cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular mechanisms of selenium-Induced spinal deformities in fish.

Abstract Selenium toxicity to oviparous vertebrates is often attributed to selenomethionine (SeMet), which can biomagnify through maternal transfer. Although oxidative stress is implicated in SeMet toxicity, knowledge gaps remain in how SeMet causes characteristic spinal deformities. In the present study, we use the Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) model to investigate the role of oxidative stress, cell death, and the unfolded protein response (UPR) on skeletal gene expression and SeMet toxicity, linking localization of cellular effects to observed abnormalities. Medaka embryos were treated with 2.5 μM or 5 μM SeMet for 24 h at stage 25 (48 h post fertilization). Post treatment, embryos were separated into normal, deformed (mild, moderate or severe), or dead categories. Dichlorofluorescein staining demonstrated oxidative stress in tails of embryos with observable spinal malformations. Furthermore, acridine orange staining for apoptosis identified significantly more dead cells in tails of treated embryos. Gene expression studies for the UPR suggest a potential role for CHOP (c/ebp homologous protein) induced apoptosis deformed embryos after 5 μM SeMet, accompanied by a significant decrease in PDIA4 (protein disulfide isomerase A4) and no change in Dnajb9 (ER DNA J Domain-Containing Protein 4). This expression was distinct from the UPR induced by well-studied ER stress inducer, tunicamycin, which robustly activated CHOP, PDIA4 and Dnajb9. Finally, SeMet treatment significantly decreased transcripts of cartilage development, Sox9 (SRY box 9), while increasing Runx2 in deformed embryos, without altering Twist or Collagen 2a1. Results suggest that oxidative stress, the UPR and cell death play key roles in SeMet induced deformities and altered skeletal development factors.
An updated-Lagrangian damage mechanics formulation for modeling the creeping flow and fracture of ice sheets

Abstract An updated-Lagrangian formulation is developed to model the incompressible Stokes (creeping) flow and fracture of ice sheets using both explicit-integral and implicit-gradient nonlocal damage approaches. The governing equations of incompressible nonlinearly viscous Stokes flow assuming the plane strain approximation are discretized using high-order mixed finite elements over the current reference domain. The discretized nonlinear system is solved using a Picard iteration scheme, and a mesh update method is employed to obtain the updated reference domain at every time step. Fracture (crevasse) initiation and propagation is modeled using a scalar (isotropic) damage variable, and damage control or element removal strategies are implemented to avoid numerical accuracy and convergence issues arising from fully damaged finite elements near the crevasse tip. The formulation is implemented in the open-source finite element software FEniCS, and the relevant numerical algorithms are detailed. Numerical verification and benchmark studies based on manufactured nonlinear Stokes solutions and constant velocity and gravity-driven creep flow experiments are conducted to establish the viability of the formulation. We demonstrate that crevasse propagation rates obtained from nonlinear Stokes and Maxwell viscoelastic models are in good agreement over short time scales (days), so it is reasonable to neglect the elastic effects and employ the Stokes model to simulate iceberg calving. Furthermore, we demonstrate that over long time scales (months) the updated-Lagrangian Stokes formulation is more physically accurate than the total Lagrangian Maxwell viscoelastic formulation because the former accounts for the domain geometry changes. To conclude, the merit of the proposed formulation is two-fold: first, it is computationally more efficient than the Maxwell viscoelastic model; and second, it accounts for finite strain creep deformations accruing over long time scales.
Assessment of resuscitation as measured by markers of metabolic acidosis and features of injury

Aims The best time for definitive orthopaedic care is often unclear in patients with multiple injuries. The objective of this study was make a prospective assessment of the safety of our early appropriate care (EAC) strategy and to evaluate the potential benefit of additional laboratory data to determine readiness for surgery. Patients and Methods A cohort of 335 patients with fractures of the pelvis, acetabulum, femur, or spine were included. Patients underwent definitive fixation within 36 hours if one of the following three parameters were met: lactate < 4.0 mmol/L; pH ≥ 7.25; or base excess (BE) ≥ -5.5 mmol/L. If all three parameters were met, resuscitation was designated full protocol resuscitation (FPR). If less than all three parameters were met, it was designated an incomplete protocol resuscitation (IPR). Complications were assessed by an independent adjudication committee and included infection; sepsis; PE/DVT; organ failure; pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Results In total, 66 patients (19.7%) developed 90 complications. An historical cohort of 1441 patients had a complication rate of 22.1%. The complication rate for patients with only one EAC parameter at the point of protocol was 34.3%, which was higher than other groups (p = 0.041). Patients who had IPR did not have significantly more complications (31.8%) than those who had FPR (22.6%; p = 0.078). Regression analysis showed male gender and injury severity score to be independent predictors of complications. Conclusions This study highlights important trends in the IPR and FPR groups, suggesting that differences in resuscitation parameters may guide care in certain patients; further study is, however, required. We advocate the use of the existing protocol, while research is continued for high-risk subgroups. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:122–7.
Reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients with os acromiale

