cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Systems Biological Approaches for Mucosal Vaccine Development

Abstract Vaccines represent one of the greatest life-saving devices in history. Yet the development of vaccines against pandemic diseases such as HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, and diarrheal diseases has been frustrated by a lack of knowledge about the immunological mechanisms underlying protective immunity. This, coupled with the high costs and slow pace of assessing the efficacy of vaccines in phase 2 and 3 clinical trials, has impeded vaccine development. The emerging field of systems vaccinology offers a new paradigm for the rapid testing of vaccines and understanding their mechanisms of action. Recent studies have used the tools of systems biology to probe the innate and adaptive immune responses to vaccination in humans. Such studies have identified new correlates (molecular signatures) of vaccine immunogenicity and efficacy and have revealed new insights into the mechanisms of vaccine immunity. This chapter reviews the potential role of systems biological approaches in advancing the development of mucosal vaccines.
Pedestrian–Autonomous Vehicles Interaction Challenges: A Survey and a Solution to Pedestrian Intent Identification

Autonomous Vehicles are on rise around the globe, millions of them are already there on road with medium levels of automation but still there is a long way to go for full autonomy. One of the biggest roadblocks for autonomous vehicles to reach full autonomy is driving in urban environments. To make autonomous vehicles fully autonomous, they require the ability to communicate with other road users (pedestrian, vehicles, and other road users) and understand their intentions. Social interaction is a complex task, there are uncountable scenarios that happen on roads that require human interaction both verbal and nonverbal. Deciding whether a person standing on the sidewalk is about to cross the road, or they are just waiting near the sidewalk is a difficult task for an autonomous vehicle, and it could be a matter of life-and-death in case of a vehicle driving at very high speed. So, it is very important for self-driving cars to identify true intentions of on-road pedestrians and understand social interaction norms. In this paper, we go through some of the challenges in Pedestrian and Autonomous vehicles interaction that autonomous vehicles might face while driving in an urban environment; after that we propose a novel architecture for identifying pedestrian’s intention using pedestrian’s detection, pose estimation, and classification algorithms while discussing different methods of each.
Going Native with Your Web Dev Skills: An Introduction to React Native for Mobile App Development

This workshop will show how web development skills can be used to develop native mobile apps (iOS, Android, and Web) using a JavaScript library called React Native, an open-source framework developed by Facebook. React Native extends the popular React web framework with support for truly native mobile apps. After completing the workshop, participants will have a classroom-ready assignment to share with their students. In this workshop, we will explore the fundamentals of React, discussing concepts such as Components, State, and Props. Next, we will discuss the "native" features added by React Native and build an app that will run on the Web and natively on iOS and Android devices. We will also incorporate mobile-specific concepts, such as Touch Events and Scroll Views. Finally, we will introduce more advanced React Native topics, including debugging techniques and deployment to actual iOS/Android devices. This workshop requires a laptop. Deployment of code to an actual device is optional but requires either an Android or iOS Device. Prior to the workshop participants will be given instructions for both software installation (required) and mobile device configuration (optional).
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN NEUROLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY- PSYCHIATRIC SYMPTOMS IN THE COURSE OF NEURODEGENERATIVE DISORDERS

Abstract It is increasingly recognized that there is significant heterogeneity in phenotype and clinical trajectories in Alzheimer's disease as well as Lewy Body and Vascular dementia. Relatively common neurodegenerative disorder, Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) presents with psychiatric features. Mood disorders are common and often precede core symptoms of LBD. Patient with LBD especially early in the course of disease are at increased risk for suicide. Psychosis is one of the most debilitating symptoms of LBD as it is an independent risk factor for nursing home placements, increased caregiver distress and mortality. Visual hallucinations are the most common psychotic manifestation in LBD. Auditory, olfactory, tactile and gustatory hallucinations and delusions are less frequently found. Global cognitive deficits including attention, frontal executive dysfunction, visuospatial abnormalities, language and verbal memory were associated with the presence of psychosis in Lewy Body Dementia. Glucocerebrosidase gene (GBA) mutations and polymorphisms found to be associated with LBD. Up to 25% of Alzheimer's disease (AD) cases do not show the typical neuropathology. Subtypes and atypical non-amnestic AD presentations have been formalized in the International Working Group (IWG) clinical diagnosis criteria. Frontal signs and symptoms are often seen in Alzheimer's disease especially in patients with early onset. In those clinical situations differential diagnosis especially distunguising between Clinical diagnosis of atypical AD has significantly been improved by the availability of biomarkers, including cerebrospinal fluid levels of Aβ42, total tau and phosphorylated tau181. MRI volumetric estimation of hippocampal and medial temporal atrophy, and amyloid brain PET imaging. We will review atypical forms of AD from these varied perspectives to help improve diagnostic confidence among clinicians. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a highly prevalent pathologic finding in the elderly contributing to cognitive loss, neuropsychiatric symptoms and morbidity. It is characterized by predominantly vascular deposition of beta amyloid protein Its prevalence varies across different populations. Initially conceptualized as vascular dementia syndrome CAA was proved to overlap with AD pathology and is thought to affect over 80% of AD patients. Lobar intracerebral hemorrhage and infarction are the well-known striking clinical manifestations, but CAA has multiple other clinical phenotypes: Inflammatory disease in the form of vasculitis known as amyloid beta related angiitis (ABRA) and inflammatory leukoencephalopathy, also known as CAA related inflammation (CAA-RI). Due to multiple clinical phenotypes CAA remains clinically underdiagnosed and underreported especially in elderly with dementia and other psychiatric symptoms. The underlying pathophysiological mechanism for the spectrum of CAA will be discussed.
Inflammatory predictors of neurobehavior in very preterm infants.

