cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Caregiver perceptions of Parent Peer Support Services within the Wraparound Service Delivery Model

This qualitative study examined caregivers’ perceptions of Parent Peer Support (PPS) services, embedded in the Wraparound service delivery model for youth with severe emotional and behavioral disturbances (SEBD), to identify potential engagement facilitators and barriers. Wraparound is a holistic process involving multiple formal and informal providers to collectively implement an individualized, family-centered plan of care focused on maintaining youth with SEBD within the community. PPS are frequently referred to caregivers involved in Wraparound to provide additional support. Caregivers (n = 35) previously involved in an evaluation of one state’s Wraparound model participated in a single 30–60-min interview. Interview questions examined caregivers’ expectations about PPS, reasons for accepting or refusing PPS, and caregivers’ perceived impact of PPS. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using strategies from grounded theory methodology. Perceived need, as well as desire for shared experiences, knowledge, and assistance in accessing resources, facilitated accepting the PPS service. Barriers included inaccurate expectations of PPS, time limitations on Wraparound services, escalating youth behavior requiring more restrictive placements, scheduling difficulties, perceived unresponsiveness, and caregivers feeling overwhelmed by the number of providers. Caregivers indicated that PPS provided several benefits for themselves, youth in the care, and their families. However, potential barriers to ongoing engagement included perceived intrusiveness, as well as misalignment between services offered and caregivers’ needs.
Are Traditional Journalism Principles Still Alive and Well in Today’s Local TV Newsrooms?:

This study surveyed 348 local TV journalists to learn whether—given the demands of the contemporary, conglomerated television news industry—they still adhere to traditional journalistic principles....
CHISSL: A Human-Machine Collaboration Space for Unsupervised Learning

We developed CHISSL, a human-machine interface that utilizes interactive supervision to help the user group unlabeled instances by her own mental model. The user primarily interacts via correction (moving a misplaced instance into its correct group) or confirmation (accepting that an instance is placed in its correct group). Concurrent with the user’s interactions, CHISSL trains a classification model guided by the user’s grouping of the data. It then predicts the group of unlabeled instances and arranges some of these alongside the instances manually organized by the user. We hypothesize that this mode of human and machine collaboration is more effective than Active Learning, wherein the machine decides for itself which instances should be labeled by the user. We found supporting evidence for this hypothesis in a pilot study where we applied CHISSL to organize a collection of handwritten digits.
Effects of serial and concurrent training on receptive identification tasks: A Systematic replication

The current study compared the use of serial and concurrent methods to train multiple exemplars when teaching receptive language skills, providing a systematic replication of Wunderlich, Vollmer, Donaldson, and Phillips (2014). Five preschoolers diagnosed with developmental delays or autism spectrum disorders were taught to receptively identify letters or letter sounds. Subjects learned the target stimuli slightly faster in concurrent training and a high degree of generalization was obtained following both methods of training, indicating that both the serial and concurrent methods of training are efficient and effective instructional procedures.
Targeting G-protein coupled receptor-related signaling pathway in a murine xenograft model of appendiceal pseudomyxoma peritonei.

// Ashok K. Dilly 1 , Brendon D. Honick 1 , Yong J. Lee 1, 2 , Zong S. Guo 1 , Herbert J. Zeh 1 , David L. Bartlett 1 and Haroon A. Choudry 1 1 Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh PA 15232, USA 2 Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh PA 15232, USA Correspondence to: Haroon A. Choudry, email: choudrymh@upmc.edu Keywords: MUC2; xenograft; pseudomyxoma peritonei; COX-2; CREB Received: August 31, 2017 Accepted: October 17, 2017 Published: November 06, 2017 ABSTRACT Cancer cells aberrantly express mucins to enhance their survival. Relative chemoresistance of appendiceal pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is attributed to abundant extracellular mucin 2 (MUC2) protein production. We hypothesized that simultaneous MUC2 inhibition and apoptosis induction would be effective against mucinous tumors. In vitro studies were conducted using LS174T cells (MUC2-secreting human colorectal cancer cells), PMP explant tissue, and epithelial organoid cultures (colonoids) derived from mucinous appendix cancers. In vivo studies were conducted using murine intraperitoneal patient-derived xenograft model of PMP. We found COX-2 over-expression in PMP explant tissue, which is known to activate G-protein coupled EP4/cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway. MUC2 expression was reduced in vitro by small molecule inhibitors targeting EP4/PKA/CREB molecules and celecoxib (COX-2 inhibitor), and this was mediated by reduced CREB transcription factor binding to the MUC2 promoter. While celecoxib (5–40 μM) reduced MUC2 expression in vitro in a dose-dependent fashion, only high-dose celecoxib (≥ 20 μM) decreased cell viability and induced apoptosis. Chronic oral administration of celecoxib decreased mucinous tumor growth in our in vivo PMP model via a combination of MUC2 inhibition and induction of apoptosis. We provide a preclinical rationale for using drugs that simultaneously inhibit MUC2 production and induce apoptosis to treat patients with PMP.
ABOUT LONG RANGE PAIRING CORRELATIONS IN THE HUBBARD AND U-t-t’ MODELS

