cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cyclic strain stimulates L-proline transport in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Abstract Background The increase in vessel wall strain in hypertension contributes to arterial remodeling by stimulating vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and collagen synthesis. Because l -proline is essential for the synthesis of collagen and cell growth, we examined whether cyclic strain regulates the transcellular transport of l -proline by vascular SMC. Methods Cultured rat aortic SMCs were subjected to mechanical strain using the Flexercell 3000 Strain Unit. Results Cyclic strain increased l -proline transport in a time- and strain-degree–dependent manner that was inhibited by cycloheximide or actinomycin D. Kinetic studies indicated that cyclic strain-induced l -proline uptake was mediated by an increase in transport capacity independent of any change in the affinity for l -proline. Cyclic strain stimulated the expression of system A amino acid transporter 2 mRNA in a time-dependent fashion that paralleled the increase in l -proline transport. Cyclic strain also induced the release of transforming growth factor-beta;1 in a time- and strain-dependent manner. Moreover, conditioned media from SMCs exposed to cyclic strain stimulated the transport of l -proline in control, static SMCs and this was significantly attenuated by a transforming growth factor-β1 neutralizing antibody. Conclusions These results demonstrate that cyclic strain stimulates l -proline transport by inducing system A amino acid transporter 2 gene expression through the autocrine release of transforming growth factor-β1. The ability of cyclic strain to induce system A amino acid transporter 2 expression may promote arterial remodeling in hypertension by providing vascular SMCs with the necessary intracellular levels of l -proline required for collagen synthesis and cell growth.
Chronic factitious illness: Recognition and management of deception

Factitious disease is often manifested in the head and neck region. It is only when the oral and maxillofacial surgeon is aware of the existence of this syndrome and has been unable to correlate a patient's history and signs and symptoms with known diseases that factitious illness may be suspected as the diagnosis. Three case histories that help to demonstrate the variety of ruses used by patients to feign illness are presented. The expertise of a psychiatrist will often help to substantiate the diagnosis, but in many instances the main aspects of treatment will remain in the hands of the original clinician. It is important for clinicians to realize that patients with chronic factitious illness are extremely manipulative and unwilling to admit to their fabrications.
A Targetable GATA2-IGF2 Axis Confers Aggressiveness in Lethal Prostate Cancer

Elucidating the determinants of aggressiveness in lethal prostate cancer may stimulate therapeutic strategies that improve clinical outcomes. We used experimental models and clinical databases to identify GATA2 as a regulator of chemotherapy resistance and tumorigenicity in this context. Mechanistically, direct upregulation of the growth hormone IGF2 emerged as a mediator of the aggressive properties regulated by GATA2. IGF2 in turn activated IGF1R and INSR as well as a downstream polykinase program. The characterization of this axis prompted a combination strategy whereby dual IGF1R/INSR inhibition restored the efficacy of chemotherapy and improved survival in preclinical models. These studies reveal a GATA2-IGF2 aggressiveness axis in lethal prostate cancer and identify a therapeutic opportunity in this challenging disease.
Substance P receptor expression by inhibitory interneurons of the rat hippocampus: enhanced detection using improved immunocytochemical methods for the preservation and colocalization of GABA and other neuronal markers.

Two unresolved issues regarding the identification and characterization of hippocampal interneurons were addressed in this study. One issue was the longstanding inability to detect gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the somata of several hippocampal interneuron subpopulations, which has prevented the unequivocal identification of all hippocampal interneurons as GABA neurons. The second issue was related to the identification of the hippocampal interneurons that constitutively express substance P (neurokinin-1) receptors (SPRs). The recent development of neurotoxins that specifically target SPR-expressing cells suggests that it may be possible to destroy hippocampal inhibitory interneurons selectively for experimental purposes. Although SPRs are apparently expressed in the hippocampus only by interneurons, colocalization studies have found that most interneurons of several subtypes and hippocampal subregions appear SPR-negative. Thus, the identities and locations of the inhibitory interneurons that are potential targets of an SPR-directed neurotoxin remain in doubt. Using newly developed methods designed to copreserve and colocalize GABA and polypeptide immunoreactivities with increased sensitivity, the authors report that virtually all hippocampal interneuron somata that are immunoreactive for parvalbumin (PV), calbindin, calretinin, somatostatin (SS), neuropeptide Y, cholecystokinin, and vasoactive intestinal peptide exhibited clearly detectable, somal, GABA-like immunoreactivity (LI). Hippocampal SPR-LI was detected only on the somata and dendrites of GABA-immunopositive interneurons. All glutamate receptor subunit 2-immunoreactive principal cells, including dentate granule cells, hilar mossy cells, and hippocampal pyramidal cells, were devoid of detectable SPR-LI, even after prolonged electrical stimulation of the perforant pathway that induced the expression of other neuronal proteins in principal cells. Thus, hippocampal interneurons of all subtypes and subregions were found to be SPR-immunoreactive, including the PV-positive interneurons of the dentate hilus and hippocampus, and the SS-positive cells of area CA1, both of which were previously reported to lack SPR-LI. Only minor proportions of hippocampal interneurons appeared clearly devoid of detectable SPR-LI. These results demonstrate for the first time that all identified interneuron subpopulations of the rat hippocampus are GABA-immunoreactive, and that many inhibitory interneurons of all subtypes in all subregions of the rat hippocampus express SPRs constitutively.
A Review of Environmental Symbology: Origins and Contributions Toward a Theoretical Framework