Background Os acromiale has been reported in up to 15% of the general population. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) increases deltoid tension, which could potentially lead to excessive stress on a pre-existent os acromiale. The purpose of this study was to determine the outcome and complications of primary RTSA in patients with radiographic evidence of an os acromiale. Methods Between 2005 and 2013, 25 shoulders underwent primary RTSA with an associated os acromiale, which was classified preacromion (3), mesoacromion (20), and meta-acromion (2). All patients were observed for a minimum of 2 years or until reoperation. Mean follow-up time was 30.8 (range, 1-81.4) months. Outcomes included pain scores, range of motion, patient satisfaction, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores, and radiographic outcomes. Results RTSA led to an improvement in pain scores in 24 of 25 shoulders. Mean elevation, external rotation, and internal rotation were improved at final follow-up (124°, 46°, and L4, respectively). Three patients required reoperation, including revision surgery for dislocation (2) and excision of a painful os acromiale (1). Postoperative tilting of the os acromiale was noted in 7 shoulders (28%). There was no statistically significant difference in any outcome measures between shoulders with and shoulders without postoperative tilt of the os acromiale. Discussion and Conclusion The outcome of RTSA does not seem to be negatively affected by the presence of an os acromiale. Pain around an os acromiale after RTSA is rare. Inferior tilting is observed in approximately one-third of the shoulders after RTSA and does not seem to change the overall outcome.
Single-Incision Robotic Renal and Ureteral Surgery

Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) has been increasingly expanded in recent years, but due to ergonomic limitations, limited triangulation, and clashing of instruments, adoption of LESS has been restricted. With ergonomics as one of robotic surgery’s biggest advantages, we have applied robotic-LESS (R-LESS) to a variety of procedures. R-LESS renal and ureteral surgery is feasible and safe at the short-term stage of evaluation. While prospective comparisons with more established techniques are needed, R-LESS has clearly superior ergonomics in comparison to conventional LESS, which may encourage more surgeons to adopt single-site surgery. In this chapter, we discuss unique aspects of R-LESS as applied to renal and ureteral surgery and present “tips and tricks” from our experience for those interested in this approach.
Insights on Osmotic Tolerance Mechanisms in Escherichia coli Gained from an rpoC Mutation

An 84 bp in-frame duplication (K370_A396dup) within the rpoC subunit of RNA polymerase was found in two independent mutants selected during an adaptive laboratory evolution experiment under osmotic stress in Escherichia coli, suggesting that this mutation confers improved osmotic tolerance. To determine the role this mutation in rpoC plays in osmotic tolerance, we reconstructed the mutation in BW25113, and found it to confer improved tolerance to hyperosmotic stress. Metabolite analysis, exogenous supplementation assays, and cell membrane damage analysis suggest that the mechanism of improved osmotic tolerance by this rpoC mutation may be related to the higher production of acetic acid and amino acids such as proline, and increased membrane integrity in the presence of NaCl stress in exponential phase cells. Transcriptional analysis led to the findings that the overexpression of methionine related genes metK and mmuP improves osmotic tolerance in BW25113. Furthermore, deletion of a stress related gene bolA was found to confer enhanced osmotic tolerance in BW25113 and MG1655. These findings expand our current understanding of osmotic tolerance in E. coli, and have the potential to expand the utilization of high saline feedstocks and water sources in microbial fermentation.
Potential of Clinical Application of Human Amniotic Epithelial Cells for Liver Diseases

Abstract Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) isolated from term placentae possess multiple unique stem cell–like characteristics as well as immunomodulatory effects and are nontumorigenic, making them attractive as a stem cell source for regenerative medicine. One of the proposed applications of these cells is, as a more readily available alternative for hepatocyte transplantation, itself a promising cell replacement therapy for various liver diseases, which is particularly suitable for congenital liver metabolism disorders. The aim of this chapter is to overview the therapeutic properties of hAECs for the clinical cell therapy applications and summarize preclinical studies with various disease models.
Division of Labor within the Household: The Experience of Bosnian Immigrant Women in Portland, Oregon

This research study examines the impact of international migration of household labor for Bosnian immigrant women living in Portland, Oregon. Bosnia is a society with enduring patriarchal traditions which assume that women are in charge of doing household chores. Men are in charge of providing for the family monetarily. Many Bosnian families migrated to the U.S. in the mid 1990's in order to escape the war in Bosnia. In this study I interview 10 of these Bosnian women, concerning the division of labor in their homes in Bosnia and their homes in U.S. After migrating to the U.S. the amount of work women did within the home lessened as their husbands became more involved in helping with various chores. The changes in the division of household labor did not subvert traditional gender roles. Wives transferred and adapted their views of gender performativity after they migrated to the United States. The results are consistent with research that states that migrant women focus more on advancement of their family rather on their own emancipation.
A rare malignant thyroid carcinosarcoma with aggressive behavior and DICER1 gene mutation: a case report with literature review