Using a quantum Monte Carlo method we measured pair correlation functions with different symmetries as a function of the filling, U/t and t'/t for the Hubbard and U-t-t' models. For the first time we present Monte Carlo results for U/t larger than the bandwidth 8t, away from half-filling. D-wave and extended S-wave pairing correlations are enhanced. D-wave pairing is stronger at half-filling but this behavior is reversed when the filling decreases. However, none of the eight pairing correlations that we studied increases as a function of lattice size, which makes the existence of long range superconducting order unlikely.
Gestione della ferita chirurgica

Tutto cio che il paziente riesce a vedere del vostro magnifico intervento salva-vita sul suo addome operato in urgenza e la ferita chirurgica (Fig. 49.1). Le complicanze della ferita, benche non mettano a repentaglio la vita del paziente, sono una irritante fonte di dolorosa morbilita che affligge sia il paziente che il chirurgo. Non c’e da meravigliarsi dunque se, nel corso di generazioni, i chirurghi abbiano ideato elaborati rituali di prevenzione e di trattamento di tali complicanze.
The Manner in which I went to Worship Mañjuśrī’s Realm, The Five-Peaked Mountain (Wutai), by Sumba Kanbo (1704–1788): Introduction and Translation

This essay provides a translation of the travelogue of the eminent Oirat Buddhist lama Sumba Kanbo Yeshe Baljor (1704–1788) as he made his way to the sacred Mount Wutai. Among the many details this candid account reveals is the fact that Buddhists from the Tibetan Plateau did not travel to the sacred mountain of Wutai in China for the sake of pilgrimage, but in order to foster established relationships with Mongol patrons along the way. Sumba Kanbo spent seven months on the road in 1774 en route to Wutai (compared with only one month at the mountain itself), and during that time he was received by Mongol nobility for whom, in exchange, he contributed to the creation of ‘surrogate’ pilgrimage sites in Mongolia and more generally to the ‘Buddicisation’ of Mongolia. Sumba Kanbo’s account provides a unique window into the emergence of Buddhism in Mongolia and the manner in which this phenomenon depended upon both the political and religious bonds formed between lamas such as Sumba Kanbo and Mongol nobility, commoners and landscape that these lamas encountered on their peregrinations.
The Major Adverse Transplant Events (MATE) Score Applied to a Cohort of Pediatric Heart Transplant Recipients

Purpose The MATE score evaluates a surrogate end-point comprised of MATEs that predict graft loss. The first major pediatric heart transplant (PHTX) drug study, TEAMMATE, will use the MATE score as a primary end point. We have applied a calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) minimization strategy via early transition to a proliferation signal inhibitor (PSI) since 03/11, similar to the protocol employed in the TEAMMATE study. We sought to apply the MATE score to our population. Methods All PHTX patients between 03/11-12/14 surviving to 4-mo post-HTX with 36-mo of follow-up formed the study cohort. An equal number of HTX patients from a similar prior period formed the control cohort. Study subjects followed the early transition to PSI protocol, while the control subjects remained on mycophenolate (MMF). Statistical analyses were similar to those described for the TEAMMATE study. Results Twenty-seven subjects formed each group. At study end, 77% of study subjects vs. 24% of control subjects remained on protocol. A baseline-adjusted comparison of mean MATE-3 scores at 36-mo post-HTX did not suggest a difference in efficacy between the groups (ANCOVA p = 0.50). The longitudinal linear mixed effects regression (lmer) model assessing differences in MATE-3 scores over time was not different between the groups either (p = 0.74). Safety, assessed by Tukey's Honest Significant Difference between 36-mo MATE-6 scores, was similar between the groups as well. An upper 95% confidence limit difference of +0.56 was found and is within the acceptable safety range. Lower age ( Conclusion In this small group of PHTX patients following treatment regimens similar to those found in the TEAMMATE study with a high control cross over rate, safety and efficacy seem to be similar. In older patients however, early transition to a PSI-based regimen may improve long-term outcomes.
Biomechanical Stability of Volar Plate Only Versus Addition of Dorsal Ulnar Pin Plate: A Dorsal Ulnar Fragment, C-3-Type, Distal Radius, Cadaver Fracture Model.

Objective To determine if the addition of a dorsal ulnar pin plate provides improved stability characteristics in the management of intra-articular distal radius fractures with an associated dorsal ulnar fragment. Methods OTA/AO type C3 fractures, with a dorsal ulnar fragment of one-third or one-half the width of the distal radius, were simulated in 9 matched pairs of fresh-frozen cadaveric arms randomized between fixed-angle volar plate only versus volar plate with addition of a dorsal ulnar pin plate. Prepared specimens were mounted in a custom load frame and loaded in extension with stepwise cyclic load increase. Dorsal plane interfragmentary displacements were compared between the 2 fixation constructs at 50-N and 100-N cyclic load. Results The addition of the dorsal ulnar pin plate significantly reduced interfragmentary displacements for the dorsal ulnar fragment at the 50 N load application, resulting in mean interfragmentary displacements of -0.1 ± 0.2 mm in comparison to -0.3 ± 0.2 mm with the volar plate-only construct. No other interfragmentary displacement comparisons were significant. No differences were found comparing the one-third and one-half size fragments. Conclusions The addition of a dorsal ulnar pin plate improved stability characteristics with respect to the dorsal ulnar fragment. Clinical relevance The addition of the dorsal ulnar pin plate, although statistically significant, improved displacement by less than 0.3 mm on average and thus may not prove to be important in clinical scenarios.
Production and Utilization of Reactive Oxidants by Neutrophils

