cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
10.13 – Electroporation Therapy

Electroporation is a phenomenon in which the application of pulsed electric fields leads to the development of structural defects in cellular membranes. The pulse parameters can be tuned to produce reversible defects through which ions and macromolecules are able to enter and exit cells, or irreversible defects that ultimately lead to cell death. Both modalities are currently being explored for various applications in biotechnology and medicine. This chapter focuses on analytical and numerical techniques in the field for predicting treatment outcomes as well as an overview of the clinical procedures and in vivo results to date.
Robust Wavenumber Response of Multidimensional FIR Filters

The consequences of imposing various symmetry conditions on the bounds of wavenumber response of interval finite impulse response (FIR) multidimensional digital filters are investigated. For the sake of brevity, discussions are centered around the two-dimensional (2-D) case. However, some of the results arrived at generalize naturally to the multidimensional situation.
The impact of auditory distraction on reading comprehension: An individual differences investigation

Background noise disrupts auditory selective attention and impairs performance on cognitive tasks, but the degree to which it is disruptive depends on the task and the individual. According to the load theory of attention and cognitive control, selective attention is influenced by both the perceptual load and the cognitive load of the primary task. Recent studies suggest that hard-to-read font in a reading task may shield attention against background noise and auditory distraction. The current study examined the disruptive effect of background noise on reading comprehension as a function of perceptual load and cognitive load. Perceptual load was manipulated by introducing task disfluency (hard-to-read or easy-to-read font), and cognitive load was manipulated by varying the type of background noise and investigating individual differences in working memory capacity. The results suggest that high perceptual load and high working memory capacity both facilitate reading comprehension. However, contrary to previous research, neither perceptual load nor capacity moderates the disruptive effect of background noise. These results failed to support the generalizability and applicability of the shield effect of perceptual disfluency against auditory distraction during reading but supported the beneficial effect of perceptual disfluency on reading comprehension.
Deregulating Wall Street

We argue that implementation of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act has contributed significantly to the reduction of systemic risk in the United States. However, Dodd-Fra...
Effect of African Potato (Hypoxis hemerocallidea) Extract and Its Constituents on PXR and CYP450 Enzymes

Abstract Introduction: Herb–drug interaction is an important clinical risk associated with the concomitant consumption of herbal supplements with conventional drugs. African potato (AP) (Hypoxis he...
Reformation Reconsidered: Response to Deanna Thompson and Amy Marga

In my response to Profs. Thompson and Marga, I first highlight the theological challenges that both scholars name for theology today and analyze their retrieval of key notions in Luther’s works to ...
Language for learning is a promising intervention for promoting generalization across novel stimuli, but methodological concerns limit further conclusions1

Q (1) Are young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) able to generalize language skills acquired in Language for Learning across untrained visual stimuli and people?(2) Do the acquired lang...
A Tour through the Visualization Zoo: A survey of powerful visualization techniques, from the obvious to the obscure

Thanks to advances in sensing, networking, and data management, our society is producing digital information at an astonishing rate. According to one estimate, in 2010 alone we will generate 1,200 exabytes -- 60 million times the content of the Library of Congress. Within this deluge of data lies a wealth of valuable information on how we conduct our businesses, governments, and personal lives. To put the information to good use, we must find ways to explore, relate, and communicate the data meaningfully.
Poli-see: An Interactive Tool for Visualizing Privacy Policies

Prior work has shown that current privacy policies fail to effectively implement informed consent. This work investigates how data use practices might be conveyed by a graphical representation. We present Poli-see, an interactive tool for visualizing privacy policies. We then describe the results of an in-person user study (n = 24) and an online study (n = 600) that evaluate how well Poli-see conveys information about data use practices. In our in-person study, we found that participants answered factual questions about privacy policies more accurately when shown a Poli-see representation than when shown an annotated text representation. In our online study, we found that participants who were shown a Poli-see representation reported higher levels of enjoyment and higher likelihood of looking at the policy than participants who were shown a conventional text representation or an annotated text representation. These results suggest that graphical representations might be useful for conveying data use practices to users, but that further research and refinement will be required before graphical representations can be effectively deployed in real-world systems. We conclude by identifying key advantages and challenges for graphical representations of privacy policies drawn from our experience.
Contre les infections à staphylocoque doré, une molécule désarmante.

