cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optical properties of {InAsP}/{InP} and {InAs}/{InAsP} strained-layer superlattices and heterostructures

Abstract The optical properties of InAsP InP and InAs InAsP strained-layer heterostructures were studied. Photoluminescence emission from InAsxP1−x single quantum wells with thicknesses 2–16 nm was observed in the energy range 0.9–1.4 eV. Full width at half maximum of the PL peaks was 12–25 meV for the thinnest walls. The observed energy shifts were in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions using a finite-well model and taking strain effects into account. InAs x P 1−x InP SLS structures with periods of 2–19 nm exhibited emission in the energy range 0.8–1.3 eV. Higher energy transitions were studied by photoconductivity. Infrared transmission measurements on InAs InAs 0.84 P 0.16 strained layer superlattices showed an absorption edge about 30meV higher in energy than the InAs bandgap.
Mountaintop and radar measurements of anthropogenic aerosol effects on snow growth and snowfall rate

[1] A field campaign designed to investigate the second indirect aerosol effect (reduction of precipitation by anthropogenic aerosols which produce more numerous and smaller cloud droplets) was conducted during winter in the northern Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Combining remote sensing and in-situ mountain-top measurements it was possible to show higher concentrations of anthropogenic aerosols (∼1 μg m−3) altered the microphysics of the lower orographic feeder cloud to the extent that the snow particle rime growth process was inhibited, or completely shut off, resulting in lower snow water equivalent precipitation rates.
Neurological sequelae of 2009 influenza A (H1N1) in children: a case series observed during a pandemic.

Objective:To outline a series of cases demonstrating neurologic complications in children with Influenza infection. The ongoing 2009 influenza A (H1N1) presents significant challenges to the field of pediatric critical care and requires increased awareness of new presentations and sequelae of infect
Sphingolipid Storage Induces Accumulation of Intracellular Cholesterol by Stimulating SREBP-1 Cleavage

We showed previously that the intracellular transport of sphingolipids (SLs) is altered in SL storage disease fibroblasts, due in part to the secondary accumulation of free cholesterol. In the present study we examined the mechanism of cholesterol elevation in normal human skin fibroblasts induced by treatment with SLs. When cells were incubated with various natural SLs for 44 h, cholesterol levels increased 25-35%, and cholesterol esterification was reduced. Catabolism of the exogenous SLs was not required for elevation of cholesterol because (i) a non-hydrolyzable and a degradable SL analog elevated cellular cholesterol to similar extents, and (ii) incubation of cells with various SL catabolites, including ceramide, had no effect on cholesterol levels. Elevated cholesterol was derived primarily from low density lipoproteins (LDL) and resulted from up-regulation of LDL receptors induced by cleavage of the sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1. Upon SL treatment, cholesterol accumulated with exogenous SLs in late endosomes and lysosomes. These results suggest a model in which excess SLs present in endocytic compartments serve as a "molecular trap" for cholesterol, leading to a reduction in cholesterol at the endoplasmic reticulum, induction of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 cleavage, and up-regulation of LDL receptors.
Targeting of the YY1 transcription factor to the nucleolus and the nuclear matrix in situ: The C-terminus is a principal determinant for nuclear trafficking

The multifunctional transcription factor YY1 is associated with the nuclear matrix. In osteoblasts, the interaction of several nuclear matrix-associated transcription factors with the bone specific osteocalcin gene contributes to tissue-specific and steroid hormone-mediated transcription. A canonical nuclear matrix targeting signal (NMTS) is present in all members of the AML/CBFβ transcription factor family, but not in other transcription factors. Therefore, we defined sequences that direct YY1 (414 amino acids) to the nuclear matrix. A series of epitope tagged deletion constructs were expressed in HeLa S3 and in human Saos-2 osteosarcoma cells. Subcellular distribution was determined in whole cells and nuclear matrices in situ by immunofluorescence. We demonstrated that amino acids 257–341 in the C-terminal domain of YY1 are necessary for nuclear matrix association. We also observed that sequences within the N-terminal domain of YY1 permit weak nuclear matrix binding. Our data further suggest that the Gal4 epitope tag contains sequences that affect subcellular localization, but not targeting to the nuclear matrix. The targeted association of YY1 with the nuclear matrix provides an additional level of functional regulation for this transcription factor that can exhibit positive and negative control. J. Cell. Biochem. 68:500–510, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The biology of binge eating.

Objective: To examine the literature on binge eating to gain a better understanding of its biological foundations and their role in eating disorders. Method: Literature review and synthesis. Results: Research using animal models has revealed several factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of binge eating. These factors, including stress, food restriction, the presence of palatable foods, and environmental conditioning, parallel many of the precursory circumstances leading to binge eating in individuals with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. Discussion: The animal literature has opened a new avenue to aid in the understanding of the neurobiological basis of binge eating. Future endeavors examining the genetic and environmental correlates of binge eating behavior will further contribute to the understanding of the biological foundations of binge eating and assist with establishing diagnostic criteria and the development of novel treatments for eating disorders marked by binge eating.
949–98 Do Doppler Indices of Diastolic Dysfunction Provide Prognostic Information in Elderly Patients with Congestive Heart Failure?