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the production and utilization of reactive oxidants by Neutrophils. Neutrophils are phagocytic cells whose principal function is the identification and destruction of invading microorganisms. These organisms, which in general are much smaller than the neutrophil, are ingested by the phagocyte, which incorporates them into a cytoplasmic vesicle whose wall is composed of what was formerly the plasma membrane. The respiratory burst is the metabolic event in which the microbicidal oxidants are made. It occurs when the neutrophil is exposed to an appropriate stimulus. The O 2 -forming oxidase responsible for the respiratory burst has been and continues to be the subject of investigation in many laboratories. These studies have shown the enzyme to be a membrane-bound flavoprotein that catalyzes the one-electron reduction of oxygen to O 2 in a reaction using a reduced pyridine nucleotide as electron donor. The potent oxidizing capacity of the oxidized halogens is expressed in their reactivity against biological molecules both in vitro and in vivo . Chloramine production by HOCl includes the formation of amino acid chloramines and dichloramines, reactions that are followed by oxidative decarboxylation to yield the next lower aldehydes or nitriles, respectively.
Rapid liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry quantitation of glucose-regulating hormones from human islets of Langerhans.

Abstract Glucose homeostasis is maintained through the secretion of peptide hormones, such as insulin, somatostatin, and glucagon, from islets of Langerhans, clusters of endocrine cells found in the pancreas. This report describes an LC-MS method using multiple reaction monitoring for quantitation of insulin, C-peptide, glucagon, and somatostatin secretion from human islet populations. For rapid analysis, a 5 min separation was achieved using a 2.1 × 30 mm (i.d. x length) C18 column with 2.7 µm diameter core shell particles. A sacrificial protein hydrolysate was used with the sample and found to improve signal magnitude, repeatability, and to reduce carryover between runs. At optimized gradient conditions, the gradient run time was 4.55 min producing an average peak width of 0.3 min, a minimum resolution of 1.2, and a peak capacity of 20. As a proof of concept, the method was used to measure secretions from static incubations of human islets from 2 donors. Insulin and C-peptide were quantified and matched well with literature values of these hormones. We expect that this antibody-free quantitation of multiple hormones secreted from islets will provide insights into the temporal relationships of these peptides in the future.
With Plenty of Elbow Room: Planning New and Upgraded Spaces for Library and Archives Conservation and Audiovisual Preservation:

In 2018, the University of Kansas (KU) Libraries upgraded from a tired, twenty-year-old basement space to a new, purpose-built conservation lab for library and archives collections. The new conserv...
“Snet,” Our Man in Miami: Urban Tourism, Illegal Gambling, and the Challenge of a Sinful Southern City, 1941-1944:

South Florida developed as an urban gambling resort center that posed both cultural and political challenges to the traditional southern values that animated the state’s approach to regulating vice...
States of 122 In and 124 In

The ($t,^{3}\mathrm{He}$) reactions on $^{122}\mathrm{Sn}$ and $^{124}\mathrm{Sn}$ have been used to study the masses and the low-lying excited states of $^{122}\mathrm{In}$ and $^{124}\mathrm{In}$. The ground state $Q$ values as measured here for these two reactions are -6350(50) and -7590(50) keV, respectively, leading to masses of 121.91028(5) and 123.91344(5) u for $^{122}\mathrm{In}$ and $^{124}\mathrm{In}$. Fourteen excited states of $^{122}\mathrm{In}$ with ${\mathrm{E}}_{x}l1.2$ MeV and four excited states of $^{124}\mathrm{In}$ with ${\mathrm{E}}_{\mathrm{x}}l0.6$ MeV are also reported. Comparisons are made with $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay data.
Involvement of RIP2 in mast cell activation downstream of the high-affinity IgE receptor FcϵRI (HYP4P.304)

RIP2 is a dual-specificity kinase which is activated following the engagement of the peptidoglycan sensors NOD1 and NOD2. Despite abundant expression of RIP2 in various tissues and cell types, as well as having numerous reported binding partners, its role has primarily been demonstrated as important solely downstream of NOD1/2 signaling. We report that RIP2 potentially has a role downstream of signaling through the high affinity IgE receptor, FcϵRI. We demonstrate that members of the Src family kinases as well as Syk, which are involved in FcϵRI signaling, bind to and promote tyrosine phosphorylation of RIP2. Importantly, we show that loss of RIP2 affects mast cell activation downstream of FcϵRI but not activation mediated through other pathways such as through purinergic receptor engagement. Lastly, use of Gefitnib, a potent RIP2 inhibitor, shows downregulation of FcϵRI-mediated responses. Altogether, these data provide evidence for the involvement of RIP2 in a novel, non-NOD-mediated signaling pathway and suggest that Gefitinib or specific RIP2 inhibitors may be useful for the treatment of disorders in which mast cell FcϵRI signaling play an important role such as in allergy or asthma.
The Professoriate and the Truth

