cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Communication Behavior Assessment and Treatment with the Adult Retarded: An Approach

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the approaches for communication behavior assessment and treatment with the adult retarded. Any approach to the assessment and treatment of communication behavior demands a theoretical basis. The approach is theoretically based in the weak form of the cognitive hypothesis and the environmental approach to working with the adult retarded. The weak form of the cognitive hypothesis states that early cognitive thought is necessary but not sufficient to account for the acquisition and the use of language and communication skills. The chapter discusses the cognitive thought, language, and the interaction between language and thought during interpersonal communication. It discusses the environmental approach that is the idea in which communicative intervention is necessary when the communication system in use does not meet the demands imposed by the immediate communication environment. The approach also presupposes that any assessment emphasizes a careful examination of the various communication environments in which a client lives
A Potential Role for Modulation of a Negative Feedback Loop between Erk and Raf in Mediating Sensitivity to the MEK inhibitor AZD6244 (ARRY-142886) in Human Lung Cancer Cell Lines

4866 Rituximab treatment of drug resistant B-NHL cell lines sensitizes the tumor cells to drug (e.g. CDDP, VP16, Taxol, Vincristine, Adriamycin)-induced apoptosis. The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway has been shown to be involved in cell proliferation and negatively regulates apoptosis-inducing stimuli. Hence, we examined if rituximab affects the PI3K/Akt pathway as a mechanism of chemosensitization of the tumor cells. Ramos B-NHL cells were treated with predetermined optimal concentration of rituximab (20 ug/ml) for different periods of times (3-20h) and the cells were harvested and total cell lysates were prepared. Analysis of lysates by Western revealed that treatment with rituximab inhibits the constitutively activated phospho-PI3K, phospho-Akt, phospho-Bad, (no inhibition of non-phospho related proteins), and downregulated Bcl-xL expression as early as 6 h post treatment. Bad and Bcl-xL form complexes and following phosphorylation of Bad by the Akt pathway, Bcl-xL dissociates from the complex and participates in the regulation of resistance to apoptosis. Rituximab treatment of Ramos cells was shown to inhibit phospho-Bad and there was significant enhancement of the Bcl-xL complexed with Bad, thus reducing free Bcl-xL and contributing to chemosensitization-mediated by rituximab. It has been reported that the constitutive activation of Akt is regulated in large part by PTEN activity. PTEN is a tumor suppressor that serves as a major negative regulator of the survival signaling mediated by the PI3K/Akt/protein kinase B pathways. The constitutive activation of Akt in Ramos was paralleled by low PTEN levels expression in the cells. Treatment of Ramos with rituximab resulted in a significant induction of PTEN expression in the cells. Time kinetic analysis revealed that rituximab augments PTEN expression as soon as 9 h after treatment (suggesting a post Akt-induced inhibitor). We then examined the role of the PI3K/Akt pathway in the regulation of Ramos resistance to drugs. Treatment of the Ramos cells with the specific Akt inhibitor LY294002 sensitized the cells to CDDP-induced apoptosis concomitant with downregulation of Bcl-xL expression. These findings demonstrate for the first time that rituximab treatment can inhibit the constitutive Akt pathway in B-NHL cells and, in addition, results in the induction of the expression of the tumor suppressor PTEN. These findings also reveal different targets whose modulation can reverse the resistance of tumor cells to drug-induced apoptosis. This study was supported in part by a philanthropic contribution from the JCCC/Rosenfield Fund under the direction of David Leveton.
Community Engagement: Mentor Beliefs across Training and Experience.

The purpose of this quantitative study was to understand how training and the development of the mentoring relationship impacts mentor beliefs across time within a therapeutic mentoring program cal...
Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater: reappreciating the dynamic relationship between humans, machines, and landscape images

The observation of the earth by humans has advanced our understanding of the physical patterns and processes that shape the landscape. Over time, the act of scientific interpretation has transformed into one mediated through machines, creating distance between the observer and the observed. Machine learning is expanding this gap and transforming how we gain knowledge about the world. Raising the question is there something to be lost by advancing machine learning at the expense of human visual interpretation? Recognizing the usefulness of these computational algorithms for dealing with massive, heterogeneous, and dynamic ecological datasets, scientists should not abandon the important contributions of human intelligence to understanding landscape patterns, processes, and relationships. This paper presents a review of social, cultural, and political or military influences on the relationship between humans and remote sensing images of the landscape. This review highlights tensions between automated machine learning approaches and human interpretation. Support for the use of human–machine integrated systems through the use of interactive, visual display, and the development of transparent machine learning methods is suggested. The human analyst should remain central in the design of landscape ecology applications when deploying machine learning algorithms. The complementary strengths of the human and machine in data processing suggest that the most informative insights regarding pattern and process can happen in the implementation of carefully designed Human in the Loop systems.
Oropharyngeal morphology related to filtration mechanisms in suspension-feeding American shad (Clupeidae)

