cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Research Spotlight: Low solar irradiance may not be the primary driver for the Little Ice Age

[1] Total solar irradiance (TSI), essentially a measure of the amount of light the Sun puts out, varies with the 11-year sunspot cycle and influences Earth's climate, especially when TSI is notably higher or lower than its average values. It had been thought that TSI was especially low during a period known as the Little Ice Age, which began in the late seventeenth century and coincided with a period of unusually low sunspot activity known as the Maunder Minimum. However, Schrijver et al. now suggest that TSI during that period may not have been as low as previously thought. They analyzed direct measurements of solar magnetic activity during the recent 2008–2009 period of low sunspot activity, which they argue was similar to the activity level during the Maunder Minimum. (Geophysical Research Letters, doi:10.1029/2011GL046658, 2011)
Control challenges for extremely large telescopes

The next generation of large ground-based optical telescopes are likely to involve a highly segmented primary mirror that must be controlled in the presence of wind and other disturbances, resulting in a new set of challenges for control. The current design concept for the California Extremely Large Telescope (CELT) includes 1080 segments in the primary mirror, with the out-of-plane degrees of freedom actively controlled. In addition to the 3240 primary mirror actuators,the secondary mirror of the telescope will also require at least 5 degree of freedom control. The bandwidth of both control systems will be limited by coupling to structural modes. I discuss three control issues for extremely large telescopes in the context of the CELT design, describing both the status and remaining challenges. First, with many actuators and sensors, the cost and reliability of the control hardware is critical; the hardware requirements and current actuator design are discussed. Second, wind buffeting due to turbulence inside the telescope enclosure is likely to drive the control bandwidth higher, and hence limitations resulting from control-structure-interaction must be understood. Finally, the impact on the control architecture is briefly discussed.
Immobilization of thiabendazole-specific monoclonal antibodies to silicon substrates via aqueous silanization

Monoclonal antibodies specific for thiabendazole were immobilized to silicon, silicon dioxide, stoichiometric silicon nitride, and silicon-rich silicon nitride surfaces. This work provides the foundation for the development of a homogeneous sensor system for rapid detection and quantification of thiabendazole residues in produce and animal tissue. Immobilization was performed via aqueous silanization of the substrate followed sequentially by treatment with glutaraldehyde and contact with antibody solution in the presence of detergent. Surfaces were challenged with thiabendazole-horseradish peroxidase conjugate in an ELISA format to estimate immobilized antibody load. A stable and reproducible surface loading of 2 x 1011 antibodies/cm2 was obtained only after surfaces received postimmobilization treatments to remove nonspecifically adsorbed antibody. No difference in surface loading was noted when using 30% hydrogen peroxide rather than nitric acid for silanol activation. Little difference was noted among the antibody loadings achieved on the various silicon substrates. Bound antigen-enzyme conjugate was eluted with 0.1N acetic acid and reproducible surface activity was measured for up to four consecutive antigen challenges. Immobilized antibody surfaces were stabilized with 2% sucrose, dehydrated at 37‡C and stored in vacuum or stored at 4‡C in phosphate buffered saline containing 0.01% sodium azide without significant loss of activity.
Making Babies, Making Families: What Matters Most in an Age of Reproductive Technologies, Surrogacy, Adoption, and Same-Sex and Unwed Parents By Mary Lyndon Shanley. Boston: Beacon Press, 2001. 206p. $27.00.

Mary Lyndon Shanley's Making Babies, Making Families bravely wades into the difficult ethical questions of accommodating new reproductive technologies and diverse family arrangements within the framework of existing and possible liberal legal principles. The book grapples with definitions of parenthood and parental rights in the contexts of adoption, unwed fatherhood, gamete transfer, surrogate motherhood, and multiple parenting within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. Shanley mines these situations in order to derive some workable ethical and legal guidelines for the state's exercise of its regulatory capacities with respect to families. In doing so, she reveals the tensions and possibilities inherent in the state's role in defining families at a moment when many perceive traditional family structures as collapsing, for better or for worse.
Vanadium(IV) and vanadium(V) complexes of salicyladimine ligands.

The synthesis and characterization of a V(IV) and a V(V) complex of the salicyladimine ligand system are described. The reaction of salicylaldehyde and 1,3-diaminohydroxypropane with vanadyl sulfate produced a monomer (VOL1) which, upon heating in methanol, crystallized as a V(V) complex (VO2L1). The reaction of 3-methoxysalicylaldehyde, 1,3-diaminohydroxypropane, and vanadyl sulfate resulted in a binuclear complex held together by hydrogen bonding (VOL2). VOL1 was determined to catalyze the epoxidation of cyclohexene better than VOL2. The synthesis and characterization of VOL1, VOL2, and VO2L1 are described. The role of each complex as a catalyst for the epoxidation of cyclohexene is investigated. Results indicate that the V(V) complex performs better than either of the V(IV) complexes.
Altered insula activation during pain anticipation in individuals recovered from anorexia nervosa: evidence of interoceptive dysregulation.

