cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Paclitaxel and filgrastim for hematopoietic progenitor cell mobilization in patients with hematologic malignancies after failure of a prior mobilization regimen

Paclitaxel and G-CSF have been evaluated for HPC mobilization in breast cancer and found to have tolerable toxicity with a predictable time to initiate leukapheresis. However, this approach has not been reported in patients with hematologic malignancies failing prior mobilization. We report a case-series of 26 adults given paclitaxel and G-CSF for HPC mobilization after failure of an initial mobilization. Patients received paclitaxel 250 mg/m(2) followed by G-CSF 10-16 mcg/kg/day. Compared to the initial regimen, paclitaxel mobilization produced greater CD34+ cell yields (median 1.53 x 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg vs. 0.79 x 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg, p = 0.004). Seventy-six percent of patients initiated leukapheresis on day 8, the remainder on day 9 or 10. Three patients developed febrile neutropenia resulting in one death prior to leukapheresis. Overall, 73% of patients proceeded with autologous HPC transplant. This case-series suggests paclitaxel may be an option for HPC mobilization in patients failing prior regimens.
Interaction Between Soluble Thrombomodulin and Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 in Predicting Risk of Coronary Heart Disease

Background— Results from previous ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities) analyses indicate that soluble intercellular adhesive molecule-1 (sICAM) and soluble thrombomodulin (sTM) levels are ass...
Order parameter from chemical shift anisotropy patterns in two-dimensional systems

Abstract For imperfectly ordered two-dimensional systems in which motional averaging over the distribution of orientations does not occur, the chemical shift anisotropy pattern can reflect the details of the orientational distribution function: calculated spectra are shown for angles of zero, π/4, and π/2 between the director and the magnetic field. At π/4, where the effect is greatest, the effect of the form of the distribution is illustrated. These notions should be useful for molecules intercalated between the layers of graphites and clays, and perhaps in quenched smectic and nematic phases. Misalignment effects on anisotropy patterns are also illustrated for systems in which motional averaging occurs.
Predictive validity evidence for medical education research study quality instrument scores: quality of submissions to JGIM's Medical Education Special Issue.

Background Deficiencies in medical education research quality are widely acknowledged. Content, internal structure, and criterion validity evidence support the use of the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI) to measure education research quality, but predictive validity evidence has not been explored.
The effects of septal stimulation on spontaneous and tail-shock evoked neuronal activity in the brainstem of the rat.

Abstract The effects of stimulation of the lateral septum (LS) and the medial septum (MS) with single pulses of current were assessed on the neural activity evoked by a noxious tail shock as well as on spontaneous activity in 72 cells located in the periventricular gray (PVG), periaqueductal gray (PAG), dorsal raphe (DR) and nucleus raphe magnus (NRM) of the anesthetized rat. Pronounced inhibitory effects of evoked activity, occurring with a 10–15 ms latency and lasting 20–100 ms, were found primarily in the DR and ventrolateral PAG. Inhibition was not confined to nociceptive cells, and could also be observed in some units unresponsive to noxious stimulation. Short-lived excitatory effects were encountered mostly in the PVG and dorsolateral PAG units. The results were interpreted as support for the notion of septal participation in pain inhibition, and the hypothesis was advanced that its mode of action may involve suppression of aspects of nociception at the supraspinal level.
Titian in the Frari

“Il Caualier Titiano, ne le cui mani uiue la idea d'una nuoua natura non senza gloria de l'Architettura, la quale e ornamento de la grandezza del suo perfetto Giudicio.” SEBASTIANO SERLIO1
T-cell regulation of experimental autoimmune thyroiditis in the mouse.

Abstract Ordinarily, thyroglobulin is not autoantigenic. However, when given with adjuvant, autoantibodies to thyroglobulin are readily produced and characteristic lesions of autoimmune thyroiditis are demonstrable in the thyroid (1,2). Adjuvants, therefore, play a crucial role in revealing the autoantigenic potential of this autologous antigen.
Tarsal strip combined with modified Quickert-Rathbun sutures for involutional entropion.

Abstract Background: Involutional entropion is a common problem in the elderly population. The author describes a method of repair of involutional entropion that is a combination and modification of two existing surgical techniques. Methods: Review of the cases of 20 consecutive patients (22 lids) who underwent surgery for involutional entropion. All surgical procedures were performed by the author. Repair consisted of a tarsal strip procedure combined with a modification of the Quickert Rathbun suture technique. All patients had at least 1 year of follow-up. Results: Surgery was successful in 21 (95%) of the 22 eyelids. One patient was noted to have recurrent entropion at 21 months. The average length of follow-up was 33.3 months (range 12 to 79 months). Interpretation: The surgical technique described is straightforward and reliable for the correction of involutional entropion.
Results for 79 patients with neuroblastoma detected through mass screening at 6 months of age in a single institute.