To assess potential filtration mechanisms, scanning electron microscopy was used in a comprehensive quantification and analysis of the morphology and surface ultrastructure for all five branchial arches in the ram suspension-feeding fish, American shad (Alosa sapidissima, Clupeidae). The orientation of the branchial arches and the location of mucus cells on the gill rakers were more consistent with mechanisms of crossflow filtration and cross-step filtration rather than conventional dead-end sieving. The long, thin gill rakers could lead to a large area for the exit of water from the oropharyngeal cavity during suspension feeding (high fluid exit ratio). The substantial elongation of gill rakers along the dorsal-ventral axis formed d-type ribs with a groove aspect ratio of 0.5 and a Reynolds number of approximately 500, consistent with the potential operation of cross-step filtration. Mucus cell abundance differed significantly along the length of the raker and the height of the raker. The mucus cell abundance data and the observed sloughing of denticles along the gill raker margins closest to the interior of the oropharyngeal cavity suggest that gill raker growth may occur primarily at the raker tips, the denticle bases, and the internal raker margins along the length of the raker. These findings will be applied in ongoing experiments with 3D-printed physical models of fish oral cavities in flow tanks, and in future ecological studies on the diet and nutrition of suspension-feeding fishes.
Decoding Speech Evoked Jaw Motion from Non-invasive Neuromagnetic Oscillations

Speech decoding-based brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are the next-generation neuroprostheses that have the potential for real-time communication assistance to patients with locked-in syndrome (fully paralyzed but aware). Recent invasive speech decoding studies have demonstrated the possibility of speech kinematics decoding, where articulatory movements were decoded from the brain activity signals for speech synthesis, as an alternative solution to direct brain-to-speech mapping. As a starting point toward a non-invasive speech-neuroprosthesis, in this study, we investigated the decoding of continuous jaw kinematic trajectories directly from non-invasive neuromagnetic signals during speech production. The compensatory jaw behavior exhibited by patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is prevalent, hence, accurate decoding of the jaw kinematics could be a path for developing efficient communicative BCIs for these patients. Using magnetoencephalography (MEG), we recorded brain signals and jaw motions simultaneously from four subjects as they spoke short phrases. We trained a long short-term memory (LSTM) regression model to successfully map the brain activity to jaw motion with about 0.80 average correlation score across all four subjects. In addition, we also examined the decoding performance of specific frequency bands within the neural signals and found that the Delta (0.3–4Hz) and high-gamma (62–125 Hz and 125–250 Hz) frequencies independently can account for the major contributions in jaw motion decoding. Experimental results indicated that the jaw kinematics can be successfully decoded from non-invasive neural (MEG) signals.
Abdominal Wall Defects, Gastroschisis and Omphalocele

Abdominal Wall Defects comprise of two distinct entities, gastroschisis and omphalocele. While often considered together, these congenital anomalies are quite different and pose unique management issues. These issues will be discussed in this chapter.
Landscape solution to the SUSY flavor and C P problems

In the context of supersymmetric (SUSY) theories of particle physics,the statistical draw of the string theory landscape is to large soft SUSY breaking terms tempered by the anthropic requirement of a not-too-large value for the weak scale within various pocket universes. The landscape statistical draw pulls first and second generation matter scalar masses into the tens of TeV regime, but also to a common upper bound. This results in a mixed decoupling/quasi-degeneracy solution to the infamous SUSY flavor and CP problems.
The Role of Knowledge Availability in Forming Inferences with Rural Middle Grade English Learners.

Abstract We investigated differences in knowledge-based inferencing between rural, middle grade monolingual English-speaking students and English learners. Students were introduced to facts about an imaginary planet Gan followed by a multi-episode story about Gan. Participants were tested on the accuracy of fact recall and inferences using this knowledge at three time points (i.e., immediate, one-week, and one-month follow-up). Results show that monolingual English-speaking students significantly outperformed English learners on the inference task. Both subgroups made elaborative inferences more accurately than coherence. Students' ability to recall knowledge base facts was the strongest predictor of their ability to accurately make inferences using this knowledge at each time point.
Safety and efficacy of percutaneous transabdominal and transesophageal decompression gastric catheters for palliation of malignant bowel obstruction