Objective: Recent evidence raises the possibility that symptoms of anorexia nervosa (AN) could be related to impaired interoception. Pain is an interoceptive process with well-characterized neuroanatomical pathways that may overlap to a large degree with neural systems that may be dysregulated in individuals with AN, such as the insula. Method: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to assess neural substrates of pain anticipation and processing in 10 healthy control women (CW) and 12 individuals recovered from AN (REC AN) in order to avoid the confounding effects of malnutrition. Painful heat stimuli were applied while different colors signaled the intensity of the upcoming stimuli. Results: REC AN compared with CW showed greater activation within right anterior insula (rAI), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and cingulate during pain anticipation, and greater activation within dlPFC and decreased activation within posterior insula during painful stimulation. Greater anticipatory rAI activation correlated positively with alexithymic feelings in REC AN participants. Discussion: REC AN showed a mismatch between anticipation and objective responses, suggesting altered integration and, possibly, disconnection between reported and actual interoceptive state. Alexithymia assessment provided additional evidence of an altered ability to accurately perceive bodily signals in women recovered from AN.
Conditional matching preclusion sets

Abstract The matching preclusion number of a graph is the minimum number of edges whose deletion results in a graph that has neither perfect matchings nor almost-perfect matchings. For many interconnection networks , the optimal sets are precisely those induced by a single vertex. In this paper, we look for obstruction sets beyond these sets. We introduce the conditional matching preclusion number of a graph. It is the minimum number of edges whose deletion results in a graph with no isolated vertices that has neither perfect matchings nor almost-perfect matchings. We find this number and classify all optimal sets for several basic classes of graphs.
II. The B5 Monoclonal Human Autoantibody Binds to Cell Surface TNFα on Human Lymphoid Cells and Cell Lines and Appears to Recognize a Novel Epitope

A human IgM monoclonal antibody (B5) recognizing human TNF alpha was established from peripheral blood lymphocytes by transformation with Epstein-Barr virus and subsequent cell fusion. The B5 monoclonal antibody (mAb) binds to cell surface TNF alpha (csTNF alpha) on human T cells, B cells, and monocytes. In addition, this autoantibody binds to csTNF alpha on a variety of lymphoid and monocyte lineage cell lines of human origin, as well as astrocytomas, a breast carcinoma, and a melanoma. Interestingly, the B5 mAb also binds to chimpanzee lymphocytes and to mouse T lymphoma cell line csTNF alpha. Many neutralizing mouse anti-TNF alpha mAbs do not exhibit comparable binding to csTNF alpha. This is consistent with the previous demonstration that B5 recognizes an epitope on TNF alpha distinct from those recognized by three neutralizing mouse anti-TNF alpha mAbs. B5 binding to csTNF alpha is specific since it can be inhibited by TNF alpha. No inhibition of B5 binding was seen by a neutralizing mouse anti-TNF alpha mAb. The B5 autoantibody appears to recognize the transmembrane form of TNF alpha and most likely also recognizes TNF alpha associated with its receptor. The unique specificity of this B5 autoantibody provides some additional insight into the complex physiology of cell surface-associated TNF alpha.
The role of facial response in the experience of emotion: more methodological problems and a meta-analysis.

A recent review of the facial feedback literature by Laird (1984) suggested that the effect of facial movement on self-reported mood is large and consistent. In this article, two issues are discussed that suggest that these conclusions are unwarranted. First, methodological problems concerning the facial expressions used to represent valid analogs of emotion and the arousal value of the emotioneliciting stimuli seriously bring into question the adequacy of the studies to test facial feedback as implied by Izard (1971, 1977) or Tomkins (1962, 1963). Second, even if one accepts the studies designed to represent tests of the effect of facial behavior on self-reported mood, Laird's (1984) box-score approach cannot provide an estimate of the magnitude of the effect. Using meta-analytic techniques (Hurno; Schmidt, & Jackson, 1983; Rosenthal, 1984), I show that the effect size of facial behavior on self-reported mood is actually only of small to moderate value and is most likely an inflated estimate. I conclude, on the basis of the evidence presently available, that the effect of facial feedback on emotional experience is less than convincing. The facial feedback hypothesis, which states that facial expressions provide feedback to the expresser that is either necessary or sufficient to affect emotional experience, has received considerable attention, in large part because of the growth of research on nonverbal behavior Such studies have evolved from the writings of Darwin (1872), who argued that emotional processes are directly and intimately related to expression. The importance of these studies to theories of emotion can be seen in the works of such authors as Plutchik (1962), Tomkins (1962, 1963), Izard (1971,1977), and Ekman (Ekman, Friesen, & Ellsworth, 1972). A central issue of facial feedback concerns the degree to which facial expressions contribute to emotional experience as opposed to other sources. In a recent evaluation of the facial feedback literature, Laird (1984) divided studies into two types: those that used muscle-by-muscle experimenter-induced facial movements and those that used exaggerate/suppress instructions to alter naturally occurring facial movements. Using a box-score approach, Laird found that the hypothesis was supported 10 to 1 for published studies using the first paradigm and 6 to 1 for those using the second. He concluded that the evidence that refuted the hypothesis was weak and that "facial feedback does occur and, in fact, is a major component of normal emotional processes" (p. 916). Laird's conclusions are unwarranted for several reasons. As
Overview of Current Laminitis Research

