cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Positive regulation of cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesion by protein kinase A

Integrin receptor activation is an important regulatory mechanism for cell-substrate and cell-cell adhesion. In this study, we explore a signaling pathway activated by mAb 12G10, an antibody that can activate beta(1) integrins and induce integrin-mediated cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesion. We have found that the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) is required for both mAb 12G10-induced cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesion of HT-1080 cells. Binding of mAb 12G10 to beta(1) integrins stimulates an increase in intracellular cAMP levels and PKA activity, and a concomitant shift in the localization of the PKA type II regulatory subunits from the cytoplasm to areas where integrins expressing the 12G10 epitope are located. MAb 12G10-induced cell-cell adhesion was mimicked by a combination of clustering beta(1) integrins and elevating PKA activity with Sp-adenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate or forskolin. We also show that two processes required for HT-1080 cell-cell adhesion, integrin clustering and F-actin polymerization are both dependent on PKA. Taken together, our data suggest that PKA plays a key role in the signaling pathway, resulting from activation of beta(1) integrins, and that this enzyme may be required for upregulation of cell-substrate and cell-cell adhesion.
AN INTRODUCTION TO LIGHTNING PROTECTION OF 1101150 kV OVERHEAD TRANSMISSION LINES IN RUSSIA

The up-to-date contents and new ideas in the section of The lightning protection of 1101150kV overhead transmission lines of Lightning and internal overvoltageprotection guides for 61150kV networks which is formulated by the Russian united Power Network in 1999 is presented,they are: (1) The lightning current amplitude and steepnessparameters of the first strike and subsequent strikes are added to the lightning protection computations. (2) In choosing the insulator pieces in insulator string for an overhead line a clause, i.e., To insure the insulation of an overhead transmission line maintenance free for 25 years by increasing the serial number of insulators in insulator strings, is added. (3) The totalnumber of tripouts allowed for an overhead transmission line due to lightning depends upon the number of available linecircuit breaker operating resources. (4) Analyzing the lightning withstand level of the transmission lines in operation, following conclusions are obtained: (i) The main cause for lightningtripout of 110220kV overhead transmission lines isback-strike; (ii) The main causes for lightning tripout of 330kV overhead transmission lines are back-strike and shieldingfailure, and the probability of appearing the two phenomena is equal; (iii) The main cause for lightning tripout of the500750kV overhead transmission lines is shielding failure; (iv) To increase the lightning withstand capabilities of 1150kVoverhead transmission lines, it is ensured by using shielding wires with negative protection angles; (v) Automatic reclosing acts as a reserved step to increase the reliability of continuous power transmission for overhead lines. However, the basiclightning protection measures for any transmission line mustnot be reduced even in case of automatic reclosing beingapplied to a transmission line, since any ground fault mayreduce the equipment resources of a substation.
RoboCupJunior Primer: Expanding Educational Robotics

This paper describes an online resource designed to aid in the creation of educational robotics programs where teams of mentors work with middle and high school students. This resource, The RoboCupJunior Primer, is based on five years of undergraduate mentoring experience in a local public school. The primary goals of the primer are threefold: first, to expose interested parties to the resources necessary for the creation of a RoboCup team; second, to provide a location for students to communicate with members of other teams and demonstrate specific examples of success; and third, to house an archive of lesson plans as well as tips for creating interesting and efficient lessons.
Mechanism of Action and Applications of Interleukin 24 in Immunotherapy.

Interleukin 24 (IL-24) is an important pleiotropic immunoregulatory cytokine, whose gene is located in human chromosome 1q32-33. IL-24’s signaling pathways have diverse biological functions related to cell differentiation, proliferation, development, apoptosis, and inflammation, placing it at the center of an active area of research. IL-24 is well known for its apoptotic effect in cancer cells while having no such effect on normal cells. IL-24 can also be secreted by both immune and non-immune cells. Downstream effects of IL-24, after binding to the IL-20 receptor, can occur dependently or independently of the JAK/STAT signal transduction pathway, which is classically involved in cytokine-mediated activities. After exogenous addition of IL-24, apoptosis is induced in tumor cells independently of the JAK/STAT pathway. We have shown that IL-24 binds to Sigma 1 Receptor and this event induces endoplasmic reticulum stress, calcium mobilization, reactive oxygen species generation, p38MAPK activity, and ceramide production. Here we review IL-24’s role in autoimmunity, infectious disease response, wound repair, and vascular disease. Detailed understanding of the pleiotropic roles of IL-24 signaling can assist in the selection of more accurate therapeutic approaches, as well as targeting of appropriate cell types in treatment strategy development, and ultimately achieve desired therapeutic effects.
SIRT7 clears the way for DNA repair.