To evaluate the safety and primary technical success rate of gastric decompression via percutaneous transabdominal gastrostomy (PTAG) or percutaneous transesophageal gastric (PTEG) catheter placement for management of malignant bowel obstruction (MBO). A secondary purpose was to evaluate the safety and success rate for PTAG catheter placement in patients with both MBO and ascites. A single-institution retrospective review of 385 patients who underwent attempted decompression gastric catheter placement from March 2013 to August 2018 was performed. Medical records and imaging studies were reviewed. A subgroup of patients with concomitant MBO and ascites were identified. The primary outcome measures were procedural technical success and procedural complications. 394 decompression gastrostomy catheters were attempted from 2013 to 2018, n = 353 PTAG and n = 41 PTEG. The success rate was 95.5% (n = 337 of 353) for PTAG and 97.6% (n = 40 of 41) for PTEG. There were 63 total complications involving 47 (13.9%) patients following PTAG and 13 total complications involving 9 (22.5%) patients following PTEG, P = 0.16. For the subgroup of patients with MBO and ascites, the success rate was 94.8% (n = 182 of 192 patients), and there were 20 complications involving 17 (12.9%) of 132 patients. Gastric decompression for patients with MBO via PTAG or PTEG catheter placement is associated with high success rates and low complications.
Site Saturation Mutagenesis of Active Site Residues of β-Lactamase

Techniques such as site-specific in vitro mutagenesis that enable one to make specific changes in amino acid sequence by altering the DNA sequence of a corresponding structural gene provide new approaches for studying the relationship between structure and function in proteins (1, 2). Detailed knowledge of the three-dimensional structure and the mechanism of action of a particular protein greatly assist in choosing which mutant proteins to produce and study. Even when such information is available, particular amino acid substitutions often affect the behavior of a protein in unanticipated ways. Therefore, to study thoroughly the role of an important residue, substitution with all 19 possible amino acids (site saturation) becomes necessary.
Scheduling multistage flowshops with parallel units—An alternative approach to optimization under uncertainty

Abstract The prevalent probabilistic approaches to modeling processing time uncertainties in production scheduling problems result in mathematical programming models that are computationally expensive to solve. We present a non-probabilistic treatment of scheduling optimization under processing time uncertainty, where the latter is described using fuzzy set theory, and derive Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) models for the scheduling of multistage flow-shops with parallel units. Results indicate that these models are computationally tractable for reasonably sized problems. We also describe tabu search implementations for larger problems.
Toward an analog VLSI implementation of a decision making model

This paper describes an analog circuit implementation of on-chip learning for the lens model by using adaptive linear neuron networks (ADALINE). The on-chip learning circuit has been designed using MOS transistors operating in the subthreshold regime. The proposed circuit has been developed and simulated using the CMOS 1.5/spl mu/m AMI ABN process. The parameters of the correlation coefficient equation are current signals that can be controlled through the voltages to produce the square root behavior. The circuit is biased at 1.5V to lower the power dissipation. Spice simulations are included to illustrate the circuit performance.
On Minimum Entropy Segmentation

Abstract We describe segmented multiresolution analyses of [0, 1]. Such multiresolution analyses lead to segmented wavelet bases which are adapted to discontinuities, cusps, etc., at a given location τ ∈ [0, 1]. Our approach emphasizes the idea of average-interpolation — synthesizing a smooth function on the line having prescribed boxcar averages. This particular approach leads to methods with subpixel resolution and to wavelet transforms with the advantage that, for a signal of length n , all n pixel-level segmented wavelet transforms can be computed simultaneously in a total time and space which are both O ( n log( n )). We consider the search for a segmented wavelet basis which, among all such segmented bases, minimizes the “entropy” of the resulting coefficients. Fast access to all segmentations enables fast search for a best segmentation. When the “entropy” is Stein's Unbiased Risk Estimate, one obtains a new method of edge-preserving de-noising. When the “entropy” is the l 2 -energy, one obtains a new multi-resolution edge detector, which works not only for step discontinuities but also for cusp and higher-order discontinuities, and in a near-optimal fashion in the presence of noise. We describe an iterative approach, Segmentation Pursuit , for identifying edges by the fast segmentation algorithm and removing them from the data.
Geo-spatial clustering with non-spatial attributes and geographic non-overlapping constraint: a penalized spatial distance measure

In many geography-related problems, clustering technologies are widely required to identify significant areas containing spatial objects, particularly, the object with non-spatial attributes. At most of times, the resultant geographic areas should satisfy the geographic non-overlapping constraint. That is, the areas should not be overlapped with other areas. If without non-spatial attributes, most spatial clustering approaches can obtain such results. But in the presence of non-spatial attributes, many clustering methods can not guarantee this condition, since the clustering results may be dominated in non-spatial attribute domain which can not reflect the geographic constraint. In this paper, a new spatial distance measure called penalized spatial distance (PSD) is presented, and it is proofed to satisfy the condition which can guarantee the constraint. PSD achieves this by well adjusting the spatial distance between two points according to the non-spatial attribute values between them. The clustering effectiveness of PSD incorporated with CLARANS is evaluated on both artificial data sets and a real banking analysis case. It demonstrates that PSD can effectively discover the non-spatial knowledge and contribute more reasonably to spatial clustering problem solving.
Personalized online search for fashion products