Environmental symbology (ES) is the study of symbolic meaning within the human environment including personal, sociocultural, and mythic contexts of understanding. This emerging discipline is part of the web of environment and behavior research, with roots in several fields including semiotics, symbolic anthropology, and psychoanalysis. Symbolic meaning enriches human space with personal and sociocultural value; it communicates attitudes and beliefs, integrates with other sign systems in communication, and regulates social behaviors. Yet, to date, none of the existing literature has acknowledged the full scope of ES and contemporary research into ES remains limited. To understand how ES can contribute to the body of knowledge in interior design, it is necessary to present how this realm of research is both collaborative and additive with other fields. This review explores the theoretical framework of ES research and highlights some of the major contributions from other disciplines. It then explains the role of the environmental symbologist in serving the body of knowledge of interior design through cataloging symbolic artifacts and motifs. Further, the work describes the present author's development of a symbolic typology utilizing Jung's model of archetypes and explains several of the symbolic motifs identified therein. An improved understanding of the symbolic meaning of space can benefit our understanding of the psychological needs of its inhabitants. This review offers an introduction in how and why the environmental symbologist gives primacy to the exploration of the human–environment relationship through the study of the personal, sociocultural, and mythic meanings of space.
G Phases containing Scandium

The composition and lattice parameters are presented for a G phase in Sc- Ni-Si, Sc-Co-Si. and Sc- Ni-Ge systems. (C.H.)
Clinical opinion: guidelines for hysterectomy.

Objective Abdominal hysterectomy remains the predominant method of uterine removal in the United States, despite evidence that vaginal hysterectomy offers advantages in regard to operative time, complication rates, return to normal activities, and overall cost of treatment. Study design The predominance of the abdominal approach may be based on factors other than clinical considerations that include resident training, use of obsolete or limited guidelines, a perception rather than a confirmation that pathologic conditions exist that may suggest contraindications to the vaginal approach, misconceptions regarding the cost and safety of vaginal hysterectomy, and increased third-party reimbursement for the abdominal procedure. Results Evidence-based practice guidelines that were developed by the Society of Pelvic Reconstructive Surgeons and were adopted by the National Guidelines Clearinghouse have demonstrated that, in a number of studies that span several years, a dramatic shift toward the vaginal approach occurred when the guidelines were applied prospectively. Conclusion The guidelines demonstrate that transvaginal hysterectomy is both feasible and optimal for many patients who long have been considered inappropriate candidates for vaginal hysterectomy. This clinical opinion attempts to address the reasons for the predominant use of the abdominal approach.
Avoidance learning motivated by high-frequency sound and electric shock☆

Abstract The noxious properties of two intensities of high-frequency (20–30 kHz) sound and two intensities of electric shock were compared in a one-way avoidance situation. The results demonstrate that sound can be as effective as electric shock in motivating the acquisition and performance of escape as well as avoidance responses when the stimulation parameters are selected to produce optimal effects.
Equivalent circuit for birdcage resonators

We present an equivalent circuit analysis for both low pass and high pass birdcage resonators loaded with lossy samples. In a generalization of the method of Hoult and Lauterbur (J. Magn. Reson. 34, 425 (1979)), we also derive circuit component values by application of the laws of electrodynamics. Measured resonance spectra, quality factors, and feed point impedances in a test resonator are shown to be in agreement with those predicted by the proposed model.
Picturing experience : A tourist-centered perspective on commemorative historical sites

While research on commemorative historical sites addresses the commodification of tragedy and the ethics of representing violent events for tourist consumption, the experiences of tourists who visi...
Pencil Drawn Strain Gauges and Chemiresistors on Paper

Pencil traces drawn on print papers are shown to function as strain gauges and chemiresistors. Regular graphite/clay pencils can leave traces composed of percolated networks of fine graphite powders, which exhibit reversible resistance changes upon compressive or tensile deflections. Flexible toy pencils can leave traces that are essentially thin films of graphite/polymer composites, which show reversible changes in resistance upon exposure to volatile organic compounds due to absorption/desorption induced swelling/recovery of the polymer binders. Pencil-on-paper devices are low-cost, extremely simple and rapid to fabricate. They are light, flexible, portable, disposable, and do not generate potentially negative environmental impact during processing and device fabrication. One can envision many other types of pencil drawn paper electronic devices that can take on a great variety of form factors. Hand drawn devices could be useful in resource-limited or emergency situations. They could also lead to new applications integrating art and electronics.
Catastrophic loss of stratospheric ozone in dense volcanic clouds

