cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ocean Carbon Cycling and Climate Impacts on Marine Ecosystems: Third Annual Ocean Carbon and Biogeochemistry Summer Science Workshop 2008; Woods Hole, Massachusetts, 21–24 July 2008

The Ocean Carbon and Biogeochemistry (OCB) program is a coordinating body for the U.S. research community that focuses on the ocean's role as a component of the global Earth system, bringing together research in geochemistry, ocean physics, and ecology to advance our understanding of ocean biogeochemistry. The third annual OCB summer science workshop, sponsored by the U.S. National Science Foundation, took place at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, convening 147 participants. Daily plenary and poster sessions focused on three interdisciplinary themes: (1) climate sensitivity of ecosystem structure and associated impacts on biogeochemical cycles, (2) carbon uptake and storage, and (3) temporal trends in ecosystem variability.
Effect of steroids on serum sialic acid values in the canine.

SummaryDaily injections of hydrocortisone and dexamethasone significantly increased the serum sialic acid in dogs. Dexamethasone, a steroid with 30 times more glucocorticoid activity than hydrocortisone, produced a significant response at a much lower dosage than hydrocortisone.
The Resting Release of Acetylcholine by a Retinal Neuron

The cholinergic amacrine cells of the rabbit retina secrete acetylcholine by two mechanisms. One is activated by stimulation of the retina by light or depolarization of the amacrine cells by K+ ions. It requires the presence of extracellular Ca2+. The second is independent of extracellular Ca2+ and is unaffected by large depolarizations of the cells. It bears some similarity to the acetylcholine 'leakage' described at the neuromuscular junction. Although the Ca2+-independent mechanism accounts for about two thirds of the total acetylcholine release in the dark, the amount of acetylcholine released in this way is small compared with the release of acetylcholine triggered by stimulation of the retina with light. Its biological significance is unclear.
The Role of DNA Shape in Nucleosome Formation and Positioning

Nucleosomes provide the basic unit of compaction in eukaryotic genomes and the mechanisms that dictate their position along a DNA sequence are of central importance to epigenetics. In this work, we use molecular models of DNA and proteins to explore various aspects of nucleosome positioning. First, we show how the affinity of DNA for histones is encoded in its sequence-dependent shape, including subtle deviations from ideal straight B-DNA and local variations in minor groove width. Using high-precision simulations of the free energy of nucleosome complexes, we also demonstrate that, depending on DNA's intrinsic curvature, histone binding can be dominated by bending interactions or electrostatic interactions. Secondly, we examine the sequence-dependent mechanism by which DNA slides to its optimal position around the histone proteins. More generally, the results presented here explain how sequence, manifested as the shape of the DNA molecule, dominates molecular recognition in the problem of nucleosome formation.
Boron carbide films grown from microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition

Abstract Boron carbide films were grown using microwave plasma CVD technology, which has been well developed for growing diamond films. The films were grown on silicon wafers from the gases H 2 , CH 4 and BCl 3 . Films were amorphous and had a composition near B 3 C, almost independent of the boron:carbon ratio in the input gases. Growth rates of up to 0.25 μm h −1 were observed. The growth rate of the films was proportional to the intensity of emission from B and BCl species observed in the gas phase. Our results indicate that growth is first order in a boron-containing species, and our analysis suggests that BCl is the primary growth species.
Evolving effective behaviours to interact with tag-based populations

Tags and other characteristics, externally perceptible features that are consistent among groups of animals or humans, can be used by others to determine appropriate response strategies in societies. This usage of tags can be extended to artificial environments, where agents can significantly reduce cognitive effort spent on appropriate strategy choice and behaviour selection by reusing strategies for interacting with new partners based on their tags. Strategy selection mechanisms developed based on this idea have successfully evolved stable cooperation in games such as the Prisoner's Dilemma game but relies upon payoff sharing and matching methods that limit the applicability of the tag framework. Our goal is to develop a general classification and behaviour selection approach based on the tag framework. We propose and evaluate alternative tag matching and adaptation schemes for a new, incoming individual to select appropriate behaviour against any population member of an existing, stable society. Our proposed approach allows agents to evolve both the optimal tag for the environment as well as appropriate strategies for existing agent groups. We show that these mechanisms will allow for robust selection of optimal strategies by agents entering a stable society and analyse the various environments where this approach is effective.
Some tumor cell protein kinases activated by receptors as markers, including elastin receptors.

(1995). Some Tumor Cell Protein Kinases Activated by Receptors as Markers, Including Elastin Receptors. Cancer Investigation: Vol. 13, No. 6, pp. 629-636.
Legal Perspectives on Sex Equity in Faculty Employment

Faculty women have had limited success in winning redress for employment discrimination in hiring, salary, promotion, and tenure. Courts have shown little consistency but have in general been unwilling to interfere in academic decision making. The narrowing of time periods for liability, the redefining of evidentiary burdens, the tightening of rules for class certification, and the subjecting of statistical evidence to detailed scrutiny have slowed even further any progress towards equality of opportunity. The burdens in time and money faced by those seeking remedies make litigation accessible to only a few, leaving internal institutional reform as the only means of moving towards sex equity.
Islet preconditioning via multimodal microfluidic modulation of intermittent hypoxia.