In this paper we develop a methodology for personalizing online search for fashion products. Most search functions on fashion retail sites currently rely on objective data, such as colors or brands, to filter their products. Adding a subjective component of fashion style would allow for a more personalized and relevant search experience for the end user. The proposed methodology is based upon a topic modeling technique – latent Dirichlet allocation – which has been successfully used for classifying unstructured text data. This technique is used to quantitatively define distinct fashion styles based upon text obtained from clothing product information available through APIs with affiliate networks. Using the fashion style definitions, individual clothing brands and looks are then classified. We compare the performance of the proposed methodology with Genostyle's proprietary methodology (Genostyle is a fashion styling analytics company). An experiment was executed to display custom recommendations made using each methodology to participants. The team measured performance by comparing median 5-point Likert scale responses to the recommended looks. Results indicate the latent Dirichlet allocation methodology has higher median Likert responses for the top recommended style. However, the Likert scores for Genostyle’s methodology, the latent Dirichlet allocation methodology, and the control group are statistically indistinguishable (p=0.05). Given these results, further experimentation with more diverse participation or presentation of looks may give insights into how to better fashion style predictions that more closely match consumers’ preferences.
FORCE-FREE CONFIGURATIONS OF VORTICES IN HIGH-TEMPERATURE SUPERCONDUCTORS NEAR THE MELTING TRANSITION

We study force-free configurations of Abrikosov flux lines in the line-liquid and line-crystal limit, near the melting transition at ${H}_{m}.$ We show that the condition for zero force configurations can be solved by appealing to the structure of chiral liquid crystalline phases.
Short-Term Storage of Salmonid Sperm in Air versus Oxygen

Abstract We evaluated the effects of different gaseous environments on the short-term storage of semen samples from hatchery-reared chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, commercial rainbow trout O. mykiss, and steelhead (anadromous rainbow trout). Within each species examined, sperm motility declined steadily over time and was generally about 50% of the initial value after 72 h; however, there was no difference in motility between samples maintained under either ambient air or 100% O2. The motility of samples incubated under either exhaled air or 95% O2 plus 5% CO2, as well as samples incubated under 100% N2, was significantly decreased after 24 h. Sperm samples demonstrating a significant loss of motility following incubation under exhaled air recovered much of the motility after subsequent incubation under ambient air for 24 h. Sperm viability was not altered after 24 h under any incubation condition but was decreased significantly after 72 h under 100% N2. Finally, the spermatocrits of samples maint...
Interfuel and energy-capital complementarity in manufacturing industries

Abstract The growing importance of energy in the production process due to factors such as fears of the depletion of cheap oil, drastic fluctuations in unit energy prices, and various exogeneous reasons, has led to many studies introducing aggregate energy as an amorphous entity-factor of production. Presently, (a) the relationship between four fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas, and electricity), and (b) the relationship between aggregate energy and aggregate capital, both in manufacturing industries, are being studied. Of prime interest in the relevant literature is the dichotomy characterizing the energy-capital complementarily/substitutability. In a thorough review of the literature of mostly translogarithmic studies we detect interfuel substitutability in the majority of the industrial sectors. More specifically, oil appears to be a substitute for both coal and electricity; gas is leaning towards substitutability with coal and electricity; oil and gas are substitutes in selected industries only, but are complements in most manufacturing processes; and finally, coal and electricity perform as substitutes in aggregate manufacturing. The ‘obscure’ contradiction in the energy-capital relationship is marked. Time-series studies favor complementarity but cross-section research supports the substitutability between the two inputs of production. Despite various reconiliation attempts, the dichotomy in the results remains strong. Some explanations are, the insufficient econometric techniques which yield biased estimates, the omission of other significant factors in the estimation process, time-lags, differences in the measurement of capital, and data heterogeneity.
On common zeros of L-functions

We will prove that two L-functions L1, L2 satisfying the same functional equation must be identically equal if sufficiently many zeros of L1 are also zeros of L2.
What is a covariant derivative

Abstract A slight change of emphasis, from geometry towards local symmetry, provides a better framework for the formulation of gauge theories of the gravitational type. General Relativity no longer requires any improvisation, whether the local algebra is based on Poincare or on De Sitter. Application to the graded super Minkowski manifold, with local algebra based on the super Poincare algebra, leads to an action principle. The torsion constraints are obtained by straightforward variation of the action. The comparison with component supergravity has not yet been completed, but preliminary indications strongly indicate a close relationship. Local symmetry of the action principle is maintained, the structure is field independent, and the torsion constraints also preserve the local symmetry algebra. The coupling to matter shows that these constraints are necessary for the exclusion of ghosts from the matter sector.
Adiabatic shear banding under pure shear loading Part I: direct observation of strain localization and energy dissipation measurements