Congestive heart failure (CHF) due to left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (DDFXN) is common in the elderly, and Doppler echo indices are frequently used to characterize DDFXN, but the relationship between these parameters and clinical outcomes has not been well studied. We analyzed the relationship between echo indices of systolic and DDFXN and clinic outcomes (3-mo mortality and readmission rates) in 130 PTS ≥ 70 yrs of age with CHF (mean age 79 yrs, 35% male, 47% white). Results Overall, neither deceleration time (DT) nor E:A ratio (E:A) COrrelated with 3-mo survival or readmissions. However, in PTS with reduced LV systolic function (ejection fraction l45% , N = 67). DT was significantly lower in PTS who died within 3 months than in survivors (129 ± 27 msec vs. 186 ± 67 msec, p l 0.001). Moreover, on multivariate analysis, DT remained an independent predictor of 3-month mortality after adjusting for age. sex. ejection fraction. and NYHA class (p = 0.05). OT was not a significant predictor of readmission in PTS with reduced LV function. or of readmission or survival in PTS with normal LV function. The E:A ratio provided no prognostic information in any subgroup. Conclusions In elderly patients with CHF due to LV systolic dysfunction, DT provides important independent prognostic information. In particular, a shorter DT, suggestive of restrictive physiology, appears to be associated with a worse prognosis. These findings may have therapeutic implications for these PTS.
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery of 77-Year-Old Woman

This 77-year-old woman underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery, including the grafting of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to the left anterior descending artery (LAD) (Figure 1⇓), 7 years before her current presentation with ischemic heart failure. She had previously been well except for an occasional feeling …
Seed germination response of golden chia (Salvia columbariae Benth.) to low temperature and gibberellin

Abstract Salvia columbariae , commonly known as golden chia and California chia, is a herbaceous annual species which produces edible seed. This species has also received attention as a new source of semidrying oil. The objective of this study was to find a practical treatment method for improving the germination of chia seed. Salvia columbariae seed collected from field-grown plants was used in this study. Two similar germination tests, one on freshly harvested seed and the other on stored seed, were carried out. Seed was soaked either in gibberellin (200 mg/l) or distilled water before it was incubated in dark at 4°C, 10°C and room temperature. Results showed that seed required either hormonal or cold temperature stimuli to trigger its germination. Compared to freshly harvested seed, germination responses of the stored seed were more pronounced after treatment with gibberellin (>93% germination) or subjected to cold temperature (>65% germination). Fresh seed, on the other hand, showed 79.8 or 10.5% germination when treated with gibberellin or incubated at low temperature, respectively. An application of 200 mg/l gibberellin is recommended for rapid, high and uniform seed germination.
New etching method for poly(ethylene oxide)

Abstract By choosing proper etching conditions, the internal structure of water-soluble poly(ethylene oxide) could be analysed by electron microscopy. Sodium ethoxide in ethanol was the etching medium used.
Clinical Trials in Support of Medical Devices

1. Clearly specify the hypothesis to be investigated using clinically meaningful objective endpoints. 2. Collect all patients' data in a reliable and consistent manner. 3. Use statistically appropriate procedures to analyze the data. 4. Conclusions should be able to support all claims of safety and effectiveness that are to be made.
Multi-year hourly PM2.5 carbon measurements in New York: Diurnal, day of week and seasonal patterns

Abstract Multi-year hourly measurements of PM2.5 elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC) from a site in the South Bronx, New York were used to examine diurnal, day of week and seasonal patterns. The hourly carbon measurements also provided temporally resolved information on sporadic EC spikes observed predominantly in winter. Furthermore, hourly EC and OC data were used to provide information on secondary organic aerosol formation. Average monthly EC concentrations ranged from 0.5 to 1.4 μg m−3 with peak hourly values of several μg m−3 typically observed from November to March. Mean EC concentrations were lower on weekends (approximately 27% lower on Saturday and 38% lower on Sunday) than on weekdays (Monday to Friday). The weekday/weekend difference was more pronounced during summer months and less noticeable during winter. Throughout the year EC exhibited a similar diurnal pattern to NOx showing a pronounced peak during the morning commute period (7–10 AM EST). These patterns suggest that EC was impacted by local mobile emissions and in addition by emissions from space heating sources during winter months. Although EC was highly correlated with black carbon (BC) there was a pronounced seasonal BC/EC gradient with summer BC concentrations approximately a factor of 2 higher than EC. Average monthly OC concentrations ranged from 1.0 to 4.1 μg m−3 with maximum hourly concentrations of 7–11 μg m−3 predominantly in summer or winter months. OC concentrations generally correlated with PM2.5 total mass and aerosol sulfate and with NOx during winter months. OC showed no particular day of week pattern. The OC diurnal pattern was typically different than EC except in winter when OC tracked EC and NOx indicating local primary emissions contributed significantly to OC during winter at the urban location. On average secondary organic aerosol was estimated to account for 40–50% of OC during winter and up to 63–73% during summer months.
Sexually transmitted diseases in the USA: temporal trends