Background: In Japan, mass screening for neuroblastoma has been performed at 6 months of age to improve the prognosis of this condition for more than 20 years. In recent years, most neuroblastomas detected by mass screening were considered to have favorable biological features and sometimes tend to regress spontaneously. Methods: The authors established non-treated observation criteria in 1997 and criteria for observation of residual tumor after first-line chemotherapy in 1999, and have made an effort to reduce the intensity of medical treatment for neuroblastoma. The authors examined outcomes of 79 patients who were found in the Shizuoka neuroblastoma mass screening at 6 months of age and who received medical treatment or underwent observation in Shizuoka Children’s Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan, between December 1981 and December 2004. Results: A total of 77 patients survived but the remaining two patients died from complications of medical treatment. None of the patients died due to progression of neuroblastoma. In the cases, non-treated observation was performed in 17. Of those, 12 patients are now under non-treated observation. Of their tumors, two have disappeared, nine have become smaller and another one has not change in size. Observation of residual tumor after first-line chemotherapy was performed in 15 cases, and three disappeared and the other 12 cases became smaller. Medical treatment-related complications were observed in 20 of 67 patients who received medical treatment, and 18 of the 20 patients were seen before establishing non-treated observation criteria. Conclusion: Non-treated observation and observation of residual tumor after first-line chemotherapy were useful to reduce medical treatment-related complications.
Tax rate effects on interest rates

Abstract This paper investigates empirically the effects of personal and corporate taxes on taxable interest rates. The results suggest that the effective tax rate of marginal investors in the Treasury bill market is that of households, as opposed to that of tax-exempt institutions or corporations.
General perturbational solution of a harmonically forced non-linear oscillator equation

Abstract An extension of a general perturbational method in the theory of harmonically forced non-linear oscillations has been presented, in which the interplay of two system parameters appears. The method clearly exhibits the entrainment of subharmonic, super-harmonic and other harmonic responses for various interplays of the system parameters. The mathematical insufficiency of the method to predict the behavior of the system in a limiting case of parameter interplay, which is usually attributed to the perturbational method in the Poincare sense, has been recognized and the method for its removal suggested.
Inhibitory Deficits in Tourette Syndrome: A Function of Comorbidity and Symptom Severity

This study examined central inhibitory function in children with Tourette syndrome (TS; N = 46) and normally developing controls (N = 22) matched on age, gender, and IQ. A negative priming task measured the ability to inhibit processing of irrelevant distractor stimuli presented on a visual display. Initial analyses indicated that participants with Tourette syndrome did not differ significantly in inhibitory function from controls. However, when the large Tourette syndrome sample was separated into subgroups, one without evidence of comorbidity (N = 23) and the other meeting research criteria for either AD/HD, OCD, or both (N = 23), it became evident that individuals with Tourette syndrome with comorbid conditions tended to perform less well than the control group, whereas those without comorbidity performed much like controls. Similarly, when the large Tourette syndrome sample was divided into two subgroups on the basis of severity of symptomatology (N = 23 in each), those with more numerous and severe symptoms of Tourette syndrome, AD/HD, and OCD performed significantly less well than both controls and Tourette syndrome subjects with fewer and less severe symptoms. This suggests that neuropsychological impairment occurs as a function of comorbidity and symptom severity in Tourette syndrome. It also suggests that categorical diagnoses alone may be less useful than dimensional methods for predicting cognitive impairment in individuals with Tourette syndrome.
Interfacial adhesion studies for step and flash imprint lithography

The step and flash imprint lithography (SFIL) process requires the clean separation of a quartz template from a polymer imprint, and the force required to create this separation must be minimized to prevent the generation of defects. According to fracture mechanics principles, decreasing both the imprint polymer modulus and the interfacial fracture energy are beneficial for reducing the separation force. Adjusting the crosslinker concentration in the imprint formulation decreases the modulus but does not significantly impact the facture energy. On the other hand, fluorinated surfactant additives to the imprint fluid lower the modulus of the imprint polymer and decrease the fracture energy. The fracture energy is further decreased by using a nonreactive, liquid surfactant versus a surfactant that reacts with the polymer matrix. Angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results indicate that surfactant migration is more effective with a fluorinated surface treatment compared to an untreated quartz surface. This result shows that the use of fluorinated surfactants must be accompanied by a surface treatment that produces a similar energy or polarity to induce migration and lower the adhesive strength.
Non-Volunteer Subjects: Temporal Effects

Differences in study habits and attitudes were found in samples of general psychology students (N = 318) drawn at varying times during the academic term, although differences in manifest needs were not. The temporal differences in students' study habits and attitudes could well affect the generalizability of experimental findings.
Minority-carrier diffusion coefficients and mobilities in silicon

A new method for accurate measurement of minority-carrier diffusion coefficients in silicon is described. The method is based on a direct measurement of the minority-carrier transit time through a narrow region of the p-n junction diode. The minority-carrier mobility is obtained from the diffusion coefficient using the Einstein relation. The method is demonstrated on low-doped n- and -p-type Si (dopings ∼1015cm-3) and is compared with the literature data for the majority-carrier mobilities. The results show that in low-doped Si the electron minority- and -majority-carrier mobilities are comparable, but the hole minority-carrier mobility is significantly higher (∼30 percent) than the corresponding majority-carrier value. The results confirm earlier data of Dziewior and Silber.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Perceived Smoking Prevalence: Evidence from a National Survey of Teens