Bas les armes ! Un article paru en 2018 dans la revue scientifique PNAS decrit un nouvel outil dans la lutte contre les infections a staphylocoque dore. Au lieu de tuer les bacteries, il inhibe la production de toxines bacteriennes. Cette alternative aux antibiotiques ouvre de nouvelles pistes therapeutiques.
PISCES: A pipeline for the Systematic, Protein Activity-based Analysis of Single Cell RNA Sequencing Data

While single-cell RNA sequencing provides a new window on physiologic and pathologic tissue biology and heterogeneity, it suffers from low signal-to-noise ratio and a high dropout rate at the individual gene level, thus challenging quantitative analyses. To address this problem, we introduce PISCES (Protein-activity Inference for Single Cell Studies), an integrated analytical framework for the protein activity-based analysis of single cell subpopulations. PISCES leverages the assembly of lineage-specific gene regulatory networks, to accurately measure activity of each protein based on the expression its transcriptional targets (regulon), using the ARACNe and metaVIPER algorithms, respectively. It implements novel analytical and visualization functions, including activity-based cluster analysis, identification of cell state repertoires, and elucidation of master regulators of cell state and cell state transitions, with full interoperability with Seurat9s single-cell data format. Accuracy and reproducibility assessment, via technical and biological validation assays and by assessing concordance with antibody and CITE-Seq-based measurements, show dramatic improvement in the ability to identify rare subpopulations and to assess activity of key lineage markers, compared to gene expression analysis.
On Some New Families of Power Series Distributions

Several general mathematical properties of the new family of distributions are examined in a consistent manner by using the power series distributions (PSD) class. A new cumulative distribution function and probability density are obtained for the continuous type random variables which represent the maximum or the minimum in a sequence of independent and identically distributed random variables, in a random number with a power series distribution. An asymptotic result characterized by the Poisson Limit Theorem is formulated and analyzed. In this chapter, the simulation s algorithms for these family distributions are proposed. This study is intended as a completion of the research by Balkema and de Haan (1974), Bryson (1974), Ahsanullah (1991), Balakrishnan and Ahsanullah (1994), Childs and others (2001), Al Awadhi and Ghitany (2001, 2007), Zahrani and Harbi (2013), Leahu, Munteanu and Cataranciuc (2013), Al-Zahrani and Sagor (2014), MH Tahir, GM Cordeiro (2016), AS Hassan, AM Abd-Elfattah (2016). The above mentioned algorithm was implemented by means of the Eclipse SDK programming environment.
Stoffwechsel der Mikroben

Die Grundzuge der Biochemie sind sowohl fur Mikroben als auch fur Tiere und Pflanzen gultig. Es wird vorausgesetzt, das der Leser mit den Grundtatsachen des Stoffwechselgeschehens vertraut ist, so das sie im Folgenden nur kurz gestreift werden sollen. Ausfuhrlicher werden dann jene Stoffwechselsysteme dargestellt, die ausschlieslich bei Mikroben von Bedeutung sind oder die nur in Mikroorganismen untersucht wurden.
Phytoextraction of Zinc and Cadmium from Soils Using Hyperaccumulator Plants

Zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) are ubiquitous pollutants that tend to occur together at many contaminated sites. The cost of using conventional soil remediation technologies is generally very high, so the use of plants to clean up soils contaminated by pollutants, a technique known as phytoremediation, is emerging as a new tool for in situ remediation. Among the various ways in which plants can help in remediating contaminated soils, the technique of phytoextraction depends on the ability of plants to take up metals from soils and concentrate them in aboveground tissues. Those few plants that can accumulate metals to exceptionally high concentrations in their shoots are called hyperaccumulators. The main drawback of using hyperaccumulators for phytoextraction of Zn and Cd is their typically slow growth rate and low biomass. This has prompted researchers to investigate the possibility of developing genetically engineered plants with high biomass and better phytoextractive capacity. In recent years, major scientific strides have been made in understanding the soil chemical and plant molecular–genetic mechanisms that drive metal hyperaccumulation in plants. However, extensive field deployment of this technique on a large scale is still being hampered by a lack of specific understanding of the complex interactions between metal, soil, and plant systems that are instrumental in Zn/Cd uptake, translocation, and storage in plants. A multidisciplinary research effort that integrates the work of plant biologists, soil chemists, microbiologists, and environmental engineers is essential for the success of phytoextraction as a viable soil cleanup technique in Zn- and Cd-contaminated sites. Keywords: cadmium; zinc; soil; phytoextraction; hyperaccumulators; genetic engineering
A multi-layer microfluidic system with integrated electrical and on-column optical detection

A process for fabricating multi-layer plastic/glass microfluidic systems has been realized. The process allows for integration of electrical conductivity/impedance detectors directly into the system as well as addition of on-column optical detection using resonance light scattering. The process includes provisions for fluidic and electrical interfaces between the microsystem and macro world. The methods can be used to fabricate microfluidic systems with layers of various plastics, glasses and combinations thereof. The methods can be used to fabricate micro analysis systems for a variety of applications.
Effect of Intraportal and Continuous Intrajugular Administration of Insulin on Feeding in Sheep