This paper reviews the temporal trends in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and discusses the factors affecting the epidemiology of bacterial STDs.
THE NONEXISTENCE OF CERTAIN NONSOLVABLE GALOIS EXTENSIONS OF NUMBER FIELDS OF SMALL DEGREE

Serre's conjecture predicts the nonexistence of certain nonsolvable Galois extensions of ℚ which are unramified outside one small prime. These nonexistence theorems have been proven by the techniques of discriminant bounding. In this paper, we will apply these techniques to nonsolvable extensions of small degree number fields.
Pluralism and the Problem of Variety

Organizational theorists tend to homogenize what is, in reality, a pluralistic world, emphasizing the discovery of unifying principles that lend organizational focus, legitimacy, and identity while downplaying some of the complexity that pluralism often entails. In their original formulation, most organizational theories have richness and depth in modeling pluralistic variety; over time, however, theorizing seems to have purchased parsimony and generality at the cost of accuracy or realism. We revisit the dominant questions from three influential paradigms—strategic management, institutionalism. and organizational identity—and explore alternative theorizing that advantages pluralism.
Energy dependence of the elastic scattering and polarization of protons on 40Ca

Abstract Absolute differential cross sections and polarizations for elastic proton scattering from 40 Ca were measured at incident proton energies of 35.8 and 45.5 MeV. These data, together with similar data at 30.0 and 40.0 MeV, were analysed with a fixed geometry optical potential to obtain an energy dependence of the real-central well for 40 Ca of d V 0 /d E = −0.32. Unsatisfactory optical-model fits to the large angle data are shown to be easily improved by a slight adjustment of the reflection coefficients associated with the nuclear associated with the nuclear surface. Calculated phase shifts give no indication of elastic scattering resonances in the energy range 30.0 ≦ E p ≦ 45.5 MeV.
Glypnir—a programming language for Illiac IV

GLYPNIR is one of the earliest existing languages designed for programming the Illiac IV computer. The syntax of the language is based on ALGOL 60, but has been extended to allow the programmer explicitly to specify the parallelism of his algorithm in terms of 64-word vectors.This paper describes the characteristics, goals, and philosophy of the language, and discusses some of the problems associated with parallel computer architectures.
Cocrystals and Salts of Gabapentin: pH Dependent Cocrystal Stability and Solubility

Thirteen new multicomponent crystals (cocrystals and salts) of an anticonvulsant drug gabapentin with various carboxylic acid coformers have been discovered using the reaction crystallization method (RCM). These new forms are characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Raman and infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Crystal structures with 3-hydroxybenzoic acid (3HBA) 1, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4HBA) 2, salicylic acid 3, 1-hydroxy-2-napthoic acid (1H2NA) 4, and RS-mandelic acid 5 are also determined. While there is proton transfer from coformer to gabapentin in crystals 3−5, no proton transfer occurs in 1. Partial proton transfer is observed in crystal structure 2. Multicomponent crystals 1−5 are thermodynamically stable and do not transform to gabapentin hydrate in water suggesting that the multicomponent phases have equal or lower solubility than the components. pH has been shown to be an important variable in controlling solubility and stability. A mathematical model ...
Effect of Wind Power Integration on the Self-Excitation Risks in Weak Interconnection Power Grid

To explore the self-excitation risks in weak interconnection power grid from the wind power flow, a vector control model of variable speed wind turbine based on doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) is established using electromagnetic transient simulation software PSCAD/ EMTDC. Start from the basic circuit model, the self-excitation phenomenon is analyzed with wind power integration. Simulation results show that the effect of wind power integration on the self-excitation risk is mainly determined by DFIG’s operation method, and wind power integration will affect self-excitation engineering judgment method at the same time. When DFIG works in phase late operation or has no reactive power exchange with the main power grid, cutting the wind turbine after broken thread quickly can restrain the worsening trend to a certain extent. However cutting the wind turbine after broken thread when DFIG works in phase advance operation may cause a voltage jump of the hydraulic synchronous generator in parallel with the wind turbine.
Two years of continuous measurements of tidal and nontidal variations of gravity in Boulder, Colorado

We report here on the results of an analysis of 2 years of data from NOAA's superconducting gravimeter located at the Table Mountain Gravity Observatory in Boulder, Colorado. Observed tidal parameters, corrected for ocean loading effects, are compared with theoretical tidal parameters predicted for a non-hydrostatic inelastic Earth model and demonstrate excellent agreement. Tidal residuals, corrected for polar motion and a linear instrument drift are highly correlated with gravity changes measured by two absolute gravimeters over the same time period. The admittance to local pressure is found to be −0.356 µGal/mbar. However, this admittance factor is found to be seasonally and frequency dependent. Correlations between rainfall events and gravity changes are observed. Attempts to model these gravity changes as exponential functions of time were unsuccessful.
Estimating Threshold Temperature and Heat Unit Accumulation Required for Meadow Spittlebug Egg Hatch