All cases of laminitis are characterized by failure of the attachment of the epidermal cells of the epidermal laminae to the underlying basement membrane of the dermal laminae despite the diversity of diseases that underlie the syndrome. The preponderance of evidence supports roles for inflammation, metabolic derangement, endothelial and venous dysfunction, and matrix degradation as causes of laminitis. Inflammation, oxidant stress, and matrix degradation may be factors common to each of these mechanisms that lead to the laminar damage of laminitis. The understanding of the pathophysiology and progression of the disease is incomplete, and this limits efforts to prevent and treat this devastating disease successfully. However, scientific investigations are occurring at a phenomenal rate and shedding light on the pathophysiologic events involved with laminitis.
A modular systolic architecture for image convolutions

This paper describes a modular, systolic design for two-dimensional convolution which is a frequent and computationally intensive operation in low-level image processing. The design consists of a one-dimensional array of homogeneous cells, each with a fixed amount of storage. The paper also presents schema by which the design consisting of a limited number of cells can be used to implement convolutions of varying kernel sizes, with optimal throughput. The design is simple and hence a good candidate for VLSI integration. Its one-dimensional organization and unidirectional data flow characteristics result in good fault-tolerance for the array.
A 4-GHz 300-mW 64-bit integer execution ALU with dual supply voltages in 90-nm CMOS

This paper describes a single-cycle 64-bit integer execution ALU fabricated in 90-nm dual-Vt CMOS technology, operating at 4 GHz in the 64-bit mode with a 32-bit mode frequency of 7 GHz (measured at 1.3 V, 25/spl deg/ C). The lower- and upper-order 32-bit domains operate on separate off-chip supply voltages, enabling conditional turn-on/off of the 64-bit ALU mode operation and efficient power-performance optimization. High-speed single-rail dynamic circuit techniques and a sparse-tree semi-dynamic adder architecture enable a dense layout occupying 280 /spl times/ 260 /spl mu/m/sup 2/ while simultaneously achieving: (i) low carry-merge fan-outs and inter-stage wiring complexity; (ii) low active leakage and dynamic power consumption; (iii) high DC noise robustness with maximum low-Vt usage; (iv) single-rail dynamic-compatible ALU write-back bus; (v) simple 2/spl Phi/ 50% duty-cycle timing plan with seamless time-borrowing across phases; (vi) scalable 64-bit ALU performance up to 7 GHz measured at 2.1 V, 25/spl deg/ C; and (vii) scalable 32-bit ALU performance up to 9 GHz measured at 1.68 V, 25/spl deg/ C.
Phases and phase transitions in Langmuir monolayers by second-harmonic generation

We have studied phase transition phenomena in Langmuir monolayers of a molecule incorporating NPP dye by optical second-harmonic generation. From these measurements we obtain information on the molecular orientation and the molecular conformation in the film.
Gauss-Legendre approximations for the Hubbell rectangular source integral

Gauss-Legendre quadrature is used to develop a family of approximation formulas for the accurate numerical computation of the Hubbell rectangular source integral.
Guided crystallization of P3HT in ternary blend solar cell based on P3HT:PCPDTBT:PCBM

To mimic the performance of the tandem solar cells, ternary blend solar cells with a single active layer of P3HT:PCPDTBT:PC61BM were cast from chlorobenzene and thermally annealed. By varying blending ratio, thermal annealing time and P3HT molecular weight, the device performance was enhanced relative to the binary references. To understand this, the morphology of the active layer was studied using hard and soft X-ray scattering methods in concert with bright field and energy resolved transmission electron microscopies. We found that the phase separation of the amorphous PCPDTBT and P3HT guided the formation of P3HT fibrils, resulting in a unique multi-length-scale morphology. This morphology consisted of bundles of well-defined P3HT fibrils, forming a network, imbedded in an amorphous mixture of the PCBM, PCPDTBT and P3HT. The two polymers acted independently in their specific photoactive ranges, and the sensitization of PCPDTBT benefited the cascade charge transfer. This multi-length-scale morphology was linked to the improved device performance of P3HT:PCPDTBT:PC61BM and the photophysics of the active layer.
Why P rather than Q? The curiosities of fact and foil

Of the various proposals regarding the fact/foil relationship discussed above my own most closely resembles that of Lipton: a largely similar type of causal history is indeed required for true P and false Q to generate a contrastive why question. What I add is the requirement that P and Q be culminating events of a single type of natural causal process.
Late holocene behavior of Chaco and McElmo Canyon drainages (Southwest U.S.): A comparison based on archaeologic age controls

