cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reconsidering the phylogenetic utility of miRNA in animals

Phylogenetics, the study of evolutionary relationships, is critical to understanding the history of life on Earth, integrating and synthesizing information collected across diverse organisms, and testing hypotheses about evolutionary patterns and processes. Most phylogenetic studies are now based on detailed analyses of gene sequence evolution. Over the last several decades, these studies have provided a much better understanding of the structure of the Tree of Life. This progress has also highlighted and helped define many tough phylogenetic questions that have not been answered yet with available data and analysis methods. This has inspired the search for new categories of data that could succeed where analyses of gene sequence evolution have not yet provided strong, consistent phylogenetic support. In PNAS, Thomson et al. (1) examine one of these new categories of data (2⇓⇓–5): the presence and absence of microRNA (miRNA) families. They find that there are several reasons why they may not be as useful for estimating phylogenies as has been proposed. miRNAs are small RNA genes that are involved in posttranscriptional gene regulation (6, 7). They originated independently in plants, animals, and several other organisms (8). miRNAs and the enzymes needed to process them are missing entirely from comb jellies (ctenophores), suggesting that they may have arisen within animals rather than before the most recent common ancestor of animals (9). Different miRNA families are found in different animals, providing a potential source of information on animal relationships. The sequence of each miRNA family is highly conserved, which makes them relatively easy to tell apart. Why was it believed that investigating the presence and absence of miRNAs could succeed where other types of phylogenetic character data have failed? It comes down to homoplasy: any evolutionary pattern of character evolution that deviates from the simplest possible evolutionary … [↵][1]1Email: casey_dunn{at}brown.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Apparent transverse compressive material properties of the digital flexor tendons and the median nerve in the carpal tunnel

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a frequently encountered peripheral nerve disorder caused by mechanical insult to the median nerve, which may in part be a result of impingement by the adjacent digital flexor tendons. Realistic finite element (FE) analysis to determine contact stresses between the flexor tendons and median nerve depends upon the use of physiologically accurate material properties. To assess the transverse compressive properties of the digital flexor tendons and median nerve, these tissues from ten cadaveric forearm specimens were compressed transversely while under axial load. The experimental compression data were used in conjunction with an FE-based optimization routine to determine apparent hyperelastic coefficients (μ and α) for a first-order Ogden material property definition. The mean coefficient pairs were μ=35.3 kPa, α=8.5 for the superficial tendons, μ=39.4 kPa, α=9.2 for the deep tendons, μ=24.9 kPa, α=10.9 for the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon, and μ=12.9 kPa, α=6.5 for the median nerve. These mean Ogden coefficients indicate that the FPL tendon was more compliant at low strains than either the deep or superficial flexor tendons, and that there was no significant difference between superficial and deep flexor tendon compressive behavior. The median nerve was significantly more compliant than any of the flexor tendons. The material properties determined in this study can be used to better understand the functional mechanics of the carpal tunnel soft tissues and possible mechanisms of median nerve compressive insult, which may lead to the onset of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Genetic epidemiological study of maternal and paternal transmission of alzheimer's disease

Recent evidence for mitochondrial mutations associated with Alzheimers disease (AD) suggests the possibility of maternal transmission of this illness. We investigated this hypothesis by examining, in a variety of ways, the risk of a primary progressive dementia (PPD) in the parents (n = 650) and siblings (n = 1,220) of 325 AD probands. The results did not support maternal transmission in AD: The mothers of AD probands were not at greater risk of PPD than the fathers or the sisters of AD probands; the offspring of affected mothers were not at greater risk than the offspring of affected fathers or families with no affected parent; and, after selecting those proband families with evidence for increased familial loading, such families did not more frequently have affected mothers than fathers. In contrast, the cumulative risk of PPD in fathers of AD probands, while similar to that of mothers, was significantly increased over the brothers of AD probands. In addition, the cumulative risk curve of PPD in the offspring of affected fathers was significantly higher than the offspring of no affected parents. While no evidence for maternal transmission in AD was observed, unexpectedly, we did find evidence of increased paternal transmission.
A one-measurement form of simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation

The simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation (SPSA) algorithm has proven very effective for difficult multivariate optimization problems where it is not possible to obtain direct gradient information. As discussed to date, SPSA is based on a highly efficient gradient approximation requiring only two measurements of the loss function independent of the number of parameters being estimated. This note presents a form of SPSA that requires only one function measurement (for any dimension). Theory is presented that identifies the class of problems for which this one-measurement form will be asymptotically superior to the standard two-measurement form.
The Role of Prenatal Stress and Maternal Emotional Support on the Postpartum Depressive Symptoms of African American Adolescent Fathers