Abstract Background Preterm infants are at risk for impaired neurodevelopment. Inflammation may be an important modifiable mediator of preterm birth and neurodevelopmental impairment, but few studies have examined longitudinal measures of inflammation. Objective To determine the relationship between longitudinal measures of inflammation and neurobehavior in very preterm infants. Study design Non-experimental, repeated measures cohort study. Methods Very preterm infants were enrolled between October 2017 and December 2018. Blood was collected weekly until 35 weeks post-menstrual age for the quantification of plasma cytokines. Neurobehavior was assessed at 35 weeks post-menstrual age using the cluster scores for motor development and vigor and alertness/orientation from the Neurobehavioral Assessment of the Preterm Infant. Multiple linear regression models with robust standard errors were used to analyze the data. Average levels of individual cytokines, cytokine trends, and composite scores were used as measures of inflammation. Results Seventy-three infants were enrolled in the study. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist was associated with motor development and vigor scores. Interleukin-6 was associated with alertness/orientation scores. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and composite scores of inflammation were associated with motor development and vigor and alertness/orientation scores. There were interactions with post-menstrual age at birth and infant sex. Conclusion Inflammation may be an important predictor of short-term neurobehavior in preterm infants. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha are key cytokines for studies of preterm infants, but composite scores may be a better measure of inflammation than individual cytokines. Inflammation can be damaging to the immature brain and may be a specific target for future interventions to improve outcomes.
Subclinical hypernatraemia in a population of endurance racing sled dogs

Electrolyte disturbances occur in both human and veterinary endurance athletes; however, hypernatraemia is poorly documented in dogs. To further explore electrolyte changes in canine endurance athl...
Kikuchi Disease with enlargement of intramammary lymph node

We describe a rare case of intramammary lymphadenopathy due to Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease. A 15-year old female presented to the Breast Clinic with complaints of a tender, palpable right breast lump. An ultrasound of the area of concern demonstrated an enlarged 2.9 cm intramammary lymph node with preservation of the fatty hilum. An ultrasound guided core biopsy of the lymph node confirmed the diagnosis of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease.
Ureteropelvic junction obstruction: diagnosis and management.

Purpose of review Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is the most common cause of prenatally diagnosed hydronephrosis. Although associated with obstruction of the kidney, the natural history is variable, ranging from spontaneous resolution to progressive loss of function over the first few years of life. As a result, the optimal evaluation strategy and indications for treatment have not been well defined. The purpose of this article is to review recent literature focused on the prenatal and postnatal evaluation of infants with prenatally diagnosed hydronephrosis suspicious for UPJO. Recent findings Recent studies have focused on the effect of the urinary tract dilation (UTD) ultrasound classification system, as well as use of magnetic resonance imaging both prenatally and postnatally to stratify the risk of infants with prenatally diagnosed hydronephrosis to develop renal impairment or undergo surgery. Additionally, urinary biomarkers have been identified as a potential noninvasive alternative to diuretic renography in identifying infants with clinically significant UPJO. Summary Although continued work is needed to develop clear guidelines for evaluation and treatment and to better define long-term outcomes, these studies offer novel approaches to improve the care of these patients.
Digital Back End for P-Band Reflections Concepts

A low cost, low power, and low mass P-band digital back end (DBE) has been developed at JPL. The design is based upon a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver (called Cion) that has been currently flying on the CICERO CubeSats. This paper describes the design of the DBE as well as use cases for the subsystem. This Cion DBE will be used in NASA InVest mission SNOOPI (SigNals of Opportunity P-Band Investigation) and an instrument incubator project Signals of Opportunity Synthetic Aperture Radar (SoOpSAR) to demonstrate SAR like processing using P-band Signals of Opportunity (SoOp).
Optimal quantum radar vs. optimal classical radar with full polarization antennas

We compute the optimal quantum radar detection performance relative to the corresponding optimal classical radar detection performance with full polarization antennas. We use the Belavkin-Zakai equation rather than the Schrodinger equation, because the latter does not have an explicit measurement model. Our calculation is consistent with the well known 6 dB quantum advantage at low photon flux per mode assuming no polarization entanglement of photons and no use of fully polarized antennas.
Safe Selfie

In this paper, we discuss the importance and proof of concept for a picture-taking app that will remind the user of their surroundings. The background to this issue is that several people die a year because they are in a situation unsafe for taking pictures, but are too preoccupied with their phone to realise the danger. This application will take many factors into consideration, including user velocity, local emergency contact information, and geological hazards to warn the user of safety issues. The goal of this application is to reduce the amount of accidental injuries or deaths related to taking pictures in unsafe areas.
Polymerization power: effectors of actin polymerization as regulators of T lymphocyte migration through complex environments.