the appropriate region of human liberty. It comprises, first, the inward domain of consciousness, demanding liberty of conscience in the most comprehensive sense, liberty of thought and feeling, absolute freedom of opinion and sentiment on all subjects, practical or speculative, scientific, moral, or theological...[as well as] the liberty of expressing and publishing opinions....Secondly...liberty of tastes and pursuits, of framing the plan of our life to suit our own character, of doing as we like, subject to such consequences as may follow, without impediment from our fellow creatures, so long as it does not harm them, even though they should think our conduct foolish, perverse, or wrong. Thirdly, from this liberty...follows the liberty, within the same limits, of combination among individuals; freedom to unite for any purpose not involving harm to others....The only freedom which deserves the name is that of pursuing our own good in our own way, so long as we do not attempt to deprive others of theirs or impede their efforts to obtain it. Each is a proper guardian of his own health, whether bodily or mental and spiritual. Mankind are greater gainers by suffering each other to live as seems good to themselves than by compelling each to live as seems good to the rest....We can never be sure that the opinion we are endeavoring to stifle is a false opinion; and if we were sure, stifling it would be an evil still.
Delivering dangerous cargoes.

The structures of four type III secretion chaperones provide insights into how they function in the translocation process.
Fault handling in embedded industrial measurement and control systems: issues and a case study

With increasingly complex control systems used in a variety of commercial, aerospace, and military applications, system faults may occur during system operations. These faults inevitably result in abnormal operations and production shutdown or even disasters. Therefore, improving system reliability has become a major concern in safety-critical systems. This paper primarily addresses the issues in embedded fault-tolerant control system designs and presents a case study on vibration suppression in the aerospace industry. The design issues on embedded control systems such as component failures, sampling jitters and control delay, network-induced delay and packet loss in network transmission are discussed, all of which may have damaging effects on the closed-loop system performance. A case study on vibration control for a launch vehicle payload fairing using multiple embedded PZT actuators are also presented, where an adaptive actuator failure compensation scheme is successfully implemented. Fault-tolerant control turns out to be effective in creating more robust industrial measurement and control systems.
Identification of MHC Class II-Associated Peptides That Promote the Presentation of Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin-1 to T Cells

Previous studies have shown that the DM-deficient cell line, T2-I-A b , is very inefficient at presenting toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1) to T cells, suggesting that I-A b -associated peptides play an essential role in the presentation of this superantigen. Consistent with this, the loading of an I-A b -binding peptide, staphylococcal enterotoxin B 121–136, onto T2-I-A b cells enhanced TSST-1 presentation >1000-fold. However, despite extensive screening, no other peptides have been identified that significantly promote TSST-1 presentation. In addition, the peptide effect on TSST-1 presentation has been demonstrated only in the context of the tumor cell line T2-I-A b . Here we show that peptides that do not promote TSST-1 presentation can be converted into “promoting” peptides by the progressive truncation of C-terminal residues. These studies result in the identification of two peptides derived from IgGV heavy chain and I-Eα proteins that are extremely strong promoters of TSST-1 presentation (47,500- and 12,000-fold, respectively). We have also developed a system to examine the role of MHC class II-associated peptides in superantigen presentation using splenic APC taken directly ex vivo. The data confirmed that the length of the MHC class II-bound peptide plays a critical role in the presentation of TSST-1 by splenic APC and showed that different subpopulations of APC are equally peptide dependent in TSST-1 presentation. Finally, we demonstrated that the presentation of staphylococcal enterotoxin A, like TSST-1, is peptide dependent, whereas staphylococcal enterotoxin B presentation is peptide independent.
Creation and maintenance of an adequate interatrial communication in left atrioventricular valve atresia or stenosis

Patients with left atrioventricular (AV) valve atresia or stenosis were studied retrospectively to determine the incidence of early and late failures of procedures to enlarge an interatrial communication. The 61 patients underwent 80 procedures: 5 balloon atrial septostomies, 12 blade atrial septostomies and 63 surgical septectomies. No balloon septostomy provided adequate long-term palliation. Of 12 blade septostomies, 4 resulted in gradients across the atrial septum of 5 to 8 mm Hg and 8 in gradients 3 mm Hg or less. Results from blade septostomy were unrelated to underlying diagnosis, age, gradient before the procedure, number of previous procedures, pulmonary blood flow or size of the postprocedure defect by balloon sizing, but were related to size of the postoperative defect estimated by echocardiography. Among 8 patients with gradients of 3 mm Hg or less after blade septostomy, 7 were followed 9 +/- 7 months and showed no evidence of restenosis. Of 63 surgical septectomies, 11 (17.5%) were inadequate, and in at least 7 cases the failure was due to restenosis of the defect as documented by serial catheterizations or echocardiograms. Outcome after surgical septectomy was unrelated to underlying diagnosis, age or number of previous procedures, but was related to size of the defect created. Our results reveal improved results in terms of residual gradient for blade septostomy compared with previous studies and the need to follow these patients carefully, even those undergoing surgical septectomy.
Postoperative preferences in cutaneous surgery: a patient-centered investigation from an academic dermatologic surgery practice.

