In the era of globalization, interpreting racism becomes more complicated in that globalization intensifies both racist and anti-racist reactions. This article examines how racism in the global age has evolved into a subtler form. Using both frame analysis and critical discourse analysis, I examine the Korean media’s discourse around migrants in the past two decades (1990–2009). Findings show that the dominant attitude taken by the Korean media toward migrants has been positive, which is counter-intuitive considering Korea’s notorious ethnocentrism. However, a critical discursive approach reveals that these positive discourses have a variety of effects: they ironically ‘victimize’ and ‘objectify’ migrants, overlook the question of how to empower migrants, and reveal misunderstandings over what it means to embrace diversity. I conclude that in Korea, where the tension between globalization and nationalism is intense, r...
P5-04-01: BP1, a Homeotic Transcription Factor, Indirectly Upregulates ER-alpha in ER Positive Cell Lines.

Background: BP1 is a member of the homeobox gene family of transcription factors. Our recent studies have shown that BP1 may play a role in breast cancer cell survival, aggressiveness and metastasis. BP1 protein (pBP1) is expressed in 80% of invasive ductal breast tumors, including in 57% of ER positive and 89% of ER negative tumors. BP1 overexpression results in a more aggressive phenotype in breast cancer cells and larger tumors in women with breast cancer. We also observed the presence of mammary tumors in mice without estrogen supplementation after injection of MCF7 cells overexpressing BP1 compared with unsupplemented mice receiving MCF7 cells containing an empty vector. Our goal was to determine the pathway by which BP1 might cause this decrease in estrogen dependence of MCF7 cells. ER-alpha is a nuclear hormone receptor activated by estradiol and is a major target of anti-estrogen therapy. It is tightly regulated at the genomic and the non-genomic levels. Increased stability of ER-alpha is one mechanism by which cells can become ER-alpha independent. One way of altering ER-alpha stability is via p300 and BRCA1 since p300 acetylates and stabilizes ER-alpha, while BRCA1 destabilizes ER-alpha. We have previously shown that BP1 transcriptionally down-regulates BRCA1, suggesting that pBP1 may participate in this pathway. Materials and methods: Protein levels of BRCA1, p300, pS2, pBP1 and ER-alpha were determined by Western Blot analysis. RNA levels were measured by real-time PCR. A ChIP assay was performed to confirm binding of pBP1 to the EP300 gene and binding of ER-alpha to BP1. MCF7 parental cell lines were treated with 10nM E2 to induce the expression of pBP1. Experiments involving effects of siBP1 on p300 expression are underway. Results: Our data demonstrate that MCF7 ER+ cells engineered to overexpress BP1 exhibit increased ER-alpha protein, increased p300 and decreased BRCA1 protein as compared with control cells containing an empty vector and grown under the same conditions. Increased ER-alpha levels correlated with increased pS2 expression, a known downstream target of ER, demonstrating that there is more functional ER-alpha protein in cells overexpressing BP1. ChIP assays showed that pBP1 binds in the first intron of EP300-Histone acetyltransferase (p300). ChIP assays also showed that ER-alpha binds to an estrogen response element (ERE) upstream of the BP1 gene. MCF7 parental cell lines, when serum starved and treated with E2, showed increased BP1 expression compared with cells grown in charcoal stripped serum. Thus, BP1 may increase the stability of ER-alpha by decreasing BRCA1 and increasing p300. Conclusions: pBP1 binds and transcriptionally activates p300, leading to increased ER-alpha stability, while also partially repressing BRCA1. Moreover, ER-alpha, via a feed-forward mechanism, binds to the BP1 gene and increases its expression. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-04-01.
Neutron detection with integrated sub-2 nm Pt nanoparticles and 10B enriched dielectrics—A direct conversion device

Abstract We report a direct conversion solid-state neutron detection device fabricated by combining the large neutron capture cross-section of 10B with the charge trapping attributes of sub-2 nm Pt nanoparticles (Pt NPs) in MOSCAP structures. The 10B embedded polystyrene based neutron conversion layer also serves as the dielectric layer. Neutron sensing is achieved through carrier generation within the active 10B based dielectric layer and subsequent transfer to the embedded Pt NP layers, resulting in a significant change of the device's flat-band voltage upon ex-situ characterization. Both single and dual Pt NP layer embedded architectures, with varying electron addition energies, were tested within this study. While dual-layer Pt NPs embedded direct conversion devices with higher electron addition energy are shown to successfully capture charges generated through energetic reaction product upon neutron capture, the single Pt NP layer embedded device structure with lower electron addition energy displays signs of charge loss attributable to direct tunneling in the ex-situ capacitance–voltage measurement. Although only ex-situ detector operation is demonstrated within the realms of this study, sensitive in-situ neutron detectors and ultra-stable ex-situ dosimeters may be achievable utilizing a similar structure by fine-tuning the Pt NP size and the number of Pt NP layers in the device.
Ethical Choices in Contemporary Medicine: Medical certainty revisited