Malignant biphasic tumor also known as carcinosarcoma is an uncommon neoplasm that is composed of both malignant epithelial and mesenchymal components. Most reported cases of carcinosarcoma affect the female genital tract; however, other sites including head and neck, lung, and breast have been described. Carcinosarcoma of the thyroid is an extremely rare and aggressive malignancy with an ominous clinical course similar to anaplastic carcinoma. We report a case of a 45-year-old female who was found to have a biphasic thyroid carcinosarcoma. Her clinical course declined significantly shortly after she underwent a total thyroidectomy and she developed distant metastases to the lungs. Histopathological features of the primary and metastatic tumor were identical. The tumor is composed of an intimately intermixed epithelial component of poorly differentiated follicular thyroid carcinoma and a spindle cell sarcoma with rhabdomyosarcoma differentiation. Molecular analysis using a next-generation sequencing based assay revealed a DICER1 (E1705K) point mutation in neoplastic cells. To our knowledge, the E1705K point mutation within the DICER1 gene is the first reported mutation in carcinosarcoma of the thyroid. A comprehensive review of the relevant literature is also included for discussion.
Engineering Management: Meeting the Global Challenges, Second Edition

Engineering Management: Meeting the Global Challenges prepares engineers to fulfill their managerial responsibilities, acquire useful business perspectives, and take on the much-needed leadership roles to meet the challenges in the new millennium. Value addition, customer focus, and business perspectives are emphasized throughout. Also underlined are discussions of leadership attributes, steps to acquire these attributes, the areas engineering managers are expected to add value, the web-based tools which can be aggressively applied to develop and sustain competitive advantages, the opportunities offered by market expansion into global regions, and the preparations required for engineering managers to become global leaders. The book is organized into three major sections: functions of engineering management, business fundamentals for engineering managers, and engineering management in the new millennium. This second edition refocuses on the new strategy for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) professionals and managers to meet the global challenges through the creation of strategic differentiation and operational excellence. Major revisions include a new chapter on creativity and innovation, a new chapter on operational excellence, and combination of the chapters on financial accounting and financial management. The design strategy for this second edition strives for achieving the T-shaped competencies, with both broad-based perspectives and in-depth analytical skills. Such a background is viewed as essential for STEM professionals and managers to exert a strong leadership role in the dynamic and challenging marketplace. The material in this book will surely help engineering managers play key leadership roles in their organizations by optimally applying their combined strengths in engineering and management.
Energy Efficient & Secured Data Routing Through Aggregation Node in WSN

In Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), energy consumption is the most challenging issue. The more energy is consumed during captured data transmission than the local data processing at sensor nodes. Because of this reason network lifetime is reduces. Sometimes attacker nodes are also responsible of energy wastage. Data aggregation technique is one of the solutions for this issues of network lifetime and energy loss. In this paper data aggregation technique is used for detecting attack and prevention technique. For collecting the data from the cluster head in the network, system used aggregator Node (AN). If the cluster head (CH) becomes attacker, then AN recover the data from all cluster members, So that the energy in not wasted and packet drop ratio is also minimized. Also, system makes use of the Iterative Filtering (IF) algorithm, which additionally gives trust evaluation to the numerous sources from where the information is aggregated. This IF algorithm is used to detect the Simple attack and Collusion attack on nodes. The proposed system can detect the attack on all nodes including cluster member, cluster head and aggregator node. Additionally this system check data truthfulness on cluster head when data is received from all cluster members. SHAl algorithm is used for integrity checking. Experimental results prove that the proposed system improves the energy utilization, memory management and security of data along with attack detection on CH.
Quantification of Lipid Corona Formation on Colloidal Nanoparticles from Lipid Vesicles.

Formation of a protein corona around nanoparticles when immersed into biological fluids is well-known; less studied is the formation of lipid coronas around nanoparticles. In many cases, the identity of a nanoparticle-acquired corona determines nanoparticle fate within a biological system and its interactions with cells and organisms. This work systematically explores the impact of nanoparticle surface chemistry and lipid character on the formation of lipid coronas for 3 different nanoparticle surface chemistries (2 cationic, 1 anionic) on 14 nm gold nanoparticles exposed to a series of lipid vesicles of 4 different compositions. Qualitative (plasmon band shifting, ζ-potential analysis, dynamic light scattering on the part of the nanoparticles) and quantitative (lipid liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry) methods are developed with a “pull-down” scheme to assess the degree of lipid corona formation in these systems. In general, cationic nanoparticles extract 60–95% of the lipids available in vesicles u...
Faith and Global Health Practice in Ebola and HIV Emergencies.

