cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of cell surface protease matriptase by HAI2 is essential for placental development, neural tube closure and embryonic survival in mice.

Hypomorphic mutations in the human SPINT2 gene cause a broad spectrum of abnormalities in organogenesis, including organ and digit duplications, atresia, fistulas, hypertelorism, cleft palate and hamartoma. SPINT2 encodes the transmembrane serine protease inhibitor HAI2 (placental bikunin), and the severe developmental effects of decreased HAI2 activity can be hypothesized to be a consequence of excess pericellular proteolytic activity. Indeed, we show here that HAI2 is a potent regulator of protease-guided cellular responses, including motogenic activity and transepithelial resistance of epithelial monolayers. Furthermore, we show that inhibition of the transmembrane serine protease matriptase (encoded by St14 ) is an essential function of HAI2 during tissue morphogenesis. Genetic inactivation of the mouse Spint2 gene led to defects in neural tube closure, abnormal placental labyrinth development associated with loss of epithelial cell polarity, and embryonic demise. Developmental defects observed in HAI2-deficient mice were caused by unregulated matriptase activity, as both placental development and embryonic survival in HAI2-deficient embryos were completely restored by the simultaneous genetic inactivation of matriptase. However, neural tube defects were detected in HAI2-deficient mice even in the absence of matriptase, although at lower frequency, indicating that the inhibition of additional serine protease(s) by HAI2 is required to complete neural development. Finally, by genetic complementation analysis, we uncovered a unique and complex functional interaction between HAI2 and the related HAI1 in the regulation of matriptase activity during development. This study indicates that unregulated matriptase-dependent cell surface proteolysis can cause a diverse array of abnormalities in mammalian development.
Raman spectroscopic evidence for structural changes in poly-L-lysine induced by an approximately 50 mT static magnetic field

The authors have explored the mechanism of coupling of an approximately 50 mT static magnetic field with the {alpha} helices of poly-L-lysine. Structural changes in poly-L-lysine were determined by Raman spectroscopy. The testable hypothesis is that static magnetic fields of this magnitude can couple with the {alpha}-helical segments of the polypeptide, and, as a result, the structure of the polypeptide is significantly altered. The model further suggests that a static magnetic field can promote protein unfolding and can prevent refolding.
Prudence and other conditions on formal language learning

Abstract Inductive inference (IIMs) are used to model, among other things, human language learning. Various restrictions on the behavior of IIMs are investigated, the question of interest being whether restricted IIMs can be as powerful as unrestricted IIMs. It is shown that set-driven IIMs are limited in power, whereas order-independent, rearrangement-independent, and prudent IIMs are not. The motivation of formal language learning theory from human language learning is questioned.
Splenectomy in older adults: indications and clinical outcomes

The aim of this study was to improve the understanding of the indications and associated outcomes among older adults undergoing splenectomy. Data regarding patients of age ≥60 years treated between 1998 and 2008 were reviewed. Fifty patients (age 71.6 ± 8) were identified. Common indications for splenectomy included idiopathic thrombotic purpura (26.0 %) and lymphoma (28.0 %). Patient co-morbidities included hypertension (54 %), coronary artery disease (24 %) and diabetes mellitus (20 %). Twenty-seven patients (54 %) underwent laparoscopic surgery; 23 (46 %) had open procedures; more than half of open splenectomies were conversions from attempted laparoscopy. Mean post-operative length of stay (LOS) was 5.9 ± 5 days (range 1–21). Two patients died in hospital; an additional three died within 6 months. Five patients were discharged to an extended care facility (ECF). Three patients required readmission within 30 days. Increased age was associated with need for ECF (p = 0.01). Increasing LOS, but not age, was associated with 6-month mortality (p = 0.04). Although we noted a 10 % in hospital mortality rate, splenectomy appears to be safe for carefully selected older adults.
Renal allograft tolerance in DLA-identical and haploidentical dogs after nonmyeloablative conditioning and transient immunosuppression with cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil.

Abstract Background Canine models of bone marrow and renal transplantation have provided important preclinical data relevant to developing novel therapeutic protocols for hematopoietic and solid organ transplantation in human beings. Nonmyeloablative transplantation has been shown to induce stable mixed hematopoietic chimerism in normal dogs and correct the phenotype of canine pyruvate kinase deficiency and Glanzman’s thrombasthenia. In this study, we investigated the potential for inducing renal allograft tolerance using a nonmyeloablative bone marrow transplantation strategy that induces mixed chimerism in DLA-identical dogs. Methods Reciprocal renal allografts were performed in 4 DLA-identical and 4 DLA-haploidentical dogs with nonmyeloablative conditioning (200 cGy total body irradiation [TBI]) and transient immunosuppression with cyclosporine (CSP) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) with and without simultaneous bone marrow transplantation. Two DLA-identical control dogs received reciprocal renal allografts without TBI or immunosuppression with CSP and MMF. Serum creatinine (Cr) concentration was monitored to assess renal allograft function. Results The renal allografts were acutely rejected in the 2 DLA-identical dogs without TBI or immunosuppression. There was long-term (>1 year) renal allograft survival as evidenced by a normal ( Conclusions Nonmyeloablative conditioning (200 cGy TBI) and transient immunosuppression with CSP and MMF induce renal allograft tolerance in DLA-identical and DLA-haploidentical dogs without donor/host mixed hematopoietic chimerism. These findings suggest it may be possible to induce tolerance to solid organ transplants without the need for chronic immunosuppressive therapy or stable hematopoietic chimerism in the setting of both DLA-matched and haploidentical transplants.
Epigenetic alterations differ in phenotypically distinct human neuroblastoma cell lines