Rapid, localized loss of ozone is predicted to occur in the midlatitude and tropical stratosphere in the presence of very large concentrations of sulfate aerosols. Volcanic eruptions can increase the effective surface area of sulfuric acid so that heterogeneous reactions involving ClONO2, and secondarily N2O5, are able to suppress NO(x) abundances by more than a factor of 10 relative to gas phase chemistry. When NO(x) levels fall below a threshold, e.g., 0.6 ppb at 24 km in mid-latitudes, the chlorine-catalyzed loss of O3 proceeds at rates comparable to those during the formation of the Antarctic ozone hole, more than 50 ppb per day. If such losses occurred following the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the most volcanically perturbed regions over the tropics and mid-latitudes, this model predicts that they are driven primarily by the suppression of NO(x) below these critical levels. The increase in stratospheric chlorine since El Chichon has made Mount Pinatubo more than twice as effective in causing rapid O3 loss.
Characterization and source apportionment of wintertime aerosol in a wood-burning community

Abstract The continuing upsurge in residential wood combustion has raised questions about potential adverse effects on ambient air quality. A study to investigate the effects of wood-burning emissions on ambient aerosol concentrations was conducted in Waterbury, Vermont, from January to March 1982. Data on total, inhalable and respirable particles (24-h averages) were collected at a central monitoring site and augmented with similar measurements at two auxiliary stations. Mass concentrations were determined gravimetrically and selected samples were analyzed for elemental composition (XRF), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (GC/MS, HPLC), and organic and elemental carbon (thermal-optical method). In addition, continuous data from an integrating nephelometer and a meteorological data acquisition system were collected at the central site. This paper presents results of organic and elemental characterization of wintertime aerosol and examines several different source-apportionment methods, focusing on the contribution of residential wood combustion to measured ambient concentrations.
High field-effect-mobility a-Si:H TFT based on high deposition-rate PECVD materials

The hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin-film transistors (TFT's) having a field-effect mobility of 1.45 /spl plusmn/0.05 cm/sup 2//V/spl middot/s and threshold voltage of 2.0/spl plusmn/0.2 V have been fabricated from the high deposition-rate plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposited (PECVD) materials. For this TFT, the deposition rates of a-Si:H and N-rich hydrogenated amorphous silicon nitride (a-SiN/sub 1.5/:H) are about 50 and 190 nm/min, respectively. The TFT has a very high ON/OFF-current ratio (of more than 10/sup 7/), sharp subthreshold slope (0.3/spl plusmn/0.03 V/decade), and very low source-drain current activation energy (50/spl plusmn/5 meV). All these parameters are consistent with a high mobility value obtained for our a-Si:H TFT structures. To our best knowledge, this is the highest field-effect mobility ever reported for an a-Si:H TFT fabricated from high deposition-rate PECVD materials.
Septins AspA and AspC are important for normal development and limit the emergence of new growth foci in the multicellular fungus Aspergillus nidulans.

Septins are cytoskeletal proteins found in fungi, animals, and microsporidia, where they form multiseptin complexes that act as scaffolds recruiting and organizing other proteins to ensure normal cell division and development. Here we characterize the septins AspA and AspC in the multicellular, filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans. Mutants with deletions of aspA, aspC, or both aspA and aspC show early and increased germ tube and branch emergence, abnormal septation, and disorganized conidiophores. Strains in which the native aspA has been replaced with a single copy of aspA-GFP driven by the native septin promoter or in which aspC has been replaced with a single copy of aspC-GFP driven by the native promoter show wild-type phenotypes. AspA-GFP and AspC-GFP show identical localization patterns as discrete spots or bars in dormant and expanding conidia, as rings at forming septa and at the bases of emerging germ tubes and branches, and as punctate spots and filaments in the cytoplasm and at the cell cortex. In conidiophores, AspA-GFP and AspC-GFP localize as diffuse bands or rings at the bases of emerging layers and conidial chains and as discrete spots or bars in newly formed conidia. AspA-GFP forms abnormal structures in ΔaspC strains while AspC-GFP does not localize in ΔaspA strains. Our results suggest that AspA and AspC interact with each other and are important for normal development, especially for preventing the inappropriate emergence of germ tubes and branches. This is the first report of a septin limiting the emergence of new growth foci in any organism.
Enhancing regular physical activity and relapse prevention through a 1-day therapeutic patient education workshop: A pilot study