Simultaneous stimulation of ex vivo pancreatic islets with dynamic oxygen and glucose is a critical technique for studying how hypoxia alters glucose-stimulated response, especially in transplant environments. Standard techniques using a hypoxic chamber cannot provide both oxygen and glucose modulations, while monitoring stimulus-secretion coupling factors in real-time. Using novel microfluidic device with integrated glucose and oxygen modulations, we quantified hypoxic impairment of islet response by calcium influx, mitochondrial potentials, and insulin secretion. Glucose-induced calcium response magnitude and phase were suppressed by hypoxia, while mitochondrial hyperpolarization and insulin secretion decreased in coordination. More importantly, hypoxic response was improved by preconditioning islets to intermittent hypoxia (IH, 1 min/1 min 5–21% cycling for 1 h), translating to improved insulin secretion. Moreover, blocking mitochondrial KATP channels removed preconditioning benefits of IH, similar to ...
Astrocytic Dynamin-Like Protein 1 Regulates Neuronal Protection against Excitotoxicity in Parkinson Disease

Mitochondrial dynamics has recently become an area of piqued interest in neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson disease (PD); however, the contribution of astrocytes to these disorders remains unclear. Here, we show that the level of dynamin-like protein 1 (Dlp1; official name DNM1L ), which promotes mitochondrial fission, is lower in astrocytes from the brains of PD patients, and that decreased astrocytic Dlp1 likely represents a relatively early event in PD pathogenesis. In support of this conclusion, we show that Dlp1 knockdown dramatically affects mitochondrial morphological characteristics and localization in astrocytes, impairs the ability of astrocytes to adequately protect neurons from the excitotoxic effects of glutamate, and increases intracellular Ca 2+ in response to extracellular glutamate, resulting from compromised intracellular Ca 2+ buffering. Taken together, our results suggest that astrocytic mitochondrial Dlp1 is a key protein in mitochondrial dynamics and decreased Dlp1 may interfere with neuron survival in PD by disrupting Ca 2+ -coupled glutamate uptake.
Lack of suitability of the rabbit model for particulate uterine artery embolization.

PURPOSE The goal of this study was to evaluate the rabbit model for studies of particulate uterine artery embolization (UAE). Rabbits were chosen because it was believed that their year-round breeding time and short duration of pregnancy would be useful in studies of fertility and pregnancy after UAE. MATERIALS AND METHODS Bilateral UAE was performed in 12 adult female New Zealand White rabbits weighing 4–5.2 kg. All animals were proven to be breeders before treatment. Each uterine artery was embolized to stasis with use of 180–300-μm polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles ( n = 9 animals), 500–710-μm PVA particles ( n = 1), or tris-acryl 500–700-μm gelatin microspheres ( n = 2). RESULTS Two rabbits died 7 days after embolization and the other 10 rabbits had to be killed because of malaise and weight loss 4–8 d after embolization. In all animals, necropsy demonstrated extensive uterine necrosis sparing only the tip of the uterine horn. CONCLUSION Rabbits are an unsuitable model for studies of UAE with the embolic agents in clinical use.
Safety and efficacy of simultaneous cholecystectomy at Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Abstract Background To date, published reports have shown an increased length of hospital stay and increased morbidity for patients undergoing simultaneous cholecystectomy during Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). We hypothesized that our experience would not show such adverse outcomes. Methods All RYGB procedures (n = 752) performed by 1 surgeon at our institution from 1995 to 2006 were reviewed for demographic data, operative data, and postoperative outcomes. A laparoscopic approach (LRYGB) was used for 438 procedures. The data from a prospectively gathered institutional database were retrospectively compared using standard statistical analysis. Results Comparing LRYGB with cholecystectomy to LRYGB without cholecystectomy, the operative time was significantly longer (198.4 ± 61.9 versus 177.7 ± 57.7 min, P = .001), but the mean hospital stay (3.3 ± 5.5 versus 2.9 ± 6.1 d, P = .555), postoperative complication rate (18.3% versus 18.5%, P = .100), and postoperative mortality (0% and .6%, P = 1.000) were not different between the 2 groups. Comparing the open RYGB patients with and without simultaneous cholecystectomy, the operative time was similarly longer (223.4 ± 63.9 versus 203.5 ± 57.3 min, P = .005), and the mean hospital stay (5.0 ± 3.7 versus 4.7 ± 5.9 d, P = .644), postoperative complication rate (61.4% versus 55.2%, P = .293), and postoperative mortality rate (1.6% versus 2.4%, P = .685) were not different between the 2 groups. Conclusion Although it took, on average, 20 minutes longer, cholecystectomy can be safely added to RYGB without increasing the hospital stay, postoperative morbidity, or mortality in both laparoscopic and open surgery using comparable operative techniques. We recommend routine simultaneous cholecystectomy be performed for patients with documented gallstones during RYGB.
“Cultumization?” The Impact of Cultural Priming on Customized Communication