Two outwardly similar shallow-canyon drainages of the Four Corners region of the Colorado Plateau (southwestern U.S.), McElmo Creek (SW Colorado) and Chaco Wash (NW New Mexico), expose late Holocene units which have been dated by numerous remains of the puebloan Anasazi culture (A.D. 500–1300). The stratigraphic sequences, though composed of similar sediment facies, show markedly different evolutions. The McElmo Canyon sequence consists of two units separated by an unconformity that apparently represents an arroyo that migrated 5 km upstream in 200 years, suggesting a slow “complex response” model. The dated Chaco Canyon sequence includes an arroyo channel fill seemingly cut simultaneously through a 9–14 km reach, which began filling simultaneously throughout about 100 years later. Base level control seems to have been temporarily controlled by a large eolian sand dune damming Chaco Wash, probably during a dry period. The two entrenchment chronologies do overlap, but the resemblance of either record to published regional chronostratigraphies is minimal. The differences among these regional chronologies suggest that great variety existed among fluvial sequences in prehistory, perhaps more than is seen in present-day drainages of the region. The contrasting fluvial histories correspond to an equally marked difference in cultural responses, especially in water-control technology. The strongest obvious similarity between the sequences is probable anthropogenic influence, which is a consequence of using cultural remains for establishing chronological control. A strong influence of climate change is less obvious but still probable if lags in the system and possible intraregional paleoclimatic differences are included in the analysis. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cognitive and symptom correlates of participation in social skills training groups

In a study of 19 hospitalized chronic schizophrenic patients participating in a manualized skills training program, neuropsychological functioning was found to be an important mediating variable. Executive functioning capacity was positively associated with level of participation in the training groups, and deficits in sustained attention together with negative symptoms correlated negatively with overall program attendance. Neuropsychological functioning should be considered as an important assessment domain when identifying patients with minimal requirements to begin skills training.
Analysis of the characterization of water produced from proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) under different operating thermal conditions

Abstract Currently, the energy crisis and global warming are two urgent global problems. Because of its high efficiency and low emissions, a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) has become a promising power source candidate. However, the stability and lifetime of this cell remain to be addressed before it can be fully developed. In this paper, we discuss the sequential acidity change of the PEMFC product. Two operating factors (cell and fuel temperature) with three levels are designed for these experiments. The fuel gas with the fully humidified feeding flow was oxygen (140 sccm) in the cathode and hydrogen gas (210 sccm) in the anode. The product water that drained out of the PEM fuel cell cathode outlet was measured by a pH meter in real time. The sequential water acidity varied case by case, and its pH value ranged from 3 to 7. Furthermore, membrane degradation enhanced water acidity owing to the abundant production of the hydroxyl free radical OH. The more acidic product severely corrodes the metallic material and shortens the lifetime of the fuel cell.
Temperature-sensitive mutant in the vaccinia virus E6 protein produce virions that are transcriptionally inactive.

The vaccinia virus E6R gene encodes a late protein that is packaged into virion cores. A temperature-sensitive mutant was used to study the role of this protein in viral replicative cycle. Cts52 has a P226L missense mutation in the E6R gene, shows a two-log reduction in plaque formation, but displays normal patterns of gene expression, late protein processing and DNA replication during infection. Mutant virions produced at 40 °C were similar in their morphology to wt virions grown at 40 °C. The particle to infectivity ratio was 50 times higher in purified Cts52 grown at 40 °C when compared to the mutant grown at permissive temperature. In vitro characterization of Cts-52 particles grown at 40 °C revealed no differences in protein composition or in DNA content and the mutant virions could bind and enter cells. However, core particles prepared from Cts52 grown at 40 °C failed to transcribe in vitro. Our results show that E6 in the virion has either a direct or an indirect role in viral transcription.
The effect of interparticle forces on fluidization regimes: a study of magnetized fluidized beds

This paper investigated the influence of interparticle forces on the quality of fluidization in a magnetically stabilized fluidized bed (MSFB), where we can “artificially” create interparticle forces (Fattr) of any magnitude by applying an external magnetic field to ferromagnetic particles. A theoretical model was proposed which predicts the transition point from a homogeneous to a heterogeneous fluidization as a function of the magnitude of the interparticle force and other physical characteristics of both particles and fluids that are usually observed in fluidizationρp, ρf,μ, dp, e). The concept of the elastic wave velocity, Ue, and the continuity wave velocity, Ue, was introduced. In particular, the interparticle force manipulated by an externally applied magnetic field was taken into account in addition to a general consideration of a conventional fluidized bed. Bubbles form in a bed when the continuity wave velocity becomes faster than the elastic wave velocity. The simulation demonstrated the proposed model could predict the transition point of fluidization regime with reasonable accuracy.
Becoming global citizens without leaving home

As an associate professor of International Relations with a specialization in Middle East Politics at a rural, public university in east Texas, my most challenging role as an educator focuses on ho...
Adverse health effects of ethylene oxide and occupational exposure limits

The proposed revision of the US standard for occupational exposure to ethylene oxide has recently been topical and controversial. Most of the recent experimental and epidemiological evidence of health effects, which provoked lowering the permissible exposure limit, appears to be unreliable and insufficient for risk assessment.
Comparison of chlorpromazine, haloperidol and pimozide in the treatment of phencyclidine psychosis: DA-2 receptor specificity

