cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tandem stem cell rescue as consolidation therapy for high-risk neuroblastoma.

Background Despite aggressive treatment for high-risk neuroblastoma (NB), event-free survival (EFS) remains <40%. In single arm studies, intensifying therapy with high-dose chemotherapy and tandem autologous stem cell rescue (HDC/SCR) improved outcome. We retrospectively describe our institutional experience in using HDC/SCR for patients with high-risk NB, focusing on outcome and acute toxicities. Methods Eighty-four patients with high-risk NB at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta treated over a 12-year time period underwent HDC/SCR as part of upfront therapy; 28 patients received a single HDC/SCR and 56 patients received tandem HDC/SCR. The two groups were compared in terms of EFS, overall survival (OS), and acute transplant related toxicities. Results Patients who received tandem HDC/SCR had a significantly improved EFS compared with patients who received a single HDC/SCR (4-year EFS 59.3 ± 6.7% vs. 26.8 ± 9.2%, P = 0.01). Similarly, the 4-year OS was improved in patients receiving tandem HDC/SCR, though this did not reach statistical significance (70.6 ± 9.2% vs. 44.7 ± 11.2%, P = 0.06). Multivariate regression confirmed the prognostic role of the treatment group. None of the patients who underwent a single HDC/SCR developed veno-occlusive disease (VOD), while 17% of patients who underwent tandem HDC/SCR developed mild-to-severe VOD. Rates of other transplant-related acute toxicities were similar. Conclusion Tandem HDC/SCR for patients with high-risk NB seems to improve survival without significant increases in acute toxicities. This needs to be validated in randomized prospective trials. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 448–452. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Update on current techniques of myocardial protection

The spectrum of strategies for myocardial protection has led to the artificial creation of adversarial positions in regard to warm versus cold blood cardioplegia, antegrade versus retrograde delivery, and intermittent versus continuous perfusion. This report reviews the background for the aforementioned methods, that has led to the evolution of an integrated myocardial management technique that combines the advantages of the aforementioned methods to compensate for their individual shortcomings. This approach coordinates the myocardial protective strategies with the continuity of the operation so that the surgical procedure is never interrupted. It provides unimpaired vision, avoids unnecessary ischemia and cardioplegic overdose, allows aortic clamping as soon as cardiopulmonary bypass is started, permits aortic unclamping and discontinuation of bypass shortly after the technical procedure is completed, and minimizes the ration of ischemia and cardiopulmonary bypass. The preliminary results in 1,474 patients from four centers with surgeons participating in the infrastructure of this method are presented.
Better by a HAIR: Hardware-amenable internet routing

Routing protocols are implemented in the form of software running on a general-purpose microprocessor. However, conventional software-based router architectures face significant scaling challenges in the presence of ever-increasing routing table growth and churn. Recent advances in programmable hardware and high-level hardware description languages provide the opportunity to implement BGP directly at the hardware layer. Hardware-based implementation allows designs to take advantage of the parallelization and customizability of the underlying hardware to improve performance. As a first step in this direction, we design and implement a hardware-based BGP architecture. To understand the challenges in doing this, we propose an architecture and logical design for the core components of BGP running as a logical circuit in an FPGA. We then enumerate sources of complexity and performance bottlenecks, and derive modifications to BGP that reduce complexity of hardware offloading. Our results based on update traces from core Internet routers indicate an order of magnitude improvement in processing time and throughput.
Prenatal stress alters limbo-corticostriatal Homer protein expression.

Early environmental stress influences developmental processes resulting in alterations in behavior and brain function, including abnormalities in glutamate neurotransmission. Here, we assessed the influence of prenatal stress on limbo-corticostriatal expression of Homer proteins that are critical elements in glutamatergic signaling. Pregnant, female Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to either no treatment or to restraint stress 3 times per day for the last 7 days of gestation. At 21 d of age, offspring were sacrificed and brain tissue was rapidly extracted. Immunoblotting revealed regionally specific increases in certain Homer protein isoforms within prefrontal cortex and limbic structures, whereas the striatum exhibited a reduction in Homer 1a levels. These findings indicate that stress during development can produce enduring perturbations in Homer protein expression that likely contribute to glutamatergic and behavioral abnormalities observed following early environmental stress. Synapse 61:938–941, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Relationship among nitrogen and phosphorus contents of vegetative parts and agronomic traits of normal‐ and high‐protein wheats 1

Abstract Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers were applied at different levels to three hard winter wheat cultivars ranging in grain protein potential to elucidate their interaction and relationship to yield components. Plant N content was higher in the high‐protein cultivar than in the normal‐protein cultivars at jointing two years and at anthesis one year. Plant P content was higher in the semidwarf cultivars than in the tall cultivar and was unrelated to protein potential. All cultivars contained similar plant N and P levels at maturity. Nitrogen fertilization increased plant N content and decreased plant P content at all stages, whereas P fertilization usually increased plant P content but did not affect plant N content. Grain protein was correlated positively with plant N content at all stages and with plant P content at maturity. Grain yield was correlated positively with plant N content at anthesis but correlated negatively with plant P content at maturity. We concluded that high plant N content at ...
Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy in bronchogenic carcinoma