Background Little is known about postoperative preferences regarding dermatologic surgery. Objective To determine patient preferences for postoperative follow-up after dermatologic surgery, desired follow-up interval, reasons for desired follow-up or lack thereof, and factors that may be associated with these preferences. Materials and Methods Patients who underwent Mohs micrographic surgery or excision within 24 months of Mohs micrographic surgery or excision were retrospectively surveyed regarding their postoperative follow-up preferences. Procedure, tumor attributes, complications, and medications were recorded. Results Eighty-nine percent of patients considered postoperative follow-up important, with 55% opting for follow-up within 4 weeks and an additional 29.1% within 2 to 3 months. After multivariate analyses, there were no significantly associated covariates of interest regarding preference for follow-up. Reasons for desiring follow-up included to ensure the wound healed well (50%), to ensure the cancer had not returned (27.9%), and to examine the rest of the skin (18.6%). Conclusion A majority of patients desired postoperative follow-up visits for a variety of reasons. Anticipation of postoperative concerns should be included in dermatologic surgery planning.
The Roles of Bipolarity: A Role Theoretic Understanding of the Effects of Ideas and Material Factors on the Cold War

Since the end of the Cold War, scholars have debated the merits of the major theoretical traditions in international relations and foreign policy. Neorealism was criticized for failing to predict the end of bipolarity in material capabilities. Constructivism emerged during this time as a viable alternative explanation for the Cold War based on the role of ideas. This paper seeks to assess the impact of material and ideational factors on the origin, development, and end of the Cold War through an examination of the roles adopted by U.S. Presidents in their foreign policy doctrines. The paper finds that the origin of the Cold War was primarily ideational and was constituted by the “roles of bipolarity” adopted in the Truman Doctrine. During the Cold War, minor variations in these roles can be explained by shifts in material capabilities. The end of the Cold War was the result of changes in Soviet ideas, which were later confirmed by the collapse of the Soviet Union. After the end of bipolarity, we see the United States struggling to identify its proper foreign policy role.
Processing of 3'-phosphoglycolate-terminated DNA double strand breaks by Artemis nuclease.

The Artemis nuclease is required for V(D)J recombination and for repair of an as yet undefined subset of radiation-induced DNA double strand breaks. To assess the possibility that Artemis acts on oxidatively modified double strand break termini, its activity toward model DNA substrates, bearing either 3′-hydroxyl or 3′-phosphoglycolate moieties, was examined. A 3′-phosphoglycolate had little effect on Artemis-mediated trimming of long 3′ overhangs (≥9 nucleotides), which were efficiently trimmed to 4–5 nucleotides. However, 3′-phosphoglycolates on overhangs of 4–5 bases promoted Artemis-mediated removal of a single 3′-terminal nucleotide, while at least 2 nucleotides were trimmed from identical hydroxyl-terminated substrates. Artemis also efficiently removed a single nucleotide from a phosphoglycolate-terminated 3-base 3′ overhang, while leaving an analogous hydroxyl-terminated overhang largely intact. Such removal was completely dependent on DNA-dependent protein kinase and ATP and was largely dependent on Ku, which markedly stimulated Artemis activity toward all 3′ overhangs. Together, these data suggest that efficient Artemis-mediated cleavage of 3′ overhangs requires a minimum of 2 nucleotides, or a nucleotide plus a phosphoglycolate, 3′ to the cleavage site, as well as 2 unpaired nucleotides 5′ to the cleavage site. Shorter 3′-phosphoglycolate-terminated overhangs and blunt ends were also processed by Artemis but much more slowly. Consistent with a role for Artemis in repair of terminally blocked double strand breaks in vivo, human cells lacking Artemis exhibited hypersensitivity to x-rays, bleomycin, and neocarzinostatin, which all induce 3′-phosphoglycolate-terminated double strand breaks.
On the identification of a vortex

Considerable confusion surrounds the longstanding question of what constitutes a vortex, especially in a turbulent flow. This question, frequently misunderstood as academic, has recently acquired particular significance since coherent structures (CS) in turbulent flows are now commonly regarded as vortices. An objective definition of a vortex should permit the use of vortex dynamics concepts to educe CS, to explain formation and evolutionary dynamics of CS, to explore the role of CS in turbulence phenomena, and to develop viable turbulence models and control strategies for turbulence phenomena. We propose a definition of a vortex in an incompressible flow in terms of the eigenvalues of the symmetric tensor ${\bm {\cal S}}^2 + {\bm \Omega}^2$ are respectively the symmetric and antisymmetric parts of the velocity gradient tensor ${\bm \Delta}{\bm u}$. This definition captures the pressure minimum in a plane perpendicular to the vortex axis at high Reynolds numbers, and also accurately defines vortex cores at low Reynolds numbers, unlike a pressure-minimum criterion. We compare our definition with prior schemes/definitions using exact and numerical solutions of the Euler and Navier–Stokes equations for a variety of laminar and turbulent flows. In contrast to definitions based on the positive second invariant of ${\bm \Delta}{\bm u}$ or the complex eigenvalues of ${\bm \Delta}{\bm u}$, our definition accurately identifies the vortex core in flows where the vortex geometry is intuitively clear.
Influence of neonatal injections of α-MSH on learning, memory and attention in rats