Objective: Physical activity (PA) is important for managing chronic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. Yet over half of patients who adopt PA programs do not maintain them at 6 months. To encourage regular PA among our patients, we developed a 1-day outpatient motivational workshop based on well-known theoretical frameworks. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the motivational workshop in terms of total and activity-specific energy expenditures (EE) and body mass index (BMI). Methods: This workshop is an integrative model of multiple theoretical frameworks for therapeutic education and behavior change, alternating individual sessions and group sessions in a multidisciplinary setting. Patients completed a validated, self-administered, quantitative PA frequency questionnaire at baseline and at 1 year. Stages of change and relapse risk were identified at baseline. Results: Twenty-five subjects, mean age 48 years and BMI 34.1 kg/m 2 , completed pre-/post-evaluations. At baseline, 73% of subjects reported regular activities of daily living and 52% reported regular formal exercise. Using total and activity-specificEE, we identified 69.2% as sedentary. A relapse risk was recognized in 76%. Paired t-tests showed significant (P = 0.048) reductions in weight and BMI and a significant (P = 0.015) increase in high-intensity exerciseEE. Total EE showed no difference. Among baseline sedentary subjects, 39% became active. Conclusion: This workshop may be effective in modifying PA patterns, thereby decreasing sedentarism and fostering PA maintenance. Practice implications: The theory-based workshop for increasing motivation to maintain optimal PA behavior provides an example of translational intervention from theoretical models to clinical practice. # 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
The likelihood of victim restitution in mock cases: Are the rules of the game different from prison and probation?

Criminal justice researchers have examined the significance of factors on punishment likelihoods for offenders. However, these authors typically emphasize imprisonment and probation. With the growing concern for victim’s rights, the criminal justice system has included the option of victim restitution. Researchers, however, have not examined the significance of factors for the likelihood of victim restitution. In the present study differences in punishment likelihoods through social psychology – more specifically, affect control theory – are explored. Participants, after reading a presentence report, answered questions regarding the offender, the victim, and the crime. Results revealed a difference in factors depending on the type of punishment, thus raising issues concerning the distinction between victim restitution and other punishments. The significance of social psychology and affect control theory is emphasized.
Comparative stimulus properties of two fractions of the coca leaf (E. coca).

Abstract Male and female Wistar rats were trained to discriminate 5.0 mg/kg cocaine from 2.0 ml/kg saline using a two-bar food reinforcement (FR 30) drug discrimination paradigm. Once discrimination behavior had stabilized the subjects were tested (in extinction) with several doses of two different fractions of the coca leaf and four doses of cocaine HCl (1.0, 2.5, 7.5, 10 mg/kg). The fractions were prepared by extracting powderd coca leaves with 95% ethanol and then partitioning the residue between chloroform and water. Two doses of the water fractions (480, 960 mg/kg) and five doses of the chloroform fraction (7.5, 15, 30, 60, 120 mg/kg) were tested. The water fraction was devoid of cocaine while the five doses of the chloroform fraction contained cocaine equivalent to 0.4, 0.83, 1.65, 3.3 and 6.6 mg/kg, respectively, as determined by gas chromatographic saline. The water fraction at 480 mg/kg generalized to saline; however following pretreatment with the 960 mg/kg dose of this fraction, the animals failed to respond. The two largest doses of the chloroform fraction (60 and 120 mg/kg) generalized to cocaine while the other three doses did not. The 7.5 mg/kg dose generalized to saline; the 15 and 30 mg/kg doses engendered an intermediate level of responding on both the cocaine and saline lever.
The selective inhibition of macrophage phagocytic receptors by anti-membrane antibodies.

Rabbit antibodies were prepared against purified mouse macrophages, erythrocytes, and liver lysosomes. In the presence of complement each of these reagents was capable of lysing mouse erythrocytes and macrophages. In the absence of complement, all antisera agglutinated mouse erythrocytes and at high concentration produced a cytotoxic effect on macrophages. At IgG concentrations of 100 µg/ml, no morphological evidence of cytotoxicity was evident. These data suggest the presence of common antigens on the erythrocyte and macrophage plasma membrane. Anti-macrophage, anti-erythrocyte, and anti-lysosomal γ-globulins and IgG, employed at subtoxic concentrations, all inhibited the attachment and ingestion of opsonized erythrocytes and mycoplasma. This occurred without significant reduction in the phagocytosis of polystyrene particles, formalinized erythrocytes, and yeast cell walls. Each of the anti-membrane IgG antibodies was capable of blocking the Fc receptor on the macrophage plasma membrane. Attachment to the macrophage membrane occurred by means of the Fab region. However, a role for the Fc portion of the molecule was suggested since pepsin-digested IgG was unable to block the receptor. Each of the IgG antibodies produced a partial blockade of the complement receptor and reduced the ingestion of EAC1,4,2,3 by approximately 50%.
Multigrid lattice Boltzmann method for accelerated solution of elliptic equations