We examined the relationship between religion and health by highlighting the influences of religion on the response to the 2014 to 2016 Ebola outbreak and the global HIV epidemic.We recounted the influences of religion on burial practices developed as an infection control measure during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. We also explored the influence of religion on community outreach and health education. We examined faith-based responses to the global HIV/AIDS pandemic, noting that religion conflicted with public health responses to HIV (e.g., justification for HIV-related stigma) or aligned with public health as a force for improved HIV responses (e.g., providing HIV services or providing social capital and cohesion to support advocacy efforts). We further discussed the similarities and differences between the influence of religion during the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the 2014 to 2016 Ebola outbreak.We then described lessons learned from Ebola and HIV/AIDS to better inform collaboration with religious actors.
Education and Agency Freedom in Du Bois and Sen

Education and Agency Freedom in Du Bois and Sen What is the role of education in human development? WEB Du Bois and Amartya Sen confront this classic question in The Souls of Black Folk (1903) and ...
Ignis: scaling distribution-oblivious systems with light-touch distribution

Distributed systems offer notable benefits over their centralized counterparts. Reaping these benefits, however, requires burdensome developer effort to identify and rewrite bottlenecked components. Light-touch distribution is a new approach that converts a legacy system into a distributed one using automated transformations. Transformations operate at the boundaries of bottlenecked modules and are parametrizable by light distribution recipes that guide the intended semantics of the resulting distribution. Transformations and recipes operate at runtime, adapting to load by scaling out only saturated components. Our Ignis prototype shows substantial speedups, attractive elasticity characteristics, and memory gains over full replication, achieved by small and backward-compatible code changes.
Human Milk–A Valuable Tool in the Early Days of Life of Premature Infants

The objective of early premature infant nutrition is to maintain, during the turbulent early days of life, a flow of nutrients that differs only minimally from that which would have prevailed had the infant remained in utero. Out of necessity, nutrients have at first to be provided mainly via the parenteral route. While that is going on, the feeding of small amounts of human milk (gut priming) is initiated as soon as practical. As mother's own milk is not available in sufficient quantity at this time, donor milk needs to be used temporarily. If not available, formula should be used. Gastric residuals are physiologic at this stage and are monitored to guide the increase of the size of feedings. As the volume of milk is gradually increased, nutrient fortification is initiated when the milk volume reaches around 20 ml/kg/day. There is no need to start with less than full-strength fortification. Fortification should employ one of the liquid fortifiers. Adjustable fortification may be employed but is labor-intensive and is not a necessity as long as full feeding volumes of around 170 ml/kg/day are maintained. As the infant grows beyond 1,500 g the level of fortification can be reduced gradually by omitting fortification first from one, and then from more feedings. After discharge there is still a need for fortification, which requires the mother to express some of her milk so it can be fortified. Nutrient supplementation directly to the infant would obviate the need for milk expression.
Amassing rural power in the fight against fracking in Maryland: A report from the field

Social workers can mobilize vulnerable populations to shape policy decisions about industrial practices that could have adverse impacts on their wellbeing. One such practice is hydraulic fracturing...
Dentists’ Adoption of Silver Diamine Fluoride among 1- to 5-Year-Old Children in North Carolina:

Background:A natural experiment was conducted to observe the adoption of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) by Medicaid-enrolled dentists in North Carolina (NC). The purpose of this study was to describ...
The paradox of queer aura: a case study of gender-switching video remakes

This paper explores a subgenre of the slash (homoerotic fan art) videos that have proliferated on Chinese-language websites: gender-switching (性转) videos. Gender-switching in internet subculture de...
Wordplay or Paradigm Shift: The Meaning of “Research Impact”

Research impact is increasingly a global issue, yet it is still emerging in the context of U.S. education. This article synthesizes insights on this issue from key thought leaders in various roles in the U.S. education system, including their perspectives on defining, motivating, measuring, and supporting research impact. These insights offer the conceptual framing for this special issue of the International Journal of Education Policy and Leadership (IJEPL) and highlight several themes and tensions associated with research impact. The call for articles focused on these insights, which are addressed in the pieces that constitute this special issue.
Relationship Between Gender, Stress, and Quality of Social Support:

BackgroundResearch suggests that gender differences exist in both stress and how social support is utilized and that the relationship between stress and social support may not be linear.MethodsAn i...
Off Line from No Line to On Line

By sheer luck, my institution’s quarterly academic schedule, coupled with adjustments by its administration, provides a whole month to move instruction out of classrooms and into the aether, but is with a late surprise from the State’s Governor.
Similarities and Differences between LaNiO 2 and CaCuO 2 and Implications for Superconductivity

Calculations of the electronic structure of NdNiO${}_{2}$, recently found to be superconducting, reveal important similarities and differences to cuprates, which may shed light on the origin of cuprate high-temperature superconductivity.
Adsorption and Diffusion of Aluminum on β-Ga2O3(010) Surfaces.