Abstract Three experiments were performed to assess the actions of neonatal injections of α-MSH on later behavioral testing. Experiment 1 investigated the effects of neonatal injections of α-MSH on juvenile rats' ability to learn a differential reinforcement of low rates 20 see schedule of reinforcement. The results indicated that the early treatment improved the animals' ability to respond efficiently for reinforcement. Experiment 2 assessed the effects of neonatal and adult injections of α-MSH on adult rats' ability to acquire and extinguish a two-way active avoidance response. The results indicated that treatment with α-MSH facilitated both acquisition and extinction processes. Experiment 3 studied the actions of neonatal injections of α-MSH on adult male and female rats' ability to learn a discrimination problem followed by learning a reversal problem and an extradimensional shift. The results indicated that early treatment improved performance on all three tasks for males but not females. These results were discussed in view of the methodological and procedural implications they suggested for further exploration of the actions of neuropeptides on behavior.
The inspections program within the U.S. Department of Commerce

Quick, unannounced management evaluations by the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General are helping that department improve its efficiency and effectiveness.
Comparison of the Hydrothermal Decomposition Reactivities of Chitin and Cellulose

The hydrothermal decomposition of chitin and cellulose was carried out using a stainless steel tube reactor of 6-mL capacity at 300−400 °C for 30−120 s under pressures of 15−30 MPa in order to clarify the influential factors on their reactivities based on their structural analyses. Cellulose was 3 times more reactive than chitin despite their similar unit skeleton structures, probably because their functional groups at C-2 differ (OH for cellulose; NHCOCH3 for chitin). Cellulose gave a higher conversion of 100% based on methanol-insoluble (MI) yield at 350 °C for 120 s. Their structural analyses before and after the hydrothermal treatment indicate that their intra- and intermolecular structures through the hydrogen bonds may be the keys to their different hydrothermal reactivities, although solvation behaviors in hot water and reaction conditions were also influential on the hydrothermal reactivity.
Pol β associated complex and base excision repair factors in mouse fibroblasts.

During mammalian base excision repair (BER) of lesion-containing DNA, it is proposed that toxic strand-break intermediates generated throughout the pathway are sequestered and passed from one step to the next until repair is complete. This stepwise process is termed substrate channeling. A working model evaluated here is that a complex of BER factors may facilitate the BER process. FLAG-tagged DNA polymerase (pol) β was expressed in mouse fibroblasts carrying a deletion in the endogenous pol β gene, and the cell extract was subjected to an ‘affinity-capture’ procedure using anti-FLAG antibody. The pol β affinity-capture fraction (ACF) was found to contain several BER factors including polymerase-1, X-ray cross-complementing factor1-DNA ligase III and enzymes involved in processing 3′-blocked ends of BER intermediates, e.g. polynucleotide kinase and tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1. In contrast, DNA glycosylases, apurinic/aprymidinic endonuclease 1 and flap endonuclease 1 and several other factors involved in BER were not present. Some of the BER factors in the pol β ACF were in a multi-protein complex as observed by sucrose gradient centrifugation. The pol β ACF was capable of substrate channeling for steps in vitro BER and was proficient in in vitro repair of substrates mimicking a 3′-blocked topoisomerase I covalent intermediate or an oxidative stress-induced 3′-blocked intermediate.
No creative medical science without humor.

Abstract In his time with the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology and before, Dr. Alvan Feinstein espoused a philosophy of the study of epidemiology as a beneficial, valid science. Not only was Feinstein somewhat of a nonconformist in the field of epidemiology, he had a self-denigrating sense of humor as well. This sense of humor can be showcased by taking a look at one of the articles he approved for publication, which could be retitled as “The Finster Saga.”
Activation-dependent Adhesion of Human Platelets to Cyr61 and Fisp12/Mouse Connective Tissue Growth Factor Is Mediated through Integrin αIIbβ3

Cyr61 and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), members of a newly identified family of extracellular matrix-associated signaling molecules, are found to mediate cell adhesion, promote cell migration and enhance growth factor-induced cell proliferation in vitro, and induce angiogenesis in vivo. We previously showed that vascular endothelial cell adhesion and migration to Cyr61 and Fisp12 (mouse CTGF) are mediated through integrin alpha(v)beta(3). Both Cyr61 and Fisp12/mCTGF are present in normal blood vessel walls, and it has been demonstrated that CTGF is overexpressed in advanced atherosclerotic lesions. In the present study, we examined whether Cyr61 and Fisp12/mCTGF could serve as substrates for platelet adhesion. Agonist (ADP, thrombin, or U46619)-stimulated but not resting platelets adhered to both Cyr61 and Fisp12/mCTGF, and this process was completely inhibited by prostaglandin I(2), which prevents platelet activation. The specificity of Cyr61- and Fisp12/mCTGF-mediated platelet adhesion was demonstrated by specific inhibition of this process with polyclonal anti-Cyr61 and anti-Fisp12/mCTGF antibodies, respectively. The adhesion of ADP-activated platelets to both proteins was divalent cation-dependent and was blocked by RGDS, HHLGGAKQAGDV, or echistatin, but not by RGES. Furthermore, this process was specifically inhibited by the monoclonal antibody AP-2 (anti-alpha(IIb)beta(3)), but not by LM609 (anti-alpha(v)beta(3)), indicating that the interaction is mediated through integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3). In a solid phase binding assay, activated alpha(IIb)beta(3), purified by RGD affinity chromatography, bound to immobilized Cyr61 and Fisp12/mCTGF in a dose-dependent and RGD-inhibitable manner. In contrast, unactivated alpha(IIb)beta(3) failed to bind to either protein. Collectively, these findings identify Cyr61 and Fisp12/mCTGF as two novel activation-dependent adhesive ligands for the integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) on human platelets, and implicate a functional role for these proteins in hemostasis and thrombosis.
An evaluation of three numerical models used in simulations of the active layer and permafrost temperature regimes