During their life span, T cells are tasked with patrolling the body for potential pathogens. To do so, T cells migrate through numerous distinct anatomical sites and tissue environments with different biophysical characteristics. To migrate through these different environments, T cells use various motility strategies that rely on actin network remodeling to generate shape changes and mechanical forces. In this review, we initially discuss the migratory journey of T cells and then cover the actin polymerization effectors at play in T cells, and finally, we focus on the function of these effectors of actin cytoskeleton remodeling in mediating T-cell migration through diverse tissue environments. Specifically, we will discuss the current state of the field pertaining to our understanding of the roles in T-cell migration played by members of the three main families of actin polymerization machinery: the Arp2/3 complex; formin proteins; and Ena/VASP proteins.
"They Aren't Going to Do Jack Shit": Text-Based Crisis Service Users' Perceptions of Seeking Child Maltreatment-Related Support From Formal Systems.

Many of the children reported to child protective services (CPS) exhibit signs and symptoms that allow others to recognize their abuse or neglect and intervene; others, especially adolescents, must...
Isolation of nuclear proteins associated with the nuclear pore complex and the nuclear peripheral lamina of rat liver.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the methods for the isolation of nuclear proteins associated with the nuclear pore complex and the nuclear peripheral lamina of rat liver. The nuclear pore complex-peripheral lamina is a delicate structure whose integrity depends on the lack of agitation during preparation and gentle sedimentation. The isolation of the subnuclear fraction containing proteins associated with the nuclear pore complexes and the peripheral lamina is achieved in three steps: (1) isolation of pure nuclei by an aqueous procedure, (2) preparation of intact nuclear envelopes by deoxyribonuclease digestion of chromatin under alkaline conditions, and (3) solubilization of lipid and contaminating chromatin. An alternate procedure is also outlined utilizing the polyanion polyvinylsulfate during DNase digestion. Inclusion of the polyvinyl sulfate allows complete hydrolysis of the DNA, thus permitting isolation of the nuclear pore complex–fibrous lamina subfraction without subjecting it to high salt concentrations.
Employee Assistance Programs

Employee assistance programs (EAPs) are workplace programs offered by employers to employees that assist troubled employees and their family members with a variety of issues, ranging from financial and legal concerns to mental health and substance abuse problems. EAPs traditionally focus on these problems as they affect workplace performance, but EAPs are broadening their focus to include the full range of work-life issues. The EAP movement in the United States grew out of industrial alcohol programs in the 1950s and saw its biggest growth during the 1980s. It was during the 1980s that most EAPs moved from primarily alcohol-focused programs to the multi-issue or broad-brush programs that they are today. Keywords: employee assistance program; work-life; health promotion
Holman: The FLP's New Clothes

The article discusses Holman, a recent Tax Court decision involving the valuation of gifts of FLP interests.
A review of the R Aquarii system

The spatially resolved nebula that characterizes the D-type symbiotic R Aquarii has afforded investigators a unique opportunity to probe the extended emission line regions. Its extensive and complex radio morphology, that includes SiO emission from the only symbiotic associated with maser emission, has provided important clues concerning the mass expulsion process in interacting binary radio stars. Infrared, radio, optical, UV and X-ray observations of the system are discussed in context with models which have been proposed to explain the appearance of the brilliant jet.
The Smithsonian-Mason Semester for Conservation Studies: Advancing Innovative Ways to Teach the Practice of Conservation

The Smithsonian-Mason Semester for Conservation Studies is the cornerstone of an innovative partnership between George Mason University and the Smithsonian Institution, established to educate future conservation practitioners in an experiential framework. This 16-credit residential program addresses complex conservation imperatives within diverse disciplines, including the biological, physical, and social sciences. We aim to teach conservation as conservation is practiced, engaging students in real-world experiences. The semester is rooted in an integrative teaching design, focusing on dialogue and problem-solving using case studies in immersive field and laboratory experiences. Students learn from a large number of conservation practitioners and professionals, often up to 50 in one semester, enabling a collaborative atmosphere in which students develop a professional network. Class sizes are kept deliberately small so that students may engage in intensive mentoring with faculty. Since the beginning of the program in 2008, faculty have been using a pre- and post-semester learning gains assessment, including quantitative and qualitative questions, to gauge student understanding of the academic subject matter and their proficiency with professional skills. Data from these assessments will be compiled and reviewed to evaluate student learning gains of complex skills within the field of conservation and investigate long-term career development outcomes of alumni.
The Configuration Interaction Method: Advances in Highly Correlated Approaches

