cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Short course radiation therapy for rectal cancer in the elderly: can radical surgery be avoided?

Rectal cancer in elderly patients can be difficult to manage. Short course radiation therapy (SCRT) has shown to be effective when given immediately prior to surgery. Here we report outcomes of elderly patients who underwent SCRT either alone or prior to resection. Between 2010 and 2015, elderly patients with rectal cancer and no distant metastatic disease were identified. Symptoms at diagnosis, therapies, toxicities, and pathologic and clinical response were recorded from patient charts. The SCRT prescription dose was 5 Gy ×5 to the rectal tumor and 4 Gy ×5 to the mesorectum, omitting the iliac nodes. Twenty patients were identified with median age of 85 years (range, 71–93 years). No patient received systemic therapy. Sixty percent of patients were cT3 at diagnosis. Half underwent resection post SCRT and half received SCRT as definitive therapy. The 1- and 2-year overall survival was 75% and 54%. Overall survival did not differ between patients treated with SCRT and surgery compared to SCRT alone (P=0.8). Of the 10 surgical patients, 3 had a complete pathologic response at time of resection and 3 patients died within 2 weeks due to perioperative complications. Of patients treated with SCRT alone, 8 were symptomatic at presentation and 5 had a clinician defined symptomatic response. No patient treated with SCRT monotherapy required additional palliative measures for outflow obstruction, but 2 progressed locally and died. SCRT is well tolerated, results in pathologic complete responses in a small percentage of patients, and achieves 63% symptom improvement rate as monotherapy. A high peri-operative complication rate was observed in this small series. In elderly patients, SCRT as initial treatment with a watch and wait approach for surgery is feasible and should be evaluated prospectively.
Abstract TP124: Nicotine Alters Brain Energy Metabolism and Exacerbates Ischemic Brain Damage

Background: Smoking-derived nicotine (N) and oral contraceptives (OC) are known to synergistically magnify the risk and severity of cerebral ischemia in females. The underlying pathological mechani...
Molecular Diagnosis of Gall Bladder Cancer

Worldwide, gallbladder cancer (GBC) is comparatively rare but highly fatal and the most common biliary tree malignancy with gender and geographical-specific predilections that associate with the incidence of cholelithiasis. Morphological feature and anatomic location of gallbladder along with asymptomatic and aggressive nature of the disease progression are ascribed to advance stage diagnosis, poor prognosis thereby compromising GBC patient’s survival rate. Only 20% of GBC patients are diagnosed early with cancer progression limited to gallbladder while rest of the patients are diagnosed with metastasis to adjacent or distant organs. Currently, the available treatment option includes surgical removal of the non-metastatic and small-sized tumor or radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy in advanced stages with various side effects accounting for global health burden. With the recent advancement in better understanding of GBC pathogenesis, several markers have been proposed and evaluated for diagnostic efficiency in GBC. However, none of the markers identified so far has been developed for routine screening examination for GBC and still, there is lack of appropriate molecular diagnostic markers for its early detection and improve prognoses. Till today the complete treatment of GBCs remains unsatisfactory and a major challenge facing a bottleneck. In this chapter, we will focus on the GBC pathogenesis, available diagnostic methods and recent development in the molecular diagnostic methods that may provide future research directions for early detection of this deadly disease.
Development of an educational resource to increase nursing staff knowledge of adrenal insufficiency management in the neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract The purpose of this project was to assess and increase nursing staff knowledge and comfort when providing education to families with a diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency. An evidenced-based educational resource was developed and provided the framework for a PowerPoint presentation provided to neonatal intensive care nursing staff and ancillary staff from the endocrine clinic. The intention was to improve knowledge, understanding, and comfort when addressing caregiver education. Nursing staff knowledge was measured pre and post education intervention to evaluate for change. There was a significant difference in the scores for adrenal insufficiency knowledge from pre (M = 5.18, SD = 1.501) to the post education (M = 7.37; SD = 0.775) [t(77) = -10.919; p = 0.000]. Nursing staff also reported an increase in comfort level with providing caregiver education regarding adrenal insufficiency management. The educational session proved beneficial to increase knowledge and comfort with caregiver education regarding adrenal insufficiency pathophysiology and management.
The Mirrored Body: Sensation, Agency and Expression in a Video Processed World

Real-time video processing in multimedia performances can create a video double that recalibrates understandings of both on screen and physical bodies. This mirrored bodily exchange affords new experiences of agency, sensation and expression in the context of theatrical performances. Careful attention is paid to creating a life-sized mirror image that places the processed body in close relationship with the living body. These video processing techniques find their purpose as characters in storytelling for theatre and dance.
Saint or Sinner: Conflict and Human Rights in US Arms Exports Policy and Practice