Background: Epigenetic aberrations and a CpG island methylator phenotype have been shown to be associated with poor outcomes in children with neuroblastoma (NB). Seven cancer related genes (THBS-1, CASP8, HIN-1, TIG-1, BLU, SPARC, and HIC-1) that have been shown to have epigenetic changes in adult cancers and play important roles in the regulation of angiogenesis, tumor growth, and apoptosis were analyzed to investigate the role epigenetic alterations play in determining NB phenotype. Methods: Two NB cell lines (tumorigenic LA1-55n and non-tumorigenic LA1-5s) that differ in their ability to form colonies in soft agar and tumors in nude mice were used. Quantitative RNA expression analyses were performed on seven genes in LA1-5s, LA1-55n and 5-Aza-dC treated LA1-55n NB cell lines. The methylation status around THBS-1, HIN-1, TIG-1 and CASP8 promoters was examined using methylation specific PCR. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was used to examine histone modifications along the THBS-1 promoter. Luciferase assay was used to determine THBS-1 promoter activity. Cell proliferation assay was used to examine the effect of 5-Aza-dC on NB cell growth. The soft agar assay was used to determine the tumorigenicity. Results: Promoter methylation values for THBS-1, HIN-1, TIG-1, and CASP8 were higher in LA1-55n cells compared to LA1-5s cells. Consistent with the promoter methylation status, lower levels of gene expression were detected in the LA1-55n cells. Histone marks associated with repressive chromatin states (H3K9Me3, H3K27Me3, and H3K4Me3) were identified in the THBS-1 promoter region in the LA1-55n cells, but not the LA1-5s cells. In contrast, the three histone codes associated with an active chromatin state (acetyl H3, acetyl H4, and H3K4Me3) were present in the THBS-1 promoter region in LA1-5s cells, but not the LA1-55n cells, suggesting that an accessible chromatin structure is important for THBS-1 expression. We also show that 5-Aza-dC treatment of LA1-55n cells alters the DNA methylation status and the histone code in the THBS-1 promoter modifies cell morphology, and inhibits their ability to form colonies in soft agar. Conclusion: Our results suggest that epigenetic aberrations contribute to NB phenotype, and that tumorigenic properties can be inhibited by reversing the epigenetic changes with 5-Aza-dC.
Natural herpesvirus hominis infection of a gibbon (Hylobates lar).

Herpesvirus hominis was isolated from the brain of a pet male gibbon (Hylobates lar) which died of apparent encephalitis in April, 1958, in Los Angeles County, California. The source of infection is presumed to have been a human carrying the virus asymptomatically.
ESR investigation of gas-solid interactions: The oxygen-zinc oxide system*

ESR measurements were combined with determinations of the amount of oxygen adsorbed or desorbed on ZnO in order to investigate the relationship between the solid state electronic properties of a semiconductor catalyst and the amounts and the nature of the adsorbed oxygen species. The ESR spectral study indicates paramagnetic species associated with solid state donors ( g = 1.96) and those associated with various adsorbed oxygen species ( g ∼ 2). The quantitative studies led to a tentative identification of the oxygen surface species and assignment of g value: O 2 ( g = 2.04), O − ( g = 2.010), and O 2 − (no observable resonance). The electron transfer occurring between the solid and the various adsorbed species was studied in detail in an adsorption-desorption cycle. Pretreatments such as heating the ZnO in vacuum or in oxygen were found to affect the ESR of the ZnO, the amount of oxygen adsorbed, and the character of the adsorbed species. With the ESR results as criteria of adsorption and charge transfer, appreciable oxygen adsorption occurs only when donor states are present in ZnO.
An Analysis of the Effects of Gibberellic Acid on Tomato Leaf Growth

The effects of four consecutive daily sprays of gibberellic acid (GA3) on the growth of leaves of young tomato plants cv. Potentate were studied. Total leaf weight and area were increased by GA3. The percentage changes were larger in the younger leaves than in the older but the absolute increases of the middle leaves accounted for most of the total response. Chlorophyll content, both total and per unit weight, was reduced by GA3 in the older leaves and increased in the younger ; on an area basis it was reduced in all but the youngest leaves. Palisade cell length and palisade cell number per unit section length were reduced by GA3 in the oldest leaves and increased in the youngest. There were larger intercellular spaces in both mesophyll layers and a larger transectional area of the mid-ribs of the oldest and two youngest leaves in GA3-treated plants. The 'surface areas' of epidermal cells were also increased by GA3 treatment. Leaf fresh weight per unit area was only a true index of lamina thickness in the two oldest leaves.
DISTINCTIVENESS OF ENCODING AND LEARNING WORDS: FORMS OF "DISTINCTIVENESS" AND RETENTION OF VOCABULARY IN IMMEDIATE AND LONGER TERM MEMORY