As we have illustrated in Chapter 2, epistemological questions in general have multiple answers that affect how we think about ethics and how we behave as humans. In particular, we argued that debates and controversies that are found in the medical context are in fact predicated on epistemological debates and controversies and are usually informed by rich historical backgrounds that implicitly affect those who face them. This argument was historically anchored and was replete with examples from the diagnostic arena. How are diseases classified and how are they treated? What goes into the classification of an ailment as a disease with a specified set of causes? What turns it into an entity that can be isolated from the rest of one's physical and mental health? In this chapter we plan on focusing on one particular epistemological issue – certainty – that is significant for the methods of inquiry we use and for the goals we have in mind when we launch a scientific investigation (rather than a personal exploration or quest for peace of mind). We probably should be clear that our approach here is deliberately limited to what some call an immanent critique of the scientific approach to medicine. By immanent critique, as some in the Frankfurt School have called it, we mean a critique internal to the workings of the field, rather than a critique that would reach out to the spiritual or the transcendent elements or features of human existence.
Estimated costs associated with improving influenza vaccination for health care personnel in a multihospital health system.

Article-at-a-Glance Background Health care personnel (HCP) are an important target group for influenza vaccination because of their close contact with vulnerable patients. Annual influenza vaccination for HCP is recommended to reduce the spread of influenza and decrease staff illness and absenteeism. UPMC Health System, the largest health system in western Pennsylvania, established a quality improvement project to increase influenza vaccination among its > 50,000 employees by implementing survey-informed interventions. At the completion of the intervention, estimates were prepared of the costs associated with implementing a multifaceted quality improvement intervention to improve HCP influenza vaccination rates in a large multihospital health system. Methods All 11 participating hospitals provided education and publicity regarding influenza vaccination and provided vaccine free of charge at mass vaccination clinics. Two additional strategies—mobile vaccination carts and incentives—were implemented in a factorial design such that the hospitals had either carts, incentives, both strategies, or neither. The minimum and maximum costs per vaccinated employee by type of intervention were estimated using cost data for vaccine/supplies, labor, incentives, and administration. Results The average costs per vaccinated employee ranged from $24.55 to $30.43 for incentives and carts, $20.66 to $25.57 for incentives, $23.24 to $26.54 for carts, and $18.03 to $20.60 for education and publicity only. Vaccination rates increased significantly but remained below ideal levels. Conclusions Influenza vaccination rates among nonphysician HCP can be improved using various interventions at a low cost per vaccinated employee. The costs for these nonmandatory interventions were modest compared with the costs typically associated with influenza-related absenteeism.
Wide-Field Retinal Imaging of Central Retinal Vein Occlusions

Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is a significant cause of vision loss occurring about three times less frequently than branch retinal vein occlusion. Systemic risk factors for CRVO include age older than 55 years as well as cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Glaucoma is associated with CRVO because of increased vulnerability of the central retinal vein at the lamina cribosa. Clinically, CRVOs are classified as nonischemic versus ischemic based on visual acuity, afferent pupillary defect status, and fluorescein angiography. The prognoses for ischemic versus nonischemic CRVO are different, and there are various degrees of ischemia in CRVO. This chapter illustrates the heterogeneous patterns of retinal nonperfusion in CRVO using wide-field fluorescein angiography. Visually significant sequelae of CRVO include macular edema, macular ischemia, neovascularization, vitreous hemorrhage, and neovascular glaucoma. Treatment options include intravitreal injection of anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF), corticosteroids, laser photocoagulation, and vitreoretinal surgery.
Tendon Disorders After Total Hip Arthroplasty: Evaluation and Management.