Abstract will be provided by author.This paper seeks to explain recent dramatic changes in US policy toward multilateral arms export control standards and explore its arms export practices with regard to conflict, democracy, and human rights over time. In late 2009, the United States surprised many diplomats, activists, and experts by announcing its support for the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) process, the popular UN initiative that seeks to limit conventional arms transfers to human rights violators and conflict zones. I argue that the Obama administration’s sharp reversal of US opposition serves as a relatively low-cost part of its attempt to improve US image abroad through multilateral re-engagement. In addition, the paper introduces new data on US small and major conventional arms transfer practices from 1981 to 2004. It finds that although the United States may set what many consider the international gold standard for national arms export policy, its export practice – like that of many other arms exporters – is often inattentive to the conflict and human rights records of its arms trade partners. Whether such trends, if continued to the present day, would detract from the United States’ search for renewed status through international cooperation and “responsible” foreign policy may depend as much on its own policies and practice as on those of its peers in the international community.
Abstract WP370: Inpatient Outcomes and Resource Utilization Among Patients With Large Hemispheric Infarction Who Developed Cerebral Edema: An Analysis of U.S. Real-World Data

Introduction: Patients with large hemispheric infarction (LHI) may suffer from life-threatening complications, including cerebral edema. Published data among these patients in real-world settings a...
Supporting American Academy of Neurology’s new clinical practice guideline on evaluation and management of insomnia in children with autism

Citation:Rosen CL, Aurora RN, Kapur VK, et al. Supporting American Academy of Neurology’s new clinical practice guideline on evaluation and management of insomnia in children with autism. J Clin Sl...
Acute injection of a DHA triglyceride emulsion after hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in mice increases both DHA and EPA levels in blood and brain✰.

Abstract We recently reported that acute injection of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) triglyceride emulsions (tri-DHA) conferred neuroprotection after hypoxic-ischemic (HI) injury in a neonatal mouse stroke model. We showed that exogenous DHA increased concentrations of DHA in brain mitochondria as well as DHA-derived specialized pro-resolving mediator (SPM) levels in the brain. The objective of the present study was to investigate the distribution of emulsion particles and changes in plasma lipid profiles after tri-DHA injection in naive mice and in animals subjected to HI injury. We also examined whether tri-DHA injection would change DHA- and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-derived SPM levels in the brain. To address this, neonatal (10-day-old) naive and HI mice were injected with radiolabeled tri-DHA emulsion (0.375 g tri-DHA/kg bw), and blood clearance and tissue distribution were analyzed. Among all the organs assayed, the lowest uptake of emulsion particles was in the brain (
Abstract PO-015: Ex-vivo stimulation of chimeric antigen receptor T cell pre-infusion products predicts clinical response in pediatric B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

CAR T cell therapy has shown remarkable efficacy against refractory hematological malignancies, frequently leading to complete remission. However, some patients do not respond to the therapy, and many patients who do show an initial response eventually relapse. The factors determining these diverse patient responses remain to be understood. We sought to assess whether the intrinsic molecular characteristics of CAR T pre-infusion products could be predictive of clinical outcomes, reasoning that differences in T cell cellular states and subtype proportions determine response. To investigate the heterogeneity and temporal dynamics of CD19-targeted CAR T cells at a molecular level and the relationship to clinical variables in pediatric B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, we profiled by single-cell RNA-seq patient-derived pre-infusion CAR T cells before and after stimulation ex-vivo by antigen presenting cells. Computational analysis of data from 12 pediatric patients with chemotherapy-resistant or refractory disease revealed distinct populations of T cells associated with clinical response. We found that CAR T cells from patients with a favorable response had an increased potential to transition to an active, cytokine-expressing state upon stimulation with CD19, and that responding patients were particularly associated with a robust mixed CD4/CD8 Type 1 helper-like response. Conversely, we found that patients who do not did not respond to CAR T therapy had a higher proportion of non-cytokine expressing CD8 cytotoxic T cells upon stimulation. These results demonstrate the potential of single-cell gene expression profiling coupled with computational analysis to uncover the molecular factors determining response to immunotherapy. Citation Format: Steven Woodhouse, Zhiliang Bai, Rong Fan, Pablo G. Camara, J. Joseph Melenhorst. Ex-vivo stimulation of chimeric antigen receptor T cell pre-infusion products predicts clinical response in pediatric B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on Tumor Heterogeneity: From Single Cells to Clinical Impact; 2020 Sep 17-18. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(21 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-015.
Geodetic Coupling Models as Constraints on Stochastic Earthquake Ruptures: An Example Application to PTHA in Cascadia

Current stochastic rupture modeling techniques do not consider the influence of first order fault zone characteristics. One such key characteristic is fault slip deficit or inter-seismic locking wh...
Single particle energies and nuclear g factors