S~mzmary.-The distinctiveness of encoding paradigm which was recently developed in the levels of processing perspective has been successfully employed with prose/textual materials. An experiment was conducted to ascertain the most viable form of distinctiveness in learning words 2nd to ascertain relative effectiveness in both short (immediately after testing) and longer term (1 mo. later) recall. Since the inception of the "levels-of-processing" paradigm by Craik and Lockhart in 1972, this perspective has undergone several changes. Jacoby and Craik (1979) and Jacoby, Craik, and Begg (1979) have offered a distinctiveness-of-encoding hypothesis. This suggests that specific forms of processing events may form more exact perceptual descriptions and more distinctive records in memory. This perspective has been examined by Glover, Plake, Roberts, Zirnmer, and Pdmere (1981) with prose materials which subjects were required to paraphrase and to use in drawing inferences about to-belearned materials. Further research by Glover, Plake, and Zimmer ( 1982) examined the distinctiveness notion utiiizing higher order objectives, stemming from Bloom's taxonomy of educational objectives (Bloom, Engelhart, Furst, Hillard, & Krathwohl, 1956). Later, viewing distinctiveness as decisions regarding to-be-learned materials and the difficulty of those decisions, Benton, Glover, and Bruning (1983) investigated the number of decisions and placement of those decisions in paragraphs and concluded that recall increases as the number of decisions is increased. Benton, Glover, Monkowski, and Shaughnessy (1983) also assessed the decisions perspective by testing good and poor readers and examining the difficulty and context of those decisions. They ascertained that both levels of questions (as determined by Bloom's taxonomy) and level of difficulty directly influence recall. Further, elaboration of processing and "spread" of processing was seen (Craik & Tulving, 1975) to enhance memory and recall. One form of "distinctiveness" seen to facilitate learning was studied by Glover, Bruning, and Plake (1982). Glover and associates utilized scrambled summary sentences which required rearranging to facilitate recall of prose materials. There have been several weaknesses in such studies of distinctiveness.
Revenue surprises and stock returns

Abstract This paper examines the relation between revenue surprises and contemporaneous and future stock returns. It also investigates whether analysts update their earnings forecasts in response to revenue surprises in a timely and unbiased fashion. Stock price reaction on the earnings announcement date is significantly related to contemporaneous as well as past revenue surprises. After controlling for earnings surprises, we find significant abnormal returns in the post-announcement period for stocks that have large revenue surprises. Although analysts revise their forecasts of future earnings in response to revenue surprises, they are slow to incorporate fully the information in revenue surprises.
IONIC TRANSFERENCE NUMBERS IN CELLOPHANE MEMBRANES.

The "apparent" cation transference number within cellophane is determined for HCl, KCl, NH4Cl, NaCl, and LiCl. The method consists in measuring the E.M.F. in a concentration chain employing Ag:AgCl electrodes or calomel electrodes and calculating from formulas derived for cases of simple, unconstrained diffusion. The transference numbers and the cation mobilities relative to the chloride ion were found to be higher in the cellophane (relative cation mobilities increased about 40 per cent). The effect of the membrane is discussed. It is emphasized that with the introduction of a membrane as a liquid junction new factors are introduced, which are not considered in the formulas ordinarily used. Such factors may be activity changes due to dimensional or other reasons and particularly electrical effects exhibited by the membrane upon the ionic diffusion. Accordingly the transference number, as determined, may lack well defined physical significance.
Competition conditional on recruitment and temporary escape from predators on a tropical rocky shore

Abstract On a rocky headland on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica we document a period of heavy recruitment of the barnacle, Chthamalus fissus Darwin, in an area infrequently visited by its major predator, the muricid gastropod, Acanthina brevidentata (Wood). For much of 1984, Chthamalus fissus occupied most available free space in the area, appearing to surround and imprison pulmonate limpets, Siphonaria gigas (Sowerby), on their home scars. Limpets lost weight when imprisoned, a situation which persisted until barnacles were removed by Acanthina brevidentata predation. Limpets had little effect on barnacles. Heavy barnacle recruitment in predator-free areas occupied by the limpet is unpredictable in space and time. As a result the negative effect of barnacles on limpets probably has little evolutionary consequence for the limpet.
Fluid administration attenuates the haemodynamic effect of frusemide in running horses