Abstract Three numerical models (designated the Goodrich, Guymon/Hromadka, and Seregina models) used for calculations of the ground thermal regime which are based on different numerical methods and employ different treatments of freezing and thawing were compared with each other, with analytical solutions, and with measured temperature data. Comparisons of the models with the Neumann solution show differences generally less than 0.2°C between calculated temperatures using a wide range of time and depth steps. The Goodrich and Guymon/Hromadka models have been shown to predict temperature field dynamics reliably in the active layer and permafrost using small time and depth steps. However, comparisons of the models with each other using large time and depth steps and field data for the surface boundary condition showed significant differences between them (RMS deviations exceeding 1°C) and, in addition, the development of a non-physical feature (thaw bulb after freeze-up). Therefore, with large time and depth steps, the models cannot reproduce the temperature field dynamics in the active layer and permafrost. Consequently, agreement with the Neumann solution is necessary but not sufficient to qualify the models for calculations of real temperature fields. The Goodrich model requires a time step not longer than 1 h and depth step in the upper 1 m not larger than 0.02 m to reproduce the temperature regime with reasonable accuracy. However, the choice of optimum time and depth steps appears to be specific to the application. Using the Guymon/Hromadka model, similar accuracy can be obtained with a 1 h time step and 0.1 m space step within the upper 1 m depth or a 1 day time step and 0.01 m space step. However, the use of larger steps does not necessarily decrease the calculational time compared to the Goodrich model. For the case with unfrozen water present in the frozen soil, the results of calculations using the numerical models were compared with an analytical solution and were found to agree within 0.02°C.
Ribosomal DNA structure in Aedes mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) and their cell lines.

The molecular organization of the ribosomal DNA repeat unit in laboratory colonies of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) and Aedes aegypti (L.) and in continuous cell lines derived from these species was examined using restriction enzyme mapping and Southern blotting techniques. In the rRNA coding regions, restriction enzyme sites were conserved in Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. In particular, sites that had been mapped in rDNA cloned from the Mauritius strain of Ae. albopictus mosquitoes were confirmed in cloned DNA from cultured Ae. albopictus cells. The intergenic spacer region of the ribosomal DNA repeat unit in Ae. albopictus was longer than that in Ae. aegypti; contained multiple recognition sites for AluI, SstI, PvuI, and XhoI; and was more heterogeneous in DNA from cultured cells than in DNA from inbred laboratory mosquitoes. The rDNA copy number was 3- to 4-fold lower in cell lines from both Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti than in the corresponding adult mosquitoes.
Novel highly symmetrical trivalent graphs which lead to negative curvature carbon and boron nitride chemical structures

A graph described by Klein in the 19th century consisting of 24 heptagons can be used to generate possible but not yet experimentally realized carbon structures through such a leapfrog transformation. The automorphism group of the Klein graph is the simple PSL(2,7) group of order 168, which can be generated from 2 × 2 matrices in a seven-element finite field F7 analogous to the generation of the icosahedral group of order 60 by a similar procedure using F5. Similarly, a graph described by Walther Dyck, also in the 19th century, consisting of 12 octagons on a genus 3 surface, can generate possible carbon or boron nitride structures consisting of hexagons and octagons through a leapfrog transformation. The automorphism group of the Dyck graph is a solvable group of order 96 but does not contain the octahedral group as a normal subgroup and is not a normal subgroup of the automorphism group of the four-dimensional analogue of the octahedron.
The TurboDOStm operating system

A commercially available multi-microcomputer system is described. Facilities and features are described from a user's standpoint. Several research problems are proposed.
Surveys of emerging control plane initiatives

Current technologies and architecture result in exponentially escalating costs and do not target revenue generation within the network. They are also complex, failure prone, and power inefficient. Software Defined Networking (SDN) enables network providers to monetize higher layer functions and services based on software and to decouple development from the physical platforms. Carrier rationale and requirements driving the use of SDN are described.
Use of Multiple Layers of Repeating Material to Effectively Collimate an Isotropic Neutron Source

This research was conducted to determine the optimal way to shield a compact, isotropic neutron source into a beam for active interrogation neutron systems. To define the restricted emission angle ...
Multicultural competencies in teaching: a typology of classroom activities