Adding one neutron to doubly magic 100Sn, we can associate the low lying states in101Sn with single particle states. Thus, the J = 5 2+ and J = 7 2+ states are identified as the d5/2 and g7/2 single particle states, respectively. In 101Sn, these two low lying states are separated by an energy of 0.172MeV. Currently, there is a dispute as to the ordering of these states. We examine how the two scenarios, selecting J = 5 2+ as the ground state or J = 7 2+ as the ground state, affect spectra and nuclear g factors of higher mass Sn isotopes in a variety of shell model situations. Significantly, this includes examining the complex interplay of the choice of single particle state splitting, effective interactions, and effective g-factors in nuclear shell model calculations. Of particular importance is how the trends in the calculated results for g factors diverge from recent experimental measurements for the higher mass isotopes of Sn.
Predictors of wealth index in Malawi – Analysis of Malawi demographic Health Survey 2004–2015/16

Abstract Objectives To examine the wealth index over a decade utilizing Malawi’s Demographic and Health (DHS) survey data from 2004, 2010, and 2015/16, and to explore factors that predict higher wealth. Study design This was a retrospective descriptive study. Methods The study utilized DHS data from 2004, 2010, and 2015/2016. The total number of participants was 77,194. Linear regression models were used to assess the effects of the predictors. All analyses were conducted in Stata version 13. Results Findings showed no significant increase in wealth between the survey years. However, significant increases in wealth were associated with smaller family size (−0.09[-0.10, −0.08]), age (0.02[0.02,0.02]), having formal education (0.21[0.18, 0.24]), and living in urban areas (−1.84[-1.98, −1.70]). Differences in wealth also existed among the different ethnic and religious groups with the Chewa reporting less wealth than other groups, and people with any form of religion reporting more wealth than people with no religion. Conclusions Minimal changes in wealth have occurred in Malawi between 2004 and 2015/16, and sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and cultural factors are associated with wealth in this population.
Towards Understanding and Evaluating Structural Node Embeddings

While most network embedding techniques model the proximity between nodes in a network, recently there has been significant interest in structural embeddings that are based on node equivalences, a notion rooted in sociology: equivalences or positions are collections of nodes that have similar roles--i.e., similar functions, ties or interactions with nodes in other positions--irrespective of their distance or reachability in the network. Unlike the proximity-based methods that are rigorously evaluated in the literature, the evaluation of structural embeddings is less mature. It relies on small synthetic or real networks with labels that are not perfectly defined, and its connection to sociological equivalences has hitherto been vague and tenuous. With new node embedding methods being developed at a breakneck pace, proper evaluation and systematic characterization of existing approaches will be essential to progress. To fill in this gap, we set out to understand what types of equivalences structural embeddings capture. We are the first to contribute rigorous intrinsic and extrinsic evaluation methodology for structural embeddings, along with carefully-designed, diverse datasets of varying sizes. We observe a number of different evaluation variables that can lead to different results (e.g., choice of similarity measure, classifier, label definitions). We find that degree distributions within nodes' local neighborhoods can lead to simple yet effective baselines in their own right and guide the future development of structural embedding. We hope that our findings can influence the design of further node embedding methods and also pave the way for more comprehensive and fair evaluation of structural embedding methods.
Comparison between 1300 nm and 800 nm OCT imaging of ex vivo human esophageal tissues

The feasibility of ultrahigh-resolution OCT capsule endoscopy working at 800 nm was demonstrated by imaging ex vivo freshly resected human esophageal tissues, and its performance was compared with conventional volumetric laser endomicroscopy (VLE) working at 1300 nm. The results showed that the ultrahigh-resolution capsule can identify histology-confirmed diagnostic features with much finer details and contrast, particularly in mucosal layers, and demonstrated its promising potential of differentiating pathological changes in earlier stages.
Central Retinal Vein Occlusion Secondary to Ocular Trauma in a Young Patient: A Case Report

Central retinal vein occlusions (CRVO) occurring in young patients or due to a traumatic etiology is uncommon. This paper outlines the case of a 33-year-old Asian male who presented with a chief complaint of blurry peripheral vision and photophobia in his left eye, one week after sustaining blunt ocular trauma. He was diagnosed with a traumatic CRVO based on history and exam findings.
Pas de Deux of Illegal and Legal Corruption in America

American states vary in their ethical climates, but a lack of data impedes comparisons. Based on a survey of reporters covering state politics, we construct new indices measuring illegal and legal corruption in the states. Illegal corruption is private gain, in the form of cash or gifts, by a government official in exchange for specific benefits to private interests; legal corruption is political gain in the form of campaign contributions or endorsements by an official in exchange for such benefits, whether by explicit or implicit understanding. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to capture the difference between the two in America. We find that states vary widely on both dimensions and there is a complementary relationship between illegal and legal corruption which is bidirectional.
Secondary traumatic stress among parent advocates in child welfare

Parent advocates are peers with lived experience who were formerly involved with the child welfare system and who interact with child welfare-involved parents and families to provide varying types ...
Ambulatory Voice Biofeedback: Acquisition and Retention of Modified Daily Voice Use in Patients With Phonotraumatic Vocal Hyperfunction.