This study sought to better understand the ways in which prenatal stress and support from their mother influences postpartum depressive symptoms among African American adolescent fathers. The study’s objectives were to (a) examine the relationship between prenatal stress and maternal support with postpartum depressive symptoms among African American adolescent fathers and (b) determine whether maternal support buffers the relationship between prenatal stress and postpartum depressive symptoms among adolescent fathers. A total of 59 first-time adolescent fathers participated in the study. Results revealed that more prenatal maternal support and lower prenatal stress were predictive of lower levels of postpartum depressive symptoms among fathers. Results did not support the buffering hypothesis for maternal support. This finding suggests that maternal support plays a positive role in the lives of adolescent fathers regardless of their prenatal stress levels. Study findings highlight the need to more broadly...
Targeting and influencing at scale: from presidential elections to social good

If you're still recovering from the barrage of ads, news, emails, Facebook posts, and newspaper articles that were giving you the latest poll numbers, asking you to volunteer, donate money, and vote, this talk will give you a look behind the scenes on why you were seeing what you were seeing. I will talk about how machine learning and data mining along with randomized experiments were used to target and influence tens of millions of people. Beyond the presidential elections, these methodologies for targeting and influence have the power to solve big problems in education, healthcare, energy, transportation, and related areas. I will talk about some recent work we're doing at the University of Chicago Data Science for Social Good summer fellowship program working with non-profits and government organizations to tackle some of these challenges.
Estimating curvature of nondifferentiable functions and complex shape contours.

Summary Salvadori and Luccio demonstrated that, for the purpose of psychophysical analysis, the curvature of a point on a continuous single-valued function can be quantified as the inverse ray of the circle osculating the function at the point of interest. While this method is mathematically sound, it does not allow for estimation of curvature in complex shapes containing discontinuities and irregularities such as sharp corners, closed contours, or line intersections—features that commonly occur in normal visual experience. In this paper, a simple modification of this algorithm is presented which overcomes these limitations by using discrete rather than continuous contour sampling, thereby allowing estimation of curvature for a wider variety of shape contours.
Submaximal Expression of the Bilateral Deficit

Thirty-six participants performed bilateral and unilateral isometric elbow flexion trials at what they perceived to be 100, 75, 50, and 25% of maximal effort. Absolute bilateral deficits ranged from -16% at 25% effort to -10% at 100% effort. The deficit included a component independent of consciousness and a component inversely related to intensity attributable to perceptual differences between unilateral and bilateral tasks. Forty-two participants performed bilateral and unilateral isometric elbow flexion trials at 100, 80, 60, 40, and 20% of maximal effort. Perception of effort in submaximal bilateral trials was consistently and significantly higher (5.5-9.6%) than corresponding unilateral trials. These data suggest that the bilateral deficit exists at submaximal levels of effort and is based on perceptual and physiological components.
A Boolean complete neural model of adaptive behavior

A multi-layered neural assembly is developed which has the capability of learning arbitrary Boolean functions. Though the model neuron is more powerful than those previously considered, assemblies of neurons are needed to detect non-linearly separable patterns. Algorithms for learning at the neuron and assembly level are described. The model permits multiple output systems to share a common memory. Learned evaluation allows sequences of actions to be organized. Computer simulations demonstrate the capabilities of the model.
Iron deposition is independent of cellular inflammation in a cerebral model of multiple sclerosis

Perivenular inflammation is a common early pathological feature in multiple sclerosis (MS). A recent hypothesis stated that CNS inflammation is induced by perivenular iron deposits that occur in response to altered blood flow in MS subjects. In order to evaluate this hypothesis, an animal model was developed, called cerebral experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (cEAE), which presents with CNS perivascular iron deposits. This model was used to investigate the relationship of iron deposition to inflammation. In order to generate cEAE, mice were given an encephalitogen injection followed by a stereotactic intracerebral injection of TNF-α and IFN-γ. Control animals received encephalitogen followed by an intracerebral injection of saline, or no encephalitogen plus an intracerebral injection of saline or cytokines. Laser Doppler was used to measure cerebral blood flow. MRI and iron histochemistry were used to localize iron deposits. Additional histological procedures were used to localize inflammatory cell infiltrates, microgliosis and astrogliosis. Doppler analysis revealed that cEAE mice had a reduction in cerebral blood flow compared to controls. MRI revealed T2 hypointense areas in cEAE animals that spatially correlated with iron deposition around vessels and at some sites of inflammation as detected by iron histochemistry. Vessels with associated iron deposits were distributed across both hemispheres. Mice with cEAE had more iron-labeled vessels compared to controls, but these vessels were not commonly associated with inflammatory cell infiltrates. Some iron-laden vessels had associated microgliosis that was above the background microglial response, and iron deposits were observed within reactive microglia. Vessels with associated astrogliosis were more commonly observed without colocalization of iron deposits. The findings indicate that iron deposition around vessels can occur independently of inflammation providing evidence against the hypothesis that iron deposits account for inflammatory cell infiltrates observed in MS.
Micromechanical voltage controlled switches and circuits