Abstract Highly correlated configuration interaction (CI) wavefunctions going beyond the simple singles and doubles (CISD) model space can provide very reliable potential energy surfaces, describe electronic excited states, and yield benchmark energies and molecular properties for use in calibrating more approximate methods. Unfortunately, such wavefunctions are also notoriously difficult to evaluate due to their extreme computational demands. The dimension of a full CI procedure, which represents the exact solution of the electronic Schrodinger equation for a fixed one-particle basis set, grows factorially with the number of electrons and basis functions. For very large configuration spaces, the number of CI coupling coefficients becomes prohibitively large to store on disk; these coefficients must be evaluated as needed in a so-called direct CI procedure. Work done by several groups since 1980 has focused on using Slater determinants rather than spin ( S ^ 2 ) eigenfunctions because coupling coefficients are easier to compute with the former. We review the fundamentals of the configuration interaction method and discuss various determinant-based CI algorithms. Additionally, we consider some applications of highly correlated CI methods.
Oligodeoxyribonucleotide analogs functionalized with phosphonoacetate and thiophosphonoacetate diesters.

Oligodeoxyribonucleotides with phosphonoacetate or thiophosphonoacetate internucleotide linkages can be made in high yield by solid-phase synthesis and possess many advantages. They are highly stable to nucleases, water-soluble, and anionic at neutral pH. They form stable duplexes with DNA and RNA, and stimulate RNase H degradation of complementary RNA. The preparation of the N,N-(diisopropylamino)phosphinyl acetate monomers from standard protected nucleosides is described here, followed by the synthesis of phosphonoacetate and thiophosphonoate oligodeoxyribonucleotides, as well as chimeric oligomers that have these modified linkages in combination with natural or phosphorothioate linkages. Purification and characterization of these oligomers is also presented. Keywords: phosphonoacetate DNA synthesis; thiophosphonoacetate DNA synthesis
The effect of Pluronic on the protein release kinetics of an injectable drug delivery system

Abstract A new class of injectable controlled release depots has been prepared by incorporating materials that preferentially segregate during phase inversion. These consist of blends of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)/poly(propylene oxide) (PPO)/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) triblock copolymers (Pluronics) with poly( d,l -lactide) (PDLA)/1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) solutions. The effects of preferential segregation on the phase inversion dynamics and in vitro protein release kinetics were examined using dark ground imaging, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and confocal microscopy. Variations in Pluronic concentration and molecular weight had an insignificant effect on the internal depot morphologies, however, increasing the concentration and molecular weight did result in increased phase separation rates and, surprisingly, a decrease in the magnitude of the protein burst, though the release profiles still retained a typical burst-type shape. Additionally, increasing the Pluronic concentration beyond a critical point resulted in a transition from a burst-type profile to an extended-release profile. An interpretation of these results in terms of a qualitative model for the protein release mechanism is also given.
Sex differences in the relationship between status and number of offspring in the contemporary U.S.

Abstract Sociobiology predicts that among social species individual social status will be positively correlated with reproductive success, yet in modern societies the opposite appears to be true. However, in the last five to ten years, a sex difference in the association between some measures of personal status on number of children has been documented in many countries, such that status is positively associated with number of children for men only. Much of this research utilizes European data and there has been little use of data from the U.S. In this paper, analysis of U.S. data from the 1979 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth shows that personal income is positively associated with number of offspring for men, and this is true for men at all levels of education. This is mostly because of increased childlessness among low income men. For women, personal income is negatively associated with number of offspring, and this is true for women at all levels of education. Other measures of status (intelligence and education) are negatively associated with number of offspring for men and women, although the negative association is less for men.
Tuning effects on the output characteristics of a picosecond N2-laser-pumped dye laser.

The output-pulse characteristics of a N2-laser-pumped dye laser were examined with a 2-psec-resolution streak camera. For a given dye solution the output-pulse duration showed a factor-of-3 increase as the wavelength was tuned from the blue toward the red. The relative intensity as a function of the output wavelength was also measured. Statistics on the fluctuations of both duration and relative intensity were determined. The influence of dye concentration and pumping intensity on the output characteristics was studied.
Cytochrome P-450 induction in genetically obese rats.