This study explored pre‐service teachers' perceptions of ‘multicultural education’ and types of activities considered to be ‘multicultural’ in the context of teaching young children. The data were collected over a period of three semesters from three groups of students participating in a clinical seminar in a mid‐western US university. The students answered two questions, one on their understanding of multicultural education and the other on children's activities they considered to be multicultural. For each semester, students answered the first question three times—in the beginning of the semester, in the middle of the semester and at the end of the semester. During the semester the students listed activities they considered ‘multicultural’. The data were analyzed as soon as they were collected, and compiled over the three semesters. Students' definitions of multicultural education were slightly more descriptive and inclusive at the end of the semester compared with the beginning of the semester. This ch...
Early to Middle Proterozoic Construction of the Mojave Province, Southwestern United States

Abstract Zircon and monazite U-Pb geochronology of rocks in the western Mojave province of the southwest US reveals that the Proterozoic arc exposed there shares an intrusive and deformational history with rocks exposed further east in the Yavapai and Mazatzal belts after approximately 1780 Ma. Consequently, it seems likely that the Mojave province was contiguous with these other Laurentian provinces by that time. Isotopic and geochronologic data also suggest that Mojave province plutonic rocks inherit their distinctive isotopic compositions, at least in part, from an enriched lithospheric mantle source and interaction with sedimentary rocks containing Archean detritus.
Telestroke network fundamentals

The objectives of this manuscript are to identify key components to maintaining the logistic and/or operational sustainability of a telestroke network, to identify best practices to be considered for assessment and management of acute stroke when planning for and developing a telestroke network, to show practical steps to enable progress toward implementing a telestroke solution for optimizing acute stroke care, to incorporate evidence-based practice guidelines and care pathways into a telestroke network, to emphasize technology variables and options, and to propose metrics to use when determining the performance, outcomes, and quality of a telestroke network.
Physical Model of a 3-Constant Isotropic Elastic Material

Abstract : The physical model of a multi-constant elastic material, with consideration of couple-stresses, is studied critically to determine whether it more reasonably represents a 3-constant isotropic material or a 6-constant centro-symmetric cubic crystalline material. A description of a critical shear experiment on the model is presented along with experimental results. A parameter alpha which is definitively related to the question is defined and its value determined on the basis of statical deformation experiments. The conclusion is that the model behaves as a cubic crystal showing couplestress effects.
Distinct molecular signature of inflammatory breast cancer by cDNA microarray analysis

ObjectiveTo identify a set of differentially expressed genes (molecular signature) specific to inflammatory breast cancer, and to link discrete groups of those genes to cellular alterations specific of this neoplasm.
Synthesis of a hormonally active conjugate of α-MSH, ferritin, and fluorescein

A conjugate composed of α-MSH, ferritin, and fluorescein has been synthesized. The conjugate is biologically active: It is one-tenth as active as free α-MSH in darkening frog skin and one-third as active as free α-MSH in stimulating tyrosinase activity in cultivated Cloudman melanoma cells. Binding of the conjugate to cultivated Cloudman melanoma cells was specific; binding was inhibited by at least 80% with either 5 × 10−5m α- or β-MSH. An average affinity constant of 1.3 × 109 liters/mol with approximately 1 to 4 × 104 sites/cell was calculated. The half-life of the conjugate-receptor complex is 58 min. The binding of the conjugate to cultivated Cloudman melanoma cells can be visualized by fluorescence microscopy. A patchy, perinuclear distribution of the conjugate, similar to that of FITC-β-MSH, was observed. Electron microscopic examination revealed the conjugate to be at the cell surface.
Intravenous use of gammaglobulin in the treatment of chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura as a means to defer splenectomy.

Intravenous gammaglobulin was used to treat 12 children with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura in order to avoid splenectomy. The average rise in platelet count with initial treatment was 226,000/μl. Currently, one patient is in remission, four patients maintain platelet counts >40,000/μl without treatment, four patients maintain platelet counts >40,000/μl with single maintenance infusions of IV IgG at four- or 10-week intervals; three patients did not respond to treatment. In nine of 12 patients, splenectomy was avoided or at least postponed. In responding patients, we were able to discontinue immunosuppressive medication. Platelet count rises with initial IV IgG therapy were correlated with both platelet antibody levels and with a better long-term outcome. Toxicity was minimal.
Appearance Concerns and Psychological Distress Among HIV-Infected Individuals with Injection Drug Use Histories: Prospective Analyses

Abstract Morphologic alterations in body composition are common among HIV-infected individuals, and these changes are associated with increased appearance concerns. Previous cross-sectional data indicate that appearance concerns among HIV-infected individuals are related to increased levels of psychological distress. However, to date, no known prospective data have been published on these relationships. The purpose of the current study was to address the temporal prediction of appearance concerns on depression and anxiety severity. Data were culled from a prospective, randomized controlled trial of cognitive behavioral therapy for depression and medication adherence in individuals with a history of injection drug use (IDU). Participants were 89 HIV-infected individuals who were randomized to either a cognitive behavioral therapy or treatment as usual condition. Linear mixed-level modeling revealed elevated levels of appearance concerns were prospectively related to increased depression and anxiety, as rat...