Micromechanical devices and circuits have been fabricated in which a thin (3500 A) metal-coated SiO 2 membrane, ∼76 µm long, is suspended over a 7 µm deep well anisotropically etched in oriented crystalline silicon. Additional raised structures formed by gold plating are attached to the membrane such that an electrical switching function is accomplished when the membrane is electrostatically deflected downward into the well. Switching times of less than 40 µsec have been observed at deflection voltages of about 60 V in this preliminary design The very high off/on state impedance ratios of these devices suggest applications in the areas of analog signal switching and charge storage related to optical image storage. Fabrication and operation of these devices and circuits are described, and more complex implementations of this new technology are discussed.
Formotion and metabolism of S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine in yeast

The formation of S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine and of S-adenosyl-l-methionine has been studied in the yeasts Candida utilis and Saccharomyces cerervisiae. Evidence for the formation of S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine from adenosine and l-homocysteine was obtained. When S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine, labeled with C14 in the adenine moiety, was added to the culture medium, labeled S-adenosyl-l-methionine could be isolated from the cells. The conversion appears to involve the attachment of a methyl group or methyl precursor directly to the sulfur atom of S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine.
Phonon transport in nanowires coated with an amorphous material: An atomistic Green’s function approach

An approach is presented for the atomistic study of phonon transport in real dielectric nanowires via Green's functions. The formalism is applied to investigate the phonon flow through nanowires coated by an amorphous material. Examples for a simple model system and for real Si nanowires coated by silica are given. New physical results emerge for these systems, regarding the character of the transition from ballistic to diffusive transport, the low-temperature thermal conductance, and the influence of the wire-coating interface on the thermal transport. An efficient treatment of phonon scattering by the amorphous coating is also developed, representing a valuable tool for the investigation of thermal conduction through amorphous-coated nanowires.
Fos immunoreactivity in rat subcortical visual shell in response to illuminance changes

Abstract Immediate early gene expression has been used frequently as a marker of activity in the circadian visual system. Recent evidence suggests that the pretectum participates in orchestrating sleep and circadian responses to light. Lesions of the pretectum eliminate dark shift-induced rapid eye movement sleep triggering in albino rats, and compromise circadian phase shifts in hamsters. We hypothesized that regions of the pretectum respond to light with robust and region-specific Fos activation, similar to the suprachiasmatic nucleus and intergeniculate leaflet. We used Fos expression, the protein product of the immediate early gene c- fos , as a functional marker to measure the responses of neurons following acute lighting changes. Rats maintained on a 12:12 light–dark cycle were subjected to a shift from light-to-dark or from dark-to-light at midday (Zeitgeber time 6) or midnight (Zeitgeber time 18). Fos expression was visualized with immunocytochemistry and quantified with an automated scoring system. We found three regions in the pretectum (the olivary pretectal nucleus, posterior limitans, and a region homologous to the hamster commissural pretectal nucleus), and two regions in the lateral geniculate complex (the intergeniculate leaflet and ventral lateral geniculate nucleus) that demonstrated significant Fos activation in response to light. Furthermore, the olivary pretectal nucleus, the posterior limitans, and the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus showed preferential Fos activation after acute light onset rather than following chronic exposure to light at midday, whereas at midnight these nuclei showed Fos activation following both chronic light exposure and acute light onset. Given the extensive anatomical connections between pretectal nuclei and other nuclei in the subcortical visual shell, as well as with centers for sleep and arousal, it is highly plausible that these pretectal nuclei integrate information about changes in illuminance, and aid in the coordination of acute behavioral responses to light.
Evidence That Ibuprofen Antagonizes Selective Actions of Estrogen and Tamoxifen on Rat Bone

Studies were performed to determine if the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen alters bone and mineral metabolism in female rats. In experiment 1, four groups of growing rats underwent either sham operation or ovariectomy (OVX). One week later, controlled-release pellets with ibuprofen or placebo were implanted subcutaneously at the back of the neck. Following 3 weeks of treatment, rats were sacrificed and blood and bone samples were removed for serum assays and histomorphometric analysis. Body growth rate and the static cortical bone measurements made at the tibial diaphysis did not change in response to OVX. OVX, however, did increase radial bone growth, lowered serum 17β-estradiol, reduced uterine weight, and decreased the cancellous bone area of the tibial metaphysis in the rats. Ibuprofen did not alter serum 17β-estradiol or uterine weight but reduced radial bone growth as well as cancellous bone area of the tibial metaphysis in both sham-operated and OVX animals. In experiments 2 and 3, we tested the influence of ibuprofen on the effects of the tissue-selective estrogen agonist tamoxifen and of exogenous 17β-estradiol in the OVX rat. Ibuprofen completely blocked the effects of tamoxifen and partially blocked the effects of 17β-estradiol to prevent cancellous osteopenia. In contrast, ibuprofen did not influence the effects of tamoxifen and 17β-estradiol to reduce radial bone growth. Besides the skeletal effects, ibuprofen suppressed estrogen-induced uterine growth. Our data suggest that ibuprofen blocks selective estrogen receptor-mediated activities in the rat.
Hypothalamic and Olfactory Control of Sexual Behavior and Partner Preference in Male Rats