Purpose: Voice ambulatory biofeedback (VAB) has potential to improve carryover of therapeutic voice use into daily life. Previous work in vocally healthy participants demonstrated that motor learni...
Human Oral Tissues as a Model for the Study of Cellular Age Changes by Light Microscopy

Age-dependent changes are known to occur in the oral tissues similar to what occurs in other body tissues. Teeth wear down, the degree depending upon the changes in occlusion, the decrease in muscular activity, abnormal taste sensations, excessive bone loss, and delayed wound healing. Detailed morphological studies on age changes to the various components of the oral cavity have been limited in number both in man and experimental animals.
Concluding Conference Thoughts

Vera Rubin regrettably could not attend our Conference, but she very kindly sent the SOC co-chairs her concluding thoughts, which are printed below. May her husband Bob have many more years of good health.
Exceedingly Efficient Synthesis of (±)-Grandifloracin and Acylated Analogues.

A highly efficient regio- and stereoselective total synthesis of (±)-grandifloracin via a tandem dearomative epoxidation/spontaneous Diels–Alder cyclodimerization from salicylic acid in only four steps is reported. The synthetic route allows for late-stage diversification of the core structure to give ready access to analogues of this promising agent against pancreatic cancer.
Huxley, Julian Sorrell

(1887–1975) British biologist and science popularizer who influenced the development of evolutionary theory, championed the idea that science should benefit society and served as first director-general of UNESCO. Keywords: evolution; science education; development; eugenics; evolutionary humanism
EFFECT OF SALINITY AND TEMPERATURE ON COCCIDIOIDES IMMITIS AND THREE ANTAGONISTIC SOIL SAPROPHYTES

Egeberg, Roger O. (University of Southern California, Los Angeles), Ann F. Elconin, and Margaret C. Egeberg. Effect of salinity and temperature on Coccidioides immitis and three antagonistic soil saprophytes. J. Bacteriol. 88: 473–476. 1964.—Experiments exploring the factors which determine the ability of Coccidioides immitis to survive and reproduce in the soil in situ are described and discussed. Previous work indicated that soil temperatures and salinity influence the growth and distribution of C. immitis . It was thought that these factors might work through enhancing the growth of C. immitis or inhibiting the growth of its possible antagonists, or both. In searching for antagonists, samples of surface soil from an endemic area were screened by standard culture techniques. Three significant antagonists were isolated and were identified as two strains of Bacillus subtilis , and Penicillium janthinellum . Subcultures of each of these isolates were grown on Saboraud9s media modified by sodium chloride and calcium chloride in parallel series. The salts used were the predominant salts, and the range of temperature was comparable to that found in the soil. The organisms were grown at 18 to 27 C and at 40 C. The latter temperature approximated the temperature of the top centimeter of soil for 4 to 6 hr a day in the spring when C. immitis is recovered. P. janthinellum was unable to survive 40 C. The growth of the other two, while unaffected by temperature change alone, was inhibited by the salts. Conversely, C. immitis was stimulated by the salts when grown at the higher temperature. These findings support the hypothesis that markedly increased salinity and seasonal high temperature of the surface soil inhibit or kill these antogonists while enhancing the growth of C. immitis . Images
GABA transporters and GABAC-like receptors on catfish cone- but not rod-driven horizontal cells.

The effects of GABA and related agents were studied in solitary rod- and cone-driven horizontal cells, acutely isolated from the catfish retina using enzymatic and mechanical treatment. Both types of horizontal cells, which normally receive glutamatergic input from photoreceptors, responded to pressure ejection of the glutamate analog kainate (50 microM) with an inward current of 300–800 pA when voltage- clamped at -70 mV using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. But pressure ejection of GABA (500 microM) elicited an inward current only in cone-driven horizontal cells. This current, ranging between 100 and 400 pA, consisted of two components: (1) a GABA receptor-gated chloride current that reversed near the chloride equilibrium potential and was blocked by bath application of picrotoxin (100–500 microM), and (2) a GABA transporter-mediated current that was picrotoxin resistant but was blocked by NO-711 (1 microM) and cis-4-hydroxynipecotic acid (250 microM), two potent GABA transporter blockers. The GABA transporter current could also be eliminated when sodium was replaced by either choline or lithium in the bathing medium. The picrotoxin-sensitive receptor-gated current could not be elicited by the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen, nor could it be blocked by the potent GABAB receptor antagonist 2-hydroxysaclofen. The picrotoxin-sensitive current could be divided into two components based on their sensitivity to the specific GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline methiodide. The bicuculline- sensitive component was found only in some cells, whereas the bicuculline-resistant, picrotoxin-sensitive component was found in all cells tested. The bicuculline-resistant current was insensitive to pentobarbital, an allosteric modulator of GABAA receptor. To confirm the effectiveness of the specific batch of bicuculline methiodide and pentobarbital, we tested both drugs in ganglion cells in the salamander retinal slice preparation, where the GABA-elicited current is almost exclusively mediated by GABAA receptors. Bicuculline methiodide almost completely blocked, while pentobarbital significantly enhanced, the GABA current recorded in ganglion cells. Thus, in catfish cone horizontal cells the bicuculline-resistant GABA receptor current is most likely mediated by the GABAC receptor based on the above pharmacological profile. The relative effectiveness of GABA, muscimol, trans- and cis-4-aminocrotonic acid (TACA and CACA) was determined at this GABAC receptor site after cells were bathed in choline Ringer to eliminate the transporter current and in the presence of 100 microM bicuculline methiodide to block GABAA receptor current.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
A compromise circadian phase position for permanent night work improves mood, fatigue, and performance.