A new solver for second-order elliptic partial differential equations (PDEs) based on the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) and the multigrid (MG) technique is presented. Several benchmark elliptic equations are solved numerically with the inclusion of multiple grid-levels in two-dimensional domains at an optimal computational cost within the LB framework. The results are compared with the corresponding analytical solutions and numerical solutions obtained using the Stone's strongly implicit procedure. The classical PDEs considered in this article include the Laplace and Poisson equations with Dirichlet boundary conditions, with the latter involving both constant and variable coefficients. A detailed analysis of solution accuracy, convergence and computational efficiency of the proposed solver is given. It is observed that the use of a high-order stencil (for smoothing) improves convergence and accuracy for an equivalent number of smoothing sweeps. The effect of the type of scheduling cycle (V- or W-cycle) on the performance of the MG-LBM is analyzed. Next, a parallel algorithm for the MG-LBM solver is presented and then its parallel performance on a multi-core cluster is analyzed. Lastly, a practical example is provided wherein the proposed elliptic PDE solver is used to compute the electro-static potential encountered in an electro-chemical cell, which demonstrates the effectiveness of this new solver in complex coupled systems. Several orders of magnitude gains in convergence and parallel scaling for the canonical problems, and a factor of 5 reduction for the multiphysics problem are achieved using the MG-LBM.
Patient-reported adherence to guidelines of the Sixth Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure.

Objectives. To compare antihypertensive drug compliance with treatment guidelines established by the Sixth Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC VI), and to identify patient adherence to antihypertensive drugs and factors affecting prescribing patterns. Methods. Patients filling antihypertensive drug prescriptions in metropolitan New York area pharmacies were enrolled. Pharmacy externs collected patient-reported demographics, medical and drug histories, and blood pressure measurements. Compliance with JNC VI guidelines was assessed. Results. Eight hundred twenty-one patients from 102 pharmacies participated. Blood pressure was controlled in 61% of patients at the time of the study. The most prescribed class of antihypertensive agents was angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, followed by diuretics and β-blockers. Over the study period, compliance with JNC VI guidelines decreased significantly from 85% to 64% (p<0.05). Thirty-seven percent of patients reported consistent adherence to their antihypertensive regimens. Patients' education level was the only factor found to correlate positively with the appropriateness of antihypertensive agents prescribed. Conclusion. Compliance with JNC VI guidelines decreased over time, and patient adherence to drug therapy was suboptimal. Continuing-education efforts to reinforce optimal blood pressure management are necessary.
Double diffusive convection in the diffusive regime

Numerical solutions to convection of a fluid which is heated, and to which salt is introduced from the bottom, have been obtained. Although different in boundary conditions from the conditions in the study of Huppert and Moore, qualitatively the flow investigated here has many features the same as theirs. The differences are discussed and solutions are given for two fluids whose Prandtl numbers are 1 and 7 and ratio of molecular and thermal diffusivities is 0.1. The fields of temperature and salinity, and the stream patterns are shown in contour plots. The saline and thermal Nusselt numbers are given as functions of the thermal Rayleigh number.
An attempt to identify predictors of treatment outcome in two comprehensive weight loss programs.

The present study attempted to predict weight loss in, and completion of, low-calorie diet (LCD, n=167) and very low-calorie diet (VLCD, n=96) weight loss programs. Program completion and weight loss were examined in association with three groups of variables: demographic (e.g., age), medical/physical (e.g., body mass index [BMI]), and motivational/behavioral (e.g., exercise, ratings for motivation and commitment for the program). In the LCD group, age was positively associated with program completion, and commitment to the program was negatively associated with both program completion and weight loss. In the VLCD group, no variables predicted program completion, and only male gender predicted weight loss. Our results offer little to contradict previous findings that preexisting participant characteristics are of limited utility in predicting weight loss treatment outcome. In the LCD group, the negative associations of commitment with program completion and weight loss were surprising. If replicated, they might suggest the need to clarify patients' expectations about the level of commitment required for successful treatment.
A robust finite-time convergent hybrid observer for linear systems

Motivated by the design of observers with good performance and robustness to measurement noise, the problem of estimating the state of a linear time-invariant system in finite time and with robustness to a class of measurement noise is considered. Using a hybrid systems framework, a hybrid observer producing an estimate that converges to the plant state in finite time, even under unknown constant (e.g., bias) and piecewise constant noise is presented. The stability and robustness properties of the observer are shown analytically and validated numerically.
Lenin's Jewish Question