Sexually active male rats prefer a sexually receptive female to a nonreceptive female, and partner-preference tests provide one way of studying sexual motivation. Surgical deafferentation of the olfactory bulbs from all the known chemosensory systems of the nasal septum renders rats anosmic. In Experiment 1, we show that, although bulb deafferentation of male rats decreases some aspects of sexual performance, most deafferented males copulate and partner preference is not affected. In Experiment 2, we show that large excitotoxin lesions of the preoptic hypothalamus eliminate copulation, an effect that is correlated with damage to the anterior portions of the medial and lateral preoptic area. Lesions also decrease partner preference, an effect that is correlated (r = 0.82) with damage to a small part of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Most males who do not copulate after hypothalamic lesions show a persistent, albeit reduced, preference for receptive females over nonreceptive females. This preference appears to depend on olfactory ability because bulb deafferentation of lesioned, noncopulating males virtually eliminates partner preference.
Can fluid and general intelligence be differentiated in an older adult population

The question of whether fluid intelligence can be differentiated from general intelligence in older adults is addressed. Data indicate that the developmental pattern of performance on fluid tasks differs from the pattern of general intelligence. These results suggest that it is important to identify changes in fluid cognitive functions associated with frontal lobe decline, as they may be early indicators of cognitive decline.
Asymptotic physical measures for nearly Brownian skew products

We study asymptotic physical measures in certain dynamical systems formed by a skew product. The skew product is formed by two ‘nice’ systems via a skewing function which is asymptotically Brownian. In this setting, no analogue of the Sinai–Ruelle–Bowen measure exists.
Relationship between tissue culture and agronomic traits of winter wheat

Twenty-five winter wheat cultivars (cv.s) were evaluated for their ability to produce embryogenic callus, eventually plantlets, as well as the agronomic performance in the field to determine the relationship between tissue culture and agronomic traits. There were significant genotype effects on callus formation, callus fresh and dry weight, callus moisture content, embryogenic calli formation and the frequency of plant regeneration. Relationship between tissue culture and agronomic traits was examined by correlation and regression analysis. Important relationships between the two traits were found such as the frequency of plantlets regeneration from immature embryos could be estimated from spike number per m2. Such relationships may be due to the fact that plantlets regeneration might be controlled by the genetic system controlling the incidence of spike number per m2 or partial linkage with it. This result suggests that it is possible to screen genotypes with good tissue culture traits directly at the agronomic trait level, a practice rather simple and straightforward.
PROBLEMS AND DIFFICULTIES IN STANDARD MODEL AND GRAVITATION

The Standard Model provides us with a beautiful structure of forces and particles, yet at the same time presents a bewildering set of problems. The foremost problem, in my mind is this: why are there three generations of quarks and leptons? Next there comes the large amount of free parameters in the model, such as the particle masses, quark mixing matrix and recently in addition neutrino mixing. Then there are the more profound questions, such as why the symmetry SU(3)xSU(2)xU(1) etc. On the theoretical side there are further problems, of which we would like to mention the strong CP problem and the Cosmological Constant problem. The strong CP problem gave rise to the solution involving an axion, which however has not been seen. A somewhat unsatisfying solution called the invisible axion exists. Concerning the Cosmological Constant, it can of course be considered as a formal problem, because a Cosmological Constant is a free parameter, and the fact that there are many corrections to this constant, including quantum corrections requiring fine tuning, is mainly unsatisfactory and ugly. The problem has been aggrevated by the recent experimental discovery that the Universe seems to be perfectly flat. On this occasion, as an amusing exercise, we would like to think the unthinkable and speculate the outrageous. The observed flatness of the Universe appears to be a real blow to Einstein’s theory of gravitation. That theory is known to work quite correctly on the scale of a solar system, in lowest nonrelativistic approximation in the form of Newton’s law, and furthermore giving the correct value for the perihelion rotation of Mercury. Also the gravitational radiation as observed by Taylor C.S. is from a system of relatively small size. There can be no doubt about the general theory of relativity on the scale of a solar system. However, for larger distances the situation is far from clear. There is of course standard cosmology, but no astro-scepticus would really consider that as a proof of the correctness of general relativity. The same goes for the multitude of black holes discovered almost daily by astronomers, mainly on the premise “What else could it be?” Let us now take the following position. Imagine that a group of scientists, born and living in a spaceship hurtling through the Universe and not bound to any solar system, tries to establish the laws of gravitation on the basis of their observation of galaxies. Would they come up with the general theory of relativity? Not very likely. Not even Newtons law! The first thing our scientists would do is to make a visual inspection of some galaxies. They would of course immediately note the spirals, or the bar in many
Morbidity and mortality associated with liver resections for primary malignancies in children.