Prior studies show that perceived smoking prevalence is a significant predictor of smoking initiation. In this study, we examine racial/ethnic differences in perceived smoking prevalence and racial/ethnic differences in exposure to contextual factors associated with perceived smoking prevalence. We used cross-sectional time series data from the Legacy Media Tracking Surveys (LMTS), a national sample of 35,000 12- to 17-year-olds in the United States. Perceived smoking prevalence was the primary outcome variable, measured using an LMTS question: “Out of every 10 people your age, how many do you think smoke?” Multivariable models were estimated to assess the association between perceived smoking prevalence; race/ethnicity; and exposure to social contextual factors. Findings indicate that African American, Hispanic, and American Indian youth exhibit the highest rates of perceived smoking prevalence, while white and Asian youth exhibit the lowest. Minority youth are also disproportionately exposed to social contextual factors that are correlated with high perceived smoking prevalence. These findings suggest that disproportionate exposure to social contextual factors may partially explain why minority youth exhibit such high levels of perceived smoking prevalence.
An integrated approach to project management through classic CS III and video game development

We describe how project management and team communication skills are taught and practiced in two experiences. Our CS III course provides a formal introduction and practice in homogenous small group settings. Our new multidisciplinary yearlong video game course provides extensive practice of these skills through the development of a single deliverable (a video game) produced by a large team (an entire class of approximately 20 students). This model can be extended to other institutions very easily.
Effects of Selected Fungicides and the Timing of Fungicide Application on Beauveria bassiana-Induced Mortality of the Colorado Potato Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Abstract Four fungicides used for controlling foliar diseases of potato ( Solanum tuberosum ) were evaluated under field and laboratory conditions for their effects on the infectivity and sporulation of Beauveria bassiana when used as a control for the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (CPB). We investigated the direct effects of fungicides on B. bassiana -induced CPB mortality and the effect of time between fungicide and B. bassiana application. Effects of fungicide on conidial survival in the soil and on foliage were examined in the field. Significantly more larval mortality was observed when larvae were sprayed with B. bassiana than with the water control. Fungicide had no significant effect on larval mortality in the field. In the laboratory, survival of larvae was significantly lower among larvae fed fungicide-treated foliage. B. bassiana -induced mortality in the laboratory was observed only when larvae were fed foliage treated with copper hydroxide or water. Larvae fed mancozeb- or chlorothalonil-treated foliage experienced high mortality regardless of B. bassiana treatment. While there was no significant effect of fungicide on B. bassiana sporulation on cadavers in the field, a pattern emerged that indicated higher proportions of cadavers producing conidia in plots sprayed with water or copper hydroxide than in plots sprayed with chlorothalonil or mancozeb. Survival of B. bassiana conidia in the soil and on foliage was significantly greater in plots treated with copper hydroxide or water than in plots treated with mancozeb or chlorothalonil. Fungicides such as copper hydroxide may be less deleterious to the fungus than mancozeb and chlorothalonil.
The partition dimension of a graph

For a vertex v of a connected graph G and a subset S of V(G), the distance between v and S is \( d(v, S) = \min \{d(v, x) | x \in S\} \). For an ordered k-partition \( \Pi = \{S_1, S_2, \cdots, S_k\} \)> of V(G), the representation of v with respect to \( \Pi \) is the k-vector \( r(v | \Pi) = (d(v, S_1), \,d(v, S_2), \cdots, \,d(v, S_k)) \). The k-partition \( \Pi \) is a resolving partition if the k-vectors \( r(v | \Pi), \,v \in V(G) \), are distinct. The minimum k for which there is a resolving k-partition of V(G) is the partition dimension pd(G) of G. It is shown that the partition dimension of a graph G is bounded above by 1 more than its metric dimension. An upper bound for the partition dimension of a bipartite graph G is given in terms of the cardinalities of its partite sets, and it is shown that the bound is attained if and only if G is a complete bipartite graph. Graphs of order n having partition dimension 2, n, or n— 1 are characterized.
Characteristics of joint propagation across layer interfaces in sedimentary rocks

Abstract Interfaces between dissimilar layers play a fundamental role during joint propagation in layered sedimentary rocks, limiting the vertical extent and physical continuity of joint traces. Joints do, however, communicate across interfaces between dissimilar layers, forming an overall composite joint, which is the collection of vertically aligned but discrete joint segments. Detailed fractographic analysis of the surface features of these segments reveals several characteristics of the incremental propagation of a composite joint in the alternating siltstone and shale turbidite sequence of the Genesee Group of the Appalachian Plateau, central New York. (1) Joint segments confined by interfaces are arranged in-plane with each other in a sequential manner for layers of similar properties. (2) Out-of-plane arrangement is common for propagation across thin or discontinuous inhibiting layers. (3) Thick inhibiting layers do not allow communication among joints occurring in adjacent layers above and below. (4) If the thick inhibiting layers fractured, usually these joints initiate at the tip of a pre-existing joint, in an adjacent layer, and propagate away with a slightly different orientation. An analysis of the maximum principal stress in an unjointed layer, due solely to a joint in an adjacent layer, separated by a thin resistant layer, provides a conceptual basis for understanding the incremental nature of composite joints and their step-like geometry.
One- and two-dimensional NMR studies of exchanging amide protons in glutathione☆