The effect of intraportal and intrajugular administration of insulin on feed intake and on glucose and insulin of jugular blood was studied. Ad libitum intake of four wethers was measured and jugular blood was sampled at various times after intraportal administration of the treatments and meal initiation. The treatments injected in the first experiment were saline, 2 mU, 4 mU and 6 mU insulin/kg body weight (BW), and in a second experiment were saline, 2 mU, 6 mU and 12 mU insulin/kg BW/minute infused over a 15-minute period. Feed intake was depressed only by 15-minute intraportal infusion of the 2 mU and 6 mU doses. Plasma insulin was elevated at 5 minutes after injection of 4 mU and 6 mU insulin/kg BW, and elevated at 5 and 15 minutes after 15-minute infusion of all three treatments; plasma glucose was not affected. Two additional experiments used four wethers in which jugular blood was sampled during a 24-hour intrajugular infusion of insulin. The combined treatments were saline, 0.02 mU, 0.2 mU, 2 mU and 6 mU insulin/kg BW/minute. The 6 mU dose stimulated feed intake, 2 mU increased plasma insulin and both 2 and 6 mU depressed plasma glucose. Thus, the site, timing and amount of exogeneous insulin administration may cause varying feed intake responses. The results are discussed with respect to a possible role of insulin in appetite control in sheep.
Possible role of capillary action in pathogenesis of experimental catheter-associated dermal tunnel infections.

Abstract An animal model of vascular-catheter-associated dermal tunnel infections was developed to study the pathogenesis of such infections. Bacteria inoculated onto entry sites of catheters into skin could be identified by culture and Gram stain on the tips of plastic catheters (4 cm from the entry site) within 1 h of inoculation, whether the animal was inoculated at the time of insertion of the catheter or 1 week afterwards. Histological examination of dermal tunnels revealed that the introduction of bacteria preceded the development of tissue inflammation. Bacteria on entry sites of percutaneous catheters moved rapidly from the entry site into the dermal tunnel along the external catheter surface, perhaps suspended in a fluid phase and propelled by capillary action.
Binocular alternating pulse stimuli: Experimental and modeling studies of the pupil reflex to light

Abstract In our experiment, alternating pulse stimuli of both low and high intensity are used to study the pupil reflex to light. When applied monocularly, high intensity stimulation normally results in a sustained contraction; when alternated between the two eyes, it is found to produce small transient responses similar to those obtained with low intensity monocular stimulation. In order to study the mechanisms regulating these binocular responses, a model of the pupillary light reflex is constructed. It includes parallel AC and DC pathways for processing the light stimulus to produce motor signals to the iris muscles, nonlinear parameter control of pathway gains dependent upon internal operating level, binocular summation of DC pathway signals to produce that operating level, equal motor responses of both pupils, and iris neuromuscular delays and lags. The model is found to simulate the experimental data. It shows the binocular transient responses to be due to the canceling by summation of the symmetric DC pathway responses to alternating stimuli, thus allowing the AC pathway signals to become manifest. Therefore the dilatory portion of the transient responses is shown to be due to the lead-lag operator in the AC pathway and not to the off-dilatation elicited by removal of the light stimulus from the eye. Finally the results of our study are used to discuss the Marcus Gunn pupillary sign, a clinical test utilizing this binocular alternating pulse stimulation for detecting unilateral afferent defects.
Measuring mental illness stigma with diminished social desirability effects

Background: For persons with mental illness, stigma diminishes employment and independent living opportunities as well as participation in psychiatric care. Public stigma interventions have sought to ameliorate these consequences.Aims: Evaluation of anti-stigma programs' impact is typically accomplished with self-report questionnaires. However, cultural mores encourage endorsement of answers that are socially preferred rather than one's true belief. This problem, social desirability, has been circumvented through development of faux Knowledge Tests (KTs) (i.e. Error-Choice Tests); written to assess prejudice.Method: Our KT uses error-choice test methodology to assess stigmatizing attitudes. Test content was derived from review of typical KTs for facade reinforcement. Answer endorsement suggests bias or stigma; such determinations were based on the empirical literature.Results: KT psychometrics were examined in samples of college students, community members and mental health providers and consumers. Test–r...
"I have lost everything": trade-offs of seeking safety from intimate partner violence

A primary aim of mainstream domestic violence (DV) programs is to help survivors and their children achieve safety from intimate partner violence. That goal, however, is neither simple nor straightforward. Instead, research demonstrates that the very actions survivors take to achieve safety may trigger a wide range of negative consequences. Missing from this research, however, is a focus on survivors' own perception, evaluation, and expectation of the costs surrounding their safety-seeking efforts. Using a mixed-methods design, this study explored safety-related trade-offs among a convenience sample of 301 female survivors seeking DV services across 3 states in the Northeast region of the United States. Quantitative findings demonstrate that 62% of participants reported having to give up too much to keep safe, 55% reported that safety led to new problems in other domains for survivors and their loved ones, and 50% reported that these problems were often unexpected. Qualitative findings illuminated the categories of loss participants experienced as they worked toward safety, as well as the actions participants would have taken had they anticipated these losses. Findings suggest that an emphasis on safety over other needs-common in a human services landscape composed of multiple narrowly defined service silos-can force survivors into a zero-sum trap of painful and detrimental trade-offs.
Programmed and non-programmed theories of aging