The effect of blood volume repletion after frusemide administration on the right atrial and pulmonary artery pressure responses of horses to exercise has not been reported. We examined right atrial and pulmonary artery pressure and plasma atrial natriuretic peptide concentration (ANP) responses to an incremental exercise test in 6 Standardbred mares. Horses were treated, in a 3 way cross over design, with isotonic saline, frusemide (1 mg/kg bwt, i.v.), and frusemide followed 3 h later by lactated Ringer's solution (12 ml/kg bwt, i.v.). Three and a half hours after saline or frusemide administration the horses completed a standard exercise test. Frusemide significantly affected the right atrial and pulmonary artery pressure and ANP responses to exercise. Fluid administration decreased plasma total protein concentrations at rest and during running and abolished the effects of frusemide on the haemodynamic and ANP responses to exercise. These results suggest that the haemodynamic effect of frusemide in running horses is mediated, in large part, by a reduction in plasma and blood volume.
Chandra High-Resolution X-Ray Spectrum of Supernova Remnant 1E 0102.2–7219

Chandra High Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer observations of the supernova remnant (SNR) 1E 0102.2-7219 in the Small Magellanic Cloud reveal a spectrum dominated by X-ray emission lines from hydrogen-like and helium-like ions of oxygen, neon, magnesium, and silicon, with little iron. The dispersed spectrum shows a series of monochromatic images of the source in the light of individual spectral lines. Detailed examination of these dispersed images reveals Doppler shifts within the SNR, indicating bulk matter velocities on the order of 1000 km s-1. These bulk velocities suggest an expanding ringlike structure with additional substructure, inclined to the line of sight. A two-dimensional spatial/velocity map of the SNR shows a striking spatial separation of redshifted and blueshifted regions and indicates a need for further investigation before an adequate three-dimensional model can be found. The radii of the ringlike images of the dispersed spectrum vary with ionization stage, supporting an interpretation of progressive ionization due to passage of the reverse shock through the ejecta. Plasma diagnostics with individual emission lines of oxygen are consistent with an ionizing plasma in the low-density limit and provide temperature and ionization constraints on the plasma. Assuming a pure metal plasma, the mass of oxygen is estimated at ~6 M☉, consistent with a massive progenitor.
Geometrical optimization of resonant cantilevers vibrating in in-plane flexural modes

The influence of the beam geometry on the quality factor and resonance frequency of resonant silicon cantilever beams vibrating in their fundamental in-plane flexural mode has been investigated in air and water. Compared to cantilevers vibrating in their out-of-plane flexural mode, utilizing the in-plane mode results in reduced damping and reduced mass loading by the surrounding fluid. Quality factors as high as 4,300 in air and 67 in water have been measured for cantilevers with a 12 µm thick silicon layer. This is in comparison to Q-factors up to 1,500 in air and up to 20 in water for cantilevers vibrating in their fundamental out-of-plane bending mode. Based on the experimental data, design guidelines are established for beam dimensions that ensure maximal Q-factors and minimal mass loading by the surrounding fluid.
The Development and Evaluation of a Portion Plate for Youth: A Pilot Study

Objective To develop and evaluate a portion plate for adolescents (Nutri-plate). Methods Sixteen African American adolescents (mean age = 12.94 years; 66% male) were randomized to participate in either plate design or nutrition education sessions. Adolescents’ input was used to create the Nutri-plate, and participants’ food selection and intake was evaluated. Results Adolescents indicated the plate should include simple yet colorful visual and textual information about healthful eating. Participants left less food on their plate when dining with the Nutri-plate as compared with a plain plate (P < .01). Examination of effect sizes suggested that when using the Nutri-plate, participants selected less food overall (d = 0.73), more fruit (d = -0.64), more broccoli au gratin (d = -0.85), and less steamed broccoli (d = 0.87). Participants with higher body mass index selected a greater amount of healthful food when using the Nutri-plate (P < .05). Conclusions and Implications Further evaluation is needed to determine the influence of a portion plate on adolescents’ nutritional behaviors.
Distinct effects of T-bet in TH1 lineage commitment and IFN-γ production in CD4 and CD8 T cells

T-bet is a member of the T-box family of transcription factors that appears to regulate lineage commitment in CD4 T helper (TH) lymphocytes in part by activating the hallmark TH1 cytokine, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). IFN-gamma is also produced by natural killer (NK) cells and most prominently by CD8 cytotoxic T cells, and is vital for the control of microbial pathogens. Although T-bet is expressed in all these cell types, it is required for control of IFN-gamma production in CD4 and NK cells, but not in CD8 cells. This difference is also apparent in the function of these cell subsets. Thus, the regulation of a single cytokine, IFN-gamma, is controlled by distinct transcriptional mechanisms within the T cell lineage.
Single Transistor Learning Synapses

We describe single-transistor silicon synapses that compute, learn, and provide non-volatile memory retention. The single transistor synapses simultaneously perform long term weight storage, compute the product of the input and the weight value, and update the weight value according to a Hebbian or a backpropagation learning rule. Memory is accomplished via charge storage on polysilicon floating gates, providing long-term retention without refresh. The synapses efficiently use the physics of silicon to perform weight updates; the weight value is increased using tunneling and the weight value decreases using hot electron injection. The small size and low power operation of single transistor synapses allows the development of dense synaptic arrays. We describe the design, fabrication, characterization, and modeling of an array of single transistor synapses. When the steady state source current is used as the representation of the weight value, both the incrementing and decrementing functions are proportional to a power of the source current. The synaptic array was fabricated in the standard 2µm double - poly, analog process available from MOSIS.
RFLP mapping of the abp1 locus in maize (Zea mays L.).