Abstract One- and two-dimensional NMR studies of amide proton chemical exchange are reported for glutathione, which exists in both reduced and oxidized forms, the former being a tripeptide γ-Glu-Cys-Gly, while the latter is a hexapeptide involving a disulfide bridge between the cysteine moieties in two tripeptide molecules. Only base-catalyzed exchange with bulk water is observed for Cys-NH and Gly-NH in both forms over the pH range studied (3.50–6.65). The Glu-NH resonance is too exchange-broadened for practical use. The mechanism by which Cys-NH exchange occurs is found to change as temperature is altered between 5 and 45°C. Strategies for performance of and features which characterize the application of the two-dimensional technique to systems involving bulk water are discussed. Calculations of intensity ratios for diagonal and cross peaks are carried out, the results of which compare favorably with the observed two-dimensional exchange spectra.
Recent applications of sliding block theory to geotechnical design

The sliding block theory was proposed by Newmark for determining the permanent displacement of embankments and dams under earthquake loading. This paper highlights recent applications of sliding block theory to different geotechnical structures. The equations to determine seismic factor of safety, yield acceleration and permanent displacement are given for rock block, soil slope, landfill cover, geosynthetic-reinforced soil retaining wall, and composite breakwater. The presented equations for seismic stability degenerate to that of static stability in the absence of earthquake. The permanent displacement for various structures can be obtained from that of a horizontal sliding block through a correction factor. A simplified procedure is included for the permanent displacement under vertical acceleration. The sliding block approach is rational for design under high seismic load.
Role of trichomes in soybean resistance to cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni

Role of leaf trichome density and length in Glycine max (L.) Merr. resistance to Trichoplusia ni (Hubner) was evaluated at different leaf positions on a relatively resistant soybean, plant introduction (PI) 227687, and a relatively susceptible cultivar, ‘Davis’. The uppermost (juvenile) leaf within both PI 227687 and ‘Davis' plants, which is densely covered with trichomes, was most resistant to T. ni larval feeding and survival. When these trichomes were shaven off, such leaves became as susceptible to T. ni larval feeding as unshaven TL3 and TL5 leaves (PI 227687) or all other unshaven leaves (‘Davis’). Bioassays for antifeedants in ethyl acetate and hexane extractables from leaves at the different positions on PI 227687 and ‘Davis' plants showed that the resistance observed in the uppermost ‘Davis' leaf is attributable to trichomes (i.e., a morphological factor); whereas, in the uppermost PI 227687 leaf it involves both morphological (trichomes) and chemical factors, but the trichome parameter is dominant. Resume Influence des trichomes sur la resistance du soja a Trichopulsia ni L'influence de la densite et de la longueur des trichomes de Glycine max sur la resistance a Trichoplusia ni a ete evaluee suivant la position des feuilles sur une lignee resistante (‘PI 227687’) et sur un cultivar sensible (‘Davis’). Les feuilles apicales (juveniles) tant de PI 227687 que de Davis, recouvertes de trichomes denses, resisterent mieux a l'alimentation larvaire et a la survie de T. ni. Quand ces trichomes etaient elimines, ces feuilles ne resistaient pas plus a l'alimentation des larves de T. ni que les feuilles non rasees TL3 et TL5 de PI 227687 ou toutes les autres feuilles de Davis. Les tests avec des extraits dans l'acetate d'ethyle et l'hexane de feuilles provenant de differentes positions de PI 227687 et Davis, destines a mettre en evidence des phagodissuadants, ont montre que la resistance observee chez les feuilles apicales de Davis etait attribuable aux trichomes (c'est-a-dire a un caractere morphologique), tandis que chez les memes feuilles de PI 227687 elle impliquait a la fois des trichomes (morphologie) et des substances chimiques, mais avec une predominance de l'influence des trichomes.
A new limit on scalar and vector contributions to gravity

Macroscopic effects of theories of quantum gravity containing scalar, vector, and tensor component sin proportions CS:CV:CT are considered. Assuming zero mass fields, the classical tests of general relativity are found to imply, to 90% confidence, CT = 1 ± 0.00 3 and | CV − CS |: < 0.003. For the binary pulsar PSR 1913 + 16, the calculateed gravitational radiation is compared wi th the measured emission and found to imply 0⩽CS<0.12. These results, whichare independent of any assumption about differences between matter-matter and matter-antimatter interactions, place meaningful constraints on local supersymmetric theories of gravity.
Synthesis and mesomorphic behavior of poly {1‐(4‐methoxy‐4′‐biphenyl)‐2‐[4‐(11‐methacryloylundecanyl‐1‐oxyphenyl)] ethane} and poly {1‐[4‐(11‐methacryloylundecanyl‐1‐oxy)‐4′‐biphenyl]‐2‐(4‐methoxyphenyl) ethane} constitutional isomers

Les 2 polymeres, prepares par voie radicalaire, presentent une mesophase enantiotrope smectique A mais la mesophase et la phase cristalline du poly(methacrylate de [methoxybiphenylylethylphenoxy]undecyle) sont thermodynamiquement plus stables que celles de l'autre polymere. Ces resultats sont discutes sur la base de la rigidite des unites structurales
The influence of social comparison on visual representation of one's face.