This study examined the impact of cultural priming on the effects of customized communication. Two existing customization approaches (tailoring and targeting) were tested with 102 participants in an experiment. It was found that when participants were primed with individualistic meanings, they tended to generate a more favorable attitude toward tailored messages than targeted messages. In contrast, when participants were primed with collectivist meanings, they formed a more favorable attitude toward targeted messages than tailored ones. Based on the study findings, the conceptualization of customization needs to incorporate the cultural factor.
Investigation of Energy Transfer in Organic Photovoltaic Cells and Impact on Exciton Diffusion Length Measurements

This work demonstrates an approach for measuring the Forster radius of energy transfer between electron donating and accepting materials commonly used in organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs). While energy transfer processes are surprisingly common in OPVs, they are often incorrectly ignored in measurements of the exciton diffusion length and in models of device performance. Here, the efficiency of energy transfer between an emissive donor and an absorptive acceptor is investigated through complementary experimental and theoretical techniques. This is accomplished by spatially separating the donor and acceptor materials using a wide-energy-gap spacer layer to suppress direct charge transfer and tracking donor photoluminescence as a function of spacer layer thickness. Fitting experimental data obtained for a variety of donor materials allows for the extraction of Forster radii that are in good agreement with predicted values. The impact of donor–acceptor excitonic energy transfer on device performance and on measurements of the exciton diffusion length is also investigated using the archetypical small molecule donor material boron subphthalocyanine chloride (SubPc). An average exciton diffusion length of 7.7 nm is extracted from photoluminescence quenching experiments using SubPc. This value is independent of the quenching material when the role of energy transfer is properly modeled.
NECESSITY OF SURVEILLANCE RENAL BIOPSIES DURING INTRAVENOUS CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE(IVCYC) THERAPY IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMA TOSUS (SLE) NEPHRITIS. 2173

NECESSITY OF SURVEILLANCE RENAL BIOPSIES DURING INTRAVENOUS CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE(IVCYC) THERAPY IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMA TOSUS (SLE) NEPHRITIS. 2173
Prognostic significance of flow cytometry deoxyribonucleic acid analysis of human astrocytomas.

FLOW CYTOMETRY WAS used to determine the deoxyribonucleic acid ploidy and proliferative activity of 230 astrocytomas. The relationships among survival, ploidy, proliferation, histological features, and clinical variables were analyzed. Multivariate analysis confirmed the independent prognostic significance of the S-phase fraction (P<0.01), ploidy (P=0.04), age at diagnosis (P<0.001), extent of surgery (P<0.01), and sex (P=0.03). Three groups with significantly different survival were defined based on S-phase fraction ranges of <3%, 3%-5.9%, and ≥6%. The strong correlation between the S-phase fraction and survival confirmed the importance of quantitative proliferation assays in predicting tumor behavior and demonstrated that specific reference ranges can be defined for clinical application
Co-ethnic markets: Financial penalty or opportunity?

Abstract This paper applies the view of resource based theory to minority entrepreneurship. It examines minority entrepreneurs’ reliance on co-ethnic markets in terms of the impact this has on the financial performance of their firms. This research focuses on three minority groups in particular: African Americans, Korean Americans and Mexican Americans. Findings indicate that owner's age and marital status, but not business age, shape the extent to which a business owner relies on co-ethnic clients. Furthermore, Korean American owned firms are less likely to have high proportions of co-ethnic clients compared to Mexican- and African American owned firms. Having a large co-ethnic clientele results in a financial penalty in terms of the revenue an owner draws from his or her business. This penalty occurs in businesses owned by all three groups of entrepreneurs. Findings lend support to the resource based theory view of the firm in terms of the need to dynamically apply resources in order to achieve a competitive advantage. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Simultaneous diffuse sclerosis variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma and diffuse toxic hyperplasia (Graves’ disease)

Diffuse sclerosis variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (DSVPTC) is an unusual malignant neoplasm that typically permeates the entire gland resulting in diffuse thyroid enlargement. In the absence of a dominant nodule, DSVPTC can be histologically deceiving because of exuberant inflammation and the scattered distribution of the microscopic tumor islands. The difficulty in diagnosing this tumor is compounded by its rarity and unusual clinical and histologic features. Herein, we describe a unique case of DSVPTC that was clinically masked by a co-existing second diffuse thyroid process--Graves' disease (GD). A subtotal thyroidectomy was performed in a 27-yr-old Caucasian female who presented with symmetrical diffuse thyromegaly with neck compressive symptoms, thyrotoxicosis, and biochemical signs of GD. Histologic examination of the thyroid gland unexpectedly revealed extensive involvement by DSVPTC in addition to the diffuse hyperplastic non-malignant thyroid follicles. This report illustrates the histologic features as well as the diagnostic challenge encountered in a rare simultaneous occurrence of DSVPTC and GD.
BWRSAR calculations of reactor vessel debris pours for peach bottom short-term station blackout

Abstract This paper describes recent analyses performed by the BWR Severe Accident Technology (BWRSAT) Program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to estimate the release of debris from the reactor vessel for the unmitigated short-term station blackout accident sequence. Calculations were performed with the BWR Severe Accident Response (BWRSAR) code and are based upon consideration of the Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station. The modeling strategies employed within BWRSAR for debris relocation within the reactor vessel are briefly discussed and the calculated events of the accident sequence, including details of the calculated debris pours, are presented.
Experimental research in group discussion.