AbstractThree neuroleptics were used to treat phencyclidine (PCP) psychosis. These included chlorpromazine, a DA-1 and DA-2 dopamine antagonist with noradrenergic effects; haloperidol, a predominantly DA-2 antagonist with noradrenergic effects; and pimozide a predominantly DA-2 antagonist with no noradrenergic activity. Three cohorts of randomly selected young white adult males were studied. Responses to haloperidol and pimozide were statistically equivalent and both were significantly superior to chlorpromazine. These results further support the role of the DA-2 receptor in PCP psychosis and tend to rule out a noradrenergic role. The authors therefore suggest that DA-2 blockers, such as haloperidol or pimozide be employed as treatment of choice in PCP psychosis.
A flow cytofluorometric double staining technique for simultaneous determination of human mononuclear cell surface phenotype and cell cycle phase.

Abstract A double staining technique for the simultaneous determination by flow cytofluorometry of cell surface phenotype and cell cycle phase is described. Peripheral blood mononuclear ccells were stained with fluorescein-conjugated monoclonal antibodies for cell surface phenotype, fixed serially with 2% paraformaldehyde and 71.25% ethanol, and stained with propidium iodide to label cellular DNA. The cells were then analyzed by flow cytofluorometry for both green and red fluorescence. A variety of cells, including T cells and their subsets, B cells, NK cells and monocyte/macrophages, can be identified by this technique with simultaneous determination of cell cycle phase.
Bound states and E 8 symmetry effects in perturbed quantum Ising chains

In a recent experiment on ${\mathrm{CoNb}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{6}$, R. Coldea et al. [Science 327, 177 (2010)] found experimental evidence of the exceptional Lie algebra ${E}_{8}$. The emergence of this symmetry was theoretically predicted long ago for the transverse quantum Ising chain in the presence of a weak longitudinal field. We consider an accurate microscopic model of ${\mathrm{CoNb}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{6}$ incorporating additional couplings and calculate numerically the dynamical structure function using a recently developed matrix-product-state method. The excitation spectra show bound states characteristic of the weakly broken ${E}_{8}$ symmetry. We compare the observed bound-state signatures in this model to those found in the transverse Ising chain in a longitudinal field and to experimental data.
Diaprepes abbreviatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): Host Plant Associations

Diaprepes abbreviatus (L.) is an insidious pest of citrus, sugarcane, and other economic crops of subtropical and tropical areas of the United States and several Caribbean island nations. Host plants associated with this pest, 157 genera, ≍270 species in 59 plant families, are listed. Plants that support egg deposition to adult include Citrus spp.; Arachis hypogaea L., peanut; Sorghum bicolor L. (synonym: S. vulgare ) sorghum; Sorghum bicolor L. ssp. bicolor , guinea corn; Zea mays L., corn; Eugenia uniflora L., Surinam-cherry; Dracaena draco (L.) L. dragon tree; Ipomoea batata (L.) Lam., sweet potato; and Saccharum officinarum L., sugarcane. More than 40 plant species, in 20 families, are associated with larval feeding. As a result of inadequate management strategies and a wide range of adult and larval food plants, D. abbreviatus can be considered a major long-term threat to the survival of several agronomic crops.
Health literacy and patient understanding of screening tests for aneuploidy and neural tube defects.

Objective To determine if health literacy is associated with patient understanding of prenatal screening tests for fetal aneuploidy and neural tube defects. Methods We performed a prospective observational study on a cohort of English-speaking patients receiving prenatal care in two resident-staffed ambulatory clinics. Health literacy was measured using the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine-7. Understanding of the prenatal screening tests was assessed using a modified Maternal Serum Screening Knowledge Questionnaire. Results Over an 8-month period, 125 patients were approached, and 101 (81%) consented to the study. Thirty-eight (38%) women demonstrated low health literacy. Patients with low health literacy were more likely to demonstrate inadequate understanding when compared to those with adequate health literacy (97% versus 11%, respectively; P 12th grade education (53% versus 30%, respectively; P = 0.02). Health literacy is a more sensitive and specific predictor of inadequate understanding than education (sensitivity 84% versus 70%, respectively, P < 0.05; specificity 98% versus 47%, respectively, P < 0.05). Conclusion Patients with low health literacy are more likely to demonstrate inadequate understanding of these prenatal screening tests than women with adequate health literacy. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Single Cell Metabolic Profiling of Tumor Mimics

Chemical cytometry employs modern analytical methods to study the differences in composition between single cells to better understand development, cellular differentiation, and disease. Metabolic cytometry is a form of chemical cytometry wherein cells are incubated with and allowed to metabolize fluorescently labeled small molecules. Capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection is then used to characterize the extent of metabolism at the single cell level. To date, all metabolic cytometry experiments have used conventional two-dimensional cell cultures. HCT 116 spheroids are a three-dimensional cell culture system, morphologically and phenotypically similar to tumors. Here, intact HCT 116 multicellular spheroids were simultaneously incubated with three fluorescently labeled glycosphingolipid substrates, GM3-BODIPY-FL, GM1-BODIPY-TMR, and lactosylceramide-BODIPY-650/665. These substrates are spectrally distinct, and their use allows the simultaneous probing of metabolism at three di...
The mechanism of exogenous B7.1-enhanced IL-12-mediated complete regression of tumors by a single electroporation delivery.