RFLP mapping is used in this study to assign a locus to the auxin-binding protein, the putative first element in the auxin signal transduction pathway, in Zea mays.
Effects of enhanced UV‐B radiation on a weedy forb (Plantago lanceolata) and its interactions with a generalist and specialist herbivore

Assessments of potential impacts of global climate change often focus exclusively on plants; however, as the base of most food webs, plants generally experiencc abiotic stresscs concomitantly with biotic stresses. Longleaf olantain. Plantago lanceolata L., is a cosmopolitan temperate perennial weed that experiences a wide range of environmental conditions throughout its range. We examined the impacts of clevated levels of exposure to shortwave (UV-B) radiation on this plant, on two herbivores associated with this plant, and on the plant-herbivore interaction. Plantains were grown at 6 and 12 kJ m -2 d -1 BE 300 UV-B radiation and concentrations of iridoid glycosides (aucubin and catalpol). verbascosides. and nitrogen were measured. In terms of plant impacts, we found that iridoid glycoside concentrations were unchanged by elcvated UV-B radiation, whereas, in one experiment. the concentration of verbascosides in young leaves and levels of nitrogen in old leaves increased under elevated UV-B radiation. Variation in plant chemistry due to leaf age and maternal family was greater than variation duc to UV-B exposure. When caterpillars were fed excised leaves from plants grown under elevated UV-B, growth and survivorship of the specialist herbivore, Precis coenia Hbn. (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), were unaltered and growth of the generalist herbivore, Trichoplusia ni (Hbn.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), was accelerated. When the caterpillars were reared on potted plants at high and low levels of UV-B radiation, growth and survivorship of P. coenia were unchanged while growth of T. ui was significantly depressed by elevated UV-B. Elevated UV-B altered allocation patterns of above-ground biomass in these plants; masses of crowns and reproductive tissue were reduced. UV-B levels, however, did not affect distribution of damage to foliage inflicted by either species. In two additional experiments with artificial diet, designed to test the direct effect of UV-B radiation on caterpillars. growth and survivorship of P. coenia were unaltered while survivorship of T. ni was significantly depressed when caterpillars were exposed to elevated UV-B radiation. These studies collectively demonstrate that higher trophic level impacts of UV-B-induced changes in plants depend on the identity of the herbivore and its degree of adaptation not only to variation in hostplant quality but also variation in its light environment.
A Model El Niño–Southern Oscillation

Abstract A coupled atmosphere-ocean model is developed and used to study the ENSO (El Ni&ntilde/Southern Oscillation) phenomenon. With no anomalous external forcing, the coupled model reproduces certain key features of the observed phenomenon. including the recurrence of warm events at irregular intervals with a preference for three to four years. It is shown that the mean sea surface temperature, wind and ocean current fields determine the characteristic spatial structure of ENSO anomalies. The tendency for phase-locking of anomalies is explained in terms of a variation in coupling strength associated with the annual cycle in the mean fields. Sensitivity studies reveal that both the amplitude and the time of scale of the oscillation are sensitive to several parameters that affect the strength of the atmosphere–ocean coupling. Stronger coupling implies larger oscillations with a longer time scale. A critical element of the model oscilliation is the variability in the equatorial heat content of the upper o...
Underwriter Reputation: Certification in Seasoned Equity Issues

In this paper I examine the relation between certification and the reputation of underwriters. Based on seasoned equity offers between 1976 and 2005, I document a positive abnormal announcement return associated with the selection of an underwriter that is more reputable than expected given publicly available firm and issue characteristics. Having an issue underwritten by a surprisingly more reputable underwriter is associated with a durable decrease in bid-ask spreads lasting about three quarters from the announcement date. This effect and the aforementioned one on announcement returns are both stronger with firms that have higher levels of asymmetric information ahead of the offering. These results are consistent with the quality of the underwriter being directly related to the often mentioned certification effect, consisting of a reduction in information asymmetry.
Lack of dose response by dietary n-3 fatty acids at a constant ratio of n-3 to n-6 fatty acids in suppressing eicosanoid biosynthesis from arachidonic acid

This study evaluated whether it is the ratio of n-3 to n-6 fatty acids or the absolute amount of n-3 fatty acids in diets that determines the degree of inhibition of eicosanoid biosynthesis from arachidonic acid (AA). Rats were fed diets containing different doses of linolenic acid or menhaden oil for 3 mo. Constant ratios of n-3 to n-6 fatty acids were maintained by concomitant increases in safflower oil as the n-6 fatty acid source. Results showed that AA concentrations in liver, platelet, and lung phospholipids and concentrations of eicosanoids synthesized in tissues were significantly (P less than 0.05) suppressed both by linolenic acid and menhaden oil; however, there was a lack of a dose response within groups fed different amounts of the same dietary fat. These results indicate that the ratio of n-3 to n-6 fatty acids in the diets, rather than the absolute amount of n-3 fatty acids, is the determining factor in inhibiting eicosanoid biosynthesis from AA.
Speculations on Managed Care