Study Objective: To assess night shift improvements in mood, fatigue, and performance when the misalignment between circadian rhythms and a night shift, day sleep schedule is reduced.
Verification of Parameterized Bus Arbitration Protocol

Model Checking is well established as a verification technique for finite-state systems. Many protocols, while composed of finite-state processes, are parameterized by the number of such processes, hence Model Checking cannot be applied directly to determine correctness of the inherently infinite-state parameterized system. We present a case study on the verification of such a parameterized protocol, the SAE-J1850 data transfer procotol. This is a standard in the automobile industry, where it is used to transmit data between various sensors and micro-controllers in an automobile. The protocol communicates data over a single-wire bus, and provides on-the-fly arbitration between competing transmissions. Our verification effort is interesting from many aspects : it proves correctness for arbitrary instances, is largely automated, and uses abstraction in an essential way. The abstractions used are exact, in the sense that a property is true of the parameterized protocol if and only if it is true of the finite-state abstraction.
Isn't it about time? [data visualization]

Time plays a key role in all aspects of the intelligence analysis process, from data ingest through analysis methods to the cognitive processes that create intelligence products. However, the concept of time is difficult to grasp and not yet fully understood. In this article, we briefly discuss why time is difficult to grasp, the need for visualizations and interactions to deal with time, and some thoughts about a temporal analytic discourse. Overall, time cannot be left as an afterthought when developing visualizations. We should consider time as a first-class object in its own right, rather than an implicit attribute, and we must make it as interactively manipulable as any other object
Relative Homological Algebra

When we described the elements of Ext n (C, A) as long exact sequences from A to C we supposed that A and C were left modules over a ring. We could equally well have supposed that they were right modules, bimodules, or graded modules. An efficient formulation of this situation is to assume that A and C are objects in a category with suitable properties: One where morphisms can be added and kernels and cokernels constructed. The first three sections of this chapter are devoted to the description of such “abelian” categories.
Myosin learns to walk.

Recent experiments, drawing upon single-molecule, solution kinetic and structural techniques, have clarified our mechanistic understanding of class V myosins. The findings of the past two years can be summarized as follows: (1) Myosin V is a highly efficient processive motor, surpassing even conventional kinesin in the distance that individual molecules can traverse. (2) The kinetic scheme underlying ATP turnover resembles those of myosins I and II but with rate constants tuned to favor strong binding to actin. ADP release precedes dissociation from actin and is rate-limiting in the cycle. (3) Myosin V walks in strides averaging ∼36 nm, the long pitch pseudo-repeat of the actin helix, each step coupled to a single ATP hydrolysis. Such a unitary displacement, the largest molecular step size measured to date, is required for a processive myosin motor to follow a linear trajectory along a helical actin track.
Distinguishing dijet resonances at the LHC

Anticipating that a dijet resonance could be discovered at the 14 TeV LHC, we present two different strategies to reveal the nature of such a particle; in particular to discern whether it is a quark-antiquark ($q\overline{q}$), quark-gluon ($qg$), or gluon-gluon ($gg$) resonance. The first method relies on the color discriminant variable, which can be calculated at the LHC from the measurements of the dijet signal cross section, the resonance mass, and the resonance width. Including estimated statistical uncertainties and experimental resolution, we show that a $qg$ excited quark resonance can be efficiently distinguished from either a $\overline{q}q$ coloron or a $gg$ color-octet scalar using the color discriminant variable at LHC-14. The second strategy is based on the study of the energy profiles of the two leading jets in the dijet channel. Including statistical uncertainties in the signal and the QCD backgrounds, we show that one can distinguish, in a model-independent way, between $gg$, $qg$, and $q\overline{q}$ resonances; an evaluation of systematic uncertainties in the measurement of the jet energy profile will require a detailed detector study once sufficient 14 TeV dijet data are in hand.
Electrophoretic Method for Desalting Amino Acids

A solution to be desalted is placed on a paper strip along which an ammonium formate buffer gradient has been established. Application of a potential brings about migration of amino acids to their isoelectric p H's and removal of salt ions. The strip is eluted with water, and the eluate is freed of ammonium formate by vacuum sublimation at 40°C.
Induction of Dental Caries in Gnotobiotic Rats by Streptococci of Human Origin