Histone modification by reversible lysine acetylation is a key regulatory mechanism in chromatin and nuclear signaling, whose deregulation is linked to aging, cancer, and other diseases. New work by Vazquez et al (2016) uncovers a role for the sirtuin family deacetylase SIRT7, which controls epigenetic maintenance of oncogenic gene expression programs, mitochondrial homeostasis, and ribosome biogenesis, in promoting genomic stability and DNA repair via site‐specific deacetylation of a damage‐associated histone mark, H3K18Ac.
Variables Affecting Fusion Rates in the Rat Posterolateral Spinal Fusion Model with Autogenic/Allogenic Bone Grafts: A Meta-analysis

The rat posterolateral spinal fusion model with autogenic/allogenic bone graft (rat PFABG) has been increasingly utilized as an experimental model to assess the efficacy of novel fusion treatments. The objective of this study was to investigate the reliability of the rat PFABG model and examine the effects of different variables on spinal fusion. A web-based literature search from January, 1970 to September, 2015, yielded 26 studies, which included 40 rat PFABG control groups and 449 rats. Data regarding age, weight, sex, and strain of rats, graft volume, graft type, decorticated levels, surgical approach, institution, the number of control rats, fusion rate, methods of fusion assessment, and timing of fusion assessment were collected and analyzed. The primary outcome variable of interest was fusion rate, as evaluated by manual palpation. Fusion rates varied widely, from 0 to 96%. The calculated overall fusion rate was 46.1% with an I 2 value of 62.4, which indicated moderate heterogeneity. Weight >300 g, age >14 weeks, male rat, Sprague–Dawley strain, and autogenic coccyx grafts increased fusion rates with statistical significance. Additionally, an assessment time-point ≥8 weeks had a trend towards statistical significance (p = 0.070). Multi-regression analysis demonstrated that timing of assessment and age as continuous variables, as well as sex as a categorical variable, can predict the fusion rate with R 2 = 0.82. In an inter-institution reliability analysis, the pooled overall fusion rate was 50.0% [44.8, 55.3%], with statistically significant differences among fusion outcomes at different institutions (p < 0.001 and I 2 of 72.2). Due to the heterogeneity of fusion outcomes, the reliability of the rat PFABG model was relatively limited. However, selection of adequate variables can optimize its use as a control group in studies evaluating the efficacy of novel fusion therapies.
Accurate computation of moist available potential energy with the Munkres algorithm

The moist available potential energy (MAPE) of a domain of air is defined as the maximum amount of kinetic energy that can be released through reversible adiabatic motions of its air parcels. The MAPE can be calculated using a parcel-moving algorithm that finds the minimum enthalpy state for a given set of thermodynamic assumptions. However, the parcel-moving algorithms proposed previously do not always find the minimum enthalpy state. In this paper, we apply the Munkres algorithm to find the exact minimum enthalpy state, and we compare this exact algorithm with four inexact algorithms, including a new divide-and-conquer algorithm. The divide-and-conquer algorithm performs well in practice while being simpler and faster than the Munkres algorithm, and it is recommended for future calculation of MAPE when the exact result is not required.
Brain Tumor Angiogenesis and Glioma Grading: Role of Tumor Blood Volume and Permeability Estimates Using Perfusion CT

Perfusion imaging of brain tumors has been done using various tracer and non-tracer modalities and can provide additional physiologic and hemodynamic information, which is not available with routine morphologic imaging. Tumor vascular perfusion parameters obtained using CT or MR perfusion have been used for tumor grading, prognosis and treatment response in addition to differentiating treatment/radiation effects from recurrent neoplasms. This chapter is an overview of utility of perfusion CT for assessment of brain tumors, description of the technique, its advantages and limitations.
Can xerostomia be further reduced by sparing parotid stem cells

Reducing xerostomia by sparing the parotid glands (PGs) has been the main rationale for intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC).
How software works: Computational thinking and ethics before CS1

It is widely acknowledged that many freshmen go to university without any prior grounding in computer science. Recent studies conducted in the US have shown that not only do high school students lack any exposure, but also they possess ill-conceived notions of what computer science is, a problem also affecting their parents, teachers and regional school superintendents. For incoming students, the extent to which computing technology impacts their daily lives is very likely at odds with the extent to which they have considered how software works and its ethical implications. The ability to critically analyze and consider related ethical consequences of computing is an important life skill for every twenty-first century adult and not just computer scientists. With this this in mind, this paper presents a unique CS0 introduction to programming and computer ethics for pre CS and non majors. It has been defined as a service course to promote digital literacy and to ensure that students appreciate what computer science is and its socio-ethical implications. The paper outlines the course and its content in detail, as well as providing quantitative and qualitative evidence of its benefit and appeal to female students.
Mona Lisa Smile, Wit, and Teacher’s Pet: Three Depictions of Female Academics

When I was asked to write a piece about female academics in cinema, I was delighted. I love movies, and I love female academics (have been married to one for 25 years) and thought this was a match ...
Depression, Somatic Distress and Anxiety in Adult Long-Term Survivors of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT): A Report from the Bone Marrow Transplant Survivor Study.