Epitaxial growth of aluminum gallium oxide is important for forming heterojunctions on Ga2O3 for high power electronics applications. We use density functional theory to explore the co-adsorption o...
Monitoring the heme iron state in horseradish peroxidase to detect ultratrace amounts of hydrogen peroxide in alcohols

Despite the importance of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in initiating oxidative damage and its connection to various diseases, the detection of low concentrations of H2O2 (<10 μM) is still limited using current methods, particularly in non-aqueous systems. One of the most common methods is based on examining the color change of a reducing substrate upon oxidation using UV/Vis spectrophotometry, fluorophotometry and/or paper test strips. In this study, we show that this method encounters low efficiency and sensitivity for detection of ultratrace amounts of H2O2 in non-aqueous media. Thus, we have developed a simple, fast, accurate and inexpensive method based on UV/Vis spectrophotometry to detect H2O2 in non-aqueous systems, such as alcohols. In this regard, we demonstrate that monitoring the Soret and Q-band regions of high-valent iron-oxo (ferryl heme) intermediates in horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is well suited to detect ultratrace amounts of H2O2 impurities in alcohols in the range of 0.001–1000 μM using UV/Vis spectrophotometry. We monitor the optical spectra of HRP solution for the red shift in the Soret and Q-band regions upon the addition of alcohols with H2O2 impurity. We also monitor the reversibility of this shift to the original wavelength over time to check the spontaneous decay of ferryl intermediates to the ferric state. Thus, we have found that the ferryl intermediates of HRP can be used for the detection of H2O2 in alcohols at μg L−1 levels through via UV/Vis spectrophotometric method.
Mechanisms of fibrinolysis resistance and potential targets for thrombolysis in acute ischaemic stroke: lessons from retrieved stroke emboli

There has been growing interest and insight into the histological composition of retrieved stroke emboli. One of the main focuses of the stroke clot analysis literature has been the implications of clot composition on mechanical thrombectomy procedures. However, the holy grail of clot analysis may not be in the field of clot-device interaction, but rather, in understanding mechanisms of fibrinolysis resistance. The mechanisms underlying the low response to fibrinolytic therapy, even with the newer, more powerful agents, remain poorly understood. While factors such as embolus size, location and collateral status influence alteplase delivery and recanalisation rates; compositional analyses focused on histological and ultrastructural characteristics offer unique insights into mechanisms of alteplase resistance. In this review, we strive to provide comprehensive review of current knowledge on clot composition and ultrastructural analyses that help explain resistance to fibrinolysis.
Neighborhood Exposures and Blood Pressure Outcomes: A Cross-Sectional Environmental Study among 19-53 Years-Old Parsis in Mumbai

The correlation between high blood pressure (BP) and urban neighborhood-level environmental determinants is understudied in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We hypothesized that neighborhoods constitute exposures that affect resident-behaviors, metabolism and increased susceptibility to high BP. We studied urban clusters of Mumbai-Parsis (Zoroastrians), a founder population group, to minimize genetic variation and maximize exposure assessment. Participants from four neighborhoods were 19-53 years old and comprised 756 females and 774 males. We recorded healthy BPs (≤120/80 mmHg) in 59%, pre-hypertensive (≥121-139/81-89 mmHg) in 21% and high BP (≥140/90 mmHg) in 21% of the participants. A family history of hypertension had no correlation with high BP. We used the Neighborhood Accessibility Framework to compile a questionnaire in order to collect data on participants' perception of space, third places, streetscape and experience, land use, connectivity, surveillance, pedestrian safety and public transport. Our results suggested that participants in neighborhoods with poorer BP outcomes reported lower accessibility scores for space, streetscape and experience, third places and connectivity. Our study evaluates how neighborhood-level determinants affect BP outcomes in order to contribute to the body of knowledge on primary preventive measures for high BP in urban LMIC populations. We concluded that neighborhood exposures affect resident-behaviors, which cause metabolic changes and increase susceptibility to high BP.
Sampling Evaluation to Measure Observing System Representativeness

This work presents a methodology for evaluating remote sensing system concepts in a representative environment. A precipitation measurement mission concept evaluation is used as an application case. The simulation model leverages the NASA GEOS-5 atmospheric model to generate natural spatial and temporal distributions of key convective system variables, Candidate system concepts are simulated over a one-year period with observations determined by sensor parameters, the position of the spacecraft relative to the GEOS-5 grid points, and the nature variable values at the observation time. Concepts are evaluated by the representativeness of the collected data relative to the distributions of the selected nature variables over the simulation period. Results show that spacecraft in sun-synchronous orbits (SSO) with a 0130/1330 hours equator crossing and those with a 60° inclination orbit collect data that are most representative of precipitation and wind respectively.
Hard Tissue Replacement I: Long Bone Repair

The design principles, selection of materials, and manufacturing criteria for orthopedic implants are the same as for any other engineering products undergoing dynamic loading. Although it is tempting to duplicate the natural tissues with materials having the same strength and shape, this has not been practical or desirable since the natural tissues and organs have one major advantage over the man-made implants, i.e., their ability to adjust to a new set of circumstances by remodeling their micro- and macrostructure. Consequently, the mechanical fatigue of tissues is minimal unless a disease hinders the natural healing processes or unless they are overloaded beyond their ability to heal.
17 Modification of a Parent Training Program for Implementation Beyond the Clinical Setting