ORLAND et al.1 have shown that an enterococcus isolated from conventional rats with dental caries could induce caries when it was used to infect germfree rats receiving a diet rich in sugar. Fitzgerald et al.2 later obtained similar results with a previously undescribed anaerobic streptococcus (Strain FA-1), and Fitzgerald and Keyes3 described the induction of caries in a conventional strain of albino hamsters with still another strain of anaerobic streptococcus (Strain HS-1). Zinner et al.4 isolated streptococci, designated AHT, from human caries. These streptococci could induce caries in hamsters. These human streptococcal strains were identical morphologically, antigenically and in biochemical fermentation patterns to the hamster (HS-1) types. The present communication reports the isolation from human caries lesions of streptococci which cause caries in gnotobiotic rats.
State of the Art Survey of Reference Sources in Geology

Geology itself is a descriptive science (i.e., the description of landforms, rocks, etc.). To apply these observations geology depends heavily on the other sciences for data, theories, etc. Thus the geologist is very much dependent on works in chemistry, physics and biology (depending on his particular area of interest) in addition to those discussed here, and the reader is referred to the surveys in those fields.
Polarographic oxidation and reduction of p-nitroaniline at carbon paste electrodes

One of the most valuable features of carbon paste electrodes is the wide potential range available for both anodic and cathodic reactions. In the present study both the oxidation of the amino group and the reduction of the nitro function on p-nitroaniline are examined. The ratio of the limiting currents, ic/ia, is close to 3. The nitro reduction was shown to be a 6-electron process using the technique of cyclic voltammetry. Thus, it is established that the amine oxidation is an overall (nT) 2-electron process. This novel determination of nt using such a bi-functional molecule does not require the diffusion coefficient to be known and may be applicable to other solid electrode mechanism studies.
Two dopamine receptor genes (DRD2 and DRD4) predict psychopathic personality traits in a sample of American adults

Abstract Purpose Psychopathy is often defined as a personality disorder that manifests as a constellation of characteristics including a lack of affective emotions, manipulative and irresponsible interpersonal reactions, and impulsive and sometimes violent behaviors. Prior studies have shown that genetic factors may have some influence on the etiology of psychopathy, but there is little evidence on which specific genes may play a role. Methods This study examines the correlation between three dopamine genes— DAT1 , DRD2 , and DRD4 —and psychopathic personality traits. Results The results of this study demonstrate that two of the examined genes predict psychopathic personality traits in the hypothesized direction ( DRD2 : b = .69 p DRD4 : b = 1.02 p Conclusions These findings emphasize the importance of the dopaminergic system in the etiology of psychopathic personality traits, providing guidance for future researchers.
Damped Vibration Response at Different Speeds of Wire in Slurry Wiresaw Manufacturing Operations

Wiresaw has become a standard slicing tool especially for large ingots in the wafer preparation industry since late 1990s. To meet the requirements of the surface finish and topology, it is critical to control the process parameters to render good surface finish and to minimize kerf loss. The vibration of moving wire in the wiresaw manufacturing operation affects the wafer surface finish and kerf loss; therefore, the study and analysis of vibration of moving wire become very important and relevant to this manufacturing process. Built on the previous research, the free vibration response of axially moving wire with damping is a combination of infinite sets of response solutions, with trigonometric functions due to end constraints. The apparent damping due to the increase of speed on the first several components of responses will be presented and discussed in this paper. The results also show that the increase in speed will excite components of response except the dominating one. Since the free vibration response is a combination of infinite sets of solutions, it is not possible for the system to be completely critically-damped or over-damped because of the existence of under-damped modes at higher order. Therefore, a damped index is introduced to help in understanding the behavior of such system. When the physical damping is increased (for example, by using a more viscous carrier fluid in slurry), all components are more damped accordingly. However, in addition to the physical damping, the apparent damping caused by the increase of wire speed will also damp out the response. These two parameters, physical damping and apparent damping, control the behavior of an axially moving wire. This is a new finding in vibration analysis of moving wire that, to our best knowledge, has not been reported in the previous literature.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Ozone impact on the antioxidant nordihydroguaiaretic acid content in the external leaf resin of Larrea tridentata

Key Word Index--Larrea Iridentata; Zygophyllaceae; nordihydroguaiaretic acid; antioxidant; ozone; resin; herbivory. Abstract--Larrea tn'dentata, a common shrub of the north American Deserts, contains large quantmes of a strong antioxidant, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), in external leaf resins. As parts of the Sonoran Desert in California now receive signifmant levels of atmospheric ozone exposure, we investigated the impact of controlled ozone fumigation on NDGA levels in Larrea resin. The ozone levels used (0.1 and 0.2 ppm) consistently reduced NDGA in exposed resin. Feeding experiments with NDGA in artificial diets demonstrated that this compound is toxic to Trichoplusia hi(cabbage looper) larvae. Ozone reduction of NDGA content in Larrea resins potentially increases the vulnerability of this widespread plant to herbivores.
Ashoka's big idea: Transforming the world through social entrepreneurship