Abstract We assessed prevalence of adverse psychological symptoms in a retrospective cohort of 865 patients who had undergone HCT between 1974 and 1998 for hematological malignancies (CML: n=214; AML: n=233; NHL: n=198; HD: n=84; ALL: n=96) and severe aplastic anemia (n=47), at City of Hope Cancer Center or the University of Minnesota. Participants were at least 21 years of age at interview, and had survived at least two years post-HCT. A cohort of 317 nearest-age siblings of survivors served as a comparison group. Related donor HCT was performed in 416 patients (48.1%), unrelated donor HCT in 97 patients (11.2%), and autologous HCT in 352 patients (40.7%). The median age at HCT was 33.9 years (range, 1.7 to 69.7 years), and the median length of follow-up was 7.4 years (2.0 to 27.8 years). The median age at the time of study was 43 years (18–72) for the survivors and 44 years (19 to 79 years) for the siblings. Psychological health status was evaluated via a series of 5-point Likert scale items (n=18), from the Brief Symptom Inventory, exploring the degree to which particular problems distressed the respondent during the past 7 days, allowing assessment of symptoms associated with depression, somatic distress, and anxiety. Twenty-one percent of survivors and 8% of siblings reported having at least one prevalent adverse mental health symptom. Survivors were significantly more likely to report symptoms of depression [Prevalence Odds Ratio (OR), 1.84, 95% CI, 0.99–3.42] and somatic distress (OR, 4.34, 95% CI, 2.23–8.46), when compared with siblings. There was a significant association between low household income ( $60,000/year) and adverse symptoms across all domains of mental health that was independent of survivor/sibling respondent status (Depression: OR=4.78, 95% CI, 2.59–8.82; Somatic distress: OR=2.43, 95% CI, 1.41–4.21, Anxiety: OR=2.80, 95% CI, 1.09–7.20). Independent of survivor/sibling respondent status, females were significantly less likely to report depression when compared with males (OR=0.61, 95% CI, 0.39–0.95). Among the patients, factors associated with reporting at least one prevalent symptom of psychological distress included therapeutic exposure to etoposide as a preparative regimen (OR=1.79, 95% CI, 1.2–2.68), prophylactic use of prednisone for graft versus host disease (GVHD) prevention (OR=1.42, 95% CI, 0.91–2.21), presence of chronic GVHD (OR=1.62, 95% CI, 1.06–2.49), and low household income (OR=3.0, 95% CI, 1.82–4.95). Age at HCT, time since HCT, marital status, race/ethnicity, primary diagnosis, and type of transplant, were not associated with symptomatic scores for depression, somatic distress, or anxiety. This large, sibling-controlled study of long-term survivors of HCT demonstrates that HCT survivors are at significantly increased risk of reporting symptoms of depression and somatic distress, and that low household income is associated with this risk, necessitating careful follow-up of this vulnerable population.
Tailored supercontinua via spatial beam shaping

We show that programmable phase-only spatial optimization of the pump beam leads to significant broadening and flexible tunability of the supercontinuum spectrum without loss of input energy.
Taking Adoption Issues into the New Millennium: An Introduction

The prevalence of adoption in our society and our awareness of adoption-related issues have increased markedly in recent years, due to socioeconomic and sociopolitical changes at the national and international level. Given the high incidence of adoption in the United States today, it is perplexing and unfortunate that many adoptive triad members still feel that the complexities of adoption are not fully understood. In addition, many clinicians still feel that clear and useful guidelines and training for therapy with adoptive triad members are hard to find. This introduction addresses these concerns in general in the context of discussing the different contributions included in this special issue.
Modeling Pain Using fMRI: From Regions to Biomarkers

Pain is a subjective and complex phenomenon. Its complexity is related to its heterogeneity: multiple component processes, including sensation, affect, and cognition, contribute to pain experience and reporting. These components are likely to be encoded in distributed brain networks that interact to create pain experience and pain-related decision-making. Therefore, to understand pain, we must identify these networks and build models of these interactions that yield testable predictions about pain-related outcomes. We have developed several such models or ‘signatures’ of pain, by (1) integrating activity across multiple systems, and (2) using pattern-recognition to identify processes related to pain experience. One model, the Neurologic Pain Signature, is sensitive and specific to pain in individuals, involves brain regions that receive nociceptive afferents, and shows little effect of expectation or self-regulation in tests to date. Another, the ‘Stimulus Intensity-Independent Pain Signature’, explains substantial additional variation in trial-to-trial pain reports. It involves many brain regions that do not show increased activity in proportion to noxious stimulus intensity, including medial and lateral prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and hippocampus. Responses in this system mediate expectancy and perceived control effects in several studies. Overall, this approach provides a pathway to understanding pain by identifying multiple systems that track different aspects of pain. Such componential models can be combined in unique ways on a subject-by-subject basis to explain an individual’s pain experience.
Inteins as tools for tagless and traceless protein purification