Radiotherapy represents one of the primary modalities in the treatment of patients with carcinoma of the lung. Despite significant medical advancements, the outcome of therapy (local control and survival) in patients with unresectable disease is still very disappointing. Although there are some indications in the literature to suggest that higher doses of radiation may result in improved local control, the proximity of critical normal structures to the primary tumor precludes delivery of curative doses without increased risk of unacceptable complications. Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy has shown a significant potential for improving radiation treatment planning in several sites, both for tumor coverage and sparing normal tissue. Using this technology, significant improvement in uncomplicated locoregional control of lung cancer may be possible. The following is a review of literature and analysis of the currently available information on this subject.
Environmental Archaeology: Principles and Practice

Archaeologists today need a wide range of scientific approaches in order to delineate and interpret the ecology of their sites. Dena Dincauze has written an authoritative and essential guide to a variety of archaeological methods, ranging from techniques for measuring time with isotopes and magnetism to the sciences of climate reconstruction, geomorphology, sedimentology, soil science, paleobotany and faunal paleoecology. Professor Dincauze insists that borrowing concepts from other disciplines demands a critical understanding of their theoretical roots. Moreover, the methods that are chosen must be appropriate to particular sets of data. The applications of the methods needed for an holistic human-ecology approach in archaeology are illustrated by examples ranging from the Paleolithic, through classical civilizations, to recent urban archaeology.
AODVis: leveraging eclipse plugins to reverse engineer and visualize AspectJ/Java source code

AspectJ reverse engineering and visualization remains a challenge at the architectural and design levels, with fewer tools available for reverse engineers compared to other languages such as Java. As part of our AODVis (Aspect-Oriented Development Visualization) framework, we are developing Eclipse plugins to reverse-engineer and visualize AspectJ projects as 3D UML-based detailed design, architecture, and analysis level models.The AODVis plugins leverage several existing Eclipse plugins to extract program facts, create and manipulate UML, transform program facts into models, and generate visualizations of the models. Although integration can be challenging, the broad range of plugins are invaluable in providing solutions for extending and integrating existing tools such as compilers and IDEs. The plugins and the Eclipse plugin architecture also allowed us to concentrate on our specific research problem instead of developing our own tool support from scratch.
A model for system-wide collaboration to support integrated social behavior and literacy evidence-based practices

In the face of dwindling financial resources, educational leaders are looking to refine resource allocation while maintaining a focus on improved student outcomes. This article presents initial findings from a professional development state initiative called Effective Behavioral and Instructional Support Systems (EBISS). The EBISS initiative aims to teach practicing educators about two evidence-based systems of practice and how to blend those practices for more efficient and effective school systems. The targeted systems are School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports and School-Wide Reading Model. Descriptive statistics from 140 participating elementary schools suggest there was an increase in (a) the administration of behavior and literacy screeningtools,(b)thenumberofteamsexaminingandanalyzingthesedata,and(c)theimplementation scores and student outcomes at selected grade levels. Continued exploration of data-based collaboration in school buildings appears warranted. C � 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chromatic perceptive field sizes measured at 10° eccentricity along the horizontal and vertical meridians

The different hemifields in the retina are known to vary in photoreceptor density as well as in the number of photoreceptors converging onto one ganglion cell. The effect of these differences among the retinal hemifields at 10° retinal eccentricity was investigated using a color-naming procedure to derive perceptive field sizes for the hue terms of blue, green, yellow, and red. Color-naming data were obtained under two conditions: (1) after a bleach condition, chosen to minimize rod contribution, and (2) after 30 min dark adaptation, chosen to maximize rod contribution. Perceptive field sizes measured in the bleach condition were consistent with degree of neural convergence of cones to ganglion cells across the retina rather than differences in cone density. Rod densities relative to cone densities correlated with the size of perceptive fields in the no-bleach condition, i.e., the greater the rod:cone ratio, the larger the perceptive field.
Introducing computational thinking through stealth teaching

The demand for additional engineering and computing degree graduates continue to increase [1, 2]; however, interest in pursuing these degrees is not matching the predicated demand. More specifically, attracting US students in engineering and computing field has always been a challenge; this is particularly true for female and minority students. Factors such as the "geek image", a demanding mathematical foundation, lack of "gee whiz" element early in the curriculum, and overall misconception about the career in these areas are all contributors to this problem. This paper describes some of our activities associated with the introduction of Computational Thinking (CT) concepts to middle and high schools. The central tenet of the project is to entice students in grade 6–12 to learn some fundamental and advance topics in engineering and computing field, thereby recognizing their own ability to understand the computing and engineering topics, and potentially recognizing their interest in such topics and potential further education and career in these fields.
Castleman's disease presenting as a pediatric surgical problem