Abstract Adiabatic shear banding under pure shear loading was studied in VAR 4340 steel (HRC 40) using a high-speed photography technique. The development of a shear band was directly observed and the strain and strain rate during localization were measured. The stress-strain curve for the shear banded material and estimates of the energy dissipated and the temperature in the shear band were also obtained. It was found that shear localization occurs in two sequential stages over widths of 60 μm and 20 μm, respectively. Significant strength reduction occurs only during the second stage of localization. Strains of 17 and strain rates approaching 1.4×10 6 s −1 were measured in the band. The total energy dissipated per unit area of shear band was of the order of 0.18 MJ/m2; the corresponding temperature elevation was in excess of 1000°C. The information obtained both in this investigation and in the metallographic and fractographic investigation presented in a companion paper provide insight into the mechanisms leading to the development and fracture of a shear band. Such information can be used to develop micromechanical models of adiabatic shear banding.
Data-acquisition modelling and simulation

Abstract We report on the current status of our program to develop a complete top-down design environment for data-acquisition systems. Our effort now focuses on four distinct projects: (1) a model of the existing CDF muon detector trigger and data acquisition, with one board described down to the gate level; (2) a HyperCard enviroment for the automatic incorporation of manufacturers' parts specifications into the design library; (3) translation of component descriptions between different design tools; (4) coordination of a multi-designer environment.
Methane-driven oceanic eruptions and mass extinctions: Comment and Reply: REPLY

Dickens raises an important question. Phase diagrams do not tell the whole story, however. (If they did, diamonds would have turned into graphite long ago; instead, they seem to last forever.) For methane in seawater, [Handa (1990)][1] calculated the metastable gas-liquid solubility (saturation
Measured close lightning leader‐step electric field–derivative waveforms

[1] We characterize the measured electric field–derivative (dE/dt) waveforms of lightning stepped-leader steps from three negative lightning flashes at distances of tens to hundreds of meters. Electromagnetic signatures of leader steps at such close distances have rarely been documented in previous literature. Individual leader-step three-dimensional locations are determined by a dE/dt TOA system. The leader-step field derivative is typically a bipolar pulse with a sharp initial half-cycle of the same polarity as that of the return stroke, followed by an opposite polarity overshoot that decays relatively slowly to background level. This overshoot increases in amplitude relative to the initial peak and becomes dominant as range decreases. The initial peak is often preceded by a “slow front,” similar to the slow front that precedes the fast transition to peak in first return stroke dE/dt and E waveforms. The overall step-field waveform duration is typically less than 1 μs. The mean initial peak of dE/dt, range-normalized to 100 km, is 7.4 V m−1μs−1 (standard deviation (S.D.), 3.7 V m−1μs−1, N = 103), the mean half-peak width is 33.5 ns (S.D., 11.9 ns, N = 69), and the mean 10-to-90% risetime is 43.6 ns (S.D., 24.2 ns, N = 69). From modeling, we determine the properties of the leader step currents which produced two typical measured field derivatives, and we use one of these currents to calculate predicted leader step E and dE/dt as a function of source range and height, the results being in good agreement with our observations. The two modeled current waveforms had maximum rates of current rise-to-peak near 100 kA μs−1, peak currents in the 5–7 kA range, current half-peak widths of about 300 ns, and charge transfers of ∼3 mC. As part of the modeling, those currents were propagated upward at 1.5 × 108 m s−1, with their amplitudes decaying exponentially with a decay height constant of 25 m.
Nuclear structure: Many faces, many probes

Abstract Physics of strongly interacting many-body systems has many dimensions. Nuclear structure reflects most of them. To study this immensely rich subject a variety of probes, both leptonic and hadronic, are needed and used. In this review we discuss some of the most exciting current problems in nuclear structure physics and show how a variety of probes are brought to bear in order to resolve them.
Risk of suicide after long-term follow-up from bariatric surgery.

Abstract Purpose Bariatric surgery is recognized as the treatment of choice for class III obesity (body mass index ≥40) and has been increasingly recommended for obese patients. Prior research has suggested an excess of deaths due to suicide following bariatric surgery, but few large long-term follow-up studies exist. We examined postbariatric surgery suicides by time since operation, sex, age, and suicide death rates as compared with US suicide rates. Methods Medical data following bariatric operations performed on Pennsylvania residents between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 2004 were obtained from the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost and Containment Council. Matching mortality data from suicides between September 1, 1996 and December 28, 2006 were obtained from the Division of Vital Records, Pennsylvania State Department of Health. Results There were 31 suicides (16,683 operations), for an overall rate of 6.6/10,000; 13.7 per 10,000 among men and 5.2 per 10,000 among women. About 30% of suicides occurred within the first 2 years following surgery, with almost 70% occurring within 3 years. For every age category except the youngest, suicide rates were higher among men than women. Age- and sex-matched suicide rates in the US population (ages 35-64 years) were 2.4/10,000 (men) and 0.7/10,000 (women). Conclusions Compared with age and sex-matched suicide rates in the US, there was a substantial excess of suicides among all patients who had bariatric surgery in Pennsylvania during a 10-year period. These data document a need to develop more comprehensive longer-term surveillance and follow-up methods in order to evaluate factors associated with postbariatric surgery suicide.
"You are what you eat": diet modifies cuticular hydrocarbons and nestmate recognition in the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile.