The purification of recombinant proteins is a complicated process that requires a thorough understanding of the physical and chemical properties of each protein of interest. The unique characteristics of each protein require the development of a complicated, multi-step process consisting of several orthogonal chromatographic techniques. Although affinity tag methods have been useful in simplifying this process, these approaches have significant drawbacks when tagless proteins are required. Therefore, the development of a flexible, economical, and efficient purification platform for traceless and tagless target proteins would represent a significant advance in bioprocess development. Self-cleaving tags have enabled purification of a broad range of target proteins using simple affinity approaches, but with the ability to ultimately deliver a tagless target protein. Thus these tags potentially offer a purification platform analogous to Protein A, but without the limitation to antibody targets. In this review, we summarize the advances in developing various intein-based self-cleaving tag technologies, their preferred cleavage conditions (reducing agents, pH, temp etc.) and the effect of different target proteins on intein catalytic activity. We also discuss engineered inteins whose activity (protein splicing or cleavage) is stringently controlled/triggered by small molecules, light, or environmental condition such as salt concentration.
Fast synthesis of multiple nulls in an omnidirectional pattern

A fast and efficient nulling technique is presented which uses directional auxiliary beams to create nulls in an omnidirectional pattern. A combination of optimization methods and Fourier scanning techniques are used to create the auxiliary beams.
Potential Utility of Kappa Ligands in the Treatment of Mood Disorders

The biological basis of mood is not understood. The vast majority of present day research on mood and affective states focuses on the roles of brain systems containing monamines (e.g., dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin). This focus is logical, since drugs with mood-elevating effects have various and numerous interactions with these systems. However, endogenous opioid systems in the brain may also be involved in regulation of mood. We have become particularly interested in how kappa opioid receptors affect mood states. We will focus here on the potential utility of kappa ligands in the study and treatment of psychiatric conditions. Specifically, research from our groups and others suggests that kappa antagonists might be useful for depression, kappa agonists might be useful for mania, and kappa partial agonists might be useful for bipolar disorder. We will trace the history of our interests, describe our working hypotheses, and review evidence that is consistent and inconsistent with these hypotheses. In addition, we will identify issues that currently represent potential problems for the use of these agents as therapeutics, and plot a course for future work.
Use of bowel for vaginal reconstruction

AbstractThere is a wide range of congenital vaginal abnormalities that can be reconstructed using bowel. From 1964 to 1993 we used bowel for vaginal reconstruction in 65 patients and all but 5 were treated since 1981. Patient age ranged from 9 months to 26 years. In 29 patients the bowel was used to extend a short vagina to the perineum, and in 36 the entire vagina was absent and required a substitute vagina. Indications for surgery included cloacal malformations in 34 cases, congenital absence of vagina in 12, cloacal exstrophy in 9 genetic male subjects, postoperative exenteration in 7, intersex in 2 and bladder exstrophy in 1. Rectum was used in 12 cases, sigmoid colon in 27 and small bowel in 26. Ten patients who are now adults have reported satisfactory coitus.
Crime displacement in digital drug markets

Background Crackdowns on urban sites with concentrated criminal activity are sometimes followed by geographical relocation of crime. Is this also the case in cyberspace, where illegal websites and online networks can be wiped clean, but also quickly rebuilt and replaced on new servers and URLs? Methods I address this question in three steps. First, I measure MDMA trade in a large digital market for drugs, before and after the arrest of a leading MDMA seller in the same market. Second, I count the number of available digital drug markets and vendor shops in the period February 2014-June 2018, to see if websites closed by police were replaced by new ones. Third, I track the digital movement and trading activities of individual drug sellers, before and after law enforcement shut down two large markets. Results After police arrested a leading MDMA seller, other MDMA sellers filled most - but not all - of the gap. A major law enforcement crackdown reduced the number of available markets, but new ones were created, and market counts eventually surpassed the previous peak. When law enforcement shut down two big markets, many of the sellers relocated to other e-commerce sites and continued high-earning operations there. Conclusion Arrests and market closures redirect digital drug trade to other sellers and markets. Hot spot policing in cyberspace might produce temporary results, but is arguably ineffective in the long run, as actors use information and communication technology's unique capacities to reorganize.
Yusef Lateef's Autophysiopsychic Quest

Yusef Lateef's neologism for jazz was autophysiopsychic, meaning “music from one's physical, mental and spiritual self.” Lateef condensed in this term a very considered conception linking the intel...
Effects of Freeway Rerouting and Boulevard Replacement on Air Pollution Exposure and Neighborhood Attributes