A 9-year-old girl presented with anemia, fever, and poor growth over a 2 1/2-year period. On physical examination, a right lower quadrant mass was palpated. Her signs and symptoms were consistent with Castleman's disease of the plasma cell type. The mass, a giant hyperplastic lymph node, was excised, and the patient's symptoms resolved. Castleman's disease is a benign lymph node disorder that occurs very rarely in the pediatric population and is cured by operative excision of the lymphatic mass.
A Case of a Double Valve

A 36-year-old man was admitted to the hospital for heart failure symptoms. He had initially presented to the emergency room 3 months prior to admission for shortness of breath and a low-grade fever. At that time, he was diagnosed with possible pneumonia and started on antibiotics. Despite this, his symptoms progressed over the next few months. At presentation, he experienced dyspnea on exertion, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, and lower extremity edema. The patient's past medical history was …
Scaling in the circle map above criticality

Abstract We studied the circle map above the criticality. Two-parameter scaling of the minima of bifurcation hyperbolas is found for the golden mean approximant winding numbers. The average over all winding numbers for a given period exhibits scaling as well.
Dirofilaria immitis superoxide dismutase: purification and characterization

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was purified to apparent homogeneity from Dirofilaria immitis, the causative agent of Dog Heartworm disease which is prevalent in the Southeastern United States. The enzyme has a molecular weight of 18 000 under denaturing conditions with an isoelectric point of 5.6. Both values are similar to those found for previously purified helminth SODs. The amino acid analysis shows greater similarity with mammalian SODs than with the published Schistosoma mansoni SOD, probably because the S. mansoni enzyme appears to be an extracellular, not a cytosolic, SOD. Although SOD activity is easily detected in D. immitis homogenates, the hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities of catalase and glutathione peroxidase were below the limits of our assay. This suggests that D. immitis primary defense against oxidants may be SOD. We feel that this line of research may provide valuable insights into a vulnerable area of D. immitis that may be a good target for drug therapy.
Maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy and risk of obesity in offspring: a prospective cohort study

Maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy and risk of obesity in offspring: a prospective cohort study
A rapid spectrophotometric assay for carnitine palmitoyltransferase.

Abstract The experimental conditions for a rapid and sensitive spectrophotometric assay for carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) are described. The amount of reduced CoA liberated from palmitoyl CoA by CPT is quantitated using 5,5′-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB). Since corrections can be made for the amount of reduced CoA formed from palmitoyl CoA by other reactions, i.e., deacylations or transacylations, the assay can be used with impure CPT preparations such as liver mitochondria.
A long-term outcome study of 170 surgically treated patients with compressive cervical radiculopathy

BACKGROUND There is a general impression that publications in neuro-surgical journals have comprehensively evaluated the relative merits of various operative techniques with long-term follow-up in patients treated for compressive cervical radiculopathy. However, in some 20,000 neurosurgical papers over the past 50 years, only 74 (0.3%) have addressed this common surgical problem. METHODS Long-term outcome was assessed by the standardized Functional Economic Outcome Rating Scale of Prolo. Information was obtained primarily by telephone interviews and office visits. No patients were operated upon without a confirmatory neuroradiologic study. Single level soft discs were removed through a posterior-lateral foraminotomy with hemilaminectomy or laminectomy the root was decompressed by the same technique with hard discs. RESULTS One hundred seventy patients were operated on from 1959-91 with a 96% follow-up. The mean follow-up period was 15 years. Patients who had sedentary occupations and housewives, had statistically higher Economic Prolo scores (p < 0.001) than those who did strenuous work. Of 10 patients with a total Prolo score of 5 or less, seven did strenuous work and had Workers' Compensation claims; the remaining had legal claims or were at psychologic risk for operation. In 86% of patients outcome was good; defined as a Prolo score of 8 in 5%, 9 in 38%, and 10 in 43%. Of 10 recurrences (6%), seven occurred within 3 years after operation and were treated by discectomy and anterior cervical fusion. There were two patients with postoperative deltoid motor weakness who recovered within 1 year. CONCLUSIONS Although outcome studies must have subjective criteria, the Prolo Scale is more objective and quantitative than currently used methods. The posterior approach to disc lesions causing compressive cervical radiculopathy should be compared to other techniques using the Prolo Outcome Scale.
Teacher Learning and Student Learning in TESOL

educational systems at national and local levels (e.g., in Brazil [Ministry of Education and Culture, 1996]; in Italy [Lopriore. 1998]; in South Africa [National Department of Education, 1996]; in the United States [National Commission on Teaching for America's Future, 1997]). The argument, which is grounded in common sense and in research, is that because teachers are central mediators in what and how students learn in
High performance 22/20nm FinFET CMOS devices with advanced high-K/metal gate scheme