Abstract Ashoka : Innovators for the Public TM was set up 25 yr ago by Bill Drayton, recently voted by the Centre for Public Leadership at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government in collaboration with US News and World Report among America's 25 Best Leaders. Ashoka coined the term ‘social entrepreneur’. Its first insight was that there was nothing more powerful than a big social idea, but only if it is in the hands of a first-class social entrepreneur. The organisation works as a social venture capital fund, helping selected ‘Fellows’ with start-up funds to launch their ideas. The Fellows’ direct impact is only the beginning; they are role models who inspire others to become active Changemakers. Ashoka weaves them together into a global community whose collaborations are far more powerful than the sum of its solo practitioner parts. This paper examines the evolution of Ashoka, its role as a driver of social change, and the various collaborations and institutions it has helped build and is still in the process of building to promote social entrepreneurship.
A cutting damping index for real-time monitoring of tool wear in turning

In order to estimate the amount of tool flank wear in real time during stable turning operations, tool wear in the machining of stainless steel was studied in terms of an experimental index related to cutting damping in the cutting zone, as measured directly with a developed device. The correlation between tool wear and the experimental index was analysed. Results show that the experimental index can be used as a reliable indicator to identify tool flank wear in real time during machining operations.
Bridging gaps: affective communication in long distance relationships

This study examines communication methods and needs of people in long distance romantic relationships to understand how intimate computing can help create or augment already existing artifacts to promote feeling of connectivity within non-collocated couples. We report our research in progress and provide a collection of initial design concepts based on the user research.
Purification and comparison of elastins from different animal species.

Abstract A nondegradation method was developed for the isolation of elastin from tissues of 10 different animal species. Marked differences, involving primarily the neutral and aromatic amino acids, occurred in the amino acid composition of elastin of different species. The amino acid composition of elastins from a given species was constant for all the tissues studied.
Therapeutic potential of synthetic triterpenoids in neuroblastoma

Commentary to:Human Neuroblastoma Cells Rapidly Enter Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis Following Exposure to C-28 derivatives of the Synthetic Triterpenoid CDDOJennifer Alabran, Adam Cheuk, Karen Liby, Michael Sporn, Javed Khan, John Letterio and Konstantin S Leskov
Implant arthroplasty of the hand : retrospective and prospective considerations

Small joint arthroplasty has lagged behind the development of that in large joints because of their small sizes, different shapes, presence within kinetic chains, complex soft tissue investments, presence of adjacent rays, secondary displacement and contracture, and the differing requirements of degenerative and rheumatoid arthritis. Prosthetic development must take into consideration range of motion, stability, tendon moment arms, fixation, ease of implantation, blocompatibility, wear and strength characteristics, and soft tissue reconstruction. The metacarpophalangeal, interphalangeal, and trapeziometacarpal joints each present different problems in the design of kinematic equivalent prostheses. One-piece polymeric designs have advantages in cost, adaptability, and known performance but show degradation of function with time. Total joint designs have the potential of better simulating normal joint function but have shown tendencies to subsidence, loosening, and breakage. The rigidity of hinge joints limits the damping of out-of-plane forces and places greater stress on bone-stem interfaces, whereas global designs have poor constraint features.
Economic crisis and oppositional movements in the USA

Une strategie qui se dit neuve pour affronter la crise economique en cours semble avoir provoque un nombre ? effets negatifs aux Etats-Unis (et ailleurs). Un taux de chomage eleve, une inegalite croissante, ainsi que des services publics qui se deteriorent, sont les resultats ? un effort de re-capitalisation du capitalisme acheve par la promotion ? investissements et de profits prives. Ceci est le cadre pour un developpement possible ? agitation ouvriere et de mouvements sociaux urbains. Les perspectives limites de beaucoup de mouvements sociaux urbains americains ne veulent necessairement pas dire qu'ils manquent de signification. L'epoque de la reforme structurelle doit ětre gagnee; elle est rarement deja acquise.
Academic course grades as better predictors of graduation from a commuter-type college than SAT scores

High school transcripts of 400 college freshmen were randomly selected from an enrollment of 1990 students who entered an urban, commuter-type college in 1979. Those who were graduated four years l...
Family risk factors and prevalence of dissociative symptoms among homeless and runaway youth

Abstract Objective: To examine family risk factors associated with dissociative symptoms among homeless and runaway youth. Method: Three hundred and twenty-eight homeless and runaway youth were interviewed using a systematic sampling strategy in metropolitan Seattle. Homeless young people were interviewed on the streets and in shelters by outreach workers in youth service agencies. Results: The current study revealed widespread prevalence of dissociative symptoms among these young people. Multivariate analyses revealed that sexual abuse, physical abuse, and family mental health problems were all positively associated with dissociative symptoms. No gender differences were found for any of the models. Conclusions: Dissociative behavior is widespread among these youth and may pose a serious mental health concern. Some young people experience numerous stressors, and with few resources and little support available, many may invoke maladaptive strategies such as dissociative behavior to handle such situations, which may in turn be detrimental to their mental health. Unless youth are provided with programs and intervention, the cycle of abuse that they have experienced at home is likely to continue on the street.
Pressure Effects on the Compressive Response of Confined Intact and Damaged Soda-Lime Glass