Freeway rerouting and replacement with a street-level boulevard are urban transportation policies, that may help redress disproportionate air pollution burdens resulting from freeway construction that took place during the mid-20th century. However, environmental justice activism for freeway rerouting and urban green space creation may have the unintended consequence of environmental gentrification. In this paper, we investigate the effects of freeway routing decisions on exposure to traffic-related air pollution and neighborhood socioeconomic and demographic change. We focus on the effects of rerouting the Cypress Freeway in West Oakland, along with the construction of a street-level boulevard (Mandela Parkway), on the original freeway alignment. The impacts of two rebuild scenarios, freeway rebuild-in-place and reroute, on near-roadway NOx and BC concentrations are compared. We also assess changes in demographics and land use in West Oakland, between the time when the Cypress Freeway was damaged by a major earthquake and after completion of Mandela Parkway. Our research indicates that freeway rerouting reduced annual average concentrations of both NOx (−38% ± 4%) and BC (−25% ± 2%) along the Mandela Parkway alignment. However, there is evidence of environmentally driven neighborhood change, given that there are larger decreases in the long-time Black population (−28%) and increases in property values (184%) along Mandela Parkway, compared to West Oakland as a whole. There are some attributes along the Mandela Parkway that enable low-income residents to live in proximity to the street-level boulevard, such as affordable housing.
The fabrication and characteristics of hydroxyapatite film grown on titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V by anodic treatment

Abstract To improve the growth of hydroxyapatite (HA) coating on the Ti-6Al-4V substrate, a solution containing calcium acetate (CA), calcium glycerophosphate hydrate (Ca-GP), and different concentrations of Na2SO4 as the electrolyte for anodic treatment was investigated in this study. The results found that the anodic method is suitable for Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy to form an HA coating with the electrolyte consisting of CA, Ca-GP, and Na2SO4. These anodic oxide films display a greater rough structure on the surface of films and the addition of Na2SO4 into the electrolyte during the anodic oxidation process contributes to an increase in the atomic ratio (at%) of Ca in the anodic film. These Ca-containing films are considered bioactive and tend to dissolve into simulated body fluid (SBF) solution and then enhance the degree of the supersaturation of SBF solution with respect to the apatite. Therefore, increasing the concentration of Na2SO4 increases the growth of HA following immersion into SBF. In addition, prior to immersion into SBF solution, the contact angle measurement using an SBF droplet was also investigated for HA growth. The results indicate that when the contact angle of anodic surface is larger, the formation time of HA coating is shorter and it will easily grow a thicker HA.
No net insect abundance and diversity declines across US Long Term Ecological Research sites

Recent reports of dramatic declines in insect abundance suggest grave consequences for global ecosystems and human society. Most evidence comes from Europe, however, leaving uncertainty about insect population trends worldwide. We used >5,300 time series for insects and other arthropods, collected over 4–36 years at monitoring sites representing 68 different natural and managed areas, to search for evidence of declines across the United States. Some taxa and sites showed decreases in abundance and diversity while others increased or were unchanged, yielding net abundance and biodiversity trends generally indistinguishable from zero. This lack of overall increase or decline was consistent across arthropod feeding groups and was similar for heavily disturbed versus relatively natural sites. The apparent robustness of US arthropod populations is reassuring. Yet, this result does not diminish the need for continued monitoring and could mask subtler changes in species composition that nonetheless endanger insect-provided ecosystem services. Analysing >5,000 population abundance time series for insects and other arthropods from 68 sites within the US Long Term Ecological Research network, the authors find high variation but no overall trend in abundance and diversity among sites and taxa.
White matter connectivity of uncinate fasciculus and inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus: A possible early biomarker for callous-unemotional behaviors in young children with ADHD

Background: Callous-unemotional (CU) behaviors are important for identifying severe patterns of conduct problems (CP). One major fiber tract implicated in the development of CP is the uncinate fasciculus (UF), which connects amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). The goals of the current study were to 1) explore differences in the white matter microstructure in the UF and other major fiber tracks (inferior longitudinal fasciculus [ILF], inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus [IFOF], cingulum, and corticospinal tract [CST]) between young typically developing (TD) children and those with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and 2) explore, within the ADHD group, whether individual differences in these white matter microstructures relate to co-occurring CP and CU behaviors, respectively. Methods: Participants included 198 young children (78% boys, Mage = 4.95 years; 80% Latinx; 49% TD). CU behaviors and CP were measured via a combination of teacher/parent ratings. Non-invasive diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) was used to measure fractional anisotropy (FA), an indirect indicator of white matter properties. Results: Relative to TD children, children with ADHD had reduced FA on four out of the five fiber tracks we examined (except for cingulum). Within the ADHD group, no associations were found between CP and reduced white matter integrity across any of the fiber tracks examined. However, we found that even after accounting for CP and a host of covariates including whole brain FA, CU behaviors were independently related to reduced FA in bilateral UF and left IFOF. Conclusions: The bilateral UF and IFOF may be a biomarker of CU behaviors, even in very young children.
Patterns and characteristics of patients’ selection of cancer surgeons