Can the effects of social comparison extend beyond explicit evaluation to visual self-representation—a perceptual stimulus that is objectively verifiable, unambiguous, and frequently updated? We morphed images of participants' faces with attractive and unattractive references. With access to a mirror, participants selected the morphed image they perceived as depicting their face. Participants who engaged in upward comparison with relevant attractive targets selected a less attractive morph compared to participants exposed to control images (Study 1). After downward comparison with relevant unattractive targets compared to control images, participants selected a more attractive morph (Study 2). Biased representations were not the products of cognitive accessibility of beauty constructs; comparisons did not influence representations of strangers' faces (Study 3). We discuss implications for vision, social comparison, and body image.
Computer relaying and expert systems: New tools for detecting high impedance faults

Abstract It has long been known that certain types of faults and unacceptable operating conditions on electric distribution feeders cannot be detected by using conventional protection practices. However, advanced digital system hardware and software methods are being used to develop new techniques for protection and on-line diagnosis of system operations. This paper presents newly developed methods for the detection of high impedance, low current faults using signal processing and pattern recognition techniques in computer relaying architecture with expert systems. The characteristics of these faults are described, including the analytical methods used to separate detection parameters from the overall frequency spectrum generated by the fault transients. Fault detection parameters are identified and algorithms suitable for computer relays are presented. Elements of a digital system architecture required to implement protection algorithms are discussed. Expert system methods used in the implementation of the protection and diagnosis software are also described.
Introducing virtualization management concepts using open source cloud infrastructure managers

Virtualization and cloud computing have been widely adopted in industry. The need for information technology (IT) professionals with virtualization knowledge is growing steadily. It is important for IT students to understand basic concepts and gain skills in virtualization and virtualization management. In addition to creating new curriculum in virtualization technologies and enterprise data storage, we are developing hands-on lab modules which can be incorporated in multiple IT courses so students can learn virtualization in context and learn virtualization management early. These labs are created using open source cloud infrastructure managers such as ProxMox and unxsVZ and are delivered in different ways and by different systems including open source cloud system such as Virtual Computing Lab, among others.
Exploring and measuring differences in person–thing orientations

Abstract Individuals differ in their orientation toward aspects of the environment. Previous work suggests that some individuals orient primarily toward people, whereas others orient toward things. Women generally orient towards people more than men, and men orient towards things more than women. Person–thing orientation is related to occupational choices. This research examined the structure of person–thing orientation using a combination of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and structural equation modeling. Analyses suggested that thing orientation and person orientation can be measured (1) with a few items; (2) separately from each other; and (3) person orientation and thing orientation are not necessarily bipolar opposites.
Documenting the reliability and utility of the γ method as applied to cyclic sections using forward modeling

Abstract The problem of determining if cyclic sections which are older than 5 m.y. in age were deposited in response to orbital control is discussed. Gamma analysis, a method which uses the assumption that effective accumulation rates are facies dependent to minimize differences in cycle duration, is presented as a possible solution to this problem. While the assumptions of γ analysis are generally not met by geologic data, the effective accumulation rates estimated may be instrumental in recovering a spectrum which reveals orbital control. We address the problem of assessing the reliability of γ results by performing analyses on three cyclic time series generated by a forward model. Our results show that exact accumulation rates are not likely to be obtained by the method. However, the accumulation rates obtained markedly improve the time scale, resulting in a spectrum from which one could distinguish orbital forcing, if present. Only when spectra of cyclic data show predicted orbital peaks can γ analysis be considered to yield effective accumulation rates which are more nearly like the true effective accumulation rates than the assumption of a single effective accumulation rate for all facies.
Integrin Cross-talk in Endothelial Cells Is Regulated by Protein Kinase A and Protein Phosphatase 1