A procedure for estimating the threshold temperature for egg development of the meadow spittlebug ( Philaenus spumarius L.) is discussed. Utilizing both laboratory and field data, heat unit accumulations (HU) based on this threshold were used to calculate the length of the egg hatching period in order to predict egg hatch in the field. It was found that an accumulation of 120 HU (°C) above a threshold of 6.5°C resulted in initial egg hatch, but the egg hatching period was not completed until 330 HU were accumulated.
Writing Abstracts for MLIS Research Proposals Using Worked Examples: An Innovative Approach to Teaching the Elements of Research Design

The authors examined abstracts written by graduate students for their research proposals as a requirement for a course in research methods in a distance learning MLIS program. The students learned under three instructional conditions that involved varying levels of access to worked examples created from abstracts representing research in the LIS field. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) detected significantly higher scores in areas related to fluency in describing the research design and the required elements of a research proposal in the groups with more exposure to worked examples, while the rhetorical skills necessary to compose a succinct abstract and to relate a proposal to implications in the field were not affected.
Economics of small-scale on-farm use of canola and soybean for biodiesel and straight vegetable oil biofuels

Abstract While the cost competitiveness of vegetable oil-based biofuels (VOBB) has impeded extensive commercialization on a large-scale, the economic viability of small-scale on-farm production of VOBB is unclear. This study assessed the cost competitiveness of small-scale on-farm production of canola- [Brassica napus (L.)] and soybean-based [Glycine max (L.)] biodiesel and straight vegetable oil (SVO) biofuels in the upper Midwest at 2007 price levels. The effects of feedstock type, feedstock valuation (cost of production or market price), biofuel type, and capitalization level on the cost L−1 of biofuel were examined. Valuing feedstock at the cost of production, the cost of canola-based biodiesel ranged from 0.94 to 1.13 $ L−1 and SVO from 0.64 to 0.83 $ L−1 depending on capitalization level. Comparatively, the cost of soybean-based biodiesel and SVO ranged from 0.40 to 0.60 $ L−1 and from 0.14 to 0.33 $ L−1, respectively, depending on capitalization level. Valuing feedstock at the cost of production, soybean biofuels were cost competitive whereas canola biofuels were not. Valuing feedstock at its market price, canola biofuels were more cost competitive than soybean-based biofuels, though neither were cost competitive with petroleum diesel. Feedstock type proved important in terms of the meal co-product credit, which decreased the cost of biodiesel by 1.39 $ L−1 for soybean and 0.44 $ L−1 for canola. SVO was less costly to produce than biodiesel due to reduced input costs. At a small scale, capital expenditures have a substantial impact on the cost of biofuel, ranging from 0.03 to 0.25 $ L−1.
The formation of arenaviruses that are genetically diploid

Abstract Analyses of RNA extracted from preparations of arenaviruses indicate that the relative molar proportions of the genomic L and S RNA species are frequently far from equal. In order to investigate the genetic significance of this observation temperature-sensitive ( ts ) mutants of two lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) virus strains (ARM and WE) have been recovered and categorized into recombination groups (Groups I and II). Fingerprint analyses of wild-type progeny viruses obtained from dual infections with ARM Group II and WE Group I ts viruses indicate that they have L/S RNA genotypes of WE/ARM. It is concluded that the ARM Group II ts viruses have mutations in their L RNA species and that the WE Group I ts viruses have mutations in their S RNA species. Correspondingly it is deduced that the ARM Group I ts viruses have S RNA mutations and the WE Group II ts viruses mutations in their L RNA species. Cells coinfected with certain WE Group I mutants, or an AMR Group I and certain WE Group I ts mutants, have also yielded wild-type viruses. Fingerprint analyses have shown that the wild-type viruses obtained from the latter crosses are diploid with respect to their S RNA species. On subsequent passage these wild-type viruses shed high proportions of ts mutants. We interpret the data to indicate that the original Group I ts mutants that yielded the diploid viruses have mutations in different S RNA gene products so that the progeny produce plaques at the nonpermissive temperature by gene product complementation. No wild-type recombinant viruses have been obtained from crosses involving Pichinde and LCM ts mutants.
Low-Income Latino Mothers' Booksharing Styles and Children's Emergent Literacy Development.