Nestmate recognition plays a key role in the behavior and evolution of social insects. We demonstrated that hydrocarbons are the chemical cues used in Argentine ant, Linepithema humile, nestmate recognition, and that these hydrocarbons can be acquired from insect prey. Consequently, Argentine ant cuticular hydrocarbon patterns reveal the same hydrocarbons present in their diet. Diet alters both the recognition cues present on the cuticular surface and the response of nestmates to this new colony odor, resulting in aggression between former nestmates reared on different insect prey.
Identification of Cripto-1 in human milk.

Cripto-1 (CR-1) is an epidermal growth factor (EGF)-related peptide that plays an important role in normal mammary gland development. CR-1 is expressed in the growing terminal end buds in the virgin mouse mammary gland and its expression increases during pregnancy and lactation. Furthermore, CR-1 is involved in the early stages of mouse mammary tumorigenesis and in the pathogenesis of human breast cancer. Since CR-1 is expressed in the mouse mammary gland at high levels during pregnancy and lactation, we have evaluated whether this protein is present in human milk. In the present study we demonstrate that a 28 kDa immunoreactive CR-1 protein is present in 24 human milk samples as assessed by western blot analysis and that by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay the concentration of CR-1 ranges between 62 and 118 ng/ml. In addition, CR-1 that had been purified from human milk is able to stimulate the phosphorylation of mitogen activated protein kinase in nontransformed NMuMG mouse mammary epithelial cells. These results suggest that CR-1 in human milk may be important in regulating mammary gland development during pregnancy and lactation.
Defining the Roles of the Iodothyronine Deiodinases: Current Concepts and Challenges

As is typical of other hormone systems, the actions of the thyroid hormones (TH) differ from tissue to tissue depending upon a number of variables. In addition to varying expression levels of TH receptors and transporters, differing patterns of TH metabolism provide a critical mechanism whereby TH action can be individualized in cells depending on the needs of the organism. The iodothyronine deiodinases constitute a family of selenoenzymes that selectively remove iodide from thyroxine and its derivatives, thus activating or inactivating these hormones. Three deiodinases have been identified, and much has been learned regarding the differing structures, catalytic activities, and expression patterns of these proteins. Because of their differing properties, the deiodinases appear to serve varying functions that are important in regulating metabolic processes, TH action during development, and feedback control of the thyroid axis. This review will briefly assess these functional roles and others proposed for the deiodinases and examine some of the current challenges in expanding our knowledge of these important components of the thyroid homeostatic system.
INCIDENCE OF POSTOPERATIVE ATRIAL FIBRILLATION (POAF) AFTER ROBOTIC CABG VERSUS TRADITIONAL CABG AND ITS ASSOCIATED MORTALITY AND MORBIDITY

Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication following cardiac surgeries. Minimally invasive revascularization; like Robotic CABG (R-CABG) have shown comparable efficacy and shorter length of stay as compared to traditional sternotomy CABG. However, there is no data comparing
Quantitative measurement of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and two major metabolites in physiological specimens using capillary column gas chromatography negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry

delta 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and two of its metabolites, 11-hydroxy-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol and 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, can be measured in a single 1-ml sample of blood, plasma, or urine by a new assay which combines a relatively rapid extraction procedure with capillary column gas chromatography and negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Deuterium-labeled analogs of each cannabinoid are added to the physiological specimen as internal standards. Two extracts are obtained from each sample: a neutral fraction containing delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol and 11-hydroxy-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and an acid fraction containing 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol. The neutral fraction is derivatized by treatment with trifluoroacetic anhydride; the acid fraction is first treated with BF3-methanol followed by reaction with trifluoroacetic anhydride. Under electron-capture chemical ionization conditions the derivatized delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol and 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol give abundant molecular anions ideally suited for selected ion monitoring. The negative ion chemical ionization spectrum of the HO-THC-trifluoroacetate shows no molecular anion. Consequently, quantitation of the hydroxy metabolite is achieved by monitoring a fragment ion formed by loss of CF3CO2 from its molecular anion. The limits of reliable measurement are judged to be 0.1 ng ml-1 for 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, 0.2 ng ml-1 for delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol and 0.5 ng ml-1 for 11-hydroxy-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Four examples are given of the application of the assay to the analysis of specimens of medico-legal importance.
Curved Lipid Bilayers: Structure, Dynamics, Phase Properties and Surface Electrostatics