In endothelial cells (ECs) β1 integrin function-blocking antibodies inhibit αvβ3 integrin-mediated adhesion to a recombinant α4-laminin fragment (rα4LN fragment). β1 integrin sequestration of talin is not the mechanism by which β1 integrin modulates αvβ3 integrin ligand binding. Rather, treatment of the ECs with β1 integrin function-blocking antibodies enhances cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) activity and increases β3 integrin serine phosphorylation. The PKA inhibitor H-89 abrogates the effect of β1 integrin function-blocking antibodies on β3 integrin serine phosphorylation and EC-rα4LN fragment binding. β3 integrin contains a serine residue at position 752. To confirm the importance of this residue in αvβ3 integrin-rα4LN fragment binding, we mutated it to alanine (β3S752A) or aspartic acid (β3S752D). Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing wild type or β3S752A integrin attach robustly to ligand. CHO cells expressing β3S752D integrin do not. Because the β3 cytoplasmic tail lacks a PKA consensus site, it is unlikely that PKA acts directly on β3 integrin. Instead, we have tested an hypothesis that PKA regulates β3 integrin serine phosphorylation indirectly through phosphorylation of inhibitor-1, which, when phosphorylated, inhibits protein phosphatase 1 (PP1). Treatment of ECs with β1 integrin function-blocking antibodies significantly increases phosphorylation of inhibitor-1. Furthermore, blocking PP1 activity pharmacologically inhibits αvβ3-mediated cell adhesion to the rα4LN fragment when both PKA and β1 integrin function are inhibited. Concomitantly, there is an increase in serine phosphorylation of the β3 integrin cytoplasmic tail. These results indicate a novel mechanism by which β1 integrin negatively modulates αvβ3 integrin-ligand binding via activation of PKA and inhibition of PP1 activity.
Improvement in Drug-Induced Parkinsonism With Electroconvulsive Therapy

Background Drug-induced parkinsonism is a common medication side effect. Objective The present report describes the case of a depressed elderly woman who developed parkinsonism after receiving risperidone and who had improvement of her depression and parkinsonism after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Case Summary A 67-year-old white female was admitted to a psychiatry ward for a major depressive episode with psychotic features. The patient developed pronounced parkinsonian features after taking risperidone, which did not improve with discontinuation of the drug, or with benztropine and carbidopa/levodopa. A total score of 6 was achieved using Naranjo's adverse drug reaction causality algorithm, suggesting risperidone was a probable cause of this adverse event. The patient's depression and parkinsonian symptoms did not improve until after initiation of ECT. After 19 treatments, the patient had resolution of her depression and only mild bradykinesia remained. Conclusions This was a case of probable drug-induced parkinsonism in an elderly woman who had improvement of her depression and parkinsonism after receiving ECT.
Logistics benchmarking as a competitive strategy: some insights

As companies strive to create better value for their customers in today’s competitive marketplace, managers are beginning to realize the important role logistics plays. As they seek new ways to compete, one technique that has made headlines in the management community is benchmarking. Discusses the use of benchmarking in logistics in a few companies. Highlights the processes used, the obstacles faced and the gains made in these companies. Also analyses ways in which these obstacles were overcome. Based on these case studies, presents a generalized benchmarking process model, and identifies and discusses the steps involved. Finally, provides practical suggestions for successful implementation of a benchmarking project.
Fabrication of Carbon-Encapsulated Mono- and Bimetallic (Sn and Sn/Sb Alloy) Nanorods. Potential Lithium-Ion Battery Anode Materials

Novel carbon-encapsulated mono- and bimetallic (Sn and Sn/Sb alloy) core−shell nanorods were synthesized as potential anode materials for future lithium-ion batteries by a reductive, thermochemical vapor deposition at different acetylene/nitrogen (1:9) gas flow rates (20, 30, and 200 sccm) between 750 and 810 °C over SnO2/Sb2O10 and SnO2 nanopowders. Their morphologies and structures were characterized by SEM and TEM. Nanorod morphologies varied depending on the acetylene flow rate. The outer carbon layer thickened with time. More irregular nonuniform growth occurred at longer growth periods at 810 °C, giving spherical, conical, bulblike, and/or lumpy structures containing various amounts of metal. Sharp powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) peaks proved that well-crystallized Sn metal and Sn/Sb alloy formed within the carbon shells. Certain conditions generated some SnO2 within the carbon shell. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) determined the elements present and their oxidation states. The main carbon pe...
Cluster calculations of hydrogen in the grain boundaries of nickel

Abstract A series of self-consistent field, molecular orbital cluster calculations has been conducted to model the influence of hydrogen on certain structural units in the grain boundaries of nickel. The structural units considered were two Bernal polyhedra, namely the capped trigonal prism and the Archimedean antiprism. Other calculations were performed to simulate interstitial hydrogen and atomic hydrogen chemisorbed on the (111) surface. It was found that hydrogen causes local expansion as an interstitial impurity, in rough quantitative agreement with experiments on dilute solid solutions of hydrogen in nickel. In contrast, it was found that a single hydrogen atom causes a shrinkage of about 1.7% in the bond lengths of the capped trigonal prism and about 2.8% in those of the Archimedean antiprism. Similarly, a hydrogen atom chemisorbed above a nickel atom causes the nearest (111) surface bonds to shorten by about 1.7%. The shrinkage induced in the two Bernal polyhedra appears to be correlated to the low electron density at their centres, and the overall reduction of charge in the vicinity of certain nickel-nickel bonds upon the inclusion of the hydrogen atom.
Retrograde enhancement of memory in goldfish by a time dependent temperature shift.