(1949). Experimental research in group discussion. Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 35, No. 1, pp. 23-29.
Coping with cancer-related cognitive dysfunction: a scoping review of the literature

AbstractPurpose: Cancer-related cognitive dysfunction (CRCD) impacts memory, attention, concentration, language, multi-tasking, and organizational skills and decreases participation and quality of life for cancer survivors. The objectives of this article are: (1) to outline the neuroscience of CRCD, its risk factors, and its effect on participation; and (2) to identify and summarize the literature on rehabilitation interventions and coping techniques for CRCD in cancer survivors. Methods: A scoping review of articles cited in PubMed, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and CINAHL was performed. To be included, articles must have been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal between 1996 and 2014, written in English, and included a quantitative or qualitative non-pharmacological study of interventions and/or coping strategies for adult cancer survivors experiencing CRCD. Results: Ten articles met the inclusion criteria for final review. Six studies tested the efficacy of rehabilitation treatments on CRCD. Three inv...
Tachykinin receptors mediating contraction of guinea pig lung strips

The aim of this study was to determine which tachykinin receptors mediate contraction in guinea pig lung parenchymal strips in vitro. Contraction caused by selective neurokinin-1 (NK-1), neurokinin-2 (NK-2), and neurokinin-3 (NK-3) receptor agonists and the natural agonists substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA) was measured in the absence or presence of the NK-1 antagonist CP-96,345 and/or the NK-2 antagonist SR 48968. The NK-1 agonist [Sar9, Met(O2)11]-substance P and the NK-2 agonist [Nle10]-neurokinin A 4-10 caused similar concentration-dependent contractions that were inhibited by CP-96,345 and SR 48968, respectively. The NK-3 agonist [MePhe7]-neurokinin B also caused contraction, albeit at 10-fold higher concentrations, and this contraction was unaffected by either the NK-1 or NK-2 antagonist or the combination of both antagonists. Either CP-96,345 or SR 48968 alone had little effect on NKA-mediated contraction but administration of both antagonists virtually eliminated force generation. SP-induced tension was partially inhibited by SR 48968 and unaffected by CP-96,345. A second NK-1 receptor antagonist CP-99,994 also had no effect on SP-mediated tension. Therefore, NK-1, NK-2, and NK-3 agonists can all cause contraction in guinea pig lung strips, NKA-induced tension is mediated by both NK-1 and NK-2 receptors, and SP-induced contraction is mediated in part by NK-2 receptors. Both the SP and the [MePhe7]-neurokinin B data suggest that activation of a third neurokinin receptor subtype that is unaffected by an NK-1 receptor antagonist or an NK-2 receptor antagonist can cause contraction in guinea pig lung strips.
Marital relations and fertility control decisions among lebanese couples

This study examines how marital relations affect fertility control decisions among couples who want no further pregnancies. Marital relations studied include the degree of communication between husbands and wives, the extent that couples report marital tension, conflict, and separation, and the amount of intimacy and mutuality achieved in their sexual relations. Findings are based upon the responses of 530 Middle Eastern women who used the facilities of the University Hospital Family Planning Program of the American University of Beirut, Lebanon; 257 women were interviewed in their homes throughout Lebanon, and the remaining 273 were interviewed at the clinic. Three decisions were studied: (1) IUD/pill use; (2) tubal sterilization use; and (3) consideration of and refusal to use tubal sterilization. Women were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire prepared in colloquial Arabic. The decision to choose a reversible versus a permanent method was primarily sociodemographically determined. Among women who considered a permanent method, however, differences in their decisions were mainly attributable to their marital relations rather than to their demographic characteristics. Wife's attitude toward marriage and educational attainment were important and interactive components in the explanation of the association between marital relations and tubal sterilization use.
A Network-Based System to Improve Care for Schizophrenia: The Medical Informatics Network Tool (MINT)

The Medical Informatics Network Tool (MINT) is a software system that supports the management of care for chronic illness. It is designed to improve clinical information, facilitate teamwork, and allow management of health care quality. MINT includes a browser interface for entry and organization of data and preparation of real-time reports. It includes personal computer-based applications that interact with clinicians. MINT is being used in a project to improve the treatment of schizophrenia. At each patient visit, a nurse briefly assesses symptoms, side effects, and other key problems and enters this information into MINT. When the physician subsequently opens the patient's electronic medical record, a window appears with the assessment information, a messaging interface, and access to treatment guidelines. Clinicians and managers receive reports regarding the quality of patients' treatment. To date, MINT has been used with more than 165 patients and 29 psychiatrists and has supported practices that are consistent with improvements in the quality of care.
Decreased basal nitric oxide release in hypercholesterolemia increases neutrophil adherence to rabbit coronary artery endothelium.