There are compelling reasons to regard aging as an evolved adaptive program. The evidence is diverse, deriving from genetics, breeding experiments, and plasticity of life span in stressful environments. But based on the classical neo-Darwinian understanding of population genetics, there are powerful theoretical reasons to believe that aging could not have evolved as an adaptation. This paradox is one of the most challenging scientific problems of our age.
Applying work flow control in make-to-order job shops

Abstract This paper considers work flow control within a make-to-order job shop, which in this presentation differs from either a just-in-time (JIT) or make-to-inventory system because finished goods due dates are externally determined and early delivery of finished goods is prohibited. In particular, this paper considers the cross-effects of both choice of work flow control method and queue discipline at each work center. An experimental approach, using discrete event simulation, evaluates a five work center job shop with independent, randomly selected process sequences and process times over an experimental matrix of four work flow controls (uncontrolled, Kanban, CONWIP, and POLCA) and three queuing disciplines (first come first serve, shortest operation processing time, and earliest operation due date). Statistically significant comparisons demonstrate that while shop inventory (partially complete orders) is reduced through work flow control, the total inventory of pending, incomplete, and held finished goods orders increases. Further, the choice of queue discipline is far more significant than the choice of work flow control method. This paper contributes a detailed performance analysis of a relatively new work flow control method, “paired overlapping loops of cards” or POLCA. Additionally, this paper explains “lockup,” a previously unreported terminal system blocking behavior. A management method to prevent occurrence of lockup is provided.
Interphase transfer in stationary two-phase media

Abstract A variational procedure is applied to obtain upper bounds on and estimates of interphase transfer rates in random two-phase media. Results are expressed in terms of the void-size distribution as introduced by Scheidegger , the void size at a point being defined as the minimum distance of that point from the interface between the phases. Specific cases discussed are, first, the diffusion controlled adsorption, at the interface, of a solute present in one phase; here the bounds obtained are on the rate of decay of the mean solute concentration in the limit of long times. The second case is that of diffusion controlled adsorption at the interface balanced by a uniform and constant generation of solute throughout one phase; bounds and estimates are obtained for the ratio of the rate of generation to the mean concentration level maintained at the steady state. In addition, the transfer of solute between two phases with identical properties is treated. If the solute is initially distributed uniformly over one phase and absent from the other, it is possible to derive an exact expression for the fraction of total solute present in either phase as a function of time. The geometry of the interface enters into this expression in the form of the probability S(ρ) that two randomly placed points a distance ρ apart will both fall within the phase which originally contains the solute.
The effect of passive versus active recovery on power output over six repeated wingate sprints.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of active versus passive recovery on 6 repeated Wingate tests (30-s all-out cycling sprints on a Velotron ergometer). Method: Fifteen healthy participants aged 29 (SD = 8) years old (body mass index = 23 [3] kg/m2) participated in 3 sprint interval training sessions separated by 3 to 7 days between each session during a period of 1 month. The 1st visit was familiarization to 6 cycling sprints; the 2nd and 3rd visits involved a warm-up followed by 6 30-s cycling sprints. Each sprint was followed by 4 min of passive (resting still on the ergometer) or active recovery (pedaling at 1.1 W/kg). The same recovery was used within each visit, and recovery type was randomized between visits. Results: Active recovery resulted in a 0.6 W/kg lower peak power output in the second sprint (95% confidence interval [CI] [ − 0.2, − 0.8 W/kg], effect size = 0.50, p < .01) and a 0.4 W/kg greater average power output in the 5th and 6th sprints (95% CI [+0.2,+0.6 W/kg], e...
Comments on “performance control in government R&D projects: The measurable effects of performing required management and engineering techniques”

A large number and variety of management and engineering techniques (such as PERT, value engineering, and configuration management) have been implemented over the past decade to improve the technical, cost, and schedule performance of government-sponsored RD and 2) the application of a large volume and variety of management control techniques to R&D projects tends to be associated with greater numbers of technical, schedule, and cost failures than were associated with projects not having such control.
km-length IBAD-MgO fabricated at 1 km/h by a large-scale IBAD system in Fujikura

Abstract A large-scale IBAD system with the world largest ion source was employed to fabricate ion beam-assisted deposition (IBAD) MgO films. Finally, we successfully fabricated a 1 km-length IBAD-MgO film at a production rate of 1 km/h. We also studied pulsed laser deposited (PLD) CeO 2 films directly on IBAD-MgO films. An observation at the interface between MgO and CeO 2 films by a transmission electron microscope (TEM), showed that a CeO 2 film was finely textured on an IBAD-MgO film though a lattice mismatch was large (28.5%). Then we fabricated PLD–GdBa 2 Cu 3 O 7− x (GdBCO) film on the CeO 2 /MgO substrate. Critical currents ( I c ) and critical current density ( J c ) of the films were over 300 A and 3 MA/cm 2 at 77 K, self-field.
The intracellular distribution of calcium in the mucosa of the avian shell gland.