A high performance 22/20nm CMOS bulk FinFET achieves the best in-class N/P I on values of 1200/1100 µA/µm for I off =100nA/µm at 1V. Excellent device electrostatic control is demonstrated for gate length (L gate ) down to 20nm. Dual-Epitaxy and multiple stressors are essential to boost the device performance. Dual workfunction (WF) with an advanced High-K/Metal gate (HK/MG) stack is deployed in an integration-friendly CMOS process flow. This dual-WF approach provides excellent V th roll-off immunity in the short-channel regime that allows properly positioning the long-channel device V th . Enhanced 193nm immersion lithography has enabled the stringent requirements of the 22/20nm ground rules. Reliability of our advanced HK/MG stack is promising. Excellent SRAM static noise margin at 0.45V is reported.
Effects of Vigorous Blending on Yield and Quality of Protein Isolates Extracted From Cottonseed and Soy Flours

Cottonseed protein has shown great potential as a biodegradable and renewable resource for industrial processes such as the manufacture of wood adhesives. To improve the recovery of the protein from cottonseed flour, we tested the effects of vigorous blending on the extraction efficiency and recovery yield of one- and two-step procedures for isolation of cottonseed protein. For comparison, the effects on one-step soy protein isolation were also examined. Our data indicated that vigorous blending improved the protein recovery from cottonseed and soy flour as much as 40-60%, compared to mild agitation in the extraction phase. The improvement was likely due to the enhanced solid (flour)-liquid (extracting solvent) interaction, and the increased extraction temperature of the vigorous blending process. Similarities in the protein content, molecular mass distribution pattern, and secondary structure of each type of protein isolates processed under different blending treatments indicated that quality of the isolates was not altered by vigorous blending. However, dissimilarities in molecular mass distribution patterns and secondary structures were identified between the different types of isolates (i. e. total, water soluble, and alkali soluble cottonseed proteins, and total soy protein). These differences will enable us to explore in future work the correlations between cottonseed protein structures and industrial use characteristics (such as adhesive properties).
Unsafe operation in B-trees

A simple mathematical model for analyzing the dynamics of a B-tree node is presented. From the solution of the model, it is shown that the simple technique of allowing a B-tree node to be slightly less than half full can significantly reduce the rate of split, merge and borrow operations. We call split, merge, borrow and balance operations unsafe operations in this paper. In a multi-user environment, a lower unsafe operation rate implies less blocking and higher throughput, even when tailored concurrency control algorithms (e.g., that proposed by Lehman and Yao [10]) are used. A lower unsafe operation rate also means a longer life time of an optimally initialized B-tree (e.g., compact B-tree). It is in general useful to have an analytical model which can predict the rate of unsafe operations in a dynamic data structure, not only for comparing the behavior of variations of B-trees, but also for characterizing workload for performance evaluation of different concurrency control algorithms for such data structures. The model presented in this paper represents a starting point in this direction.
On the infrasound generated when a train enters a tunnel

Abstract An analysis is made of the ‘open air infrasound’ generated when a train enters a tunnel. For a tunnel of nominal radius R and train speed U the acoustic frequency ∼ U / R and wavelength ∼ R / M ≫ R , where M is the train Mach number. Infrasound is inaudible, but the pressure fluctuations generated by a high-speed train ( M >0.2) can cause annoying vibrations and ‘rattles’ in dwellings and other buildings close to a tunnel portal. Detailed calculations are presented in this paper for a ‘hood-like’ portal modelled analytically by the end of a circular cylindrical, thin-walled duct, and for an axisymmetric ‘train’ entering along the axis of the duct. A slender body approximation is used to model the influence of the moving train, and the acoustic problem is solved using the exact Green's function for a semi-infinite cylinder. Predictions are in good agreement with recent track-side measurements reported by Iida et al. (Proceedings of the 50th Japan National Congress on Theoretical and Applied Mechanics) for model scale experiments conducted at Mach numbers M as large as 0.33. However, both measurements and theory indicate that in applications at full scale it may be important to include in estimates of the infrasound the nonacoustic ‘near-field’ pressures produced by the passing train.
On the Convergence of Higher Order Upwind Differencing Schemes for Tridiagonal Iterative Solution of the Advection-Diffusion Equation

In order to reduce numerical diffusion associated with firstorder upwind differencing schemes UDS, higher order upwind differencing schemes are often employed in computational fluid dynamics CFD calculations. The two most popular higher order UDS are the second-order UDS 1 and the quadratic upwind interpolation for convective kinematics QUICK scheme 2. It is well known that the use of either of the aforementioned two schemes results in a system of equations that may not converge when using an iterative solution method 3. Even for the one-dimensional advection-diffusion equation, since the stencil extends beyond three nodes, a single tridiagonal matrix inversion is not sufficient, and iterations are necessary to solve the resulting system of algebraic equations. Thus, one-dimensional calculations are sufficient for extracting meaningful information pertaining to the stability of these schemes in the context of iterative solution. In this Technical Brief, the convergence characteristics of tridiagonal iterative solution of the equations resulting from use of the second-order UDS and the QUICK scheme are investigated using discrete Fourier analysis. It is found that the chosen iterative method diverges at intermediate Peclet numbers for both schemes. Since these findings are not intuitive, prior to drawing firm conclusions, numerical experiments were performed to verify these findings. The numerical experiments show that the stability and convergence characteristics of both schemes agree perfectly with the results predicted by the discrete Fourier analysis. It is also shown that introduction of a small amount of diagonal dominance through the use of so-called inertial damping factors makes both schemes unconditionally stable. Once again, the convergence characteristics of the modified equations are examined by both methods, and the results are in perfect agreement with each other, lending credibility to the final results and conclusions.
Operant conditioning of firing patterns in monkey cortical neurons.