Abstract Goldfish (N = 1528) at 25°C were trained to suppress their spontaneous upstream swimming into a quiet well in a single trial punished by brief electric shock. After graded delays of 4–1024 min the trained fish were cooled abruptly to 10°C, held at 10°C for graded durations of 0.07–960 min, then rewarmed abruptly to 25°C and held at 25°C. Brain temperature followed the abrupt water temperature shift within 60 sec. Retention of the learned suppression, tested 1, 2, or 4 days later, was enhanced compared to retention by trained controls held at 25°C throughout. The enhanced retention was an inverted-U function of the delay of cooling and of the duration at 10°C. Enhancement occurred only when the rewarming step fell within a sensitive period of 12–96 min after training, with a maximum at approximately 36 min, regardless of the delay to cooling or duration at 10°C. Cooling per se was not essential for enhancement of retention; the critical factor was the interval between training and rewarming. The time-dependent enhancement may result from one or more temperature-sensitive memory processes that were suppressed at 10°C, then stimulated above normal by return to 25°C.
Genomic analysis of human lung fibroblasts exposed to vanadium pentoxide to identify candidate genes for occupational bronchitis

Exposure to vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) is a cause of occupational bronchitis. We evaluated gene expression profiles in cultured human lung fibroblasts exposed to V2O5 in vitro in order to identify candidate genes that could play a role in inflammation, fibrosis, and repair during the pathogenesis of V2O5-induced bronchitis. Normal human lung fibroblasts were exposed to V2O5 in a time course experiment. Gene expression was measured at various time points over a 24 hr period using the Affymetrix Human Genome U133A 2.0 Array. Selected genes that were significantly changed in the microarray experiment were validated by RT-PCR. V2O5 altered more than 1,400 genes, of which ~300 were induced while >1,100 genes were suppressed. Gene ontology categories (GO) categories unique to induced genes included inflammatory response and immune response, while GO catogories unique to suppressed genes included ubiquitin cycle and cell cycle. A dozen genes were validated by RT-PCR, including growth factors (HBEGF, VEGF, CTGF), chemokines (IL8, CXCL9, CXCL10), oxidative stress response genes (SOD2, PIPOX, OXR1), and DNA-binding proteins (GAS1, STAT1). Our study identified a variety of genes that could play pivotal roles in inflammation, fibrosis and repair during V2O5-induced bronchitis. The induction of genes that mediate inflammation and immune responses, as well as suppression of genes involved in growth arrest appear to be important to the lung fibrotic reaction to V2O5.
Laboratory Propagation of Cryptocaryon irritans on a Saltwater-Adapted Poecilia Hybrid, the Black Molly

Abstract A method for the propagation of the parasitic ciliate Cryptocaryon irritans, with black mollies Poecilia latipinna as the host fish, is described. A stable infection has been maintained for 2 years in this system. Parasites remained on fish for at least 3 d before leaving and secreting cysts. Parasites divided within cysts to form infective theronts, which began exiting on day 4. All theronts left the cysts during the same time of day: 0200–0900 hours. When fish were exposed to theronts that had been outside the cyst for less than 3.5 h, 67.2% of the parasites could be recovered from the fish. The recovery rate was less than 4% when fish were exposed to theronts older than 6 h.
The Evolving Meaning and Influence of Cohort Membership

This study examined the experiences of 13 graduate students enrolled in a closed, lock-step master's degree of the education cohort program. Interview and observational data, collected over 10 months and across four courses, were qualitatively analyzed to explore students' understanding of the meaning of cohort membership and how that membership both shaped their educational experience and the development of peer and instructor relationships. Results indicate that both the meaning and influence of cohort membership were fluid and evolved as students progressed in their program, changing from an inconsequential to a significant meaning and from a modest to a deep influence.
Needs of Military Families: Family and Educator Perspective

Limited research has focused on the unique needs of military families and their preschool-age children and even less work focused on military families whose preschool children have special needs or...
Cooperative Multi-Agent Learning: The State of the Art

Cooperative multi-agent systems (MAS) are ones in which several agents attempt, through their interaction, to jointly solve tasks or to maximize utility. Due to the interactions among the agents, multi-agent problem complexity can rise rapidly with the number of agents or their behavioral sophistication. The challenge this presents to the task of programming solutions to MAS problems has spawned increasing interest in machine learning techniques to automate the search and optimization process. We provide a broad survey of the cooperative multi-agent learning literature. Previous surveys of this area have largely focused on issues common to specific subareas (for example, reinforcement learning, RL or robotics). In this survey we attempt to draw from multi-agent learning work in a spectrum of areas, including RL, evolutionary computation, game theory, complex systems, agent modeling, and robotics. We find that this broad view leads to a division of the work into two categories, each with its own special issues: applying a single learner to discover joint solutions to multi-agent problems (team learning), or using multiple simultaneous learners, often one per agent (concurrent learning). Additionally, we discuss direct and indirect communication in connection with learning, plus open issues in task decomposition, scalability, and adaptive dynamics. We conclude with a presentation of multi-agent learning problem domains, and a list of multi-agent learning resources.
Hepatitis C Virus Proteins Modulate MicroRNA Expression and Chemosensitivity in Malignant Hepatocytes