The intracellular distribution of calcium has been studied in the mucosa of the avian shell gland, a tissue which transports large quantities of calcium during discrete time intervals. Ca45 was administered to hens either in a single dose followed by sacrifice 5 min later or in repeated doses over an extended period followed by sacrifice 2 hr or 24 hr after the last injection. Subcellular fractions were isolated by differential centrifugation and analyzed for Ca45. The Ca45 was located principally in the particulate fractions; the concentration (CPM Ca45/mg N) was highest in the mitochondrial fraction. Comparisons of (1) the Ca45 distribution in shell gland cells with that of liver cells, (2) the alterations which occur due to the phase of the egg laying cycle, (3) the effects due to the time elapsed since the last injection of Ca45, and (4) the Ca45 distribution of the short term experiments with that of the long term experiments revealed that the mitochondrial fraction of the shell gland appeared to be active in the movement of calcium. The microsomal fraction showed increased values in CPM Ca45/mg N when calcification was occurring, which may indicate that the subcellular components of this fraction have a role in calcium transport. The nuclear and supernatant fractions did not seem to be involved in the transport process. The implications of these results concerning the manner by which calcium may be controlled on a cellular level in this system are discussed.
A comparison of the benthic macroinvertebrate communities in a trout stream: Winter and spring 1973 and 1977

The benthic macroinvertebrate riffle community of the Bushkill Creek (Northampton County, PA) was sampled monthly, December through May 1972–73 and 1976–77. Total precipitation in 1972–73 was 22.3 cm more than in 1976–77 and water and air temperatures were also higher. In April and May, community composition (dominant taxa and similarity indices) was less similar than in December, January and February. In April and May there were fewer Hydropsyche (Trichoptera) and Ephemerella (Ephmeroptera) and more Chironomidae (Diptera) and Antocha (Diptera) than in 1973. Total numbers and biomass were lower in 1977 than in 1973. The reduction in Hydropsyche, Ephemerella, biomass and total numbers in Spring 1977 may be due to the scouring effect of ice break up. Inspite of fluctuating environmental conditions the macroinvertebrate community exhibited stability.
Conformational characteristics of the interaction of SR141716A with the CB1 cannabinoid receptor as determined through the use of conformationally constrained analogs

Interest in cannabinoid pharmacology increased dramatically upon the identification of the first cannabinoid receptor (CB1) in 1998 and continues to expand as additional endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors are discovered. Using CB1 receptor (CB1R) systems, medicinal chemistry programs began screening libraries searching for cannabinoid ligands, ultimately leading to the discovery of the first potent cannabinoid receptor antagonist, SR141716A (Rimonabant). Its demonstrated efficacy in treating obesity and facilitating smoking cessation, among other impressive pharmacological activities, has furthered the interest in cannabinoid receptor antagonists as therapeutics, such that the number of patents and publications covering this class of compounds continues to grow at an impressive rate. At this time, medicinal chemistry approaches including combinatorial chemistry, conformational constraint, and scaffold hopping are continuing to generate a large number of cannabinoid antagonists. These molecules provide an opportunity to gain insight into the 3-dimensional structure-activity relationships that appear crucial for CB1R-ligand interaction. In particular, studies in which conformational constraints have been imposed on the various pyrazole ring substituents of SR141716A provide a direct opportunity to characterize changes in conformation/conformational freedom within a single class of compounds. While relatively few conformationally constrained molecules have been synthesized to date, the structure-activity information is often more readily interpreted than in studies where entire substituents are replaced. Thus, it is the focus of this mini-review to examine the structural properties of SR141716A, and to use conformationally constrained molecules to illustrate the importance of conformation and conformational freedom to CB1R affinity, selectivity, and efficacy.
Normal vibrations of cyclohexane. Infrared spectrum of the crystal

Abstract Study of the infrared spectrum of crystalline cyclohexane has established values for the normal frequencies which were previously in doubt. In addition to the allowed a2u and eu transitions, the a2g and most eg modes appear in the crystal spectrum, and the a1u modes are observed in unannealed samples. All frequencies newly observed are close to the values calculated by Takahashi et al., using Urey-Bradley force constants transferred from other hydrocarbons. Spectral changes consistent with some disordering were observed at the (186°K) phase transition, where NMR and x-ray studies have already indicated the onset of hindered rotation. Below 186°K the spectra suggest a cubic crystal structure.
Activation of nociceptive neurons in T9 and T10 in cerulein pancreatitis.