Abstract Intracortical recording microelectrodes were chronically implanted in the precentral gyrus of a monkey to determine the frequency range in which the firing pattern of a single neuron could be operantly conditioned. Single-unit activity attributed to an individual neuron was observed for as long as 28 days. The total range of neuronal firing frequency of a single neuron was divided into eight equal zones, each specified by a separate target and cursor light. The cursor light was controlled by the neuronal firing rate to provide visual feedback. During each trial two different target lights were presented to the animal in succession and both had to be matched to obtain a reward. During a period of 99 days, 280 neuronal conditioning runs were conducted using 28 different neurons. In roughly 79% of these runs, the monkey was able to modulate successfully the firing rate of a cortical neuron between two frequency bands on command and was also able to adjust the rate to several different frequency bands.
A programming language for real-time systems

This paper describes a different approach to facilitating the design of efficient and reliable large scale computer programs. The direction taken is toward less rather than more abstraction, and toward using the computer most efficiently as a data processing machine. This is done by expressing the program in the form of a two-dimensional network with maximum visibility to the designer, and then converting the network automatically into efficient code. The interactive graphics terminal is a most powerful aid in accomplishing this process.
The kinase domain of PFKFB4 is required to stimulate the glucose metabolism and growth of H460 xenografts

Background Oncogenic activation and HIF-1 overexpression stimulate glycolysis in part by activating the bifunctional 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatases (PFKFB1-4) that synthesize fructose-2,6-bisphosphate (F2,6BP), an allosteric activator of 6-phosphofructo-1kinase (PFK-1), which is an essential control point in the glycolytic pathway. Although PFKFB3 is considered the dominant source of F2,6BP due to its high kinase activity and expression in multiple tumor types, the activity and function of the other PFKFBs has not been fully explored. Interestingly, the PFKFB4 family member was recently found in two independent and unbiased RNAi-based screens to be required for cancer cell survival. We sought to examine the specific requirements of PFKFB4 in regulating glycolytic flux relative to the pentose shunt, two pathways required for cell survival.
Abstract P1-07-04: A novel bioactive approach to inhibit leptin-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer

Introduction: Molecular effects of obesity, a well-established risk factor for breast cancer progression, are mediated by adipocytokine leptin. Recent studies from our lab reveal that leptin induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumorsphere formation via concomitant activation of Akt/GSK3b and MTA1/Wnt1 signaling axes leading to β catenin activation. Given the important role of leptin in breast cancer growth and metastasis, novel strategies to antagonize biological effects of leptin are much desired. We showed previously that honokiol, a bioactive polyphenol from Magnolia grandiflora, inhibits breast carcinogenesis. The present study provides first evidence for the efficacy of honokiol against oncogenic effects of leptin including EMT. Methods: Efficacy of honokiol to inhibit oncogenic effects of leptin was evaluated by using clonogenicity, anchorage–independent growth, matrigel-invasion and spheroid-migration assays. RT-PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence analyses were used to examine the molecular changes associated with EMT as well as underlying molecular pathways. Functional importance of MTA1/Wnt1/ β catenin axis was examined by using overexpression, phospho-deficient constructs and specific inhibitors. Finally, mouse xenografts, immuniohistochemical, RT-PCR and western blot analysis of tumors was used. Results: Honokiol treatment circumvents leptin-induced EMT-associated phenotypic changes. A biochemical hallmark of EMT is loss of expression of epithelial markers with a concurrent increase in mesenchymal marker expression. Honokiol elicits increased expression of E-cadherin, occludin and keratin-18 (epithelial markers) and decreased expression of vimentin, fibronectin and N-cadherin (mesenchymal markers) in leptin-treated cells providing molecular evidence for reversal of EMT. Honokiol also inhibits expression and nuclear translocation of transcriptional effectors of EMT; Snail, Slug, Zeb1 and Zeb2. Analysis of underlying molecular mechanisms reveals that Honokiol effectively inhibits leptin-induced MTA1/Wnt1/ β catenin axis. Furthermore, using nontoxic doses of honokiol, we show that honokiol treatment effectively inhibits leptin-induced breast tumorigenesis in vivo . Analysis of breast tumors show that honokiol treatment reverses leptin-associated signaling (MTA1/Wnt1/ β catenin axis) along with decreased expression of mesenchymal markers and increased expression of epithelial markers. Conclusions: In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that HNK is able to abolish leptin-induced EMT and provide in vitro and in vivo evidence for the integral role of a previously unrecognized crosstalk between honokiol and MTA1/Wnt1/ β catenin axis. Thus, HNK may be used as a non-toxic and non-endocrine rational therapeutic strategy for breast carcinoma in obese patients with high leptin levels. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P1-07-04.
Microstructures produced during the epitaxial growth of InGaN alloys