Yohanan Petrovsky-Shtern, Lenin's Jewish Question . New Haven: Yale University Press, 2010. Pp. xvii + 198; illustrations; notes; index. £28.00 (hardback). ISBN 9-780-300152-104 Yohanan Petrovsky-S...
Multicolored two-photon fluorescent microscopy and localized two-photon fluorescent spectroscopy in living cells

Imaging in biological systems has become one of the most relied upon tools in the study of human disease. Two-photon excitation methodology in laser scanning microscopy has resulted in 3D-imaging capability not easily achieved in one- photon systems. Our Institute, in conjunction with Andrew Schally (Noble Laureate, Tulane University), has used two- photon laser scanning microscopy (TPLSM) to understand the real time cellular transport of the chemotherapeutic agent, Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone-Doxorubicin (AN152) covalently coupled to a novel two-photon fluorophore (C625). At the Institute, new and highly efficient two-photon fluorophores that fluoresce at different wavelengths have been developed. The coupling of LH-RH and AN152 with two-photon fluorophores having different spectroscopic profiles allows for the simultaneous determination of their cellular compartmentalization. Coupled with the two-photon microspectrofluorometer, we acquired localized fluorescence spectra from the inside of living cells to differentiate the cytoplasmic and nuclear localization of the LH-RH and AN152 respectively. The ability of these new dyes to fluoresce at different wavelengths using the same excitation wavelength provides a major advantage over single photon dyes. This technology has great promise in imaging the dynamic changes or events occurring in living cells over short periods of time. Another approach to bioimaging at the Institute is the integration of two-photon and nanosized technologies. Nanoclinics (20 - 30 nm silica bubbles) can be fabricated to contain these two photon fluorophores and the surface functionalized with biological agents which can target specific cells. These highly fluorescent nanoclinics are sufficiently small in size to allow for tissue penetration, allowing for the multiple probing for different cellular functions in normal and cancerous tissues.
Differences in stages of change of smoking behavior among current smokers of four Asian American subgroups.

Abstract This study assessed the impact of demographics and acculturation on stages of change in smoking behavior among Asian current smokers (Koreans, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Cambodians) who live in the Delaware Valley region. Three stages (precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation) that applied to current smokers in Prochaska's Transtheoretical Model were measured, with a small modification. A cross-sectional self-report survey was conducted by utilizing a stratified cluster proportional sampling technique. Recruited were 1374 Asian Americans from 26 randomly selected community organization clusters and 1174 completed the survey (83%). Data were analyzed using the Pearson χ 2 test of significance. Education was negatively associated with stages of smoking behavior change. Time living in the United States showed a statistically significant positive correlation. Individuals older than 21 years appeared more seriously inclined to quit (be in the preparation stage) than those below age 21. Among the four subgroups, Cambodians (91%) were more likely to fall in either contemplation or preparation, while Chinese had the highest rate in precontemplation stage. Men were more likely than women to be in the preparation stage. Immigration status was not a significant predictor of stages.
Aging effects on recognition memory when encoding and strategy are controlled

It has been asserted that differences between young and old subjects in memory tasks can be eliminated if three conditions are met: (1) adequate retrieval information is given; (2) encoding is equalized for both groups; and (3) strategy differences are controlled. Although all three conditions are met in the present experiment, the age-related memory deficit still remains. It is concluded that the deficit cannot be eliminated by any of the conditions noted above.
Crystalline fields in dilute rare earth-magnesium alloys

Magnetic susceptibility measurements have been made on dilute monocrystalline alloys MgDy, MgNd, and MgCe. At low temperatures these alloys are anisotropic, which enables an evaluation of the crystalline electric field. A computer program was written to make a chi-square fit to these data and obtain the crystalline field parameters, which are compared to those derived from EPRg values for MgEr alloys.
The effect of sodium chloride and calcium chloride on the main phase transition of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine

Abstract Differential scanning calorimetry is employed at a scan rate of 2 K h−1 to study the effects of sodium chloride and calcium chloride on the main phase transition of dilute aqueous suspensions of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine. The primary effect of sodium chloride over the concentration range studied, 0–5 molar, is to raise the transition temperature. In the case of calcium chloride, studied over the range 0–2 molar, the increase in the transition temperature is much larger, and the transitions become unsymmetrical and much broadened at concentrations above 0.75 M.
Onset and migration of spiral troughs on Mars revealed by orbital radar