Mechanisms of pain transduction in acute pancreatitis are poorly understood. Increased Fos expression in the spinal cord is a marker of activation of nociceptive neurons. We hypothesized that cerulein pancreatitis leads to increased Fos expression at T9 and T10, which receive sensory input from the pancreas. Rats were injected with cerulein (100 μg/kg, s.c.) or saline carrier (NS). Endpoints at 4, 6, and 10 h were serum amylase, myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), and spinal cord Fos expression (number of immunoreactive nuclei/section dorsal gray matter). Fos-like immunoreactivity (FLI) at T9-T10 was compared to internal controls (T6, T12). An average of 20 spinal cord histologic sections were evaluated per rat. Some animals were injected with the μ-opioid receptor agonist, buprenorphine (90 μg/kg, s.c.), 3 h after cerulein, and their endpoints were measured at 6 h. Analysis of variance and t tests were used for statistical analysis. Results are means ± SEM. As expected, cerulein induced edematous pancreatitis, with a 4-fold increase in serum amylase at 6 h [cer (n = 8): 14,000 ± 1,300 U/ml versus NS (n = 10): 3,700 ± 300, P < 0.005)] and a 2-fold increase in MPO activity (0.25 ± 0.05) activity units/dry wt versus 0.13 ± 0.02, P < 0.05). Cerulein induced nearly a 2-fold increase in FLI at T9 and T10 [n = 10 (cer) and n = 13 (NS): T9, 14 ± 1.5 versus 7.8 ± 0.88; T10, 15 ± 1.7 versus 8.3 ± 0.70; P < 0.05]. Peak effects of cerulein on FLI occurred at 6 h and were greatest at T9/T10 with relative sparing of T6/T12. T6/T12 expression was similar in experimental and control groups. Buprenorphine significantly reduced both serum amylase and FLI and T9/T10. Cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in rat increases visceral nociceptive signaling at spinal cord levels T9 and T10, with a peak at 6 h. Blockade of this effect by the μ-opioid receptor agonist buprenorphine could occur either by direct activation of central opioid receptors and/or an anti-inflammatory mechanism. FLI is a useful tool for studying the pathophysiology of pain in experimental acute pancreatitis.
Abstract B52: A novel quantitative proteomics approach to identify proteins that elicit antibody responses in vaccinated pancreatic cancer patients.

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the US. Less than 4% of patients have an overall survival of more than 5 years. Our lab has developed an allogeneic, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) secreting pancreatic cancer vaccine that has recently completed phase II clinical trials. The application of proteomic approaches has gained ground in the identification of new cancer biomarkers, which are beneficial for both early detection and determination of new targets for development of biologically relevant therapies. We have developed a novel Serum Antibodies based SILAC-Immunoprecipitation (SASI) approach. The SASI approach utilizes immunoprecipitation by serum antibodies, which is coupled to the quantitative stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) to identify proteins that elicit an increased antibody response post-vaccination. Using mass spectrometric analysis, the SASI approach comprehensively identified >40 proteins that elicited at least a 2-fold increase in antibody response post-vaccination, from each of the three patients' sera used. The list of identified proteins includes membrane proteins such as MHC class I complex, transferrin receptor (TFRC) and CD9, secreted proteins such as mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF), as well as several cytoplasmic proteins such as regulatory subunit 12A of protein phosphatase 1 (PPP1R12A), galectin 3 and regulatory subunit 8 of the 26S proteasome (PSMC5). Most significantly, the antibody responses detected against these proteins in patients with >3 years disease-free survival suggests an anti-tumor potential of targeting these proteins. We further analyzed PSMC5, TFRC and PPP1R12A for tissue expression in normal, pre-malignant and pancreatic tumor specimens and found these proteins to increase in expression with tumor development. In addition, these proteins were shown to be pancreatic cancer associated antigens that are recognized by post-vaccination antibodies in the sera of patients that received the vaccine and have demonstrated a favorable disease free survival. Overall, our data demonstrates that the novel SASI approach can enable identification of candidate proteins as possible new biomarkers for screening, and as new targets for therapeutic intervention. Citation Format: Darshil T. Jhaveri, Min-Sik Kim, Lanqing Huang, Rajni Sharma, Robert A. Anders, Akhilesh Pandey, Elizabeth M. Jaffee. A novel quantitative proteomics approach to identify proteins that elicit antibody responses in vaccinated pancreatic cancer patients. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology: Multidisciplinary Science Driving Basic and Clinical Advances; Dec 2-5, 2012; Miami, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B52.
Motivation and affect toward learning science among preservice elementary school teachers: Implications for classroom teaching

Positive motivation and affect toward learning science are valued qualities among elementary school teachers. Such positive dispositions toward science may translate to increased teaching of science and greater general interest in the subject, ultimately benefiting the students in the teachers’ classrooms. Specific motivational and affective qualities distinguished in the literature as particularly relevant to the teaching and learning of science include motivational goal orientation and self-concept of ability. In addition, a variable that seems to promote elementary teachers’ positive attitude and interest in science teaching is experience with inquiry-based science instruction such as the learning cycle. The purpose of this study was to explore relationships between motivational goal orientation and self-concept of ability as preservice elementary teachers (N=45) participate in a science learning cycle during methods course instruction. The results indicated significant positive relationships among self-concept of ability and learning goal orientation as the teachers engaged in the learning cycle. Implications of this study include an emphasis on inquiry-based teaching procedures in teacher education programs to help promote positive motivational and affective dispositions among new teachers.
A novel cobalt-free layered GdBaFe2O5+δ cathode for proton conducting solid oxide fuel cells