Hypercholesterolemia, before atherosclerosis, is known to reduce agonist- (e.g., acetylcholine) mediated nitric oxide (NO) production within 2 weeks of a cholesterol-enriched diet. However, no data exist on the effect of hypercholesterolemia on the basal release of NO from blood vessels. We studied the basal release of NO in rabbit coronary arteries by addition of the NO synthase blocker NG-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME). Basal release of NO was markedly attenuated 2 weeks after introduction of a 0.5% cholesterol addition to the diet. One week later, the adherence of neutrophils to the coronary endothelium was significantly enhanced (i.e., threefold; p < 0.01 different from control). The increased adhesiveness could be attributed to enhanced endothelial adhesion rather than to changes in the properties of the leukocytes. Both phenomena could be reversed by addition of L-arginine to isolated coronary arteries. Administration of 10 mg/day lovastatin, a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, markedly attenuated both the reduced basal NO production and the increased adhesiveness of the endothelium. These results support the concept that NO is an important protective agent produced by the endothelium to preserve the integrity of the endothelium and may protect it against atherogenesis.
Optimizing terahertz emission from double quantum wells

The terahertz (THz) radiation emitted from a double quantum well is investigated and optimized. Exploiting the phenomenon of quantum stochastic resonance (whereby the oscillation amplitude of a dissipative two-level system exhibits at low temperatures a non-monotonic response with respect to the parameters of a monochromatic external field or the strength of dissipation) to drive a series of identical double quantum wells, it is shown that the coherence properties of the emitted THz radiation can be boosted significantly.
Practical Immunization of Chickens against Coccidiosis Using an Attenuated Strain of Eimeria tenella

Three floor-pen trials were conducted to compare two attenuated strains of Eimeria tenella (Wis-F-96 and Wis-F-125) with the strain of E. tenella used in a commercial planned immunization program (Coccivac). Broiler cockerels were started in floor pens on new pine shavings litter. Immunizing oocysts were administered in the drinking water during the first week with total dose per bird of 175 oocysts of the control strain (Coccivac); 175, 350, or 700 oocysts of the Wis-F-125; 350 oocysts of Wis-F-96; or no oocysts (non-seeded control). The control strain was more pathogenic than the Wis-F-125 or the Wis-F-96 strains as indicated by significantly higher lesion scores 17 days after initial exposure and by loss of two birds in the control strain exposed groups. Low lesion scores and no deaths due to coccidiosis characterized the use of the Wis-F-125 strain. Flock immunity, as determined by immunity challenge, was equivalent between the control strain and the higher dosages of Wis-F-125. The Wis-F-96 strain did not adequately immunize chickens in these experiments.
A Display Framework for Visualizing Real-Time 3D Lung Tumor Radiotherapy

Medical display systems are valuable tools in enabling the clinicians in the field of radiation therapy to view a patient's multi-modal information and treatment plan details. The effectiveness of display systems is further improved by including computer-based visualization systems that deliver the content comprehensively. In this paper, we present a medical display and visualization framework for radiation therapy that couples a computer-based simulation of real-time lung tumor motion and its dose accumulation during treatment with an Augmented Reality Center (ARC) based display system. The simulation framework provides insights on the variations in the effectiveness of the lung therapy for changes in the patient's breathing conditions. The display system aims to enhance the clinician's understanding by enhancing the 3D depth perception of the dose accumulation in lung tumors. Thus the framework acts as a tool for presenting both pre-operative studies and intra-operative treatment efficacy analysis when coupled with a real-time respiration monitor. A first evaluation of this framework was carried out using six clinical experts. Results show that, using the ARC compared to a 2D monitor, the experts were able to more efficiently perceive the radiation dose delivered to various aspects of the moving tumor and the surrounding normal tissues, as well as more quickly detecting radiation hot spots that are critical to minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
Service Learning in Communication Sciences: Literacy Tutoring through a Multidisciplinary Lens

In this article, I describe a literacy service learning tutoring project developed to support authentic learning for future speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who will serve as part of a Response ...
Modeling and analysis of Lamb wave propagation in a beam under lead zirconate titanate actuation and sensing

Lead zirconate titanate actuators and sensors have been the widely used in Lamb wave–based damage detection applications. The excitation frequency, waveform, and wave propagation characteristics should be comprehensively considered to effectively conduct diagnosis of incipient forms of damage. In this article, we investigate Lamb wave propagation in a beam under lead zirconate titanate actuation/sensing, in which the lead zirconate titanate effects are included. First, mathematical models are developed to account for both unimorph (i.e. sensor mode) and bimorph (i.e. actuator mode) configurations. The Timoshenko beam theory is adopted for both base beam and lead zirconate titanate layers to accommodate high-frequency responses. Second, the fully coupled electromechanical governing equations are determined and solved in an analytical form to formulate the spectral finite element model. Finally, parametric studies are carried out to determine the optimal actuation frequency, sensor size, actuator, and senso...
Epithelial hedgehog signals pattern the intestinal crypt-villus axis.