Liver resection (LR) is a high-risk procedure with limited data in the pediatric surgical literature regarding short-term outcomes. Our aim was to characterize the patient population and short-term outcomes for children undergoing LR for malignancy. We studied 126 inpatient admissions for children ≤20 years of age undergoing LR in 2009 using the Kids′ Inpatient Database. Patients had a principal diagnosis of a primary hepatic malignancy and LR listed as one of the first five procedures. Transplantations were excluded. Complications were defined by ICD-9 codes. High-volume centers performed at least 5 LR. The mean age was 5.83 years. The morbidity and mortality rates were 30.7 and 3.7 %, respectively. The most common causes of morbidity were digestive system complications (7.4 %), anemia (7.3 %), and respiratory complications (3.8 %). 43.9 % received a blood product transfusion. The average length of stay was 10.04 days. When compared to low-volume centers, high-volume centers increased the likelihood of a complication fourfold (P = 0.011) but had 0 % mortality (P = 0.089). LR remains a procedure fraught with multiple complications and a significant mortality rate. High-volume centers have a fourfold increase in likelihood of complications compared to low-volume centers and may be related to extent of hepatic resection.
The DPNH-oxidizing enzymes of Streptococcus faecalis. II. The enzymes utilizing oxygen, cytochrome c, peroxide and 2,6-dichlorophenol-indophenol or ferricyanide as oxidants

Abstract Streptococcus faecalis 10C1, although grown by means of the lactic acid fermentation, contains a series of oxidases for DPNH. These enzymes use oxygen, cytochrome c, peroxide, and 2,6-dichlorophenol-indophenol or ferricyanide as oxidants. Evidence that these oxidants [see reactions (1)–(4)]function with separate flavoproteins is presented. The DPNH peroxidase has been partially purified and shown to differ from the typical hematin peroxidase. The physiological importance of the oxidase and peroxidase are discussed.
Microcantilever bend testing and finite element simulations of HIP-ed interface-free bulk Al and Al-Al HIP bonded interfaces

Abstract We report on the strength of Al–Al interfaces and the effects of chemical segregation and interfacial void formation on bond strength using microcantilever bend testing. Interfaces are synthesised via hot isostatic pressing. Microcantilevers of several nominal dimensions were fabricated via focused ion beam and deformed in a nanoindenter. We find increased cantilever strength as a function of decreasing sample size, with a linear dependence of the yield strength on the inverse square root of the length scale characteristic to the cantilever cross-section. The presence of pores and chemical segregation decreases the yield strength of the material by 17% and the accommodated strain energy by 10–15% for strain values in the 6–12% range.
Multi-proxy paleosol evidence for middle and late Triassic climate trends in eastern Utah

Abstract Prior investigations suggest that alluvial lowlands of Pangea in the southwestern U.S.A. during the middle to late Triassic experienced an arid to semiarid climate with significant seasonality. Our investigation finds evidence for a global pluvial episode from paleosols in the middle to late Triassic section of eastern Utah. Multi-proxy paleosol evidence is used to quantify rainfall amounts, ambient temperatures and atmospheric CO 2 concentrations and infer associated plant formations related to ecosystem persistence. Rainfall estimates are derived from geochemical molecular weathering ratios; temperature and atmospheric CO 2 levels from stable oxygen and carbon isotopes of pedogenic carbonate, respectively; and ecosystem reconstruction by a combination of climate indexes and paleosol characteristics. Eight pedotypes were identified and include poorly drained aquic Entisols (Fisher), well-drained non-aquic Entisols (Salt Valley), calcic Aridisols (Castle Valley), calcic Inceptisols (Moab), cambic (Ute) and calcic (La Sal) Vertisols, dystric Inceptisols (Kokopeli), and argillic Alfisols (Slickrock). The middle Triassic Moenkopi Formation (Anisian) was dominated by Castle Valley paleosols with mean annual rainfall between 300 and 400 mm and mean annual temperature between 13 and 23 °C (mesic to hyperthermic). Based on these climate indexes and root traces, the associated plant formation was most likely desert shrub or dry woodland. The lower Chinle Formation (Carnian) contains a succession of Ute and La Sal paleosols that changed up-section to Kokopeli, Fisher and Slickrock paleosols. In accordance with geochemical and isotopic signatures from these pedotypes, rainfall amounts initially increased to between 700 and 900 mm, and then to between 1300 and 1400 mm. Temperatures estimated from the La Sal paleosol are approximately 18 °C (thermic) at this time. The lower Chinle marks a transition from dry woodland to open forest that appears to correlate with the formation of the Petrified Forest Member in Arizona. The upper Chinle Formation (Carnian–Norian) reveals a return to semiarid to subhumid conditions and the formation of Castle Valley, Moab and Salt Valley paleosols, all of which appear to have supported desert shrub or dry woodlands. Rainfall amounts decreased to between 400 and 600 mm with temperatures eventually increasing to 29 °C (hyperthermic). Using the paleosol isotopic barometer, atmospheric CO 2 estimates generally correlate with other proxy for the Triassic. The well-developed Alfisols and noncalcareous Inceptisols identified during the Carnian of the lower Chinle correlate with a previously identified global pluvial episode based on sedimentological and marine isotopic evidence, possibly in response to rifting of Pangea. It should not be assumed that the middle to late Triassic in continental alluvial lowlands supported a uniform, semiarid to arid climate, with strong seasonality.
WE-C-T-6E-03: Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles for Brain Tumor Diagnosis and Therapeutics