The northern polar cap of Mars, containing enough water to cover the entire planet to a depth of several metres, features two major landforms that stand above all others. These are the enormous canyon, Chasma Boreale, and a series of spiral troughs. The processes leading to their formation have remained unclear. Now two papers in this issue present detailed histories of both systems. John Holt and colleagues use penetrating radar imagery from Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's radar sounder to show that depositional processes — rather than a catastrophic event — formed the Chasma Boreale. Isaac Smith and John Holt use Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter data to rule out erosional cutting of polar ice as the cause of the central troughs, and instead conclude that they too are largely depositional, having migrated polewards and upwards in elevation in the past two million years. A pinwheel array of deep troughs has been one of the most perplexing features of the north polar layered deposits on Mars. Many ideas have been put forward about how it formed, but there is as yet no consensus. Here, penetrating radar has been used to rule out erosional cutting as a mechanism for the formation of the array. Instead, it is concluded that the troughs are largely depositional in origin, and have migrated to the poles and upwards in elevation over the past two million years or so. The landscape of the north polar layered deposits of Mars (NPLD) is dominated by a pinwheel array of enigmatic spiral troughs1. The troughs have intrigued planetary scientists since the Mariner 9 spacecraft returned the first close-up image in 1972, but conclusive evidence of their origin has remained elusive. Debate continues regarding all aspects of the troughs, including the possibility that they have migrated2,3,4,5, their age in relation to the current NPLD surface6, and whether they are fundamentally erosional6,7 or constructional2,4 features. The troughs are probably related to climatic processes2,8, yet the nature of this relationship has remained a mystery. Previous data characterizing only the exposed NLPD surface were insufficient to test these hypotheses. Here we show that the central spiral troughs initiated after deposition of three-quarters of the NPLD, quickly reached a stable morphology and migrated approximately 65 kilometres poleward and 600 metres in altitude over the past two million years or so. Our radar stratigraphy rules out hypotheses of erosional incision post-dating deposition6,7,9,10, and instead largely validates an early hypothesis for constructional trough migration2,3,4,5 with wind transport and atmospheric deposition as dominant processes. These results provide hard constraints for palaeo-climate models and a new context for evaluating imagery, spectral data, and now radar sounding data, the better to understand the link between orbital parameters and climate, the role of climate in shaping the polar ice of Mars, and eventually, the age of the polar deposits themselves8,11,12,13.
Raman-Active Lattice Vibrations of the Commensurate Superlattic in 2 H − Ta Se 2

Raman spectra have been obtained on $2H\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{Ta}{\mathrm{Se}}_{2}$ at room temperature and in the commensurate charge-density-wave, superlattice state. At low temperatures six new low frequency modes are seen having symmetries consistent only with a symmetric, three-charge-density wave. A microscopic model of the lattice dynamics of this state is fitted to the four strongest new Raman lines. These are assigned to amplitude and phase modes of the charge-density wave.
A status report on helium inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

The current status of helium inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (He ICPMS) is examined, its potentials and limitations are reviewed, and a summary of fundamental properties of atmospheric pressure He ICP discharges is presented. Also included are results of He ICPMS studies with a new helium plasma torch (18 mm i.d.) operated at four sets of operating conditions. Under the “cold plasma” condition (600 W forward power), no secondary discharge is observed and ion kinetic energies ranging from 2.0 eV to 9.5 eV for 6 elements (mass range: 39–208) are measured. At higher power levels, the secondary discharge still is strong. In general, detection limits for certain elements are improved by 1–3 orders of magnitude compared to previous data acquired in 1993 with a 13-mm He ICP torch. Elements such as K, Fe, Cr, Mn, Ni, and Co that suffer from spectral interferences in Ar ICPMS can be detected at pg/mL-levels with an analogue detector and a prototype ICPMS instrument having no photon stops or obstacles present in the ion trajectory path.
Preserving fertility after cancer : What are our options?

Fertility options appropriate for cancer survivors depend on the patient's age, disease site and stage, and treatment protocol. Conservative surgery, ovariopexy during pelvic irradiation, in vitro fertilization, and cryopreservation can preserve reproductive function without compromising survival.
Digitized Government Among Countries Worldwide From 2003 to 2010: Performance Discrepancies Explained by Comparing Frameworks

Public sector researchers largely portray digitized government as following a maturational movement that will ultimately sustain electronic democracy. An alternate view maintains that digitized government reflects broader public policies that drift and change over time; as a result, it embraces two discrete curvilinear processes—e-government and e-governance. This study compares these differing frameworks by employing successive evaluations published by the United Nations of member Web sites from 2003 to 2010. Partitioning appears in the findings. Countries worldwide are pushing the aggregate means higher for digitized government. Yet, disaggregate best practices among early-adopter countries exhibit significant variability, including in industrialized societies. The findings doubt the maturational view as they bear out the curvilinear construct. The conclusions demonstrate that the potential for an electronic transformation abates before the Great Recession.
Anorexia Nervosa and the Dancer: Perspectives for the Dance Educator

ABSTRACTEating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, are extremely common in adolescent girls. This article looks at the common symptoms and societal root causes of the syndrome and how it might be triggered by dance class traditions, including teacher criticism, peer pressure, and competition. Practices that make a safer atmosphere for our most vulnerable students include devaluing thinness, sound nutrition information, and stress management.
The integrated activity-based costing and economic value-added system for the service sector