Abstract Objective Despite evidence of volume-outcome relationships for cancer surgery, treatment at low-volume hospitals remains common. Our objective was to evaluate whether individuals actively involved in selecting their cancer surgeon were more likely to go to hospitals recognized for quality cancer care. Methods Individuals diagnosed with breast, prostate and colorectal cancer in 2015 completed online surveys in 2017–2018. Participants were categorized as “directed” to a surgeon (relied on referral) or “active” (sought additional information), and hospitals were categorized by NCI-designation, CoC accreditation, and academic affiliation. Results Of 299 participants, 42% were active. Individuals with breast cancer were more active (aOR = 2.46,95%CI:1.32–4.59). Active participants had nonsignificantly higher odds of surgery at NCI-designated facilities (aOR = 2.04,95%CI:0.95–4.38), or academic centers (aOR = 1.51,95%CI:0.86–2.64). Conclusions While most participants were directed to their cancer surgeon, active participants tended to select NCI-designated/academic hospitals. Although centralization of cancer care would require altering referral patterns, decision-support resources may help patients make informed choices.
Optimal Industrial Policies in a Two-Sector-R&D Economy

This study characterizes welfare-enhancing industrial policies in a two-sector-R&D economy that incorporates both vertical and horizontal innovation. It elaborates on current welfare analyses of two-sector-R&D economies along two lines. First, it explores the welfare properties of non-drastic innovations whereas current analyses are confined to drastic innovations. It is shown that while the endogenously chosen size of drastic innovations is insufficient compared to social optimum, the size of non-drastic innovations may be excessive compared with the welfare maximizing one. Second, it explores welfare-enhancing policies designed to restrict innovators’ market power, whereas current policy analyses focus on R&D and market-entry subsidies. The welfare-maximizing policies presented here combine proper limitations on innovators’ market power along with a corresponding production tax (or subsidy). The limitations over innovators’ market power are aimed to support the optimal innovation size, and the corresponding production tax is set to support the optimal product variety span.
Integrating faith into an accounting ethics class: A project illuminated by Bonhoeffer:

Teaching accounting ethics at a faith-based university requires a balance between professional guidance and the special mission of these universities. This paper reimagines the objectives on an und...
Overdetermination Underdetermined

Widespread causal overdetermination is often levied as an objection to nonreductive theories of minds and objects. In response, nonreductive metaphysicians have argued that the type of overdetermination generated by their theories is different from the sorts of coincidental cases involving multiple rock-throwers, and thus not problematic. This paper pushes back. I argue that attention to differences between types of overdetermination discharges very few explanatory burdens, and that overdetermination is a bigger problem for the nonreductive metaphysician than previously thought.
We Gotta Get out of This Place: When Residential Tenants Leave Due to Exigent Circumstances

There are many compelling circumstances where tenants must leave their residential dwellings quickly. For my presentation at the Ben J. Al-theimer Symposium on the fortieth anniversary of the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (“URLTA”), I concentrated on two categories of Residential tenants who may need to terminate their leases early because of exigent circumstances. First, I focused on domestic violence victims who need to flee their abusers. Second, I examined the need for active duty service members to terminate their leases early when called to deploy or given orders for a permanent change of duty station. While in many respects these two categories of tenants present very different challenges, ensuring early lease terminations for both—without continuing obligations or penalties—serves critical societal goals that transcend the immediate parties involved.
(2S,4E)-2-Hydroxy-4-octen-3-one, a Male-Produced Attractant Pheromone of the Cerambycid Beetle Tylonotus bimaculatus.

We report the identification of a novel pheromone structure from males of the cerambycid beetle Tylonotus bimaculatus Haldeman (Cerambycinae: Hesperophanini), a species native to eastern North America. Volatiles collected from adult males contained (2S,4E)-2-hydroxyoct-4-en-3-one (71 %), (3R,4E)-3-hydroxyoct-4-en-2-one (15 %), (E)-4-octen-2,3-dione (13 %), and 2,3-octanedione (1.5 %). Four independent field bioassays with synthetic compounds confirmed that adults of both sexes were attracted by the racemate of the major component, (E)-2-hydroxyoct-4-en-3-one. No other cerambycid species were attracted in significant numbers. Attraction of both sexes is consistent with the male-produced pheromones of many other species in the subfamily Cerambycinae, but T. bimaculatus is unusual in having a pheromone chemistry that is so far unique among species in that subfamily.
Chronic psychosocial stress enhances long-term depression in a subthreshold amyloid-beta rat model of Alzheimer's disease.