Using two dimension iso-electric focusing sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, we have shown that the lack of response by genetically obese Zucker rats to phenobarbital treatment is due to a decreased induction of cytochrome's P-450 especially cytochrome P-450-PB3. We do not know whether this represents a defect in transcription or translation.
Revertant somatic mosaicism in the Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome

Up to 11% of patients affected with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) have presented with somatic mosaicism due to spontaneous in vivo reversion to normal of the original mutation or second-site compensatory mutations that restored production of the WAS gene product. The reasons underlying the high prevalence of this phenomenon in WAS are unclear and may include strong selective advantage of revertant cells over mutated populations, abnormally high general mutation rate and/or increased susceptibility of specific WAS gene sequences to DNA polymerase errors. Additional studies in human samples and in vitro/in vivo models of the disease will likely yield further insights into the mechanisms responsible for the occurrence of revertant mosaicism in WAS and elucidate additional biological characteristics of the WAS gene and protein.
The dimerization domain of HNF-1alpha: structure and plasticity of an intertwined four-helix bundle with application to diabetes mellitus.

Maturity-onset diabetes mellitus of the young (MODY) is a human genetic syndrome most commonly due to mutations in hepatocyte nuclear factor-1α (HNF-1α). Here, we describe the crystal structure of the HNF-1α dimerization domain at 1.7 A resolution and assess its structural plasticity. The crystal’s low solvent content (23 %, v/v) leads to tight packing of peptides in the lattice. Two independent dimers, similar in structure, are formed in the unit cell by a 2-fold crystallographic symmetry axis. The dimers define a novel intertwined four-helix bundle (4HB). Each protomer contains two α-helices separated by a sharp non-canonical turn. Dimer-related α-helices form anti-parallel coiled-coils, including an N-terminal “mini-zipper” complementary in structure, symmetry and surface characteristics to transcriptional coactivator dimerization cofactor of HNF-1 (DCoH). A confluence of ten leucine side-chains (five per protomer) forms a hydrophobic core. Isotope-assisted NMR studies demonstrate that a similar intertwined dimer exists in solution. Comparison of structures obtained in multiple independent crystal forms indicates that the mini-zipper is a stable structural element, whereas the C-terminal α-helix can adopt a broad range of orientations. Segmental alignment of the mini-zipper (mean pairwise root-mean-square difference (rmsd) in Cα coordinates of 0.29 A) is associated with a 2.1 A mean Cα rmsd displacement of the C-terminal coiled-coil. The greatest C-terminal structural variation (4.1 A Cα rmsd displacement) is observed in the DCoH-bound peptide. Diabetes-associated mutations perturb distinct structural features of the HNF-1α domain. One mutation (L12H) destabilizes the domain but preserves structural specificity. Adjoining H12 side-chains in a native-like dimer are predicted to alter the functional surface of the mini-zipper involved in DCoH recognition. The other mutation (G20R), by contrast, leads to a dimeric molten globule, as indicated by its 1H-NMR features and fluorescent binding of 1-anilino-8-naphthalene sulfonate. We propose that a glycine-specific turn configuration enables specific interactions between the mini-zipper and the C-terminal coiled-coil.
The role of parent stress and coping and family functioning in parent and child adjustment to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

This study found 57% of parents of 35 children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (4 to 14 years of age) to have self-reported poor psychological adjustment. The hypothesized mediational variables of parent appraisal of stress, relative use of palliative coping methods, and level of family conflict accounted for 58% of the variance in general distress, 50% in depressive symptoms, and 31% in anxiety symptoms. In terms of parent-reported child adjustment, 89% of the children were classified by parent report as having a behavior problem pattern. The internalizing profile pattern was most frequent (37%). The parent mediational variables accounted for 26% of the variance in parent-reported internalizing behavior problems and 29% in externalizing behavior problems.
Genetic Connection between Fatty Acid Metabolism and Sporulation in Aspergillus nidulans

In the Ascomycete fungus Aspergillus nidulans, the ratio of conidia (asexual spores) to ascospores (sexual spores) is affected by linoleic acid moieties including endogenous sporogenic factors called psi factors. Deletion ofodeA (ΔodeA), encoding a Δ-12 desaturase that converts oleic acid to linoleic acid, resulted in a strain depleted of polyunsaturated fatty acids (18:2 and 18:3) but increased in oleic acid (18:1) and total percent fatty acid content. Linoleic acid-derived psi factors were absent in this strain but oleic acid-derived psi factors were increased relative to wild type. The ΔodeA strain was reduced in conidial production and mycelial growth; these effects were most noticeable when cultures were grown at 26 °C in the dark. Under these environmental conditions, the ΔodeA strain was delayed in ascospore production but produced more ascospores than wild type over time. This suggests a role for oleic acid-derived psi factors in affecting the asexual to sexual spore ratio in A. nidulans. Fatty acid composition and spore development were also affected by veA, a gene previously shown to control light driven conidial and ascospore development. Taken together our results indicate an interaction betweenveA and odeA alleles for fatty acid metabolism and spore development in A. nidulans.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Youth: Effectiveness in a Community Setting