This essay analyzes the way forward for public health care in the wake of the political defeat of managed care under President Clinton.
25.3 A 40-to-330GHz synthesizer-free THz spectroscope-on-chip exploiting electromagnetic scattering

The terahertz band (0.3 to 3.0THz) has been found to be spectroscopically rich with many substances possessing strong and unique absorption signatures useful for chemical and biomedical sensing applications [1–4]. Photonics-based methods for spectrum analysis of the incident signal require complex time-domain spectroscopy systems achieving bandwidths more than 1THz but with resolution in GHz range. Classical solid-state down-conversion architectures can achieve much higher resolution but require a large bank of frequency synthesizers and multipliers to generate LO frequencies covering the entire band [1,2]. Evidently, enabling frequency generation on-chip covering the large frequency band (40 to 330GHz in this case) operating above fmax of the solid-state technology is impractical [3,4].
Abstract 3680: Drug screening for glioblastoma patients

The modest benefits of chemotherapy for Glioblastoma (GBM) patients’ makes it urgent to find potent drugs or combinations that can inhibitor tumor cell growth and proliferation. We have devised drug screening based on the NIH clinical collection compounds. This collection included 446 compounds that all have history of use in human clinical trials. The positive compounds can be rapidly entered into clinical trials for GBM. After found 22 drugs/compounds that can inhibit U87 cell proliferation and we tested 15 available positive drugs with A172, LN443, U118 cell line. After confirming in established serum-grown cell lines, we tested 8 FDA approved drugs in GBM primary cells with stem cell like features isolated from fresh brain tumor tissue samples and cultured in stem cell media. The various drug responses amongst the different patients’ primary cells suggested that we may be able to personalize drugs to optimize outcomes. In addition, we found that certain combinations of FDA approved drug had significantly enhanced activity against GBM cells in vitro when compared to the same agents used alone. Our work reveals that screening drugs and combinations for GBM patient may have clinical implications. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3680. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3680
Review of the basic principles of drug action.

HE KIDNEY is primarily responsible for the extraordinary constancy of the extracellular environment that is required for optional function of individual cells within respective organs and organ systems. The functional unit of the kidney, the nephron, is the anatomic unit responsible for conserving essential solutes within the plasma filtrate while insuring the excretion of nonessential plasma constituents in the urine. Except for the contribution of the thirst mechanism, water and electrolyte homeostasis is accomplished almost exclusively by changes in urine volume and composition and as a result, plasma osmolality rarely varies more than 2%. ‘J Urine elaboration is a highly integrated and complex physiologic process by which the volume and chemical composition of the plasma filtrate are sequentially altered as the fluid flows along the tubule as a consequence of different permeability and transport properties of the epithelial cells that comprise the tubule. The mammalian kidney is multiform and characterized by inter- as well as intra-renal anatomic and functional heterogeneity. Vascular and tubular heterogeneity, manifested as individual functions of various parts of the kidney, necessitate a highly integrated response to various physiologic, pathophysiologic, and pharmacologic influences. Thus, functional integrity of the kidney is essential for maintaining constancy in tonicity, composition, and volume of the body fluids. i Consequently, the dynamics and distribution of renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, sequential tubular reabsorption, and secretion of water, electrolytes, and other plasma solutes are delicately controlled and coordinated by the orchestration of specific mechanical , neural ., and hormonal control systems. In the scientific delineation of the effects of specific chemical entities on living organisms (pharmacology), the kidney frequently has a dual role in
FRACTAL ANALYSIS OF ENERGY CONSUMPTION OF ROCK FRAGMENTATION IN ROTARY DRILLING

According to the fractal theory,a fractal model for consuming energy on rock fragmentation is provided through energy consumption analysis of rock fragmentation in rotary drilling. The factors,such as size distribution of rock cuttings and energy consumption in the process of drilling are taken into account and the factors affecting energy consumption of rock fragmentation on the bit are considered. The model shows that the energy consumption on rock fragmentation is not only related to the drilling parameters such as weight on bit and rotational speed,but also the size of rock cuttings and the fractal dimension of size distribution. The model can be used to determine the necessary energy consumed on rock fragmentation and it can also be inversely used to optimize drilling parameters with the energy consumption on the rock fragmentation. In addition,the three classical formulas of the crushing work ratio theory can be obtained by properly simplifying the model,hence,the general applycation of the model is proved.
TU-H-CAMPUS-IeP2-05: Breast and Soft Tissue-Equivalent 3D Printed Phantoms for Imaging and Dosimetry.