Electroporation-based mono-gene therapy has received great interest in recent years but coadministration of different therapeutic genes for treatment of tumors has not been well explored. We hypothesize that electroporation is capable of delivering multiple genes that induce an additive or synergistic antitumor effect. To test this hypothesis, we used mice that were bearing SCCVII or TRAMP tumors. Established tumors with a diameter of 4–5 mm were injected with control plasmid DNA or plasmid DNA encoding B7.1, IL-12 or both via electroporation. Tumor regression, CTL activity and the level of B7.1, IL-12 and Stat1 expression were determined in both wild-type mice and in mice with a knock-out of the Stat1 gene. Remarkably, a single coadministration of the plasmids that encoded IL-12 and B7.1 eradicated tumors in 80% of mice. The therapeutic effect was associated with high levels of endogenous B7.1 expression, activity of cytotoxic lymphocytes, and activation of Stat1. Both exogenous B7.1 and IL-12 were required for inducing a high level of Stat1 activation in tumors, which occurred through a mechanism that was independent of the host Stat1. Both stimulators were also required for inducing the strong cytotoxic lymphocyte activity and for increasing the level and extending the duration of endogenous B7.1 expression. We therefore propose a 2-signal stimulation model to explain the synergistic effect of the coadministration of IL-12 and B7.1 on the regression of the tumors. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Identification of small molecule inhibitors of pyruvate kinase M2

A common feature of tumors arising from diverse tissue types is a reliance on aerobic glycolysis for glucose metabolism. This metabolic difference between cancer cells and normal cells could be exploited for therapeutic benefit in patients. Cancer cells universally express the M2 isoform of the glycolytic enzyme pyruvate kinase (PKM2), and previous work has demonstrated that PKM2 expression is necessary for aerobic glycolysis and cell proliferation in vivo. Because most normal tissues express an isoform of pyruvate kinase other than PKM2, selective targeting of PKM2 provides an opportunity to target cell metabolism for cancer therapy. PKM2 has an identical catalytic site as the related M1 splice variant (PKM1). However, isoform selective inhibition is possible as PKM2 contains a unique region for allosteric regulation. We have screened a library of greater than 1,00,000 small molecules to identify such inhibitors. The inhibitors identified for PKM2 fell primarily into three distinct structural classes. The most potent PKM2 inhibitor resulted in decreased glycolysis and increased cell death following loss of growth factor signaling. At least part of this effect was due to on-target PKM2 inhibition as less cell death was observed in cells engineered to express PKM1. These data suggest that isoform selective inhibition of PKM2 with small molecules is feasible and support the hypothesis that inhibition of glucose metabolism in cancer cells is a viable strategy to treat human malignancy.
Optimizing Concurrency Performance of Complex Services in Mobile Environment

Hosting services on mobile devices has been considered as the key solution for domains that have special requirement on portability, timeliness, and flexibility on service deployment. Typical examples include, among many others, military, music, healthcare, gaming, and data sharing. Despite the recent boom of mobile computing makes service deployment in mobile environment possible, significant challenges arise due to the limitations in existing mobile hardware/software capable of managing resource intensive applications. The situation gets worse when managing complex services that allow concurrent clients and requests. This paper addresses the issue related specifically to concurrency control improvement in mobile web servers to support the mobile deployment of complex services. The authors identify key factors that affect a system to respond a request, including request related factors, system resource related factors, and context. Based on this, the authors propose a dynamic heavy request classification model (DHRC) to estimate the heaviness of an incoming request using machine-learning methods. The heavy request will be detected, which requires relatively heavy system resources of the mobile server to generate a response. The authors design a dynamic request management strategy (DRMS), which reduces the number of discarded requests by adding heavy requests to a queue and processing them asynchronously. The proposed solution is implemented on Android-based mobile devices as an extension of I-Jetty web server. Experimental studies are conducted and the result indicates the effectiveness of our solution.
The Impact of Electronic Health Record Implementation and Use on Performance of the Surgical Care Improvement Project Measures

Objective To examine the impact of electronic health record (EHR) deployment on Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) measures in a tertiary-care teaching hospital. Data Sources SCIP Core Measure dataset from the CMS Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program (March 2010 to February 2012). Study Design One-group pre- and post-EHR logistic regression and difference-in-differences analyses. Principal Findings Statistically significant short-term declines in scores were observed for the composite, postoperative removal of urinary catheter and post–cardiac surgery glucose control measures. A statistically insignificant improvement in scores for these measures was noted 3 months after EHR deployment. Conclusion The transition to an EHR appears to be associated with a short-term decline in quality. Implementation strategies should be developed to preempt or minimize this initial decline.
A rapid prototyping tool for interactive device development