Abstract Booksharing is often considered one of the most important activities parents can do to promote young children's early literacy skills. However, there is relatively little research on the style and nature of booksharing in Latino homes. This study examined the relation between maternal booksharing styles and low-income Latino children's subsequent language and literacy development. Eighty Latino Head Start four-year-old children and their mothers were audiotaped while they shared a wordless children's picture book together in their home. Six months later, children's emergent literacy ability was assessed. Results of a cluster analysis identified three types of maternal booksharing styles which had differential predictive power over children's literacy longitudinally. Results are discussed in terms of improving culturally appropriate research, practice and policy for early childhood and family literacy programming designed to meet the needs of young Latino children and their parents.
Nanocomposites derived from phenol-functionalίzed Si nanoparticles for high performance lithium ion battery anodes

Carbon-encapsulated Si nanoparticles were formed by carbonizing a resorcinol−formaldehyde gel polymerized in the presence of phenol-functionalized Si particles. These encapsulated Si showed higher reversible charge capacity and Coulombic efficiency for use as lithium ion battery anode than samples prepared with Si nanoparticles without phenol functionalization.
Development of periodically oriented gallium nitride

Methods for growing periodically alternating polarities of GaN on GaN substrates have been developed. The resulting periodically oriented samples can be extended to thick growth, allowing their use in non-linear optics.
Crisis Crowdsourcing Framework: Designing Strategic Configurations of Crowdsourcing for the Emergency Management Domain

Crowdsourcing is not a new practice but it is a concept that has gained substantial attention during recent disasters. Drawing from previous work in the crisis informatics, disaster sociology, and computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW) literature, this paper first explains recent conceptualizations of crowdsourcing and how crowdsourcing is a way of leveraging disaster convergence. The CSCW concept of "articulation work" is introduced as an interpretive frame for extracting the salient dimensions of "crisis crowdsourcing." Then, a series of vignettes are presented to illustrate the evolution of crisis crowdsourcing that spontaneously emerged after the 2010 Haiti earthquake and evolved to more established forms of public engagement during crises. The best practices extracted from the vignettes clarified the efforts to formalize crisis crowdsourcing through the development of innovative interfaces designed to support the articulation work needed to facilitate spontaneous volunteer efforts. Extracting these best practices led to the development of a conceptual framework that unpacks the key dimensions of crisis crowdsourcing. The Crisis Crowdsourcing Framework is a systematic, problem-driven approach to determining the why, who, what, when, where, and how aspects of a crowdsourcing system. The framework also draws attention to the social, technological, organizational, and policy (STOP) interfaces that need to be designed to manage the articulation work involved with reducing the complexity of coordinating across these key dimensions. An example of how to apply the framework to design a crowdsourcing system is offered with a discussion on the implications for applying this framework as well as the limitations of this framework. Innovation is occurring at the social, technological, organizational, and policy interfaces enabling crowdsourcing to be operationalized and integrated into official products and services.
Finite element formulations for large strain incompressible elastic-plastic solid

Abstract Based on Lee's exact and unique kinematics, a theory of incompressible elastic-plastic solid with large strains is presented. Correspondingly, the virtual work equations in both rate form and incremental form are formulated. An iterative procedure is proposed to seek the incremental finite element solutions, to calculate the nodal forces, and to check the satisfaction of the incompressibility condition.
3,3'-Diindolylmethane Inhibits Activation of Akt through Inhibition of Hepatocyte Growth Factor Receptor c-Met Signaling.

Background: 3,39-Diindolylmethane (DIM), the major acid condensation product of indole-3-carbinol, is a promising anticancer compound that is bioavailable, non-toxic, and easily obtainable. Although DIM has strong anticancer activity against breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo , the exact mechanism for this activity is not known. We and others have found that DIM inhibits activation of the Akt pathway in breast cancer cells. Akt is a serine threonine protein kinase involved in many important cellular functions including proliferation and cell survival. Akt is active when phosphorylated at serine-473 and threonine-308. In breast cancer cells, Akt can be activated by various stimuli, including signaling from growth factor receptors like the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor c-Met, which is often overexpressed in breast cancer. In this project, we show that c-Met is an upstream point of inhibition of the Akt pathway by DIM.Materials and Methods: When MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells reached 70-80% confluency, we serum-starved them by reducing the fetal bovine serum concentration in the media from 10% to 1% for 20 hours and then treated with DIM or the vehicle control DMSO for 4 hours or the indicated time. When using recombinant growth factors to activate Akt or c-Met, we incubated cells in medium containing no fetal bovine serum and added the growth factors for 10 minutes after incubation with DIM. To analyze protein expression and protein phosphorylation we performed Western blotting. To analyze c-Met kinase activity we used a commercially available kit.Results: DIM does not inhibit activation of Akt downstream of either epidermal growth factor or insulin-like growth factor-1. However, DIM does inhibit Akt activation downstream of HGF and of fetal bovine serum. DIM inhibits tyrosine phosphorylation of c-Met at Y1349 and Y1234/1235. DIM does not affect total c-Met protein or mRNA levels and does not directly inhibit c-Met kinase activity.Discussion: While we have determined that DIM inhibits c-Met phosphorlyation, and therefore HGF signaling, the mechanism of this inhibition requires further study. We hypothesize that DIM induces serine phosphorylation of c-Met, since c-Met can be inhibited by reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced phosphorylation of serine-985 by protein kinase C (PKC), and DIM increases ROS levels in cells.Components of the Akt pathway are frequent targets for mutations in breast cancer and c-Met and its ligand HGF are associated with lower survival and increased risk of distant metastases in breast cancer. This project represents an important step in determining the mechanism of action for DIM, a promising phytochemical for the treatment of breast cancer. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 6117.
More than ten years after: The long-term stability of informed death penalty opinions