Purpose: The study has the goal to demonstrate that breast and soft tissue-equivalent phantoms for dosimetry applications in the diagnostic energy range can be fabricated using common 3D printing methods. Methods: 3D printing provides the opportunity to rapidly prototype uniquely designed objects from a variety of materials. Common 3D printers are usually limited to printing objects based on thermoplastic materials such as PLA, or ABS. The most commonly available plastic is PLA, which has a density significantly greater than soft tissue. We utilized a popular 3D printer to demonstrate that tissue specific phantom materials can be generated through the careful selection of 3D printing parameters. A series of stepwedges were designed and printed using a Makerbot Replicator2 3D printing system. The print file provides custom adjustment of the infill density, orientation and position of the object on the printer stage, selection of infill patterns, and other control parameters. The x-ray attenuation and uniformity of fabricated phantoms were evaluated and compared to common tissue-equivalent phantom materials, acrylic and BR12. X-ray exposure measurements were made using narrow beam geometry on a clinical mammography unit at 28 kVp on the series of phantoms. The 3D printed phantoms were imaged at 28 kVp to visualize the internal structure and uniformity in different planes of the phantoms. Results: By utilizing specific in-fill density and patterns we are able to produce a phantom closely matching the attenuation characteristics of BR12 at 28 kVp. The in-fill patterns used are heterogeneous, so a judicious selection of fill pattern and the orientation of the fill pattern must be made in order to obtain homogenous attenuation along the intended direction of beam propagation. Conclusions: By careful manipulation of the printing parameters, breast and soft tissue-equivalent phantoms appropriate for use at imaging energies can be fabricated using 3D printing techniques.
In Conclusion: Living Wisely in the Darkness

TWO THOMASES: AQUINAS AND REID Having opened his Summa contra gentiles with some reflections on “the office of the wise man,” and having remarked that “among all human pursuits, the pursuit of wisdom is more perfect, more noble, more useful, and more full of joy” than any other (I,2,2), Thomas Aquinas, in a passage unusual in his work for its use of the first person singular pronoun, goes on to declare that “in the name of the divine Mercy, I have the confidence to embark upon the work of a wise man, even though this may surpass my powers” (I,2,2). That work, he says, is the work “of making known … the truth that the Catholic faith professes, and of setting aside the errors that are opposed to it” (I,2,2). What follows these introductory comments is four rather lengthy books in which Aquinas articulates Christian theology in the manner of a scientia , polemicizing along the way against alternative positions. Why does Aquinas think that articulating Christian theology in scientific fashion, and polemicizing against alternatives, is a way of exercising the office of a wise person? After citing Aristotle to authorize his adherence to common usage, Aquinas remarks that “the usage of the multitude … has commonly held that they are to be called wise who order things rightly and govern them well.” He supports his view on this point of usage by appealing to Aristotle on this matter as well, remarking that “among other things that men have conceived about the wise man, the Philosopher includes the notion that “it belongs to the wise man to order” (I,1,1).
Low-Fidelity Simulation Versus Live Human Arms for Intravenous Cannulation Training: A Qualitative Assessment

In the military, as well as in civilian medical settings, the question of whether to use simulation versus live tissue remains in debate. The purpose of this paper is to examine qualitative data provided by students (n = 260) attending the Army’s Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program who completed peripheral intravenous cannulation (PIVC) training using either a Simulated Human Arm (SHA) (n = 135) or a Live Human Arm (LHA) (n = 124). Students provided subjective responses in a written format pertaining to their PIVC training method. Data patterns were assessed using Spradley’s semantic relationship approach. Results reveal that both those using a SHA and a LHA reported feeling confident following training, however the reasons for their confidence differed. Those using a SHA felt confident due to the opportunity to repeatedly practice on a simulated arm, while those learning on a LHA felt assured knowing they had performed PIVC successfully on a live human during LPN training.
Identification of Novel CD4+ T Cell Subsets in the Target Tissue of Sjögren’s Syndrome and Their Differential Regulation by the Lymphotoxin/LIGHT Signaling Axis

Despite being one of the most common rheumatologic diseases, there is still no disease-modifying drug for primary Sjogren’s syndrome (pSS). Advancing our knowledge of the target tissue has been limited by the low dimensionality of histology techniques and the small size of human salivary gland biopsies. In this study, we took advantage of a molecularly validated mouse model of pSS to characterize tissue-infiltrating CD4+ T cells and their regulation by the lymphotoxin/LIGHT signaling axis. Novel cell subsets were identified by combining highly dimensional flow and mass cytometry with transcriptomic analyses. Pharmacologic modulation of the LTβR signaling pathway was achieved by treating mice with LTβR-Ig, a therapeutic intervention currently being tested in pSS patients (Baminercept trial [NCT01552681][1]). Using these approaches, we identified two novel CD4+ T cell subsets characterized by high levels of PD1: Prdm1 + effector regulatory T cells expressing immunoregulatory factors, such as Il10 , Areg , Fgl2 , and Itgb8 , and Il21 + effector conventional T cells expressing a pathogenic transcriptional signature. Mirroring these observations in mice, large numbers of CD4+PD1+ T cells were detected in salivary glands from Sjogren’s patients but not in normal salivary glands or kidney biopsies from lupus nephritis patients. Unexpectedly, LTβR-Ig selectively halted the recruitment of PD1− naive, but not PD1+, effector T cells to the target tissue, leaving the cells with pathogenic potential unaffected. Altogether, this study revealed new cellular players in pSS pathogenesis, their transcriptional signatures, and differential dependency on the lymphotoxin/LIGHT signaling axis that help to interpret the negative results of the Baminercept trial and will guide future therapeutic interventions. [1]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=CLINTRIALGOV&access_num=NCT01552681&atom=%2Fjimmunol%2F197%2F10%2F3806.atom
Sexual coercion in a territorial salamander: males punish socially polyandrous female partners