Publisher Summary To address problems regarding reduced access to therapy services as a result of managed care, this chapter develops service delivery approaches for an extensively studied treatment program that is initially developed for clinical use with individual parent-child dyads. This parent training program has a general focus on improving the parent-child relationship and a more specific focus on improving child compliance to parental directions because noncompliance is considered to be the keystone behavior from which other antisocial behaviors develop. The basic premise underlying such clinical parent training programs is that parents are the individuals who are typically with their child most often and they are typically the ones who are reporting difficulties in interactions with the child. As a result, by teaching parents more appropriate procedures for interacting with their child, they can become therapists for their own child. Theoretically, this can be both more efficient and effective than a therapist spending the traditional one hour per week with a young child who is exhibiting externalizing behavior problems.
Modeling and Observer Design for Polypyrrole Conducting Polymer Actuator Control Systems

A state observer for estimating and predicting the internal state of polypyrrole conducting polymer actuators is presented. Polypyrrole actuators can produce large stresses (>5 MPa) with large associated strains (>12%), which leads to a high energy density. However, care must be taken since conducting polymers degrade quickly when exposed to overcharged or over-strain conditions. Unfortunately, charge and other internal state variables relevant to degradation of the actuator material are not directly measurable in real-time control systems. To cope with this difficulty, this paper presents the design of a dynamic state observer to estimate the internal state of the polymer actuator from available sensor information. First, a reduced-order model of a polypyrrole conducting polymer actuator is obtained. A state observer is then designed based on the dynamic model. Subsequently, a method is presented for real-time identification of key model parameters from the measured data. Lastly, a novel control system is presented which utilizes the estimated internal states of the actuator to slow its performance degradation. Preliminary experiments and simulation are presented to demonstrate the proposed approach
Stylistic analysis of paintings usingwavelets and machine learning

Wavelet transforms and machine learning tools can be used to assist art experts in the stylistic analysis of paintings. A dual-tree complex wavelet transform, Hidden Markov Tree modeling and Random Forest classifiers are used here for a stylistic analysis of Vincent van Gogh's paintings with results on two stylometry challenges that concern “dating, resp. extracting distinguishing features”.
MR guided focused ultrasound treatment of soft tissue tumors of the extremities — preliminary experience

Soft tissue tumors are a heterogeneous group of tumors arising from connective tissues. These tumors may be benign, benign but locally aggressive, or malignant. Surgery either alone or in combination with adjuvant therapies such as radiation or chemotherapy can potentially cure a patient with a soft tissue tumor. The morbidity and complications associated with treatment can have significant and lasting adverse effects on limb function and quality of life. In some situations, patients develop local recurrence of disease and require further surgery, which can result in further treatment-associated morbidity. We have adapted MR guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) techniques to the treatment of benign and malignant soft tissue tumors of the extremities with the goal of safely and effectively performing MRgFUS ablation on human subjects. This presentation describes the use of MRgFUS for the treatment of desmoid fibromatosis, arteriovenous malformations, and malignant sarcomas.
Methylphenidate alters basal ganglia neurotensin systems through dopaminergic mechanisms: a comparison with cocaine treatment

J. Neurochem. (2011) 117, 470–478. Abstract Methylphenidate (MPD) is a psychostimulant widely used to treat behavioral problems such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. MPD competitively inhibits the dopamine (DA) transporter. Previous studies demonstrated that stimulants of abuse, such as cocaine (COC) and methamphetamine differentially alter rat brain neurotensin (NT) systems through DA mechanisms. As NT is a neuropeptide primarily associated with the regulation of the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic DA systems, the effect of MPD on NT-like immunoreactivity (NTLI) content in several basal ganglia regions was assessed. MPD, at doses of 2.0 or 10.0 mg/kg, s.c., significantly increased the NTLI contents in dorsal striatum, substantia nigra and globus pallidus; similar increases in NTLI were observed in these areas after administration of COC (30.0 mg/kg, i.p.). No changes in NTLI occurred within the nucleus accumbens, frontal cortex and ventral tegmental area following MPD treatment. In addition, the NTLI changes in basal ganglia regions induced by MPD were prevented when D1 (SCH 23390) or D2 (eticlopride) receptor antagonists were coadministered with MPD. MPD treatment also increased dynorphin (DYN) levels in basal ganglia structures. These findings provide evidence that basal ganglia, but not limbic, NT systems are significantly affected by MPD through D1 and D2 receptor mechanisms, and these NTLI changes are similar, but not identical to those which occurred with COC administration. In addition, the MPD effects on NT systems are mechanistically distinct from the effects of methamphetamine.
Nine Reasons to Adopt a Carbon Tax

With increasing likelihood of legislation or regulation of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., and with a solidifying world consensus for action on climate change, the question of regulatory instrument choice has taken on new urgency. This paper discusses four different policy instruments that are likely to be utilized, and argues that the most important step that can be taken right now is for the U.S. to impose a carbon tax. This paper argues that the three other likely federal policy instruments - a cap-and-trade program, command-and-control-type policies or standards, and government subsidies - are generally economically and environmentally inferior. This is not to say that a carbon tax is the only instrument that can be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but that it should be the first and most central U.S. federal policy. This argument extends to other countries with market economies, most notably neighboring Canada, which has many cultural similarities to the U.S., including a strong political allergy to taxes. This is clearly not, in its general form, a novel thesis. However, this paper makes several new arguments, and seeks to provide a comprehensive review of the arguments for a carbon tax.
Methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide production from the terminal methiol group of methionine by anaerobic lake sediments.