Abstract This panel study examined the stability of informed death penalty opinions more than ten years after students participated in a semester long death penalty class. Results for two “abstract” opinion measures indicated that support of the death penalty significantly diminished after exposure to the death penalty class, yet rebounded to initial pretest levels two to three years later. After more than ten years, the data revealed small increases in support of the death penalty from the first follow-up period. Personal involvement measures did not change significantly across the four points in time. The relative importance of four of the eleven reasons for death penalty support or opposition changed significantly over time. Those changes varied across measures. Some increased in importance over time, while others decreased in importance. Finally, race was a significant factor in every opinion measure, as well as in nine of the eleven reasons for death penalty support or opposition.
Fantasy in Interracial Groups

BEHAVIORAL SCIENTISTS have acquired an expanding knowledge and appreciation of the significance of projection, not only as an individual mechanism for dealing with potentially troublesome unconscious wishes and emotions, but also as a socially shared group process (Horwitz and Cartwright, 1963; Henry and Guetzkow, 1951). Fantasy is an important dimension in the life of a group in that it provides members with an opportunity to communicate about latent emotional problems confronted in the group without making them explicit, and therefore, potentially disruptive (Mills, 1964a; Slater, 1961; 1966). By displacing feelings and wishes generated in the group on characters and situations depicted in stories, participants may reveal sentiments normally suppressed and hidden from view. The analysis of fantasy material would therefore seem to be particularly valuable in approaching the emotional dynamics of interracial groups, not only because it gives the researcher access to information usually denied him through other methods of inquiry, but also because it gives the group member an opportunity to reveal sentiments that he may ordinarily feel socially inappropriate. In interracial groups of fairly extensive and intimate contact, blacks and whites, perhaps for the first time, encounter a situation that is not easily grasped in terms of their pre-existing cultural models of the interpersonal world. How do they go about making emotional "sense" out of this situation and their relations to other people in it? Are there any observable regularities in the emotional mechanisms that come to play in the interpersonal relations in groups of a particular racial and sexual composition? This research attempts in a preliminary way to answer these
Penile reflexes in intact rats following anesthetization of the penis and ejaculation

Application of the topical anesthetic pontocaine (tetracaine hydrochloride) to the penis and preputial sheath virtually abolished the display of penile reflexes by intact rats. When pontocaine was applied immediately following ejaculation in copula, however, normal genital reflexes were observed in the majority of rats, albeit with a prolonged latency to the first erection relative to the control test. These same animals were, nonetheless, unable to achieve intromission when returned to the mating arena despite repeated mounting attempts. These data suggest that sensory input to the genitalia is generally necessary for the display of penile reflexes in the rat. However, stimuli associated with copulation can override the suppressive effect of sensory loss of these reflexes, presumably due to removal of supraspinal inhibition.
Top versus bottom origin prompt leptons at hadron colliders

Abstract We study the prompt lepton signal from the semileptonic decay of heavy quarks produced in pp collisions at s = 540 GeV . Phase space and the W boson propagator effects in the decay as well as the heavy quark fragmentation function effects are analyzed. Lepton signals from bottom and top quarks are expected to be comparable in magnitude for P l T ⪸ 20 GeV if the top quark mass is 25–40 GeV. The contribution from the W boson produced top quark is substantial and gives large charge asymmetry in the lepton rapidity distribution.
Basophils: what they 'can do' versus what they 'actually do'

Basophils, the least abundant granulocytes, have poorly understood functions. They have been linked to the development of T helper type 2 immunity during parasite infection and allergic inflammation. Emerging evidence has not only shown the critical involvement of basophils in the development of T helper type 2 immunity but also provided useful animal models with which basophil functions can be further examined. However, distinctions must be made between what basophils 'can do' after in vitro manipulation and what they 'actually do' during in vivo immune responses; these may be very different. In this review, the functions of basophils determined on the basis of analysis of in vitro and in vivo systems and their potential involvement in clinical settings are discussed.
EPA's risk management regulation: Communicating worst-case scenarios

I would like to begin with a little exercise—I would like you to transport yourself back to your plant. Now, as you're back in your office, imagine for a moment that the plant emergency alarms start to go off. You catch a faint hint of ammonia as you walk to your office window. What you see can easily be described as your worst nightmare. You feel as though your heart has stopped and you freeze as if you were paralyzed. The 40 million pound (18 million kilogram) capacity double-walled ammonia storage tank located about 200 yards (182 meters) from your office has a massive leak. Ammonia is vaporizing and being carried downwind toward the city in which you and your family live. All right—enough of the nightmare. What went through your mind? How would you react? What would be the impact on you, your family, your community? It wouldn't be good, I can assure you. Why have I tried to ruin your day by asking you to live a nightmare? For one simple reason—to show you what the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is going to make us all do under its proposed Risk Management Program (RMP) regulation. In fact, the EPA goes a step further. It will ask us not only to create our nightmares for ourselves, but to share them with the communities around our plants that could be impacted by our nightmare releases.
Estrogen and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) independently down-regulate critical repressors of breast cancer growth