This article describes two techniques used to characterize intact and damaged soda-lime glass at pressures up to ∼2 GPa: triaxial compression and confined sleeve. The results of the characterization experiments are described for intact and damaged glass as a function of confinement pressure and interpreted in terms of two pressure-dependent constitutive models, Drucker-Prager and Mohr-Coulomb. An observation is that the slopes of the two models appear to be independent of the degree of damage (intact, predamaged and severely damaged specimens). It is also observed that there is a maximum strength for the damaged glass, i.e., there is a cap on the strength. The compressive response of soda-lime glass is compared to that of a borosilicate glass, and to flyer-plate impact data.
Senior expatriate leadership's effects on innovation and the role of cultural intelligence

Abstract We propose that senior expatriates’ visionary–transformational leadership influences the rate of innovation adoption in the organizations or units they head, but cultural intelligence moderates this relationship. Our hypotheses were tested with data from 153 senior expatriate managers and 695 subordinates from companies in all 27 countries of the European Union. We found a direct influence of senior expatriates’ visionary–transformational leadership on the rate of innovation adoption. Cultural intelligence moderates the effect of senior expatriates’ leadership on organizational innovation, but not on product-market innovation. Implications for academic research and business practice are discussed.
On the Zariski-density of integral points on a complement of hyperplanes in Pn

Abstract We study the S -integral points on the complement of a union of hyperplanes in projective space, where S is a finite set of places of a number field k . In the classical case where S consists of the set of archimedean places of k , we completely characterize, in terms of the hyperplanes and the field k , when the ( S -)integral points are not Zariski-dense.
Coping with one’s boss: how to help your boss make better decisions

Suggests six steps towards helping your boss make better decisions. Outlines each step and uses brief conversations to demonstrate how the step can be achieved effectively. Summarizes the six steps, breaking them down into various elements.
Big Data as an e-Health Service

Big Data is transforming healthcare, business, and ultimately society itself, as e-Health becomes one of key driving factors during the innovation process. We investigate BDeHS (Big Data e-Health Service) to fulfill the Big Data applications in the e-Health service domain. In this paper we explain why the existing Big Data technologies such as Hadoop, MapReduce, STORM and the like cannot be simply applied to e-Health services directly. We then describe the additional capabilities as required in order to make Big Data services for e-Health become practical. Next we report our design of the BDeHS architecture that supplies data operation management capabilities, regulatory compliance, and e-Health meaningful usages.
Expression of a mitogen-inducible cyclooxygenase in brain neurons: Regulation by synaptic activity and glucocorticoids

Prostaglandins play important and diverse roles in the CNS. The first step in prostaglandin synthesis involves enzymatic oxidation of arachidonic acid, which is catalyzed by prostaglandin H(PGH) synthase, also referred to as cyclooxygenase. We have cloned an inducible form of this enzyme from rat brain that is nearly identical to a murine, mitogen-inducible cyclooxygenase identified from fibroblasts. Our studies indicate that this gene, here termed COX-2, is expressed throughout the forebrain in discrete populations of neurons and is enriched in the cortex and hippocampus. Neuronal expression is rapidly and transiently induced by seizures or NMDA-dependent synaptic activity. No expression is detected in glia or vascular endothelial cells. Basal expression of COX-2 appears to be regulated by natural synaptic activity in the developing and adult brain. Both basal and induced expression of COX-2 are inhibited by glucocorticoids, consistent with COX-2 regulation in peripheral tissues. Our studies indicate that COX-2 expression may be important in regulating prostaglandin signaling in brain. The marked inducibility in neurons by synaptic stimuli suggests a role in activity-dependent plasticity.
Characterization of a mobilization-competent simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) vector containing a ribozyme against SIV polymerase.

Exploitation of the intracellular virus machinery within infected cells to drive an anti-viral gene therapy vector may prove to be a feasible alternative to reducing viral loads or overall virus infectivity while propagating the spread of a therapeutic vector. Using a simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-based system, it was shown that the pre-existing retroviral biological machinery within SIV-infected cells can drive the expression of an anti-SIV pol ribozyme and mobilize the vector to transduce neighbouring cells. The anti-SIV pol ribozyme vector was derived from the SIV backbone and contained the 5′- and 3′LTR including transactivation-response, Ψ and Rev-responsive elements, thus requiring Tat and Rev and therefore limiting expression to SIV-infected cells. The data presented here show an early reduction in SIV p27 levels in the presence of the anti-SIV pol ribozyme, as well as successful mobilization (vector RNA constituted ∼17 % of the total virus pool) and spread of the vector containing this ribozyme. These findings provide direct evidence that mobilization of an anti-retroviral SIV gene therapy vector is feasible in the SIV/macaque model.