Morphological development of the small intestinal mucosa involves the stepwise remodeling of a smooth-surfaced endodermal tube to form finger-like luminal projections (villi) and flask-shaped invaginations (crypts). These remodeling processes are orchestrated by instructive signals that pass bidirectionally between the epithelium and underlying mesenchyme. Sonic (Shh) and Indian (Ihh) hedgehog are expressed in the epithelium throughout these morphogenic events, and mice lacking either factor exhibit intestinal abnormalities. To examine the combined role of Shh and Ihh in intestinal morphogenesis, we generated transgenic mice expressing the pan-hedgehog inhibitor, Hhip (hedgehog interacting protein) in the epithelium. We demonstrate that hedgehog (Hh) signaling in the neonatal intestine is paracrine, from epithelium to Ptch1-expressing subepithelial myofibroblasts (ISEMFs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Strong inhibition of this signal compromises epithelial remodeling and villus formation. Surprisingly, modest attenuation of Hh also perturbs villus patterning. Desmin-positive smooth muscle progenitors are expanded, and ISEMFs are mislocalized. This mesenchymal change secondarily affects the epithelium: Tcf4/β-catenin target gene activity is enhanced, proliferation is increased, and ectopic precrypt structures form on villus tips. Thus, through a combined Hh signal to underlying ISEMFs, the epithelium patterns the crypt-villus axis, ensuring the proper size and location of the emerging precrypt compartment.
Synergy of epidermal growth factor receptor kinase inhibitor AG1478 and ErbB2 kinase inhibitor AG879 in human colon carcinoma cells is associated with induction of apoptosis

Previous studies have shown that constitutive activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and ErbB2 by elevated autocrine transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) expression plays an important role in colon cancer progression. Coexpression of EGFR and ErbB2 is found in a subset of colon cancers and may cooperatively promote cancer cell growth and survival, as heterodimerization is known to provide for diversification of signal transduction. In this study, the EGFR-selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) AG1478 inhibited cell growth of an aggressive human colon carcinoma cell line, FET6αS26X, which harbors constitutively activated EGFR after stable transfection with TGF-α cDNA. However, AG1478 failed to induce apoptosis in FET6αS26X cells at concentrations sufficient for cell growth inhibition and complete suppression of EGFR phosphorylation. Similarly, AG879, a selective ErbB2 TKI, was incapable of inducing apoptosis in FET6αS26X cells at concentrations sufficient to inhibit cell growth and ErbB2 phosphorylation. To test the hypothesis that targeting both ErbB family members would show better efficacy than targeting the single receptors, combinations of inhibitors at fixed ratios of 1:1, 5:1, and 10:1 of AG1478 and AG879, respectively, were compared with single drugs for inhibition of cell growth. All combinations resulted in synergistic effects as indicated by combination index analysis. Synergistic inhibition was associated with induction of apoptosis as reflected by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage, caspase-3 activation, and Annexin V staining. Finally, Western blot analysis showed significant inhibition of phosphorylation of both EGFR and ErbB2 by the combination treatment. These data suggest that the strategy to target both EGFR and ErbB2 simultaneously might result in more efficient inhibition of tumor growth than to target single receptor alone.
The Compatibility of Justice and Kindness

In ‘Virtue and Character’ A. D. M. Walker claims that kindness and justice are incompatible in certain important ways and that a person can be kind or just without possessing the other virtue. Walker argues that virtues must lead to ‘effective and intelligent action’ and that a virtue ceases to exist if ‘it leads to violation of the minimal requirements of any other virtue’. On this view kindness and justice function independently to produce effective action. Kindness requires a direct caring for the individual in particular circumstances, while justice involves a commitment to impartiality that abstracts from an individual's situation. Walker argues that, as long as the minimal requirements of other virtues are met, one can be kind without weighing considerations of justice. He cites with approval kind behaviour which human beings learn as young children. Such behaviour may be a deeply engrained personality trait, and the individual passing through different situations in life may have no need to consider questions of justice. ‘He will merely need to be able to recognize and respond to certain types of considerations as overriding the values promoted by kindness’.
Topology of Mammalian Isoprenylcysteine Carboxyl Methyltransferase Determined in Live Cells with a Fluorescent Probe

Isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase (Icmt) is a highly conserved enzyme that methyl esterifies the α carboxyl group of prenylated proteins including Ras and related GTPases. Methyl esterification neutralizes the negative charge of the prenylcysteine and thereby increases membrane affinity. Icmt is an integral membrane protein restricted to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The Saccharomyces cerevisiae ortholog, Ste14p, traverses the ER membrane six times. We used a novel fluorescent reporter to map the topology of human Icmt in living cells. Our results indicate that Icmt traverses the ER membrane eight times, with both N and C termini disposed toward the cytosol and with a helix-turn-helix structure comprising transmembrane (TM) segments 7 and 8. Several conserved amino acids that map to cytoplasmic portions of the enzyme are critical for full enzymatic activity. Mammalian Icmt has an N-terminal extension consisting of two TM segments not found in Ste14p and therefore likely to be regulatory. Icmt is a target for anticancer drug discovery, and these data may facilitate efforts to develop small-molecule inhibitors.
XTracker, a graphical tool for parallel simulations

A Motif based graphical tool XTracker is described. XTracker can show Gannt-like charts of the activities on each node or it can show the event messages as traffic between simulation objects. XTracker can take its data from sequential simulation runs and simulate a parallel execution under a number of simulation methods. XTracker can act as a performance modeling tool.
THE LESSONS OF MIDDLE EAST INVOLVEMENT