OBJECTIVE: The current investigation examined the effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) in treating child traumatic stress when implemented in community settings on a state-wide level. METHOD: Seventy-two youths (ages 7-16 years) with a history of documented trauma (sexual or physical abuse, traumatic loss, domestic or community violence) and symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) received an average of 10 sessions delivered in a state-contracted mental health agency. PTSD symptoms and internalizing and externalizing behavior problems were assessed at pre-treatment and then at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-months after intake. RESULTS: Piecewise hierarchical linear modeling revealed that symptoms of PTSD, as well as internalizing and externalizing problems, decreased significantly over the six months after intake (pretreatment, 3-month, 6-month assessments), and these gains were maintained over the next 6 months (6, 9, and 12 month assessments). Symptoms of externalizing symptoms increased somewhat during the follow-up period, but this change was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that TF-CBT can be implemented effectively in community settings. Treatment outcomes were similar to those reported in efficacy trials of TF-CBT delivered in specialty clinic settings. Improvements in PTSD symptoms and internalizing and externalizing problems were maintained up to one year after treatment began, although the changes in externalizing symptoms were the least stable. Language: en
Tangled Narratives and Wicked Problems: A Complex Case of Positioning and Politics in a Diverse School Community

The case of Allen Elementary School presents tangled narratives and wicked problems describing the multidimensionality of school community work. Using multiple converging and diverging vignettes, t...
Internal adjustment costs in capital-intensive and labor-intensive industries

Abstract In this paper I present evidence indicating systematic differences in costs of adjustment associated with the introduction of new capital across groups of firms that differ in the factor-intensity of their products.
Expression of mRNA for neurotrophic factors and their receptors in the rat dorsal root ganglion and sciatic nerve following nerve injury

The adult rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) produces mRNA for the neurotrophic factors nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and contains large populations of neurons responsive to these factors. We report that following a focal crush injury of the sciatic nerve, NGF mRNA expression increases threefold and BDNF mRNA two-fold, in the ipsilateral L4 and L5 DRGs. The mRNAs encoding the cognate neurotrophin receptors, p75NGFR, trkA, and trkB were expressed in the DRG throughout the post-injury time course, suggesting that DRG neurons remain responsive to both NGF and BDNF. p75NGFR mRNA levels became transiently depressed in the DRG during the first several days after the lesion but returned to normal within 1 week. trkB mRNA was expressed in the normal sciatic nerve and levels were not altered by nerve crush. RNase protection assays detected both full-length and truncated trkB transcripts in the DRG, but only truncated trkB mRNA, lacking the tyrosine kinase domain, was detected in the sciatic nerve. Likewise, trkA transcripts were not detected by RNase protection in normal sciatic nerve or in a segment of nerve distal to the crush site. These results are consistent with a model in which regenerating sensory neurons are supported by neurotrophic factors synthesized within the DRG.
Inter-domain QoT-aware RWA for translucent optical networks

Next-generation optical transport networks will include multiple domains with diverse technologies, protocols, granularities, and carriers. In such networks, the problem of routing and wavelength assignment (RWA) aims to find an adequate route and wavelength(s) for lightpaths carrying end-to-end service demands subject to scalability constraints. Recently, a framework for multi-domain path computation called Backward Recursive Path Computation (BRPC) was standardized by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). In this paper, we propose algorithms using the BRPC framework to dynamically set up end-to-end lightpaths across multiple domains so that the Quality of Transmission (QoT) of connections is satisfied, and the network-level performance metric of blocking probability is minimized. An algorithm based on dynamic programming is proposed and its performance is analyzed by simulation studies.
Pax Democratica: The Gospel According to St. Democracy

The thaw of the Cold War ended the chess game between the superpowers and seemingly gave new momentum to the revival and spread of liberal democracy and its corollary, capitalism. Just as missionaries once offered Christianity to “save” colonised peoples, democracy has become the new gospel promising “salvation”. Both donor and recipient countries appeal to democracy, hoping that it will reverse decades of misfortune. Donor nations and multilateral financial institutions preach democratic governance. “Born again democratic” national leaders in the South who are intent on clinging to power attend to their sermons. None appear to have a genuine faith in democracy. While some nations and NGOs do give altruistically, most use foreign aid as another means of pursuing their national interest. Democracy is an elastic concept. Indeed it seems, at least at this point, that the new gospel of democracy is but a convenient tool used by different players for they own selfish reasons.
Number and density of states in quantum semiconductor structures

Pushed by the semiconductor industry to achieve greater speed and functionality, device dimensions are becoming sufficiently small to exhibit prominent quantum mechanical effects. In addition, devices are now being developed that utilize these quantum effects. The number and density of states are fundamentally important in the operation of any quantum device. Traditionally in a classroom setting, one-dimensional (1-D), two-dimensional (2-D), and three-dimensional (3-D) continuum approximations are presented to analyze the quantum wire, well, and box, respectively. As shown in this paper, the exact number and density of states can be straightforwardly calculated by students for real semiconductor quantum structures. These results clearly illustrate the overall true 3-D form of each of these structures. These correct calculations also reveal an overestimation in the number of states when using the continuum approximations.
Singlet oxygen phosphorescence photosensitized in nano-aggregates of C60 buckminsterfullerene is insensitive to solvent and quenchers and strongly red-shifted indicating highly polarizable interior