This paper examines the implementation of the Integrated Activity-Based Costing and Economic Value Added System in the service sector. This system is intended for use by those service companies for which the traditional costing system is not adequate. Motivations for tracing overhead costs as well as capital costs, using the integrated system, are discussed. Resulting improvements in the reliability of product cost information are illustrated through the example of a consulting firm, which moved from intuitive cost estimation to reliable cost analysis. Finally, the impact of this integrated system on the service sector's decision-making process and long-term business performance is discussed.
Distribution, crypticity, stability, and localization of α‐L‐fucosidase of mouse cauda epididymal sperm

Sperm-associated and semen-specific isoforms of α-L-fucosidase are thought to function in fertilization in numerous organisms. Here, we report the localization, distribution, crypticity, and stability of this enzyme in mouse cauda epididymal sperm and cauda fluid. Western analysis revealed that the sperm-associated α-L-fucosidase is present as two isoforms (Mr ∼49 and 56 kDa), whereas the cauda fluid α-L-fucosidase shows a single band at 50 kDa. α-L-Fucosidase activity was detected using the fluorogenic substrate 4-MU-FUC. Of the total α-L-fucosidase activity recovered in the cauda epididymal contents, 74% was found in the cell-free cauda fluid and about 7% was found in sperm cells. During capacitation or permeabilization, cryptic intracellular stores of soluble enzyme were released to the supernatant, while leaving bound enzyme concentrated within the small volume of sperm. Moreover, membrane-associated enzyme activity was still detectable in acrosome-reacted cells. Immunofluorescence studies support the presence of α-L-fucosidase (originally localizing at the acrosomal area) at the equatorial segment after the acrosome reaction. α-L-Fucosidase activity of both cauda fluid and sperm at 37°C, 5% CO2 was relatively stable and detectable up to 72 hr. The stability and appearance of mouse sperm-associated α-L-fucosidase in the equatorial segment after the acrosome reaction suggest that α-L-fucosidase may be involved in sperm–egg interaction. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79: 208–217, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dietary marine fish oils and insulin action in type 2 diabetes

Supplementation of omega-3 fish oils (n-3 FO) usually worsens the glycemic control in type 2 diabetic subjects. This may be a dose-related phenomenon and is reversed after discontinuation of the n-3 FO supplementation. An increase in the daily caloric intake, due to the fat content of n-3 FO supplements, and a consequent weight gain may contribute to the increase in hyperglycemia. Mechanisms of the increase in hyperglycemia include: (1) n-3 FO may interfere with insulin secretion from the pancreas, and this in turn can cause an increase in the hepatic glucose output and/or a decrease in the glucose uptake by the peripheral tissues; (2) n-3 FO may primarily decrease the sensitivity of liver to insulin action and consequently increase gluconeogenesis and/or glycogenolysis and/or decrease the glycogenesis; (3) n-3 FO may primarily affect the sensitivity of peripheral tissues to insulin, resulting in decreased glucose-uptake; (4) n-3 FO may increase the availability of gluconeogenic substrates by directly altering the partitioning of the metabolic fuels for different pathways in the liver. [formula: see text] Direct experimental testing of these possibilities has been difficult, because n-3 FO affects the carbohydrate metabolism differently in animal models than in humans. The available data suggest that n-3 FO inhibits insulin secretion in response to glucose load, mixed meal, and glucagon but not at the fasting state. Hepatic glucose output is increased. Sensitivity of the peripheral tissues to insulin is not changed. An encouraging observation is that the hyperglycemic effect of n-3 FO may decrease with time even when therapy is continued. Proper use of this treatment modality requires careful evaluation of the risk/benefit ratio for every individual patient.
Sparse inverse covariance estimation with the graphical lasso

We consider the problem of estimating sparse graphs by a lasso penalty applied to the inverse covariance matrix. Using a coordinate descent procedure for the lasso, we develop a simple algorithm--the graphical lasso--that is remarkably fast: It solves a 1000-node problem ( approximately 500,000 parameters) in at most a minute and is 30-4000 times faster than competing methods. It also provides a conceptual link between the exact problem and the approximation suggested by Meinshausen and Buhlmann (2006). We illustrate the method on some cell-signaling data from proteomics.
Ethanol-Induced Inhibition of Chick Brain Growth

Retarded fetal brain growth is associated with a high incidence of mental retardation among the offspring of chronic alcoholic mothers. Research using an embryonic chick model suggests that ethanol exposure suppresses fetal development including suppression of brain growth. Total brain cyclic AMP content and endogenous brain protein kinase specific activity are not altered by ethanol; however, ethanol exposure does significantly stimulate kinase catalytic activity measured in the presence of saturating amounts of exogenous cyclic AMP.