A growing body of experimental data suggests that at least some of membrane-anchored and membrane-associated proteins are capable of sensing the membrane curvature. Further, highly curved lipid bilayers and small vesicles are involved in such important cellular processes as membrane fusion, endo- and exocytosis, and tubules' formation. Finally, Golgi apparatus represents an example of highly curved lipid structure. While significance of membrane curvature in cellular regulatory processes is emerging, limited data exist on biophysical properties of highly curved lipid bilayers. Here we summarize results of differential scanning calorimetry and spin labeling EPR studies of unilamellar vesicles (SUV) with average diameter ranging from 200 to 30 nm. Analysis of DSC data at multiple scan rates revealed broadening and shifts of the main phase transition of DMPC from ca. 22.9 to 23.6 oC. This observation is consistent with bilayer compression and an increase in local order parameter reveled by EPR and oxygen accessibility measurements. To assess the surface electrostatics of lipid vesicles we employed EPR of a recently introduced phospholipid (IMTSL-PTE) bearing a pH-sensitive nitroxide covalently attached to the lipid head group (Biophys. J. 2013, 104: 106). The magnitude of the negative surface electrostatic potential, Ψ, for POPG increased from −137 to −167 mV upon decrease in the vesicle diameter from 107 to 31 nm even though zeta-potentials were identical. This effect could be again rationalized by increase in lipid packing upon increase in curvature for the bilayer in fluid phase. However, the effect vanished for the gel phase. We conclude that biologically relevant fluid bilayer phase allows for a larger variability in the lipid packing density in the lipid polar head group region than a more ordered gel phase. Supported by U.S. DOE Contract DE-FG02-02ER15354.
Structure of cationized glycine, gly·M2+ (M = Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba), in the gas phase: Intrinsic effect of cation size on zwitterion stability

Interactions between divalent metal ions and biomolecules are common both in solution and in the gas phase. Here, the intrinsic effect of divalent alkaline earth metal ions (Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) on the structure of glycine in the absence of solvent is examined. Results from both density functional and Moller–Plesset theories indicate that for all metal ions except beryllium, the salt-bridge form of the ion, in which glycine is a zwitterion, is between 5 and 12 kcal/mol more stable than the charge-solvated structure in which glycine is in its neutral form. For beryllium, the charge-solvated structure is 5–8 kcal/mol more stable than the salt-bridge structure. Thus, there is a dramatic change in the structure of glycine with increased metal cation size. Using a Hartree–Fock-based partitioning method, the interaction between the metal ion and glycine is separated into electrostatic, charge transfer and deformation components. The charge transfer interactions are more important for stabilizing the charge-solvated structure of glycine with beryllium relative to magnesium. In contrast, the difference in stability between the charge-solvated and salt-bridge structure for magnesium is mostly due to electrostatic interactions that favor formation of the salt-bridge structure. These results indicate that divalent metal ions dramatically influence the structure of this simplest amino acid in the gas phase.
Testing the ZWW coupling at LEP I

Abstract We study the possibility of probing anomalous ZWW couplings at the LEP I collider in the decay Z → W ∗ W ∗ → l ν q q ′ . By allowing both W-bosons to be off mass-shell, the rate is increased by a factor of 5 over previous calculations with one on-shell W. An anomalous ZWW coupling Δκ=±1 can be tested at 95% confidence level with 5×107 Z's.
Duration of diastole versus cycle length as correlates of left ventricular ejection time

Studies were done on 82 normal subjects to evaluate cycle length versus duration of diastole as determinants of left ventricular ejection time. Cycle length and its reciprocal, heart rate, had the highest correlation with left ventricular ejection time. Removal of the self-correlation of left ventricular ejection time within cycle length reduces the correlation so that, of all intervals, duration of diastole had the highest correlation as a determinant of left ventricular ejection time. Cycle length and heart rate remain valuable as spuriously close but not misleading correlates for predicting or correcting left ventricular ejection time.
L-Series X-Rays from π-Mesonic Atoms

The yields of the $L$-series x-ray lines from $\ensuremath{\pi}$-mesonic atoms have been measured for fourteen elements between $Z=6 \mathrm{and} 26$. The total yield rises from 18% at carbon to a maximum of about 70% in the vicinity of aluminum, and then decreases. This decrease is caused primarily by nuclear absorption of pions from the $3d$ state; the $3d\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2p$ yield determinations thus measure the nuclear absorption rate from the $3d$ state. The low-$Z$ drop-off is predicted qualitatively by theoretical calculations of the meson cascade scheme. The observed relative intensities of the different $L$-series emission lines are substantially independent of $Z$ in the range $6\ensuremath{\leqq}Z\ensuremath{\leqq}16$. The $3d\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2p$ transition energies are consistent with electromagnetically predicted values within the experimental error of 3 to 5% for $Z\ensuremath{\le}28$.
Contextual Factors and Negotiating Spaces: Exploring the Emergence of Nonprofit and Hybrid Voluntary Organizations