We investigated the strongly red-shifted singlet oxygen (1O2) phosphorescence spectra in an aqueous preparation of C60 buckminsterfullerene. The ~10 nm red shift was associated with H2O dispersions of C60 nanoaggregates (C60)n that can photosensitize 1O2 in their polarizable cores. In contrast to 1O2 produced by the water-soluble C60-(γ-cyclodextrin)2 complex, 1O2 trapped inside (C60)n was short-lived (~2-3 μs), insensitive to solvent and 1O2 quenchers, and did not induce photocytotoxicity. To our knowledge, 1O2 spectrum from (C60)n is the most red-shifted 1O2 spectrum recorded to date and it may be used to probe the inner polarizability of carbon (nano)aggregates.
Protein prenyl transferase activities of Plasmodium falciparum

Prenylated proteins have been shown to function in important cellular regulatory processes including signal transduction. The enzymes involved in protein prenylation, farnesyl transferase and geranylgeranyl transferase, have been recent targets for development of cancer chemotherapeutics. We have initiated a systematic study of protein prenyl transferases of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, to determine whether these enzymes can be developed as targets for antimalarial chemotherapy. We report here the identification of protein farnesyl transferase and protein geranylgeranyl transferase-I in the malaria parasite, P. falciparum. The farnesyl transferase has been partially purified from the cytosolic fraction through ammonium sulfate precipitation and Mono-Q chromatography. Farnesyl and geranylgeranyl transferase-I activities are present at all stages of P. falciparum intraerythrocytic development with maximum specific activity in the ring stage. Geranylgeranyl transferase-I specific activity is two times that of farnesyl transferase in the ring stage. Peptidomimetics and prenyl analogues of protein farnesyl transferase substrates were tested as in vitro inhibitors of partially purified P. falciparum prenyl transferase and of malaria parasite growth. The peptidomimetics were significantly more potent inhibitors than lipid substrate analogues of both the activity of Mono-Q purified enzyme and parasite growth in intraerythrocytic cultures. Exposure of the parasite to the peptidomimetic L-745,631 also showed significant inhibition of morphological development beyond the trophozoite stage. These studies suggest the potential of designing or identifying differential inhibitors of P. falciparum and mammalian prenyl transferases as an approach to novel malaria therapy.
Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency in Renal Failure: Can Supplements Really Help?

Abnormal fatty acid metabolism may contribute to clinical problems such as itching, abnormal perspiration, susceptibility to infection, delayed wound healing, anemia, and increased hemolysis, as seen in patients with chronic renal failure. A double-blind study of patients on hemodialysis who received either fish oil, olive oil, or safflower oil documented that patients may have increased levels of the proinflammatory prostaglandin PGE2 and that fish oil intervention may decrease these levels, change the fatty acid profile, improve hematocrit levels, and improve patient perception of symptoms of pruritus.
Random-field critical behavior

Interpretations of heat capacity data fron the random system Fe1-xZnx F2 are presented. The Ginzburg criterion is extended to random-field systems and it is argued that the failure of the supersymmetry formalism prediction of dimensional reduction by two is due to the divergence of thermal fluctuations in fewer than four spatial dimensions. The droplet model for random fields is studied and a first-order transition is predicted for any infinitesimal random field in the neighborhood of the zero-field critical point.
Differentiation and classification of user-specified bacterial groups by in situ thermal hydrolysis and methylation of whole bacterial cells with tert-butyl bromide chemical ionization ion trap mass spectrometry

Abstract Fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) from 20 bacterial samples, formed through in situ thermal hydrolysis and methylation (THM) of lipids from whole bacterial cells using tetramethylammonium hydroxide, have been investigated by t-butyl bromide chemical ionization (CI) ion trap mass spectrometry (MS). The mass spectra, in the early portion of the total ion profile, contained as major peaks the protonated saturated and unsaturated FAME molecular ions, along with the fragment ions, [MH−32]+ and [MH−50]+, from the monoenoic FAME isomers. The data set was tested with several multivariate statistical approaches. Gram-type classification was made based on the ratio of saturated fatty acids (mainly C15:0) to monoenoic fatty acids (mainly C18:1, C16:1, and cyclopropyl fatty acids, C17:0 and C19:0). A multivariate rule building expert system (MuRES) was used to classify targeted bacteria comprising five different genera. Cross validation of the data set showed no false classifications of the targeted organisms. Misclassifications of untargeted bacteria as target organisms were low (1.3%). The mass spectral analysis time was less than 5 min per sample.
Morphology of Vibrio cholerae during enterotoxin production under anaerobic conditions.