Abstract Effects due to phase separation in InGaN have been identified as having major effects on the performance of devices, in particular light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and injection lasers. However, the complexity of the various materials phenomena that can occur has led to a great deal of recent confusion. Much of this confusion can be eliminated by considering the experimentally measured materials properties in the context of the set of physical phenomena occurring during epitaxial growth, including coupling that exists between the various effects. Spinodal decomposition is expected to produce phase separation due to the miscibility gap in InGaN alloys. However, the actual occurrence of this phenomenon has been disputed due to the complexity of real systems. For example, the region of solid immiscibility for InGaN is strongly dependent on elastic strain. In addition, the strain, itself, affects properties such as the bandgap energy. Complicating the analysis of these phenomena is that the solid composition can be affected by elastic strain due to the well-known thermodynamic phenomenon of “compositional pulling”. An additional factor must be considered if the experimentally observed phenomena are to be understood. Thin, lattice mismatched epitaxial layers are coherent with the substrate (or underlying layer). Thus, the actual growth process for the formation of lattice mismatched layers, namely the Stranski–Krastanov (S–K) formation of islands, must be included in any realistic growth model. By considering all the phenomena together, including the coupling between them, it becomes clear that several separate mechanisms exist for phase separation. The focus of this paper is the analysis of the thin (2–3 nm), coherent InGaN layers used in the quantum well structures used for virtually all LEDs and lasers produced by the S–K mechanism. By considering these coupled phenomena together it is possible to arrive at a coherent interpretation of the various materials properties measured using techniques such as high resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and optical techniques as well as the device characteristics.
PROBLEMS IN POLICY ANALYSIS AND URBAN GOVERNMENT

Malcolm C. Getz, The Economics of the Urban Fire Department Robert K. Yin, Changing Urban Bureaucracies Pietro S. Nivola, The Urban Service Problem
Anthropology in the Park: A Behavioral Model for the Planning and Evaluation of Urban Open Spaces

In recent years, urban planners have found that urban open spaces are not utilized simply because they are there. Indeed, Jane Jacobs pointed out seventeen years ago that "for every Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia, or Rockefeller Plaza, or Washington Square in New York or their beloved equivalents in other cities, there are dozens of dispirited city vacuums called parks…little used… unloved" (The Death and Life of Great American Cities, 1961, p. 81). Part of the problem can be found in the beginning stages of the park planning process. In the past, very little attention, if any, was given to user needs and perspectives of the user environment. Priority was given to aesthetic and economic variables and, as a result, we find that many of the areas planned as parks in urban environments are being grossly under-utilized.
Function and dysfunction of the presenilins.

Alzheimer disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, is the most common type of dementia, occurring in mid to late life. The neuropathological hallmarks of this disease include the presence of extracellular deposits of highly fibrillogenic Aβ42 peptides in senile plaques and intraneuronal accumulations of hyperphosphorylated τ in neurofibrillary tangles (see Giulian 1999 [in this issue]). Although most cases of AD occur as age-associated disorders, autosomal dominant inheritance of mutant genes encoding the β-amyloid precursor protein (APP), presenilin 1 (PS1), or presenilin 2 (PS2) cause early-onset AD in several families (i.e., familial AD [FAD]; for review, see Price and Sisodia 1998).
Amino-Acids in Staple Foods. The Rôle of Cystine in Proteolytic Digestion

The author presented his views on the synthesis of amino-acids in the animal body at the Washington annual meeting of the Society of Biological Chemists in 1936 (unpublished) and concluded that cystine, contrary to the view held at that time, is a dispensable amino-acid. His working hypothesis was that sugar forming amino-acids are dispensable and non-sugar formers are indispensable, and also suggested that valine being a non-sugar former would prove to be an indispensable amino-acid. There are so many examples in the literature where the diet under investigation was supplemented with cystine which promptly converted it to a normal growth-producing one that a claim of cystine deficiency was readily granted. Johns and Finks1 fed cooked navy bean meal supplemented with cystine to rats and obtained normal growth so that they concluded that cystine deficiency was the controlling factor in the bean diet. Mitchell and Smuts'2 feeding experiments demonstrated clearly that by supplementing raw soybean meal with c...
Can u help me plz?? Cyberlanguage accommodation in virtual reference conversations