Gliomas are currently the most common and lethal type of primary brain tumor. Treating malignant gliomas remains a formidable challenge due to the difficulty in differentiating between tumor and healthy brain tissue, the rapid growth rate of invasive gliomas, intrinsic cellular resistance of gliomas to drugs, and the blood brain barrier (BBB) preventing the passage of drugs and contrast agents. My talk will describe our recent work in the development of a multifunctional nanoprobe for targeting glioma tumors by conjugating iron oxide nanoparticles with a glioma tumor targeting molecule and a near infrared fluorescing (NIRF) molecule. The nanoprobe is detectable by both magnetic resonance imaging and fluorescence microscopy, and exhibits significant targeting capability to glioma cells and effective inhibition to glioma cell migration. Our results demonstrate a cellular-level resolution that may promise accurate delineation of otherwise poorly defined glioma interfaces resulting from their highly invasive morphology. The application of the nanoprobe for preoperative and postoperative diagnostic imaging with MRI and the real-time intraoperative visualization of tumor margins with optical devices is a novel approach to improve the effectiveness of diagnostic and therapeutic modalities available for brain tumor patients.
Design Considerations for Development of a Wire-Based Rock Cutting Mechanism for Space Exploration

Exploration and understanding of other celestial bodies will involve the same type of science used to understand our own planet earth. Specifically, much can be learned from studying the geology of the rocks present in a region of interest. One of the important tools used by geologists to understand and interpret rocks is a specimen called thin section. A thin section is produced by slicing a thin (typically 30 μm thick) plate or tablet from the rock. In this paper, the design of an autonomous rough cutter, used to produce the first stage of the specimen preparation, that is, a tablet (20 × 20 × 5 mm 3 ), is presented. Attention is given to the functional specification, the selection of cutting mechanism, in this case, diamond wire, and the design of the wire handling system. Also included are considerations of power usage, wire wear, and system configuration.
Extraction of oil from ground corn using ethanol

Corn oil was extracted from whole ground corn using ethanol as the solvent. The yield of oil was measured as a function of temperature, time of extraction, solvent-to-solids ratio, and ethanol concentration. Optimal conditions were a solvent-to-solids ratio of 4 mL/g corn, an ethanol concentration of 100%, 30 min of extraction time, and a temperature of 50°C. Under these conditions, a single batch extraction yielded ≈3.3 g oil/100 g corn, equivalent to 70% extraction efficiency. A three-stage extraction, where the same corn was exposed to fresh ethanol, resulted in a yield of ≈4.5 g/100 g corn (2.5 lb/bu of corn), equivalent to 93% recovery of the oil in corn. When anhydrous ethanol was used to repeatedly extract fresh corn, moisture was absorbed linearly by ethanol from the corn in successive stages, which, in turn, decreased oil yield and increased nonoil components in the extract.
Oct-1 DNA binding activity unresponsive to retinoblastoma protein expression prevents MHC class II induction in a non-small cell lung carcinoma cell line.

Abstract Numerous human tumor lines fail to induce major histocompatibility (MHC) class II expression following interferon-γ (IFN-γ) treatment, a response that is considered to be a normal function for almost all human parenchymal and connective tissue cell-types. The effect of MHC class II non-inducibility on solid tumor growth is controversial, but an extensive body of literature indicates that tumor cell MHC class II expression can lead to an antitumor response or tumor tolerance, depending on a number of variables. Thus, understanding the molecular basis for MHC class II induction failures in solid tumor cells will likely lead to ideas for manipulating the antitumor immune response. To date, a handful of tumor associated molecular anomalies have accounted for all the known failures of MHC class II inducibility. In particular, lack of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (Rb) has been shown in both human and mouse cells to be strongly associated with failure to induce MHC class II. The basis for this relationship is traceable to, among other things, high level Oct-1 DNA binding activity in Rb-defective cells, which represses the prototypical human MHC class II gene, HLA-DRA. Ordinarily, re-establishment of Rb expression leads to elimination of, or substantially reduced Oct-1 DNA binding activity and to rescue of HLA-DRA inducibility. However, in the case of one non-small cell lung carcinoma line (NSCLC), Rb re-expression failed to rescue HLA-DRA inducibility despite successful re-establishment of Rb-function. We now report that this failure is traceable to the failure of Rb to rescue normal Oct-1 function. Furthermore, histone deacetylase inhibitor treatment allows a bypass of the Rb requirement and facilitates the MHC class II induction in this NSCLC line.
Integrating modal based NDE techniques and bridge management systems using quality management