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 408–416. Abstract In addition to genetic aspects, environmental factors such as stress may also play a critical role in the etiology of the late onset, sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The present study examined the effect of chronic psychosocial stress in a sub-threshold Aβ (subAβ) rat model of AD on long-term depression by two techniques: electrophysiological recordings of synaptic plasticity in anesthetized rats, and immunoblot analysis of memory- and AD-related signaling molecules. Chronic psychosocial stress was induced using a rat intruder model. The subAβ rat model of AD, which was intended to represent outwardly normal individuals with a pre-disposition to AD, was induced by continuous infusion of 160 pmol/day Aβ1-42 via a 14-day i.c.v. osmotic pump. Results from electrophysiological recordings showed that long-term depression evoked in stress/subAβ animals was significantly enhanced compared with that in animals exposed to stress or subAβ infusion alone. Molecular analysis of various signaling molecules 1 h after induction of long-term depression revealed an increase in the levels of calcineurin and phosphorylated CaMKII in groups exposed to stress compared with other groups. The levels of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were significantly decreased in stress/subAβ animals but not in stress or subAβ animals. In addition, the levels of beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme were markedly increased in stress/subAβ. These findings suggest that chronic stress may accelerate the impairment of synaptic plasticity and consequently cognition in individuals ‘at-risk’ for AD.
Abstract 15657: Regulation of Cardiac Regeneration by Hippo Pathway and Dystrophin Glycoprotein Complex

Regeneration of the mammalian heart is limited in adults. In rodents, endogenous regenerative capacity exists during development and in neonate but is rapidly repressed after birth. We are elucidating the mechanisms responsible for regenerative repression and applying this knowledge to reactivate cardiac regeneration in adult hearts. We have previously shown that the Hippo pathway is responsive for regenerative repression, however, the molecular and cellular mechanism responsible remain unclear. The Hippo pathway controls heart size by repressing myocardial cell proliferation during development. By deleting Salv, a modulator of Hippo pathway, we found myocardial damage in the postnatal and adult heart was repaired anatomically and functionally. This heart repair occurred primarily through proliferation of preexisting cardiomyocyte. We observed that cardiomyocytes in border the zone protrude and fill the damage area during Hippo-mediated cardiac regeneration and thus preventing formation of fibrotic scars. The molecular analysis identified components of dystrophin glycoprotein complex (DGC) as downstream targets of Hippo pathway. The DGC anchors the cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix and is involved in cell migration. The studies using the muscular dystrophy mouse model, mdx, reveals that DGC is required for endogenous cardiac regeneration and cardiomyocyte protrusion. Taken together, we show that cardiomyocyte protrusion is an essential process for cardiac regeneration and the Hippo pathway regulates it through regulating DGC. Our studies provide insights into the mechanisms leading to repair of damaged hearts from endogenous cardiomyocytes and novel information into DGC function.
How to design programs: an introduction to programming and computing

This introduction to programming places computer science in the core of a liberal arts education. Unlike other introductory books, it focuses on the program design process. This approach fosters a variety of skills -- critical reading, analytical thinking, creative synthesis, and attention to detail -- that are important for everyone, not just future computer programmers.The book exposes readers to two fundamentally new ideas. First, it presents program design guidelines that show the reader how to analyze a problem statement; how to formulate concise goals; how to make up examples; how to develop an outline of the solution, based on the analysis; how to finish the program; and how to test. Each step produces a well-defined intermediate product. Second, the book comes with a novel programming environment, the first one explicitly designed for beginners. The environment grows with the readers as they master the material in the book until it supports a full-fledged language for the whole spectrum of programming tasks.All the book's support materials are available for free on the Web. The Web site includes the environment, teacher guides, exercises for all levels, solutions, and additional projects.
Simultaneous precision positioning and vibration suppression of smart structures - adaptive control methods and comparisons

This paper focuses on adaptive control of smart structures with simultaneous precision positioning and vibration suppression capabilities. First, the structure, manufacturing, and test of an active composite panel (ACP) with surface-mounted piezoelectric ceramic patches are introduced. Three adaptive control schemes are then presented, which are adaptive feedforward control (AFC), adaptive internal model control (AIMC), and hybrid adaptive control (HAC) schemes. The advantages and disadvantages of each scheme are discussed. Finally, the three adaptive control schemes are experimentally verified on the ACP, and comparisons are made. For vibration suppression, the AFC and HAC can eventually suppress the entire vibration, with the HAC generating a faster reduction. The AIMC can provide the fastest vibration reduction but some small residual vibration still remains. For simultaneous precision positioning and vibration suppression, the AFC, AIMC, and HAC sequentially produce more accurate positioning, and the HAC makes the best tradeoff between the fastness of the positioning and vibration suppression as well as the accuracy of the position.
Longitudinal Changes in Visual Acuity and Health Related Quality of Life. The Los Angeles Latino Eye Study