The emergence of nonprofit organizations has largely been explained by the prevalent “three failures” theory. However, evidence suggests that such theories fail to capture a variety of contextual nuances that may influence nonprofit formation. In particular, these theories have remained relatively silent about the emergence of hybrid voluntary organizations. This article posits the notion that some nonprofit organizations (for example, hybrid voluntary organizations) emerge through cross-sector negotiations, amid a number of social, policy, and political contextual complexities. We contend that any theory purporting to explain the emergence of nonprofit organizations should not neglect to account for the role contextual factors play in defining their emergence and their subsequent character and function.
Delivering Welfare-to-Work Services in County Social Service Organizations: An Exploratory Study of Staff Perspectives

There is a limited body of knowledge on the role of staff in the implementation of welfare policy, especially how frontline staff members perceive an array of organizational factors and how these factors affect their ability to serve clients. This exploratory study builds upon this limited body of research by capturing staff perceptions of the personal and community resources that are needed to help TANF participants move from welfare to work in California's CalWORKs program. It is based on staff perceptions of welfare-to-work services (from orientation to post-employment services) during the first five years of implementing welfare reform in eleven California county social service agencies (1998–2002). Data were collected from a sample of 292 welfare-to-work staff (line staff, specialists, and supervisors) through the use of a Web-based survey. The findings suggest that several factors impact service delivery, including the work environment, resources, characteristics of program participants, staff contr...
3' gene regulatory elements required for expression of the Plasmodiumfalciparum developmental protein, Pfs25.

Abstract Development of sexual stage parasites within the mosquito vector is a crucial step in the transmission of Plasmodium parasites. The expression of the P25 and P28 proteins on the surface of Plasmodium parasites in the mosquito midgut is required for development and hence disease transmission. 3′ gene-flanking sequences are essential for expression of these critical proteins but the nucleotide elements required are poorly defined. Transient gene transfection experiments using constructs containing deletions of the 3′ gene-flanking region of the Plasmodium falciparum P25 homologue, pfs25, reveal that elements necessary for protein expression are within 315 nucleotides (nt) of the stop codon. A T-rich region 137–231 nt from the stop codon is required for expression. The nonamer AATAAAATG, 360 nt downstream from the stop codon, enhances expression by 51 percent. Using 3′ RACE analysis, multiple polyadenylation sites from endogenous and plasmid-derived pfs25 transcripts were identified. Dissimilarities between the identified elements and those of metazoans support the hypothesis that definition of P25/28 3′ gene regulatory processes may eventually permit the development of agents which block malaria transmission but are non-toxic to humans.
Species of Stink Bugs in Cotton and Other Row Crops in the Brazos River Bottom of Texas

Abstract. Stink bugs have recently become an economic pest of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., in the Brazos River Bottom production area of Texas, but many producers remain uncertain which species are infesting fields. Cotton and nearby maize (Zea mays L.), sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], and soybean [Glycine max (L.)] fields were sampled weekly for stink bugs in 2011 and 2012 to determine the complex of species infesting cotton and identify other crops in which stink bugs may develop and then move to cotton. In total, 12 phytophagous stink bug species were collected among the four crops over both years. Seven species were detected in cotton, but the brown stink bug, Euschistus servus (Say), and redshouldered stink bug, Thyanta custator acerra McAtee, collectively, accounted for 80 and 96% of the stink bugs found in 2011 and 2012, respectively. The two species also were the most prevalent encountered in soybean and maize over both years. The absence of southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (L.),...
Focused Renal Sonography Performed and Interpreted by Internal Medicine Residents

OBJECTIVES Intensivist-performed focused sonography, including renal sonography, is becoming accepted practice. Whether internal medicine residents can be trained to accurately rule out renal obstruction and identify sonographic findings of chronic kidney disease is unknown. The purpose of this study was to test the ability of residents to evaluate for this specific constellation of findings. METHODS Internal medicine residents were trained in a 5-hour module on focused renal sonography evaluating renal length, echogenicity, hydronephrosis, and cysts on a convenience sample of medical ward, intermediate care, and medical intensive care unit patients. All patients underwent comprehensive sonography within 24 hours. The primary outcome was represented by the Fleiss κ statistic, which indicated the degree of interobserver agreement between residents and radiologists. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated using the comprehensive radiologist-read examination as the reference. RESULTS Seventeen internal medicine residents imaged 125 kidneys on 66 patients. The average number of studies performed was 7.3 (SD, 6.6). Residents demonstrated excellent agreement with radiologists for hydronephrosis (κ = 0.73; P < .001; SE, 0.15; sensitivity, 94%; specificity, 93%), moderate agreement for echogenic kidneys (κ = 0.43; P < .001; SE, 0.13; sensitivity, 40%; specificity, 98%), and substantial agreement for renal cysts (κ = 0.61; P < .001; SE, 0.12; sensitivity, 60%; specificity, 96%). Residents showed sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 88% for identification of atrophic kidneys, defined as length less than 8 cm. CONCLUSIONS After a 5-hour training course, medical residents accurately identified hydronephrosis and key sonographic findings of chronic kidney disease in a cohort of medical patients. Screening for hydronephrosis and renal atrophy can be performed by medical residents after adequate training.