Although estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling are important for normal mammary development and breast cancer, cross-talk between these pathways, particularly at the level of transcription, remains poorly understood. We performed microarray analysis on MCF-7 breast cancer cells treated with estradiol (E2) or IGF-I for 3 or 24 h. IGF-I regulated mRNA of five to tenfold more genes than E2, and many genes were co-regulated by both ligands. Importantly, expression of these co-regulated genes correlated with poor prognosis of human breast cancer. Closer examination revealed enrichment of repressed transcripts. Interestingly, a number of potential tumor suppressors, for example, B-cell linker (BLNK), were down-regulated by IGF-I and E2. Analysis of three down-regulated genes showed that E2-mediated repression occurred independently of IGF-IR, and IGF-I-mediated repression occurred independently of ERα. However, repression by IGF-I or E2 required common kinases, such as PI3K and MEK, suggesting downstream convergence of the two pathways. In conclusion, E2 and IGF-I co-regulate a set of genes that affect breast cancer outcome. There is enrichment of repressed transcripts, and, for some genes, the down-regulation is independent at the receptor level. This may be important clinically, as tumors with active ERα and IGF-IR signaling may require co-targeting of both pathways.
On the irreducible Jordan form realization and the degree of a rational matrix

A new method for realizing a rational transfer-function matrix, in the factored form, into an irreducible Jordan canonical form state equation is presented. The method consists of two steps. First, the irreducible Jordan form structure of the internal dynamics of the system is determined simply from the ranks of an augmented coefficient matrix and its submatrices, without actually having to construct a realization. Second, the augmented coefficient matrix is decomposed in a simple manner to obtain the final realization. The construction procedure is straightforward and allows one to choose explicitly the element values with a high degree of freedom. As a natural consequence of the irreducible realization, the rank of the augmented coefficient matrix associated with a pole is defined as the degree of the pole in question. This new definition is equivalent to the McMillan/Duffin-Hazony/Kalman degree. Using this definition, many well-known properties of the degree of a rational matrix are readily established.
Layered materials: Scaling up exfoliation

High-shear mixing is now shown to be an effective approach for the exfoliation of large quantities of graphene and other two-dimensional materials, providing a viable route for the industrial scaling of applications based on these layered crystals.
Sorting of mannose 6-phosphate receptors mediated by the GGAs.

The delivery of soluble hydrolases to lysosomes is mediated by the cation-independent and cation-dependent mannose 6-phosphate receptors. The cytosolic tails of both receptors contain acidic-cluster-dileucine signals that direct sorting from the trans-Golgi network to the endosomal-lysosomal system. We found that these signals bind to the VHS domain of the Golgi-localized, γ-ear–containing, ARF-binding proteins (GGAs). The receptors and the GGAs left the trans-Golgi network on the same tubulo-vesicular carriers. A dominant-negative GGA mutant blocked exit of the receptors from the trans-Golgi network. Thus, the GGAs appear to mediate sorting of the mannose 6-phosphate receptors at the trans-Golgi network.
Leflunomide-associated weight loss in rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective To determine the frequency of weight loss in patients treated with leflunomide for rheumatoid arthritis at an arthritis referral center. Methods We queried 35 rheumatologists at the Robert Breck Brigham Arthritis Center to determine if weight loss had occurred as an adverse event in patients treated with leflunomide between November 1998 and January 2000. Five such patients were identified and their clinical course was reviewed. Results Five of 70 patients who had begun leflunomide therapy had significant weight loss that could not be linked to other identifiable etiologies. The amount of weight loss was substantial in this group of patients, ranging from 19 pounds to 53 pounds. All patients had normal levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone and no other gastrointestinal complaints; evaluation revealed no other cause for the weight loss. Despite the significant weight loss, 4 of the 5 patients continued to take the drug due to its efficacy. Conclusion Significant weight loss is a potential adverse event in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with leflunomide. Awareness of this may obviate the need for extensive medical evaluations.
Silicalite-1 zeolite composite membranes

Abstract This review paper discusses the preparation of silicalite-1 zeolite membranes, the experimental procedures used for gas separation measurements and the results of single gas and gas mixture experiments. Silicalite-alumina composite membranes were prepared by an in-situ zeolite synthesis method using an alumina membrane tube with a 5-nm-pore-diameter, γ-alumina layer as a substrate. Single gas permeances of H 2 , Ar, n-C 4 H 10 , i-C 4 H 10 and SF 6 were measured and mixtures of H 2 /i-C 4 H 10 and H 2 /SF 6 were separated to characterize the silicalite membrane. These measurements were made from 300 to 737 K. Transport through the silicalite membrane appeared to be controlled by molecular size and adsorption properties. Permeances of all components studied were activated, and activation energies ranged from 8.5 to 16.2 kJ/mol. The ratio of single gas permeances was as high as 136 for H 2 /SF 6 and 1100 for H 2 /i-C 4 H 10 at 298 K. Separation selectivities at elevated temperatures were significantly above Knudsen diffusion selectivity and were larger than ratios of pure gas permeances at the same temperature. The largest permeance ratio for the separation of mixtures was 12.8 for H 2 /SF 6 at 583 K. Separation selectivities were higher when a pressure drop was maintained across the membrane than when an inert sweep gas was used because of counter diffusion of the sweep gas.
The Treaty Power in Switzerland