Virtual reference services (VRS), often using instant messaging technology, are convenient for users and allow libraries to expand their patron base and the services they provide. Instant messaging is one of several new media that seem to encourage the production of cyberlanguage—non-standard English replete with abbreviations of all kinds and surrogate face-to-face cues such as emoticons. Research suggests one way librarians can increase patron satisfaction, and thus use of services, is to speak the patron's language. Using communication accommodation theory, which includes the notions of convergence (speaking another's language) and divergence (divorcing one's speech from another), this research seeks to uncover accommodative tendencies of librarians when faced with patron use of cyberlanguage. The data consists of 30 VRS conversations from Oregon's statewide service, L-net, logged between August 2010 and February 2011. Frequency of cyberlanguage use by both patrons and librarians was obtained and compared via linear regression. Results do not support convergence but instead suggest that future work explore the possibility of divergence.
A simple method for the purification and isolation of bleomycin A2

Abstract A simple procedure for the direct purification and isolation of bleomycin A 2 from blenoxane is detailed and its use in the preparation and purification of deglycobleomycin A 2 is described.
A Mid-nineteenth-century Discovery of the Non-Chinese World

FOUR years after the publication of Wei Yuan's Hai-kuo t'u-chih, Hsu Chi-yui *2,t&i (I795-I873), while governor of Fukien, composed the preface to his ten-chuan history-geography of the non-Chinese world. A product of the immediate post-Opium War period, Hsu's ring-huan chih-lueh jit (A short account of the maritime circuit, I848) is another example of Chinese intellectual response to Western intrusion and the challenges of a new era.' Indeed, while Hsu and Weifagreed on the fundamental necessity to learn more about the outside world in order to protect China, the tone of their books, the ring-huan chih-lueh and the Hai-kuo t'u-chih, differed to such an extent that the former came to represent the views of Chinese 'moderates', while the latter did likewise for the 'conservatives'.
Synthesis of 3-substituted quinolines via transition-metal-catalyzed reductive cyclization of o-nitro Baylis-Hillman acetates.

Reductive cyclization of o-nitro-substituted Baylis−Hillman acetates by carbon monoxide, catalyzed by [Cp*Fe(CO)2]2, gives moderate to good yields of 3-substituted quinolines.
AUTOREGULATION OF TESTOSTERONE SECRETION IN PERFUSED RAT TESTES

Infusion of testosterone into the testicular artery, at concentrations comparable to those that occur in the testicular vein in situ, inhibited LH-stimulated testosterone secretion by rat testes perfused in vitro. This inhibition was rapid and dose responsive. In contrast to testosterone, intra-arterial infusion of 5α-androstan-3α,17β-diol, corticosterone and androstenedione failed to inhibit testosterone secretion. The inhibition of testosterone secretion by intra-arterial infusion of testosterone was reversed by either cessation of testosterone infusion or the simultaneous addition of androstenedione to the artificial perfusion medium. Taken together, these results showed that LH-stimulated testosterone secretion by in vitro perfused rat testes was inhibited by a short-loop negative feedback of testosterone.
The 300-year quest for binoculars

The modern form of the refracting telescope advanced rapidly following its invention in 1608, but almost 300-years elapsed before practical prismatic binoculars become available. The evolution of binoculars and the associated manufacturing issues are discussed.
Pilot study of the effects of intermittent interleukin-2 on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-specific immune responses in patients treated during recently acquired HIV infection

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) initiated during acute human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection may preserve HIV-specific CD4+ T cell responses that are thought to enhance HIV-specific CD8+ T cell function. The present pilot study was designed to determine whether preserved HIV-specific immune responses are augmented by the administration of the immunomodulatory agent interleukin (IL)-2. Nine persons recently (<6 months) infected with HIV were randomized to receive HAART alone or HAART plus 3 cycles of intermittent IL-2 during a 12-month period. Although HAART plus IL-2 significantly increased counts of total and naive CD4+ T cells, compared with HAART alone, there was no increase in CD4+ or CD8+ HIV-specific immune responses. In addition, adjuvant IL-2 therapy did not reduce the pool of HIV-infected resting CD4+ T cells. Thus, although intermittent IL-2 plus HAART quantitatively increased CD4+ T cells, this increase was not selective for HIV-specific CD4+ or CD8+ T cell responses in recently infected persons.
Genetic relatedness in sperm whales: Evidence and cultural implications

Results of genetic analyses show that social groups of female and immature sperm whales are comprised of multiple matrilines as evidenced by the presence of multiple mitochondrial (maternally inherited) control region haplotypes. These data suggest: (1) a social environment in which the transmission of cultural information, such as vocal dialects, is more likely to be horizontal or oblique rather than strictly vertical (mother-offspring) and (2) lead us to question the data presented to support gene-culture coevolution.
Helicobacter pylori protection against reflux esophagitis.

Background and Aim Negative association has been reported between presence of Helicobacter pylori and developing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its complications. The aim of this study was to determine whether H. pylori (HP) can be protective against GERD in an African American (AA) population.
Mismatch between lipid mobilization and oxidation: glycerol kinetics in running African goats.