A significant portion of the sulfide in lake sediments may be derived from sulfur-containing amino acids. Methionine degradation in Lake Mendota (Wisconsin) sediments was studied with gas chromatographic and radiotracer techniques. Temperature optimum and inhibitor studies showed that this process was biological. Methane thiol and dimethyl sulfide were produced in sediments when 1-μmol/ml unlabeled methionine was added. When chloroform (an inhibitor of one-carbon metabolism) was added to the sediments, methane thiol, carbon disulfide, and n-propane thiol were produced, even when no methionine was added. When 35S-labeled methionine was added to the sediments in tracer quantities (1.75 nmol/ml), labeled hydrogen sulfide was produced, and a roughly equal amount of label was incorporated into insoluble material. Methane and carbon dioxide were produced from [methyl-14C]methionine. Evidence is given favoring methane thiol as an intermediate in the formation of methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide from the terminal methiol group of methionine. Methionine may be an important source of sulfide in lake sediments.
Sphingosine 1-phosphate is a ligand for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ that regulates neoangiogenesis

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid that can function both extracellularly and intracellularly to mediate a variety of cellular processes. Using lipid affinity matrices and a radiolabeled lipid binding assay, we reveal that S1P directly interacts with the transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ. Herein, we show that S1P treatment of human endothelial cells (ECs) activated a luciferase-tagged PPARγ-specific gene reporter by ∼12-fold, independent of the S1P receptors. More specifically, in silico docking, gene reporter, and binding assays revealed that His323 of the PPARγ ligand binding domain is important for binding to S1P. PPARγ functions when associated with coregulatory proteins, and herein we identify that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1 (PGC1)β binds to PPARγ in ECs and their progenitors (nonadherent endothelial forming cells) and that the formation of this PPARγ:PGC1β complex is increased in response to S1P. ECs treated with S1P selectively regulated known PPARγ target genes with PGC1β and plasminogen-activated inhibitor-1 being increased, no change to adipocyte fatty acid binding protein 2 and suppression of CD36. S1P-induced in vitro tube formation was significantly attenuated in the presence of the PPARγ antagonist GW9662, and in vivo application of GW9662 also reduced vascular development in Matrigel plugs. Interestingly, activation of PPARγ by the synthetic ligand troglitazone also reduced tube formation in vitro and in vivo. To support this, Sphk1(-/-)Sphk2(+/-) mice, with low circulating S1P levels, demonstrated a similar reduction in vascular development. Taken together, our data reveal that the transcription factor, PPARγ, is a bona fide intracellular target for S1P and thus suggest that the S1P:PPARγ:PGC1β complex may be a useful target to manipulate neovascularization.
Familial neuroblastoma with regression and maturation to ganglioneurofibroma.

Two sisters with congenital disseminated neuroblastoma are reviewed clinically and pathologically. Both showed regression of their retroperitoneal tumors to fibrocalcific residues and maturation to ganglioneuroma. In one case, metastatic tumor nodules of the skin, which had matured to ganglioneuroma, through continued loss of ganglion cells came to closely resemble neurofibromas. A similarity to von Recklinghausen9s disease became apparent. The question of a genetic basis for neuroblastoma and its relationship to von Recklinghausen9s disease is discussed.
A novel rapid-onset high-penetrance plasmacytoma mouse model driven by deregulation of cMYC cooperating with KRAS12V in BALB/c mice

Our goal is to develop a rapid and scalable system for functionally evaluating deregulated genes in multiple myeloma (MM). Here, we forcibly expressed human cMYC and KRAS12V in mouse T2 B cells (IgM+B220+CD38+IgD+) using retroviral transduction and transplanted these cells into lethally irradiated recipient mice. Recipients developed plasmacytomas with short onset (70 days) and high penetrance, whereas neither cMYC nor KRAS12V alone induced disease in recipient mice. Tumor cell morphology and cell surface biomarkers (CD138+B220−IgM−GFP+) indicate a plasma cell neoplasm. Gene set enrichment analysis further confirms that the tumor cells have a plasma cell gene expression signature. Plasmacytoma cells infiltrated multiple loci in the bone marrow, spleen and liver; secreted immunoglobulins; and caused glomerular damage. Our findings therefore demonstrate that deregulated expression of cMYC with KRAS12V in T2 B cells rapidly generates a plasma cell disease in mice, suggesting utility of this model both to elucidate molecular pathogenesis and to validate novel targeted therapies.
Nonactivated astrocytes downregulate T cell receptor expression and reduce antigen-specific proliferation and cytokine production of myelin basic protein (MBP)-reactive T cells