Abstract Background Most patients who undergo total hip arthroplasty are very satisfied with their outcomes. However, there is a small subset of patients who have persistent pain after surgery. The etiology of pain after total hip arthroplasty varies widely; however, tendon disorders are a major cause of debilitating pain that often go unrecognized. Methods We performed a literature review to identify the most common tendon pathologies after total hip arthroplasty which include iliopsoas tendinitis, greater trochanteric pain syndrome, snapping hip syndrome, and abductor tendinopathy. Results We present a simplified approach highlighting the presentation and management of patients with suspected tendinopathies after total hip arthroplasty. These tendinopathies are treatable, and management begins with nonoperative modalities; however, in cases not responsive to conservative management, operative intervention may be necessary. Conclusion Tendinopathies after total hip arthroplasty sometimes go unrecognized but when treated can result in higher surgeon and patient satisfaction.
Def1 and Dst1 play distinct roles in repair of AP lesions in highly transcribed genomic regions

Abasic or AP sites generated by spontaneous DNA damage accumulate at a higher rate in actively transcribed regions of the genome in S. cerevisiae and are primarily repaired by base excision repair (BER) pathway. We have demonstrated that transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway can functionally replace BER to repair those AP sites located on the transcribed strand much like the strand specific repair of UV-induced pyrimidine dimers. Previous reports indicate that Rad26, a yeast homolog of transcription-repair coupling factor CSB, partly mediates strand-specific repair of UV-dimers as well as AP lesions. Here, we report that Def1, known to promote ubiquitination and degradation of stalled RNA polymerase complex, also directs NER to AP lesions on the transcribed strand of an actively transcribed gene but that its function is dependent on metabolic state of the yeast cells. We additionally show that Dst1, a homolog of mammalian transcription elongation factor TFIIS, interferes with NER-dependent repair of AP lesions while suppressing homologous recombination pathway. Overall, Def1 and Dst1 mediate very different outcomes in response to AP-induced transcription arrest.
Sampling Strategies for Substance Abuse Research

This chapter lays the framework and establishes standard terminology used in the development of sample designs for substance abuse research studies. The main focus is probability-based population surveys, but the chapter also touches on non-probability sample studies that do not involve producing estimates that are representative of specific populations of inference. A general description of the process of determining the most appropriate sampling strategies is included at the beginning of the chapter, followed by more specific discussions of different types of studies. Unique problems in sampling for substance abuse studies are highlighted. Real-world examples of sample designs for substance abuse studies are described, with references giving more detailed information.
Predictors of readmissions after head and neck cancer surgery: A national perspective.

Abstract Objectives Surgical oncology patients have multiple comorbidities and are at high risk of readmission. Prior studies are limited in their ability to capture readmissions outside of the index hospital that performed the surgery. Our goal is to evaluate risk factors for readmission for head and neck cancer patients on a national scale. Material and methods A retrospective cohort study of head and neck cancer patients in the Nationwide Readmissions Database (2013). Our main outcome was 30-day readmission. Statistical analysis included 2-sided t tests, χ2, and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results Within 30 days, 16.1% of 11,832 patients were readmitted and 20% of readmissions were at non-index hospitals, costing $31 million. Hypopharyngeal cancer patients had the highest readmission rate (29.6%), followed by laryngeal (21.8%), oropharyngeal (18.2%), and oral cavity (11.6%) cancers (P Conclusion The true rate of 30-day readmissions after head and neck cancer surgery is 16%, capturing non-index hospital readmissions which make up 20% of readmissions. Readmissions after head and neck cancer surgery are most commonly associated with infections and wound complications.
Multiclouds in an Enterprise – a Love-Hate Relationship

This issue of the magazine focused on the role of middleware for multiclouds. The columns in this issue cover diverse topics, ranging from whether cloud brokers are still relevant (Cloud Technologies); to describing block chain standards for compliance and trust (Cloud StandardsNow); to describing a software-defined membrane for policy-driven edge and IoT security (Blue Skies); to addressing the challenges and research opportunities for biometrics in the cloud (Cloud and the Law); and finally, describing real world experiences in a multicloud exchange (Cloud Economics),
A Second Course in Statistics: Regression Analysis, 6th Ed.

(2003). A Second Course in Statistics: Regression Analysis, 6th Ed. Journal of Quality Technology: Vol. 35, No. 3, pp. 332-333.
Learning the sociopragmatics of an artificial language: Comparing rule-based and concept-based instruction

This article reports findings from an experimental study of adults (n = 103) learning the sociopragmatics of an artificial language, ‘Ravenese’. The main purpose of the study was to compare the effects of: (a) rule-based instruction; versus (b) conceptbased instruction. No statistical differences were found between the two instructional conditions on an appropriateness judgment task (pretest, immediate posttest, and delayed posttest). However, differences were observed in participants’ understanding of the meaning and significance of the target pragmatic forms as revealed through qualitative data. The data suggest that rule-based instruction reinforces previously acquired everyday knowledge, whereas concept-based instruction supports learners’ development of new ways of understanding language and social relationships. The discussion centers on implications for teaching pragmatics in second/foreign language classrooms.