The question of the proper scope of the treaty power has long been considered one of the most difficult constitutional problems in a federal system. There is already a large literature on the subject as it relates to the three English-speaking federations-the United States, Canada, and Australia. Recent controversies over the Bricker Amendment (and related proposals to limit the treaty power) have brought the problem into even sharper focus in America. There is, however, a surprising dearth of literature on the Swiss experience with the constitutional problems involved in the treaty process. In part this dearth is due to the linguistic barrier to much of the Swiss material; in part to the unique nature of the Swiss Constitution which tends to give an insular appearance to Swiss legal developments. But I shall hope to show that the Swiss experience yields an illuminating comparison with that of the English-speaking federations, and that examination of Swiss constitutional developments shows the central virtue of the comparative method to be not less valuable in public than in private law: to see a legal problem in perspective, discerning which parts of the problem are intrinsic and which are adventitious.
Plasma CRH measurement at 16 to 20 weeks' gestation does not predict preterm delivery in women at high-risk for preterm delivery

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of a single second-trimester plasma corticotropin-relasing hormone measurement as a marker for preterm delivery in women at high risk for preterm delivery. Study design This is an analysis of data from a multicenter placebo-controlled trial designed to evaluate the role of 17 alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P) in the prevention of recurrent preterm birth. Women with a documented history of a previous spontaneous preterm birth at Results The overall rates of preterm birth in this cohort of 170 patients were 35.9% at P =.08). In addition, there were no differences in corticotropin-releasing hormone levels among those who delivered at P =.90). Moreover, there were no differences in corticotropin-releasing hormone levels among those in the placebo group who delivered at P =.72) and at P =.64). Conclusion A single measurement of corticotropin-releasing hormone at 16 to 20 weeks' gestation is not a good biomarker for recurrent preterm delivery in patients at high risk for this complication.
Guest Editorial: Delivery Room Issues

A s neonatal and infant nurses, we spend most of our professional lives in the neonatal intensive care unit and nursery. Because of this, we can sometimes forget how important and impactful our practice in the delivery room (DR) can be. For most United States born infants, the first glimpse of this big, exciting world is the inside of a DR or operating room (OR). As neonatal nurses, we enter the DR and OR at a time of mixed emotions: excitement and joy over the birth of a new being, concern and fear over its health and survival. This issue of Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews delves into this critically important period and addresses a variety of concerns. Before a newborn emerges and becomes our patient, the mother's womb is its caretaker. In our first article, Baker reviews the impact of thermal interventions in the operating room for mothers and resulting neonatal outcomes. For this study, Baker conducted a retrospective chart review of mothers who underwent a scheduled low-risk cesarean delivery with the use of epidural or spinal anesthesia. She provides a compelling argument for the importance of maintaining an adequate thermal environment and proposes further investigation into the use of skin-to-skin practices in the OR. Sticking with the concept of hypothermia, our second article, by Cordaro et al, looks at the evidence for occlusive skin wrap use in the low-birth-weight premature infant population. This review provides a historical look at how the idea of a skin wrap progressed and where we are today. Also included is an excellent evidence-based guideline for the use of occlusive skin wraps that any institution can use to help craft or update their protocols. Evidence-based protocols are part of the cornerstones that help create an environment of clinical excellence. In our third article, Wallingford et al share their experience with implementing a quality improvement project focused on adopting “golden hour” practices. Upon realization that their practices in the DR greatly varied from one care provider to another, this team adopted standardized processes targeted to reduce the incidence of chronic lung disease in infants born at less than 33 weeks. Their success in decreasing chronic lung disease is a testament to their dedication to continuous quality improve-
A novel hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)activated oncolytic adenovirus for cancer therapy

New therapy targeting the hypoxic fraction of tumors needs to be designed as this population of cells is the most resistant to radio- and chemotherapies. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) mediates transcriptional responses to hypoxia by binding to hypoxia-responsive elements (HRE) in target genes. We developed a hypoxia/HIF-dependent replicative adenovirus (HYPR-Ad) to target hypoxic cells. HYPR-Ad displays hypoxia-dependent E1A expression and conditional cytolysis of hypoxic but not normoxic cells. This work provides proof-of-principle evidence that an attenuated oncolytic adenovirus that selectively lyses cells under hypoxia can be generated. This therapeutic approach can be used to treat all solid tumors that develop hypoxia, regardless of their tissue origin or genetic alterations.