The intent of bridge management systems is to help engineers and managers determine when and where to spend bridge funds such that commerce and the motoring public needs are satisfied. A major shortcoming which states are experiencing is the NBIS data available is insufficient to perform certain functions required by new bridge management systems, such as modeling bridge deterioration and predicting costs. This paper will investigate how modal based nondestructive damage evaluation techniques can be integrated into bridge management using quality management principles. First, quality from the manufacturing perspective will be summarized. Next, the implementation of quality management in design and construction will be reinterpreted for bridge management. Based on this, a theory of approach will be formulated to improve the productivity of a highway transportation system.
Effect of CBA/N xid on Spontaneous Production of Antibodies to DNA in MRL/1 and NZB Backcross Mice

We have used the CBA/N X-linked B-cell maturation defect (xid) as a probe to analyse the B-cell subset involved in spontaneous anti-DNA production in MRL/1 and NZB mice. The presence of xid in NZB offspring significantly suppressed anti-DNA production, whereas it did not suppress spontaneously produced antibody to DNA in MRL/1 offspring. These studies suggest that largely non-overlapping B-cell subsets are responsible for the spontaneous production of anti-DNA in MRL/1 and NZB mice.
Deposition of aerosols in the entrance of a tube

Deposition of aerosols in the hydrodynamic entrance region of a circular tube was analyzed with an integral method. It was found that for flow at low Schmidt numbers (v/D 100) the rate of deposition approaches that of parabolic velocity distribution.
Chiral benzyl centers through asymmetric catalysis. a three-step synthesis of (R)-(-)-alpha-curcumene via asymmetric hydrovinylation.

A three-step, two-pot procedure involving asymmetric hydrovinylation followed by Suzuki−Miyaura reaction represents by far the shortest synthesis of this popular bisabolane. Other applications for the synthesis of similar compounds with chiral benzyl centers can be easily envisioned.
Book: The Epidemiology of Diabetes Mellitus: An International Perspective

Ed Jean-Marie Ekoe John Wiley and Sons, £120, pp 454 ISBN 0 471 97448 X Rating: In 1978, Dr Kelly West published his monograph on the epidemiology of diabetes and its vascular complications, earning himself the name of “father of diabetes epidemiology.” Almost a quarter of a century later we have a worthy successor to this text. And, if ever there was a need for a compendium …
Incorporation of acetate-1-C14 into liver cholesterol of rats subjected to prolonged exercise.

Inkorporation von Azetat-1-C14 in Lebercholesterol erweist sich bei regelmassig schwimmenden Ratten im Vergleich mit nichttrainierten Tieren als hoher. Erstere hatten niedrigere Lebercholesterolwerte. Die hohere Inkorporation von Azetat ins Lebercholesterol wird mit der indirekten Beziehung zwischen Lebercholesterol und der Synthese von Cholesterol in der Leber erklart.
Oxidation Kinetics and Stress Effects for the Oxidation of Continuous Carbon Fibers within a Microcracked C/SiC Ceramic Matrix Composite

Carbon fiber-reinforced silicon carbide (C/SiC) composites have the potential to be utilized in many high-temperature structural applications, particularly in aerospace. However, the susceptibility of the carbon fibers to oxidation has hindered the composite's use in long-term reusable applications. In order to identify the composites limitations, fundamental oxidation studies were conducted to determine the effects of such variables as temperature, environment, and stress. The systematic studies first looked at the oxidation of the plain, uncoated carbon fiber, then when fiber was utilized within a C/SiC composite, and finally when a stress was applied to the C/SiC composite (stressed oxidation). The first study, oxidation of just the carbon fibers, showed that the fiber oxidation kinetics occurs in two primary regimes: chemical reaction control and diffusion control. The second study, oxidation of the C/SiC composite, showed the self-protecting effects from the SiC matrix at elevated temperatures when the composite was not stressed. The final study, stressed oxidation of the C/SiC composite, more closely simulated application conditions in which the material is expected to encounter thermal and mechanical stresses. The applied load and temperature will affect the openings of the as-fabricated cracks, which are an unavoidable characteristic of C/SiC composites. The main objective of the paper was to determine the oxidation kinetic regimes for the oxidation of carbon fibers in a cracked silicon carbide matrix under stressed and unstressed conditions. The studies help to provide insights in to the protective approaches, that could be used to prevent oxidation of the fibers within the composite.
Synaptic optical imaging platforms: Examining pharmacological modulation of neurotransmitter release at discrete synapses

Abstract Chemical synapses are not only fundamental functional units of the brain but also anatomical and functional biomarkers of numerous brain disorders. Therefore, new experimental readouts of synaptic function are needed – with the spatial resolution of single synapses and the scale to image large ensembles of synapses in specific circuits – for the study of both acute and chronic effects of pharmacological agents on synaptic plasticity in living mammals. In this article we discuss the design and use of fluorescent false neurotransmitters (FFNs) as an important step in the development of versatile synaptic imaging platforms. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled ‘Fluorescent Tools in Neuropharmacology’.
Gender Differences in Physician Stress: Why the Discrepant Findings?