While cobalt-containing perovskite-type cathode materials facilitate the activation of oxygen reduction, they also suffer from problems like poor chemical stability in CO2 and high thermal expansion coefficients. In this research, a cobalt-free layered GdBaFe2O5+δ (GBF) perovskite was developed as a cathode material for protonic ceramic membrane fuel cells (PCMFCs) based on proton conducting electrolyte of stable BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.2O3-δ (BZCY7). The button cells of Ni–BZCY7|BZCY7|GBF were fabricated and characterized using complex impedance technique from 600 to 700 °C. An open-circuit potential of 1.007 V, maximum power density of 417 mW cm-2, and a low electrode polarization resistance of 0.18 Ω cm2 were achieved at 700 °C. The results indicate that layered GBF perovskite is a good candidate for cobalt-free cathode material, while the developed Ni–BZCY7|BZCY7|GBF cell is a promising functional material system for solid oxide fuel cells.
Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatography In-Line with Negative Ionization Electrospray Mass Spectrometry for the Characterization of the Disulfide-Linkages of an Immunoglobulin Gamma Antibody

In this report, we present a new approach for the determination of the disulfide bond connectivity in proteins using negative ionization mass spectrometry of nonreduced enzymatic digests. The mass spectrometric analysis in negative ion mode was optimized to allow in-line analysis coupled directly to the HPLC system used for the separation of the peptides resulting from enzymatic digestion. We determined the disulfide structure of a human immunoglobulin gamma 2 (IgG2) antibody containing 18 unique cysteine residues linked via 11 unique disulfide bonds. The efficiency of the gas-phase dissociation of disulfide-linked peptides using negative electrospray ionization was evaluated for an ion trap mass spectrometer and an orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Both mass spectrometry techniques provided efficient in-source fragmentation for the identification of the disulfide-linked peptides of the antibody. Both instruments were limited in the number of disulfide bonds that could be dissociated. Seven of the 11 unique disulfide linkages have been determined, including the linkage of the light chain to the heavy chain. Only the disulfide connectivity of the hinge peptide H6H7H8H9 (C6C7VEC8PPC9PAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPK) could not be determined (numbering the cysteine residues sequentially from the N-terminus and labeling the heavy chain cysteines “H” and the light chain cysteines “L”). However, we identified the dimer of peptide C6C7VEC8PPC9PAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPK linked via four disulfide bonds based on the unique molecular weight of this dipeptide. The established linkages were H1 to H2, H10 to H11, H12 to H13, L1 to L2, L3 to L4, and L5 to H3H4. The intrachain linkages of the light chain (L1 to L2, L3 to L4), and heavy chain (H10 to H11, H12 to H13) domains were identical to the linkages found in IgG1 antibodies.
The different meanings of corruption in the context of the Teamsters Union

TDU’s poor showing in the conventions misrepresented the attitudes of the union’s membership. This fact became clear after the government reached a court-monitored settlement to its RICO suit of the union. The settlement changed the political dynamics within the union, most importantly by providing for the direct election of national leadership. The new rules, combined with a factional split among the incumbents, allowed an insurgent slate, supported by TDU, to win the election in 1991. With a plurality of the membership’s votes, Ron Carey, a self-proclaimed reformer, became president of the union.
OPTION EXERCISE GAMES: THE INTERSECTION OF REAL OPTIONS AND GAME THEORY

While the real options approach has proven useful in providing an analytical framework for analyzing the timing of investment decisions, a notable failure of the approach has been an almost complete lack of strategic considerations. In standard real options models, invest-ment (and exercise) strategies are for-mulated in isolation, without considering the potential impact of other firms' exercise strategies. This paper illustrates how the intersection of real options and game theory provides powerful new insights into the behavior of economic agents under uncertainty. Introducing strategic considerations into the real options framework can lead to a rethinking of standard real option analysis. For example, one of-ten cited conclusion of the real options literature is the overturning of the standard capital budgeting rule of in-vesting immediately in any project with a positive NPV. Because the fu-ture value of the asset is uncertain, there may be significant benefits to deferring the investment until condi-tions prove even more favorable. But this result clearly depends on the lack of competitive access to the project. If firms fear preemption, then the option to wait becomes less valuable. For example, while the standard real op-tions models suggest that a real estate developer should wait until the devel-opment option is considerably “in the money,” competition and the fear of preemption will likely force develop-ers to build much earlier.
The transverse shear-induced liquid and particle tracer diffusivities of a dilute suspension of spheres undergoing a simple shear flow

We study the shear-induced self-diffusion of both a liquid tracer and a tagged spherical particle along the directions perpendicular to the ambient flow in a dilute suspension of neutrally buoyant spheres undergoing a simple shearing motion in the absence of inertia and Brownian motion effects. The calculation of the liquid diffusivity requires the velocity of a fluid point under the influence of two spheres, which was determined via Lamb's series expansion; conversely, the calculation of the particle diffusivity involves the trajectories of three spheres, which were determined using far-field and near-field asymptotic expressions. The displacements of the liquid tracer and of the tagged sphere were then computed analytically when the spheres and the tracer are all far apart, and numerically for close encounters. After summing over all possible encounters, the leading terms of the lateral liquid diffusion coefficients, both within and normal to the plane of shear, were thereby found to be 0.12γ a c and 0.004γ a c , respectively, where γ is the applied shear rate, a the radius of the spheres and c their volume fraction. The analogous coefficients of the lateral particle diffusivity were found to be 0.11γ a c , and 0.005γ a c , respectively. Also, liquid and particle diffusivities in a monolayer, with the liquid tracer and all the particle centres lying on the same plane of shear, were found to be 0.067γy a c , and 0.032γ a c , respectively, with c denoting the areal fraction occupied by the spheres on the plane.
Cleft palate susceptibility maps in two H-2 subregions, H-2K to I-B and G to H-2D.