Despite the oft- used phrase, history does not repeat itself. What history does do, however, is offer us lessons. If we do not learn history’s lessons, we will repeat the mistakes of history thereby making it appear that history is indeed repeating itself. Nowhere is this more clear than in the Middle East. To find historical lessons in the Middle East, one should begin by studying the events of World War I. It was during World War I that the composition of the Middle East changed from the indirectly ruled Ottoman Empire, to the collection of nation states that we know today. It is quite fashionable to blame Britain for the outcome of, and all future problems with, this new Middle East. It has become more fashionable to transform the blame in the present age to the United States. In this paper, I will analyze British involvement in the Middle East; beginning with the contradictory wartime agreements that Britain made which would eventually change the shape of the Middle East. I will argue that the problems in the Middle East cannot be blamed solely, or even mostly, on the British or on the Western power who had inherited this blame, the United States. In conclusion, I will develop lessons of history from this period of British involvement in the Middle East; lessons that the United States has yet to learn.
Effects of Inclusions on the Sintering Behavior of YBa2Cu3O6+x

The sintering behavior of two types of heterogeneous compacts of YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 6+x} was studied: Soft agglomerates present in the starting powder were used to study the effect of rapidly densifying inclusions on the overall sample densification. In this case, the induced stresses caused severe cracklike damage in the sintered microstructure. On the other hand, when nondensifying inclusions (same composition) were incorporated into the starting powder, no sintering damage was observed. Further, there was no retardation of densification or coarsening due to the presence of these dense inclusions, over a wide range of inclusion size. Several possibilities for this behavior are discussed, based on the distribution of stresses induced by differential sintering rates.
Is the Universe As Large As It Can Be

In this note, we cast doubt on the requirement of spacetime inextendibility; it is not at all clear that our universe is “as large as it can be.”
Human preimplantation embryo cryopreservation: selected aspects

This report describes the results of cryopreserving human preimplantation zygotes and cleaved embryos (2-4 cells) in our in-vitro fertilization programme. Cryopreserved zygotes and cleaved embryos resulted in similar post-thaw survival rates (74.8 versus 70.9%). Pregnancy rates per retrieval cycle (RC) and embryos transferred per pregnancy for frozen-thawed zygotes versus frozen-thawed cleaved embryos were 21.8 versus 11.5% (P less than 0.2) and 12.6 versus 17.5 (P less than 0.2), respectively. Pregnancy rates increased significantly for both fresh (P less than 0.0005) and frozen-thawed (P less than 0.05) embryos as the number of embryos replaced per transfer increased from one to three or more. Frozen-thawed embryos resulted in multiple implantation rates per transfer of 25 compared to 6.4% (P less than 0.1) for fresh embryos when two embryos were replaced. Pregnancy rates were reduced for fresh (P less than 0.05) and frozen-thawed (P less than 0.1) embryos obtained from patient retrieval cycle numbers greater than 3. The method of follicular stimulation during the retrieval cycle did not affect frozen-thawed embryo survival rates. There was no difference in pregnancy rates from frozen-thawed embryos replaced during natural or clomiphene citrate transfer cycles. Patients with cryopreserved embryos had cumulative pregnancy rates of 37.1% (66/178) compared to 23.5% (110/468) (P less than 0.01) for patients with no embryos cryopreserved; cryopreservation of preimplantation embryos is a reliable therapeutic procedure that enhances achievement of pregnancy through in-vitro fertilization.
A ‘Rights-Based’ Approach to Optimal Tax Policy

This paper derives the tax system and size of government implied by basic efficiency and inequality aversion principles. The optimal policy equalizes the gains individuals obtain from the governmental activity, relative to how they would fare in its absence. Because industrious individuals would fare well either way there will be limits to how much redistribution is recommended by the optimal policy. To illustrate this conclusion I investigate the tax system this approach would recommend for the United States. The resulting “fair-and-efficient” policies would redistribute income via the adoption of a substantial tax credit per household while keeping marginal tax rates constant.The appendices for this paper are available at the following URL: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2638751
Feminism and Liberal Theory

In her article on “Freedom, Recognition, and Obligation: A Feminist Approach to Political Theory,” published in the December 1989 issue of this Review, Nancy J. Hirschmann argued that a feminist methodology could breathe new and useful life into liberal political theory, relieving it of its structural sexism. In this Controversy, Richard C. Sinopoli takes issue with key claims made by Hirschmann. In turn, Hirschmann elaborates her case.
Hydrogen Production by Steam Dissociation using Oxygen Transport Membranes

Hydrogen production via water splitting at 900{degree sign}C has been studied with mixed-conducting SrFeCo0.5Ox (SFC2) membranes. The hydrogen production rate increased with decreasing membrane thickness, but surface reaction kinetics began to dominate the behavior of thin (<1 mm) membranes without porous layers on their surface. Membranes coated with porous SFC2 layers, on the other hand, exhibited linear behavior up to an inverse thickness of ≈4 mm-1, and they yielded a higher hydrogen production rate than uncoated membranes with a similar thickness. To increase the hydrogen production rate, a thin film of SFC2 was fabricated by a colloidal casting method. The maximum hydrogen production rate of 17.4 cm3/min-cm2 was measured at 900{degree sign}C with a ≈20-µm-thick SFC2 film. The hydrogen production rate of the film, however, was significantly lower than the expected rate based on the membrane-thickness-dependence measurement because of concentration polarization and surface kinetic limitations.
über die längspolarisierte Fluoreszenz von Faserfärbungen