Purpose: Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is highly resistant to chemotherapy and is associated with poor prognosis. Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of HCC. However, the effect of viral proteins in mediating chemosensitivity in tumor cells is unknown. We postulated that HCV viral proteins could modulate therapeutic responses by altering host cell microRNA (miRNA) expression. Experimental Design: HepG2 malignant hepatocytes were stably transfected with full-length HCV genome (Hep-394) or an empty vector (Hep-SWX). MiRNA profiling was done by using a custom microarray, and the expression of selected miRNAs was validated by real-time PCR. Protein expression was assessed by Western blotting, whereas caspase activation was assessed by a luminometric assay. Results: The IC 50 to sorafenib was lower in Hep-394 compared with Hep-SWX control cells. Alterations in miRNA expression occurred with 10 miRNAs downregulated >2-fold and 23 miRNAs upregulated >2-fold in Hep-394 cells compared with controls. Of these, miR-193b was overexpressed by 5-fold in Hep-394 cells. miR-193b was predicted to target Mcl-1, an antiapoptotic protein that can modulate the response to sorafenib. The expression of Mcl-1 was decreased, and basal caspase-3/7 activity and poly ADP ribose polymerase cleavage were increased in Hep-394 cells compared with controls. Moreover, transfection with precursors to miR-193b decreased both Mcl-1 expression and the IC 50 to sorafenib. Conclusions : Cellular expression of full-length HCV increases sensitivity to sorafenib by the miRNA-dependent modulation of Mcl-1 and apoptosis. Modulation of miRNA responses may be a useful strategy to enhance response to chemotherapy in HCC. Clin Cancer Res; 16(3); 957–66
How words anchor categorization: conceptual flexibility with labeled and unlabeled categories*‡

Labeled categories are learned faster, and are subsequently more robust than categories learned without labels. The label feedback hypothesis (Lupyan, 2012) accounts for these effects by introducing a word-driven top-down modulation of perceptual processes involved in categorization. By testing categorization flexibility with and without labels, we demonstrate the ways in which labels do and do not modulate category representations. In Experiment 1, transfer involved a change in selective attention, and results indicated that labels did not impact relearning. In Experiment 2, when transfer involved a change in the behavioral response to categories whose structures did not change, a reversal shift, learning the categories with labels speeded recovery. We take this finding as evidence that the augmentation of perceptual processes by words is on the one hand fairly weak without explicit reinforcement, but on the other allows for category representations to be more abstract, allowing greater flexibility in behavior.
The Effect of Inhibitor Concentrations on the Chemical and Mechanical Properties of Bis-GMA-Based Resin Dental Composites

Bis-GMA (Bisphenol A glycidyl methacrylate) based resin composites in dentistry require UV induced light polymerization to be used as restorative materials. This polymerization induces shrinkage stresses on command light polymerization, which can be clinically significant. To resolve this issue inhibitors such as Bisphenol-A-glycidyl dimethacrylate (BHT) have been introduced as an alternative method to try to decrease this polymerization shrinkage. However increases in inhibitor concentration whilst reducing polymerization shrinkage might induce an effect on the mechanical properties of the resin composite. In addition, the oral cavity is a fluid environment and can induce changes in the resin composite. The aim of this study was to try to determine if an increase in inhibitor concentration had an effect on the flexural strength and elastic modulus of resin composites after short and medium term aging immersion. These assessments were accomplished by looking at Flexural Strength and Elastic Modulus after short and medium term aging immersion. An experimental composite was prepared using a blend of Bisphenol A glycidyl dimethacrylate (Bis-GMA): Urethane Dimethacrylate (UDMA): Triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) (1:1:1 weight ratio) with 70 wt% silanized glass fillers. Four group concentrations of BHT were tested mechanically using flexural strength and elastic modulus. Based on this laboratory study, changes in BHT concentrations can induce and maintain high strength in resin composites.
Stable and efficient quantum-dot light-emitting diodes based on solution-processed multilayer structures

Researchers demonstrate solution-processed light-emitting diodes based on a quantum-dot emissive layer between an organic hole-transport layer and an electron-transport layer of ZnO nanoparticles. The device achieves a luminance of 68,000 cd m−2 and power efficiencies of up to 8.2 lm W−1.
Desires as defiance: Gay male sexual subjectivities and resistance to sexual health promotion

What is the relationship between transgression and sexual desire? In what ways might transgressive sexual subjectivities be linked with trans gressive sexual practices? If some people organise their desires and practices around what is forbidden or taboo, what are the implications for sexual health promotion?This paper looks at one gay man's experience with the organisation of his sexuality, his erotic desires, and his actual sexual practices and examines the complicated interconnections between gender per formance, the organisation of sexual desire, and embodied sexual practices. It puts forward a theory of sexual subjectivity that replaces naturalised assumptions of sexual orientation and a genetic or biologic theory of homosexuality, with one of agency and resistance to gender norms. Next, the paper examines the history of safe sex campaigns for gay men during the first two decades of AIDS in the United States and, drawing on the work of British researcher Peter Keogh, examines the ramifications of ext...