Pleomorphic cells were observed in cultures of Vibrio cholerae incubated under anaerobic conditions. The appearance of these pleomorphic cells coincided with the detection of large amounts of cholera enterotoxin in the culture filtrates. Many of these pleomorphic cells had morphologically defective cell envelopes which appeared to lack a murein layer. They also contained intracellular membrane-bounded vesicles. The nature of these membrane structures and their association with enterotoxin production is discussed.
Actualism and Incarnation: The High Christology of Friedrich Schleiermacher

: Defining Schleiermacher's Christology simply as ‘low’ is inadequate, and based on a neglect of the crucial role that actualism plays in his theology. However, accounts that see his Christology as so high as to be docetic are equally unhappy. This article shows that there is a different way to read Schleiermacher's theology, one that avoids both views. By looking at how Schleiermacher's Christology proceeds in both ‘vertical’ and ‘horizontal’ directions, it shows that through correctly understanding Schleiermacher's actualism we are able to see that, for Schleiermacher, Christ is the one who reproduces God's pure act of love through his own God-consciousness. Christ, then, exists as pure activity and so, for Schleiermacher, is God incarnate. The article then addresses two common objections to Schleiermacher's Christology: that Schleiermacher's Christ is not fully human; and that, if Christ is pure act, what of the passion? The piece closes with an account of the relationship of Christology and Trinity.
Stability study of carboplatin infusion solutions in 0.9% sodium chloride in polyvinyl chloride bags:

Background and purposeCarboplatin is a platinum-containing compound with efficacy against various malignancies. The physico-chemical stability of carboplatin in dextrose 5% water (D5W) has been tho...
Distribution of cholecystokinin binding sites in the North American opossum cerebellum.

Abstract Previous studies in our laboratory have reported on the differential distribution of several neuropeptides, including the octapeptide cholecystokinin (CCK 8 ), in the cerebellar cortex and nuclei of the North American opossum ( Didelphis marsupialis virginiana ). The present account reports on the distribution of CCK 8 binding sites as determined from serial autoradiographic images of the cerebellum which were labelled by using [ 125 I]Bolton Hunter sulfated CCK 8 . Evidence for the limited presence of CCK 8 -like immunoreactivity and CCK 8 binding sites in several other species suggests that the distribution of this peptide and its receptor(s) may be species specific. In the opossum, CCK 8 -like immunoreactivity is present in mossy fiber terminals that distribute throughout the cerebellar cortex; it has a very limited distribution in climbing fibers (King and Bishop (1990) J. Comp. Neurol. 238, 373–384. CCK 8 binding sites are present throughout all lobules of the cerebellar cortex and the cerebellar nuclei, which correlates well with the distribution of the peptide. CCK 8 -like immunoreactivity is located primarily in the granule cell layer, although the greatest density of binding sites is in the molecular layer. The presence of CCK 8 in mossy fiber terminals, coupled with the presence of CCK 8 binding sites in the cerebellar cortex, and the fact that CCK 8 alters the firing rate of Purkinje cells (Madtes et al. (1992) Neurosci. Abstr. 18, 853) indicate this peptide may function as a neuromodulator in the cerebellum of the North American opossum. Moreover, the primary distribution of CCK 8 binding sites in the molecular layer when compared to the distribution of CCK 8 in axon terminals in the granule cell layer suggest the action of CCK 8 could be mediated through volume transmission.
Activation-dependent apoptosis in CD4 + t cells during murine AIDS

Abstract The mechanism by which CD4+ T cells are depleted during HIV infection remains a matter of controversy. Recent reports have suggested that activation-induced apoptosis of antigen-specific CD4 + T cells may lead ultimately to depletion of this T cell subset during HIV infection. The murine retroviral model of AIDS (MAIDS) also displays progressive immunodeficiency, but depletion of the CD4 + T cell subset is not characteristic of the disease. We report that a fraction of splenic CD4 + T cells from 8- to 14-week MAIDS-infected C57B1/6 mice, but not normal mice, was undergoing apoptosis at the time of cell isolation. Typical apoptotic morphology and internucleosomal DNA fragmentation was seen in CD4 + T cells only from infected mice. Moreover, injection of anti-CD3 mAh enhanced DNA fragmentation in CD4 + T cells from infected but not normal mice, suggesting that the apoptosis in vivo in CD4 + T cells during MAIDS may be dependent on cell activation. Induction of apoptosis was associated with defective signaling through the TcR complex, since anti-CD3 stimulation in vitro of CD4 + T cells from infected mice caused a diminished calcium response, yet no cellular proliferation. Despite the occurrence or apoptosis in vivo in CD4 + T cells from MAIDS-infected mice, CD4 + T cells were not depleted during the course of disease. Thus, while apoptosis in CD4 + T cells is a characteristic of MAIDS immunodeficiency disease as well as HIV infections in humans. CD4 + T cell depletion is only observed in HIV infections. In view of the extensive lymphocyte expansion which occurs in vivo in MAIDS, the balance between activation-induced apoptosis and chronic cell proliferation may determine whether cell depletion is a characteristic feature of retrovirus-induced immunodeficiencies.