Durch Anfarben mit stark fluoreszierenden Farbstoffen (Fluorochromen) gelingt es, diese auf die Ramiefaser so zu ordnen, das die langste Ausdehnung der Farbteile in der Langsrichtung der Faser gemas des Verlaufes der Mizelle derselben (Mizellierung) liegt.
Observing the effect of intravenous immunoglobulin in treating children with Kawasaki disease

Objective: To further study the therapeutic mechanism of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for immune - mediated disease. Methods: Peripheral blood mononeuclear cell (PBMC) obtained from 26 children with Kawasaki disease (KD) and 20 age-matched health children were stimulated by anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody, apoptotic cell percentage and DNA fragmentation were assayed in vitro; PBMC were stimulated by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) to evaluate lymphocytes proliferative response and to measure in-terleukin-6(IL-6) level in the supernatant. Results: After IVIG treatment, the decreased apoptotic cell percentage and delayed DNA fragmentation in KD patients were reversed to those of nomal controls. The clinical remissions were faster than those of patients treated with aspirin alone. Lymphoproliferative response was also down-regulated in vitro after IVIG therapy ( P 0. 05). Conclusion: The therapeutic mechanism of IVIG for KD may be partially due to reverse the inhibited PBMC apoptosis, which provide new theory basis for treating immune-mediated disease.
Breast Conservation Surgery (Surgical Biopsy, Lumpectomy, Nipple Exploration, Partial Mastectomy)

Breast conservation surgery for a benign or malignant breast lesion remains the cornerstone operation for the oncologic and general surgeon. Localization of non palpable lesions is performed with either a wire or radioactive seed but intraoperative ultrasound can be utilized for those with training to employ this approach. Oncoplastic techniques are becoming increasingly popular for excision of a breast malignancy.
Abstract 3625: Expression of CRBN binding protein AGO2 plays important roles for myeloma cell growth

Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) are therapeutically active compounds that bind to the E3 ubiquitin ligase substrate recruiter cereblon (CRBN) and induce many cellular responses, including cytotoxicity. We had found that the expression of CRBN in multiple myeloma (MM) cells provided the basis for their responses to IMiDs. In this report, we have identified argonaute 2 (AGO2) as a new member of CRBN-downstream binding protein and found that: 1) the steady-state levels of CRBN in IMiD-sensitive cells are significantly higher than in IMiD-resistant cells; 2) the steady-state levels of AGO2 in IMiD-sensitive cells are significantly less compared to IMiD-resistant cells, suggesting that CRBN plays a role in regulating AGO2. AGO2 is a component of microRNA (miRNA)-induced silencing complexes and plays an important role in miRNA maturation and function. The matured miRNAs are considered as key regulators of almost all cellular pathways. Treatment of IMiD-sensitive MM cells with lenalidomide, an IMiD, significantly increased CRBN, decreased both AGO2 and miRNAs and inhibited cell growth. In contrast, although treatment of IMiD-resistant MM cells with lenalidomide moderately increased CRBN and decreased both AGO2 and miRNAs, this treatment did not significantly inhibit cell growth. However, silencing of AGO2 with small hairpin RNA significantly decreased both AGO2 and miRNAs and inhibited cell growth regardless of whether the cells are sensitive or resistant to IMiDs. Therefore, AGO2 could be considered as a new drug target for overcoming IMiDs resistance in MM cells. Citation Format: Qinqin Xu, Yuexian Hou, Paul Langlais, Patrick Erickson, James Zhu, Changxin Shi, Moulun Luo, Yuanxiao Zhu, Lawrence Mandarino, Keith Stewart, Xiu-Bao Chang. Expression of CRBN binding protein AGO2 plays important roles for myeloma cell growth. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3625. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3625
Abstract A45: Osteoblastic niche supports the growth of quiescent multiple myeloma cells.

The heterogeneity of multiple myeloma (MM) contributes to variable responses to therapy. In this study, we aim to correlate the heterogeneity of MM to the presence of quiescent cells using the PKH26 dye. We tracked the rare quiescent cells in different niches of the bone marrow by allowing the cells to cycle in vivo. Surprisingly, quiescent PKH+ MM cells prefer to reside within the osteoblastic niches of the bone marrow (PKH+/OS) rather than the vascular niches or the spleen. These cells (PKH+/OS) displayed enhanced stem-like properties by forming colonies in semi-solid medium. PKH+ cells were highly tumorigenic, as compared to PKH- cells, and were resistant to a variety of drugs. However, the levels of drug resistance were somewhat similar regardless of where the PKH+ cells were isolated. Our data indicate that osteoblastic niches support the growth of quiescent PKH+ cells and allow them to have stem-like functions. Citation Format: Zheng Chen, Robert Z. Orlowski, Michael Wang, Larry Kwak, Nami McCarty. Osteoblastic niche supports the growth of quiescent multiple myeloma cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Hematologic Malignancies: Translating Discoveries to Novel Therapies; Sep 20-23, 2014; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2015;21(17 Suppl):Abstract nr A45.