Astrocytes express variable levels of MHC class II antigens depending on their activation status or exposure to certain cytokines, notably IFN-gamma. When they are induced to express higher surface densities of MHC class II molecules, astrocytes are capable of stimulating syngeneic myelin basic protein (MBP)-reactive T cells to proliferate at a modest rate and to secrete proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha, in response to antigen. In the present investigation evidence is presented that uninduced astrocytes, whether fresh or established as clones, on which surface MHC class II molecules are expressed at a very low density, promote an antigen-dependent reduction of TCR on the surface of syngeneic T cells. Accompanying this effect on the TCR is an induction of T cell hyporeactivity and little or no production of proinflammatory cytokines. These observations suggest that the ability of the astrocyte, through varying their surface MHC class II molecules, can control the effect of antigen-induced T cell responses. In their normal state of low MHC II expression astrocytes are expected to induce no or partial, rather than full, activation of autoreactive T cells that enter the CNS, resulting in T cell hyporeactivity. Since astrocytes usually diminish the production of proinflammatory cytokines by T cells that enter the CNS, the status and control of MHC class II expression on astrocytes should be important determinants of the suppression or enhancement of in situ immune responses in the CNS.
Modulation of the co-promoting activity of gamma interferon in SENCAR and C57BL/6 mouse skin by difluoromethylornithine and the scheduling and duration of interferon treatment.

The murine skin multistage carcinogenesis model was used to characterize the co-promoting and tumor progressing activities of i.p. administered recombinant DNA-derived murine gamma interferon (rMuIFN-gamma). The dorsal skins of female SENCAR mice were topically initiated with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) and promoted twice a week for 20 weeks with 1 microgram of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Doses of rMuIFN-gamma that had no effect on papilloma multiplicities when administered 1 day prior to TPA treatment increased the numbers of papillomas per mouse by 33-38% when administered immediately prior (zero time) to TPA application. A minimum of 6 weeks of co-treatment with TPA and rMuIFN-gamma (zero time) were necessary for demonstration of rMuIFN-gamma-dependent co-promotion. The ad libitum administration of either 0.25 or 1% (w/v) solutions of alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) in the drinking water inhibited by 90% the TPA-dependent elevation of epidermal ornithine decarboxylase activity but had minimal effect on papilloma multiplicities in TPA-promoted mice. However, both doses of DFMO completely suppressed rMuIFN-gamma-dependent co-promotion. Carcinoma incidence and multiplicities by weeks 46-48 of the promotion-progression period were statistically indistinguishable for initiated mice treated with TPA, TPA + DFMO, TPA + IFN-gamma or TPA + DFMO + IFN-gamma. Similarly, i.p. administration of rMuIFN-gamma to papilloma-bearing mice in a tumor progression study, with and without simultaneous topical TPA treatment, did not affect carcinoma latency or carcinoma multiplicities. C57BL/6 mice initiated with DMBA developed few papillomas (0.2 paps/mouse) after 19 weeks of TPA promotion. The i.p. administration of rMuIFN-gamma to C57BL/6 mice at the time of TPA treatment, at doses that were co-promoting in SENCAR mice, did not increase papilloma multiplicities. Collectively, our studies suggest that the co-promoting activity of rMuIFN-gamma is exceptionally sensitive to inhibition by DFMO and dependent upon the scheduling and duration of rMuIFN-gamma treatment, and the mouse strain/stock employed for the studies.
Determination of α– and β–Carotene in Fruit and Vegetables by High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Abstract A simple, reproducible isocratic high performance liquid chromatographic procedure has been developed to separate α–and ββ–carotene in lowbush blueberries, carrots, potatoes and fiddlehead greens. Analyses were performed using a Partisil 5 ODS column maintained at ambient temperature with a mobile phase of 85:12.5:2.5 acetonitrile-tetrahydro-furan-water. Detection was at 470 nm and 0.04 absorbance units full scale. Total analysis time, including extraction, was 30–40 min. Saponification was not required for cleanup or recovery even with samples containing large amounts of other pigments, such as blueberries and fiddlehead greens. The quantity of a-carotene varied from 1 μg/100 g wet weight of blueberries and potatoes to 8,800 μg/100 g wet weight of carrots, while β-carotene ranged from 6 μ g/100 g wet weight of potatoes to 28,100 μ g/100 g wet weight of carrots. A comparison made between this method and the AOAC procedure did not demonstrate close agreement between values obtained by the two methods.
Visual screening via television.

Abstract Using a test developed in 1977, visual screening via television is now beginning to be carried out on a large scale. The test consists of two parts, a visual acuity test and a visual field test using a modification of the multiple pattern method of Harrington and Flocks. It has been useful and has been well received by the public. A great advantage of the testing method is that many thousands of people can be simultaneously screened in a 10-minute period. The accuracy of the test is discussed. The videotape program is now available for broadcast from the National Society of Prevent Blindness, Inc.