ABSTRACT Studies investigating sources of occupational stress as perceived by male and female physicians in the United States, Canada, and Britain are reviewed. Since men and women experience different conditions of work, such as career and opportunity structures, power, and benefits, gender differences in physician stress would be expected. However, studies in all three countries reveal ambiguous findings, some discovering gender-specific sources of stress among physicians and some not. An explanation for these contrasting results is found in the methodology, especially in how sources of stress were measured. Gender differences surfaced only where open-ended questions were asked, whereas none were found when stress inventories were used. Because much occupational stress research, including that on physicians, is based upon male or predominantly male populations, results do not necessarily apply to women. To solve pragmatic problems of stress on the job, measures of work stress unique to women need to be ...
Adult diseases in children

The classic teaching in performance and interpretation of diagnostic studies is that “children are not small adults.” The purpose of this article is to show a spectrum of “adult” diseae entities that can occur, but are not usually considered in the pediatric population: cricopharyngeal achalasia, Schatzki's ring, achalasia, Helicobacter pylori, pancreatic carcinoma, adenocarcinoma of the colon, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, thyroid carcinoma, malignant melanoma, hydatidiform mole, renal cell carcinoma, leiomyosarcoma of the ovary and sarcoidosis. Radiologists interpreting pediatric imaging should recognize these entities and perform an appropriate diagnostic workup.
Social Integration and Healthy Aging in Japan: How Gender and Rurality Matter

The current study analyzed the 1999 and 2001 waves of the Nihon University Japanese Longitudinal Study of Aging. Two measures of social integration were associated with lower risks of being physically disabled or depressed at Wave 1 and with a lower risk of progressing into deeper levels of physical disability and depression by Wave 2. Ceteris paribus, compared to elderly urbanites, elderly ruralites had a much higher risk of being physically disabled but much lower odds of being depressed. And compared to elderly men, elderly women had similar risks of being physically disabled but much higher odds of being depressed. Suggestions are made on how future research on longevity in Japan, the world’s most longevous nation, can explore the links among social integration, place, gender, and the postponement of mortality.
A triphenylmethanol–pyridinium chloride (1/1) adduct containing a one‐dimensional ionic substructure

The title compound, (C6H5)3COH·C5H6N+·Cl−, was surprisingly obtained as a precipitate during the dissolution (and unexpected hydrolysis reaction) of chloro­triphenyl­methane with a recently opened `silylation-grade' bottle of pyridine. A one-dimensional pyridinium chloride substructure is observed in the crystal structure which exhibits hydrogen bonding between the pyridinium cation and the chloride anion. The donation of the hydroxyl hydrogen to the chloride ion produces a hydrogen-bonding inter­action that links the triphenyl­methanol mol­ecules to this substructure. The aromatic rings are not involved in stacking inter­actions.
Low Frequencies and the Brillouin Precursor

When an electromagnetic step-modulated sine wave propagates through a causal dielectric material, the signal evolves into a Brillouin precursor whose peak amplitude point decays algebraically for large, yet finite, propagation distances. This algebraic decay is an apparent contradiction to the Bouger-Lambert-Beer law, which states that each nonzero frequency component of the pulse decays exponentially with propagation distance. Hence, the Brillouin precursor is commonly attributed to the dc or low frequency content of the initial pulse. However, there have been no studies that give the dependence of the peak amplitude on the low frequency content of the initial pulse. We accomplish this here by application of a cascade of single-pole high-pass filters, each with cut-off frequency ωH , to a step-modulated sine wave with carrier frequency ωc ≥ ωH . Saddle point methods are used to provide a closed-form asymptotic approximation to the propagated field in a Debye-type dielectric material. Our results show that the Brillouin precursor exists even with the dc and low frequency content suppressed and that a substantial amount of low frequencies must be removed in order to observe a significant decrease in the decay rate of the peak amplitude point of the Brillouin precursor.
Corporate Liberalism, Finance Hegemony, and Central State Intervention in the Reconstruction of American Higher Education.

The origins of the American university system are generally traced to a reform cycle that began in the late 1890s and culminated in the 1920s when most colleges and universities adopted institutional structures, faculty routines, and financial systems that approximated those of a modern corporation. As contemporary educational historians have rewritten the saga of higher education reform, the institutional changes that swept through colleges during this formative period have come to be viewed as a virtually inevitable functional response to the demands of political and economic modernization. The underlying historiographic theme of modernization theory is that as higher institutions expanded in size, internal diversity, and organizational complexity, university presidents responded with the only feasible administrative alternative that could restore effective control and economic efficiency to educational institutions. Indeed, Laurence Veysey's classic rendition of this scenario concludes that a corporate type of bureaucratic administration became “essential” if higher institutions were to avoid educational confusion and fiscal insolvency, while adjusting to the cultural, economic, and political demands placed on them by industrial society.