SUMMARY Data presented here defines the map of H-2 associated genes which affect the glucocorticoid-induced cleft palate frequency to the regions H-2K to I-B and G to H-2D. This was done by observing in four congenic strains the frequency of cleft palate induced by 160 mg/kg of dexamethasone administered to pregnant females on day 12 of gestation. The strains used were B10.A/SgSn, C57BL/10Sn, B10.A(5R)/SgSn and B10.A(18R)/Sg. Additionally the cleft palate frequency was observed in a large number of litters from saline-treated pregnant females. The cleft palate frequency in this control was very low and the rank of strains was the same as for the glucocorticoid-induced cleft palate frequency. This observation suggests that the induced cleft palate frequency reflects the spontaneous occurrence of isolated cleft palate in these strains.
Simulated effects of reduced spring flow from the Edwards Aquifer on population size of the fountain darter (Etheostoma fonticola)

Abstract The Edwards Aquifer in south-central Texas, U.S.A. is recognized worldwide for its aquatic species of flora and fauna, many of which are endangered or threatened, and also is the sole water source supporting the industrial, agricultural, municipal, and recreational needs of nearly 2 million people. Because it is generally the first species affected by low spring flows, the endangered fountain darter ( Etheostoma fonticola ) has been a focal point for controversies involving the endangered species act, state of Texas groundwater law, and private property rights. We developed an age- and sex-structured population model for the fountain darter, calibrated the model within the constraints of published parameter estimates such that populations simulated under historical spring flows resembled those documented in the field from 1973 to 2007, and used the model to project population dynamics under scenarios of reduced spring flows that could occur as a result of a drought or increased urban water demands. Our simulations suggested that even extending the low spring flows associated with the record drought of 2011 for three consecutive years would have no noticeable effect on population dynamics, and that minimum annual population levels were relatively unaffected until flows were reduced below 2.8 m 3 /s, with minimum population levels falling sharply when flows were reduced beyond about 1.68 m 3 /s. We view our model as a base model representing the impacts of changes in spring flow on the fountain darter which could be developed further to represent the impacts not only of changes in spring flow but also changes in water quality resulting from increases in the runoff of contaminants associated with continued urban development.
Soliton position jitter caused by periodic amplification and self-frequency shift

The formula for soliton timing jitter due to self-frequency shift and pulse width fluctuations caused by spontaneous-emission noise has been deduced. Such timing jitter is compared with that caused by the carrier frequency shift due to spontaneous-emission noise. It is shown that the timing jitter due to the self-frequency shift can be as large as the timing jitter due to carrier frequency shift when the total transmission distance is 100 times longer than the soliton period.
Application of evolutionary algorithms and neural network concepts to the design of low-cost, wideband antenna arrays

This paper describes the application of biologically-inspired algorithms and concepts to the design of wideband antenna arrays. In particular, we address two specific design problems. The first involves the design of a constrained-feed network for a Rotman-lens beamformer. We implemented two evolutionary optimization (EO) approaches, namely a simple genetic algorithm (SGA) and a competent genetic algorithm. We conducted simulations based on experimental data, which effectively demonstrate that the competent GA outperforms the SGA (i.e., finds a better design solution) as the objective function becomes less specific and more "general." The second design problem involves the implementation of polyomino-shaped subarrays for sidelobe suppression of large, wideband planar arrays. We use a modified screen-saver code to generate random polyomino tilings. A separate code assigns array values to each element of the tiling (i.e., amplitude, phase, time delay, etc.) and computes the corresponding far-field radiation pattern. In order to conduct a statistical analysis of pattern characteristics vs. tiling geometry, we needed a way to measure the "similarity" between two arbitrary tilings to ensure that our sampling of the tiling space was somewhat uniformly distributed. We ultimately borrowed a concept from neural network theory, which we refer to as the "dot-product metric," to effectively categorize tilings based on their degree of similarity.
The technology transfer paradox

Abstract This paper examines whether a country that enjoys a superior technology in all commodities in a two-country, multi-commodity Ricardian setting could actually gain if its technology in which it possesses its greatest comparative advantage is stolen or transferred to the other country without any compensation. Such a paradoxical possibility is shown always to exist with a finite number of commodities and equal-shared Cobb–Douglas demand conditions for certain ranges of relative country size.