Designers need rapid prototyping tools that are embeddable, easily configured and can control a large range of accessories. Current prototyping tools fall short on these requirements by requiring one or more of the following: a tether to a computer, textual programming, and/or limited accessory control. To overcome the limitations of current tools, we have developed Buttercup, a standalone embedded sensor/effector controller that provides a high degree of customization for rapid prototyping interactive devices. The keys to the implementation of Buttercup are its hardware and firmware architecture. By building a system focused on sensor and effector control, the hardware can be small and inexpensive. The firmware utilizes a unique mapping system that lends itself to robust control over its accessories while allowing intuitive configuration by the user through a graphical user interface.
How Does Treatment Satisfaction Work? Modeling determinants of treatment satisfaction and preference

OBJECTIVE This study tested a model hypothesizing that treatment affects objective clinical outcomes, which in turn affect perceived consequences, which in turn affect satisfaction and preference judgments. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The model was tested in a double-blind, randomized clinical trial in which 266 patients with type 1 diabetes added active or placebo pramlintide to their insulin regimens. Objective clinical outcomes included changes in glucose and weight control, insulin requirements, incidence of hypoglycemia, and study drug tolerance. At the end of the trial, patients completed the validated PRAM-TSQ questionnaire measuring treatment satisfaction and preference and perceived medication benefits and side effects. RESULTS Statistical modeling demonstrated that active pramlintide was significantly associated with greater treatment satisfaction, preference, and perceived benefits (all except hypoglycemia prevention), as well as objective clinical outcomes (weight loss, lower postprandial glucose [PPG], lower medication tolerance, more hypoglycemia). Perceptions of treatment consequences were sensitive and specific to their cognate objective clinical outcomes (no halo effects). Clinical outcomes (especially PPG) accounted for almost half of the effect of the study medication on treatment satisfaction and preference. Treatment satisfaction and preference were strongly related to the perceived benefits/side effects of the study medication, and these perceptions (especially glucose control) mediated most of the association of clinical outcomes with satisfaction and preference. CONCLUSIONS This model received substantial empirical support. Improvements in objective clinical outcomes accounted for a large part of the association of pramlintide treatment with higher treatment satisfaction and preference. Perceived treatment consequences mediated the effect of objective clinical benefits on satisfaction with and preference for the study medication.
Comparative and functional myology of the prehensile tail in new world monkeys

The caudal myology of prehensile-tailed monkeys (Cebus apella, Alouatta palliata, Alouatta seniculus, Lagothrix lagotricha, and Ateles paniscus) and nonprehensile-tailed primates (Eulemur fulvus, Aotus trivirgatus, Callithrix jacchus, Pithecia pithecia, Saimiri sciureus, Macaca fascicularis, and Cercopithecus aethiops) was examined and compared in order to identify muscular differences that correlate with osteological features diagnostic of tail prehensility. In addition, electrophysiological stimulation was carried out on different segments of the intertransversarii caudae muscle of an adult spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) to assess their action on the prehensile tail. Several important muscular differences characterize the prehensile tail of New World monkeys compared to the nonprehensile tail of other primates. In atelines and Cebus, the mass of extensor caudae lateralis and flexor caudae longus muscles is more uniform along the tail, and their long tendons cross a small number of vertebrae before insertion. Also, prehensile-tailed monkeys, especially atelines, are characterized by well-developed flexor and intertransversarii caudae muscles compared to nonprehensile-tailed primates. Finally, Ateles possesses a bulkier abductor caudae medialis and a more cranial origin for the first segment of intertransversarii caudae than do other prehensile-tailed platyrrhines. These myological differences between nonprehensile-tailed and prehensile-tailed primates, and among prehensile-tailed monkeys, agree with published osteological and behavioral data. Caudal myological similarities and differences found in Cebus and atelines, combined with tail-use data from the literature, support the hypothesis that prehensile tails evolved in parallel in Cebus and atelines.
Secure Communication among Cell Phones and Sensor Networks

Numerous applications, ranging from disaster management to smart buildings, have been proposed for sensor networks. The practicality of these applications depends on the ability of users to interact with these networks, in many cases in real time. In this paper we propose that cell phones interact with sensor networks and obtain the relevant information in real time. Cell phones can communicate with cellular network and sensor networks at the same time. This unique ability is used to provide better authentication and security. We propose an architecture for these networks along with protocols that can be used to establish secure communications. In our architecture, we use gateways, as intermediate nodes between cell phones and sensor nodes. We propose solutions to detect and revoke captured gateways.
Changes in self-esteem during the middle school years: A latent growth curve study of individual and contextual influences.

Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) techniques were used to explore interactions among individual and contextual variables and their effects on initial self-esteem levels and changes in these levels across the three years of middle school in a large, diverse sample (N=1804 students attending 23 schools). Interactions among race, social class, school socioeconomic status (SES), and contextual congruity were found to be particularly influential. Low-income EuropeanAmerican youth consistently experienced the lowest self-esteem levels and the sharpest declines during middle school. Social incongruity appears to play a crucial role in predicting such losses. These results highlight the need for further research employing similar techniques to explore how individual and contextual factors affect the development of self-esteem over the middle school years.
Evaluation of MS-222 (Tricaine Methanesulfonate) and Propofol as Anesthetic Agents in Sonoran Desert Toads (Bufo alvarius)

ABSTRACT Toads in the genus Bufo are commonly kept in pet, research, and zoological settings and may require anesthesia during veterinary care. Limited information is available comparing anesthetic protocols in most amphibian species. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and cardiopulmonary effects of tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) and propofol in Sonoran desert toads (Bufo alvarius). Nine juvenile Sonoran desert toads were anesthetized with an immersion bath of 1 g/L MS-222 and 35 mg/kg intracoelomic propofol with a minimum 2-wk wash-out period between trials. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and reflexes (righting, escape, corneal, superficial pain, and deep pain) were monitored every 5 min for the first 90 min and then every 10 min for the next 90 min during both anesthetic trials. Surgical anesthesia was defined as complete loss of all measured reflexes. MS-222 produced surgical anesthesia in 100% (9/9) of toads, whereas propofol produced surgical anesthesia in 11.1% (1/9). Mean ind...
Cranial and intracranial cartilaginous tumours

Two cranial and 1 intracranial cartilaginous tumours are presented. The literature is reviewed, and the important features of these tumours are discussed. The incidence of cartilaginous-cell tumours is approximately 0.16% of all cerebral space-occupying lesions. The highest incidence is during the third decade, although they can occur at any age. The malignant form is more commonly seen in the elderly. There is no sex predilection. The most common locations of these tumours are the sphenoid bone, followed by the cerebellopontine angle. The other cases are scattered. Radiographically they are recognized by radiolucent defects in the involved bone, often calcified. Angiographically these tumours are avascular. Differential diagnosis is difficult but can sometimes be made preoperatively if the distinguishing characteristics are kept in mind.
Influence of Apigenin on gtf Gene Expression in Streptococcus mutans UA159

Apigenin, a potent inhibitor of glucosyltransferase activity, affects the accumulation of Streptococcus mutans biofilms in vitro by reducing the formation of insoluble glucans and enhancing the soluble glucan content of the polysaccharide matrix. In the present study, we investigated the influence of apigenin on gtfB, gtfC, and gtfD expression in S. mutans UA159. Apigenin (0.1 mM) significantly decreased the expression of gtfB and gtfC mRNA (P < 0.05); in contrast, it increased the expression of gtfD in S. mutans growing in the planktonic state. The protein levels of GTF B, GTF C, and GTF D in culture supernatants were also affected; less GTF B and C were detected, whereas the level of GTF D was significantly elevated (P < 0.05). A similar profile of gtf expression was obtained with biofilms, although an elevated concentration (1 mM) of apigenin was required to elicit the effects. The influence of apigenin on gtf gene expression was independent of any effect on GTF activity, did not involve inhibition of growth or effects on pH, and was not affected by addition of sucrose. The data show that apigenin modulates the genetic expression of virulence factors in S. mutans.
School-University Partnerships and Partner Schools:

Currently, there are few teacher education settings in the United States where discussion of program improvement does not include reference to professional development schools. However, the discussants differ in their understandings of what they are talking about. The range is wide: from schools where future teachers hone the final stages of their preparation to centers where experienced teachers come together for in-service education. This article is about the former: schools in which school and university personnel join in renewing schools where a significant part of the preservice teacher education program is carried out jointly. The necessary joining of K-12 and university cultures brings with it virtually every problem documented in the literature of educational change. Yet it is a long-overdue effort that is here to stay. There is likely to be no turning back as what is now more talk than action becomes a common feature of the teacher education enterprise.
Alteration in the Distribution of the Epidermal Protein Filaggrin during Two-Stage Chemical Carcinogenesis in the SENCAR Mouse Skin

The histidine-rich epidermal protein filaggrin was purified from urea extracts of newborn SENCAR mouse epidermis. The protein had a molecular weight of 28,000 and an amino acid composition distinctive for this class of proteins. The purified protein was a phosphate acceptor in an in vitro protein kinase assay. Rabbit antibodies raised against filaggrin were used in an indirect immunofluorescent survey of the distribution of filaggrin in the epidermis after single and multiple 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate treatments as well as in papillomas and carcinomas. The immunofluorescent pattern of acetone-treated adult SENCAR mouse epidermis showed primarily granular layer fluorescence. A single topical 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate treatment increased immunofluorescence in basal and suprabasal cells. Large papillomas produced by a dimethylbenz[a]anthracene initiation-12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate promotion protocol showed increased fluorescence in all layers. Exuberant papillomas showed a pleomorphic distribution of filaggrin with alternating positive and negative areas of immunofluorescence. Filaggrin immunofluorescence in invasive carcinomas was negative or only slightly positive. The distribution of filaggrin as detected by indirect immunofluorescence is a good indicator of maturation and differentiation in experimental tumors, and its presence correlates with the absence of aggressive or invasive growth.