Purpose To examine the association between longitudinal changes in visual acuity (VA) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a population-based sample of adult Latinos. Design A population-based cohort study of eye disease in Latinos. Participants We included 3169 adult Latino participants who live in the city of La Puente, California. Methods Data for these analyses were collected for the Los Angeles Latino Eye Study (LALES). Distance VA was measured during a detailed ophthalmologic examination using the standard Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study protocol at baseline and a 4-year follow-up examination. We assessed HRQOL by the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25) and the Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey version 1 (SF-12). Main Outcome Measures Mean differences in HRQOL composite and subscale scores between baseline and follow-up were calculated for 3169 participants with complete clinical examination and HRQOL data at both time points. Mean differences and effect sizes (ES) for NEI-VFQ and SF-12 scores were calculated for 3 categories of VA change over the 4-year follow-up period (VA improved ≥2 lines, no change in VA or −2 Results For participants with a 2-line loss in VA, we noted an approximate 5-point loss in the NEI-VFQ-25 composite score, with the greatest score changes found for the driving difficulties, vision-related mental health, and vision-related dependency subscales (−12.7, −11.5, and −11.3, respectively). For participants with a 2-line improvement in VA, we also noted an approximate 5-point gain in the NEI-VFQ-25 composite score. The greatest change (ES = 0.80) was observed for the driving difficulties subscale. No measurable differences in HRQOL were observed for individuals without change in VA from baseline to follow-up. Conclusions Clinically important, longitudinal changes in VA (≥2-line changes) were associated with significant changes in self-reported visual function and well-being. Both the size and direction of VA change influenced change in HRQOL scores. Financial Disclosure(s) The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any of the materials discussed in this article.
No Theory? No Evidence? No Problem!

Policymakers in Congress and at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission are currently considering placing tight restrictions on the buying and selling of commodity futures. They worry that the growing trade in these contracts represents “speculation” that affects the price of commodities to the detriment of consumers. This concern conflicts with long-settled economics and law on commodities, which have determined that the buying and selling of such futures cannot affect the price of those commodities for consumption. This paper examines both the current and traditional view of commodities and argues that the traditional view is correct - not only does futures trading not harm consumers, but restricting that trading could reduce firms’ ability to hedge against detrimental changes in commodity prices.
We Cannot Remain Silent: Opposition to the Brazilian Military Dictatorship in the United States – By James N. Green

This book is an effort on the part of the author to address the prevailing view among Brazilians that little was done in the United States to oppose the brutal Brazilian military dictatorship estab...
Strengthening Black Students' Academic Preparedness for Higher Education.

The educational reform issues currently discussed in our society have special significance for the black community. Successful participation in, or even access to, quality educational opportunities beyond the primary sector have always occurred for black cohorts only as reactive responses to intense demands for racial equality in the educational arena. The 1950s and 1960s confronted blacks and other ethnic minorities with the challenge of just gaining access to nonsegregated institutions in this country's secondary and postsecondary sectors. The 1960s and 1970s challenged unprecedented large numbers of ethnic minorities with curriculum and financial aid issues. At the time, curriculum offerings revealed a dearth of information that was culturally accurate or relevant for nonwhites. Financial aid, too, was a significant issue. "Access to higher education for many students was (is) determined by their ability to pay student charges" (Southern Regional Education Board, 1982). In
Learning Beyond the Classroom and Textbook: Client Projects’ Role in Helping Students Transition From School to Work

To prepare students for careers postgraduation, many academic programs have added components, such as service-learning projects (civic oriented, real-audience tasks) and client projects (real-audience corporate or nonprofit tasks), which aim to acclimate students to the expectations of “real world” clients while they are still in the relatively “safe” domain of the classroom. The two studies reported in this paper examine whether participating in client projects as part of regular technical communication classes aids students in internships and later on the job. Research questions: Overall question: How does legitimate peripheral participation in client projects give students opportunities for learning beyond the end of the client project? Literature review: Service-learning and client projects are intended to benefit students by offering real-world audiences and complex experiences with professional practitioners. Client projects help students face these challenges when moving from school to work, such as acculturating into the organization or completing tasks designed for purposes other than the learner's development. Methodology: To evaluate experiences on a particular client project, study one surveyed six students with open-ended questions about their experiences on it. To explore how the client project prepared them for internships, study two used semistructured interviews with interns and supervisors, observations of interns at work, and documents that interns created. Results and conclusions: Through recursive analysis, client projects emerged as being important in students' internship experiences. Students participate in client projects in ways that support their learning and development as members of a community of practice in internships and on the job. This learning is gradual and varied. One particular finding for teachers is that rather than shield students from client interactions, it may be helpful to promote frequent, structured interactions with clients to better prepare students for the workplace.
Action of chloramphenicol and its isomers on secondary biosynthetic processes of bacillus.

Chloramphenicol or its isomers, if supplied within 4 hr after the addition of Mn+2, prevented sporulation of Bacillus megaterium at concentrations that partially inhibited protein synthesis but which were neither bacteriostatic nor bactericidal. Likewise, sub-bactericidal quantities of the compounds, if supplied within 2 hr after the addition of Mn+2, suppressed formation of bacitracin by B. licheniformis. In contrast to previous reports that chloramphenicol is less active than its isomers against sporulation and peptide formation, the results of the present study indicated that the order and extent of these activities of the compounds is similar to that of their ability to prevent growth and to suppress protein synthesis; i.e., d(-)-threo > l(+)-erythro > d(-)-erythro.