Abstract Sexual intimidation (sensu Smuts & Smuts 1993, Advances in the Study of Behavior, 22, 1–63) occurs when members of one sex aggressively ‘punish’ members of the other sex that refuse to mate with them or that merely associate with other individuals of the opposite sex. We examined Clutton-Brock & Parker's (1995, Animal Behaviour, 49, 1345–1365) concept that while males of many species use punishment (intimidation) to coerce females into social or even mating monogamy, such behaviour by females towards males should be rare. However, females in some species are territorial, and aggressive, and thus they may play an active role in sexual intimidation. We tested this proposition in laboratory experiments with territorial red-backed salamanders, Plethodon cinereus, that had been found as single (nonpaired) individuals and in male–female pairs (we term members of a pair ‘partners’) in the forest. We manipulated paired males such that they either had associated with another female before returning to their female partners (socially polygynous) or had not (socially monogamous). In addition, we manipulated single males such that they either had associated with another female before encountering a focal female for the first time (socially polygynous) or had not (socially naive). During the autumn courtship season, females were significantly more aggressive (threat displays and biting) towards socially polygynous partners relative to those that were socially monogamous. In addition, females spent significantly less time touching socially polygynous partners relative to socially monogamous partners. However, females that met a male for the first time did not differ significantly in their behaviour towards socially polygynous and naive males. During the late spring, females displayed no behavioural differences towards either male partners or strangers. Thus, female aggression was context dependent, with increased aggression directed only towards polygynous partners and only during the autumn. We infer that females attempt to control social polygyny by partners through aggression during the courtship season but that this coercion ceases in the spring when the females are preoccupied with searching for nest sites for brooding their eggs.
Achievement of healthy people 2010 objective for adult pneumococcal vaccination in an American Indian community.

Objective.Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) causes significant mortality throughout the United States and greater mortality among American Indian/Alaska Natives. Vaccination reduces S. pneum...
Site-Selective Carbene-Induced C–H Functionalization Catalyzed by Dirhodium Tetrakis(triarylcyclopropanecarboxylate) Complexes

Three types of dirhodium tetrakis(triarylcyclopropanecarboxylate) complexes were generated and shown to adopt disparate high-symmetry structures. These catalysts were evaluated in the intermolecular C–H functionalization of an array of terminally substituted n-alkanes and displayed various site-selectivity as a function of catalyst and substrate structure, which could be correlated through quantitative relationships.
Descriptive Disenchantment and Prescriptive Disillusionment: Myths, Mysticism, and Psychotherapeutic Interpretation

This chapter investigates the differences between how religious studies scholars and psychotherapists approach the subject of mysticism. Writing from my dual location, as both religious studies scholar and practicing clinician, I consider the proposition that scholars only offer descriptions, explanations, and interpretations of mystical experiences, while psychotherapists make prescriptions as to whether such experiences represent healthy or unhealthy stages of human development. Throughout the chapter, I trace distinctions between descriptive and prescriptive treatments of the topics of mysticism and mystical experience from both therapists and scholars. Ultimately, we will find that many of the prescriptions that psychotherapists make when it comes to mystical experience may more rightly be considered descriptions of a perceived reality, a set of natural processes they believe they only observe. Conversely, we will find that scholars’ descriptions, explanations, and interpretations of mystical experience are also often highly prescriptive. It is simply that the prescriptions they advance are meant to achieve different ends from symptom reduction in individual patients. When scholars analyze the discourse of mystical experience, they often advance implicit and explicit claims about what is more or less beneficial, perhaps even more or less healthy, for society as a whole. Finally, I show that these considerations are fundamental to the discourse surrounding the entire subject of mysticism as both scholars and psychotherapists deliberate on the relationship between experiences and their interpretation. Ultimately, an examination of the distinctions between scholars and psychotherapists’ treatments of the mystical tells us something important about the discipline of religious studies as a whole and, along the way, a thing or two about psychotherapy as well.
Student perceptions of computing majors and professionals

This paper presents the results of a survey that examines the attitudes and perceptions that students with non-computing majors hold regarding computing majors and professionals. This survey attempts to determine how non-major students feel about computing majors, job prospects for computing majors, and whether or not they believe they understand the differences between IT, CS, and IS. Understanding how others perceive the computing profession may provide information which can help attract students to computing majors.