Glycerol kinetics and total fatty acid (FA) oxidation of trained African pygmy goats were measured by continuous infusion of [2-3H]glycerol and indirect calorimetry during treadmill exercise at 40, 60, and 85% maximal O2 consumption (VO2max). Our main goals were 1) to determine whether rates of FA mobilization and utilization are eventually matched as exercise intensity increases, thereby minimizing reesterification to supply more FA to working muscles, and 2) to test the hypothesis that lipolytic rate is proportional to aerobic capacity by comparing low-aerobic goats with published values from highly aerobic dogs and humans. Mean rate of glycerol release in the circulation (Ra glycerol) was 3.83 +/- 0.11 at rest, 7.69 +/- 0.88 at 40% VO2max, reached a maximum of 15.32 +/- 0.95 at 60% VO2max, and returned to 10.53 +/- 0.76 mumol.kg-1 x min-1 at 85% VO2max. Lipolytic rate did not match total FA oxidation, implying that Ra glycerol cannot be used as an index of FA utilization, even during intense exercise. A large fraction of total FA released by lipolysis was reesterified at 60 and 85% VO2max, showing that FA mobilization does not limit whole animal FA oxidation at these intensities. Comparing goat, dog, and human responses reveals that mammalian lipolytic rate is scaled with aerobic capacity. High- and low-aerobic species exercising at the same %VO2max mobilize FA in exact proportion with their metabolic rate, suggesting that the relative contribution of FA to total energy provision is independent of VO2max.
New Potential Hazard Regarding Use of Marijuana – Treatment of Plants with Liquid Fertilizers

(1976). New Potential Hazard Regarding Use of Marijuana – Treatment of Plants with Liquid Fertilizers. Journal of Psychedelic Drugs: Vol. 8, No. 2, pp. 151-155.
Convergence Rates of Distributed Average Consensus With Stochastic Link Failures

We consider a distributed average consensus algorithm over a network in which communication links fail with independent probability. In such stochastic networks, convergence is defined in terms of the variance of deviation from average. We first show how the problem can be recast as a linear system with multiplicative random inputs which model link failures. We then use our formulation to derive recursion equations for the second order statistics of the deviation from average in networks with and without additive noise. We give expressions for the convergence behavior in the asymptotic limits of small failure probability and large networks. We also present simulation-free methods for computing the second order statistics in each network model and use these methods to study the behavior of various network examples as a function of link failure probability.
ON THE EVALUATION OF NUTRIENT POOLS OF FOREST SOILS

The standard method of assessing the available portion of the nutrient reservoir of a forest soil is to use a neutral salt solution, such as NH,OAc, to extract the exchangeable plus dissolved ions, which are analyzed and considered available. This approach, designed for evaluating nutrients available for the short growth term of agricultural crops, is inadequate for assessing the nutrient pool of forests where tree growth term may reach 100 yr or more. Soil nutrient reservoirs were evaluated in two forest soils for K, Na, Ca, Mg and Fe, using an approach based on continuous extraction of the elements and kinetic analyses of the extraction rate curves. The analyses of the curves indicate that K, Na, Ca and Fe are each released at four separate constant rates, and Mg is released at three separate constant rates. By analogy with similar kinetic studies done on monomineralic layer silicate samples, each separate extraction rate is thought to corre- spond to a single type of bond site in the soil. Higher extraction rates indicate greater ease of removal and are interpreted as indicating a higher degree of availability relative to the extractant. The available K reserves of the Everett soil evaluated by standard methods, compared with annual net K uptake rates of its forest system, indicates growth limiting K deficiency in 12-17 yr. K availability assessed by kinetic analyses indicates about 100 yr supply of K is available.
Prolonged use of dexmedetomidine in the paediatric cardiothoracic intensive care unit.

Background Dexmedetomidine is an alpha2-adrenergic agonist that causes sleep-like sedation and mild analgesia without narcosis or respiratory depression, and has relative cardiovascular stability. Due to these properties, it may be an effective agent for prolonged use in the sedation of patients in the paediatric cardiothoracic intensive care unit. We reviewed our experience with the drug to detail its safety and efficacy. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients who received dexmedetomidine over a six month period in a dedicated paediatric cardiothoracic intensive care unit. Patients were identified from pharmacy records showing administration of drugs. We collected demographic data, information relating to doses of dexmedetomidine, physiologic parameters, and clinical outcomes. Results We identified 54 patients who received the drug. The median age of recipients was 6 months, with a range from 1 day to 16 years. The mean duration of administration was 37.3 hours, with a range from 2 to 177 hours. The mean duration of continuation of administration after extubation was 16.7 hours, with a range from zero to 112.5 hours. Physiologically, there were no clinically significant changes in mean arterial pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, or saturations of oxygen before, during, or after utilization of the drug. Use of dexmedetomidine significantly reduced the need to administer narcotics, and scores using the COMFORT system were not different between patients who received dexmedetomidine and those who did not. Conclusions In this limited and retrospective review, dexmedetomidine was found to be safe and efficacious. Its use as a sedative agent for extended periods of time in critically-ill children deserves investigation in a prospective and controlled manner.