cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conformationally constrained analogues of diacylglycerol. 26. Exploring the chemical space surrounding the C1 domain of protein kinase C with DAG-lactones containing aryl groups at the sn-1 and sn-2 positions.

Diacylglycerol lactones (DAG-lactones) are known to operate as effective agonists of protein kinase C (PKC), surpassing in potency the activity of natural diacylglycerol (DAG). Localization of activated PKC isozymes in the cell is determined in part by the different cellular scaffolds, the lipid composition of the specific membranes, and the targeting information intrinsic to the individual isoforms bound to DAG. This multifaceted control of diversity suggests that, to develop effective DAG-lactones capable of honing in on a specific cellular target, we need to gain a better understanding of the chemical space surrounding its binding site. Seeking to augment the chemical repertoire of DAG-lactone side chains that could steer the translocation of PKC to specific cellular domains, we report herein the effects of incorporating simple or substituted phenyl residues. A combined series of n-alkyl and phenyl substitutions were used to explore the optimal location of the phenyl group on the side chains. The subst...
Spectrographic Determination of Impurities in Molybdenum: Influence of a Diatomic Gaseous Reaction Product on the Arc Excitation in Argon

A spectrographic method has been developed for the determination of 24 trace elements in MoO3. The method is particularly effective for the refractory elements Nb, Ta, Zr, Ti, and V, which are difficult to determine by conventional spectrographic procedures. High sensitivity is achieved in a low amperage are in argon as a consequence of certain thermochemical reactions which occur in the anode during the arcing process. Although it would appear that the discharge takes place in argon, in fact a small quantity of CO is evolved into the are when MoO3 is reduced in the anode. The evolution of CO changes the composition of the are gas and is essential to the ultimate vaporization and excitation of metal impurities. This paper presents time-resolved spectra, anode temperature, and are gap voltage measurements which demonstrate the effect of CO.
Best- and worst-case variances when bounds are available for the distribution function

Consider a discrete random variable, X, taking on values {1,2,…,t} and with lower and upper bounds on its unknown distribution function (d.f.). Within these constraints, this paper derives the forms of the d.f.'s that lead to the largest possible (worst-case) variance and to the smallest possible (best-case) variance for any monotone function of X. The paper also describes Algorithms NLPW and NLPB for computing these worst- and best-case variances, each in O(t) time. A network reliability example illustrates how these techniques can be used to bound sample size in a Monte Carlo experiment.
Reflectance spectra of crude oils and refined petroleum products on a variety of common substrates

A variety of crude oils and refined petroleum products were applied to ten common terrestrial substrates with the goal of developing a set of representative reflectance spectra for hydrocarbon-substrate combinations. Similar to previous studies, each hydrocarbon darkened the substrates and produced hydrocarbon absorption features near 1200, 1690-1770, and 2270-2400 nm, along with a host of other minor features in the VIS/NIR/SWIR portion of the spectrum. Some substrate absorption features interfered with hydrocarbon absorptions, complicating spectral signatures. The reflectance spectra varied directly with the amount of liquid on the substrate. Liquid-saturated samples were left to age and regularly re-measured, establishing a relationship between evaporative loss for volatile and semivolatile products and sample reflectance. The results outline temporal windows of opportunity and minimum detection thresholds for volatiles. They also provide a means for remotely distinguishing 1) water from petroleum products on some substrates and 2) some similar hydrocarbons from one another based on their volatility.
Review of 'Einstein's Dreams': Book by Alan Lightman, Pantheon Books, Random House, NYC, NY, 1994

John Stuckey reviews the book 'Einstein's Dreams,' by Alan Lightman: Warner Books Edition, Pantheon Books, Random House, NYC, NY, 1994.
Fixed-ratio reinforcement in verbal conditioning

Fixed-ratio reinforcement was employed with college students to modify the rate of emission of positive self-reference statements. Ss were seen daily in a study employing a longitudinal research design, and changes in the critical response class were measured over time. Following a baseline period, Ss were placed on an arithmetically increasing fixed-ratio schedule of reinforcement. When a stable state of responding was reached at the final condition of the schedule, responding was extinguished and then reinstated by once again reinforcing the desired response. Results indicate that the reinforcement procedures markedly increased the number of positive self-reference statements without affecting overall verbal output.
Mapping the active site of vaccinia virus RNA triphosphatase.

Abstract The RNA triphosphatase component of vaccinia virus mRNA capping enzyme (the product of the viral D1 gene) belongs to a family of metal-dependent phosphohydrolases that includes the RNA triphosphatases of fungi, protozoa, Chlorella virus, and baculoviruses. The family is defined by two glutamate-containing motifs (A and C) that form the metal-binding site. Most of the family members resemble the fungal and Chlorella virus enzymes, which have a complex active site located within the hydrophilic interior of a topologically closed eight-stranded β barrel (the so-called “triphosphate tunnel”). Here we queried whether vaccinia virus capping enzyme is a member of the tunnel subfamily, via mutational mapping of amino acids required for vaccinia triphosphatase activity. We identified four new essential side chains in vaccinia D1 via alanine scanning and illuminated structure–activity relationships by conservative substitutions. Our results, together with previous mutational data, highlight a constellation of six acidic and three basic amino acids that likely compose the vaccinia triphosphatase active site (Glu37, Glu39, Arg77, Lys107, Glu126, Asp159, Lys161, Glu192, and Glu194). These nine essential residues are conserved in all vertebrate and invertebrate poxvirus RNA capping enzymes. We discerned no pattern of clustering of the catalytic residues of the poxvirus triphosphatase that would suggest structural similarity to the tunnel proteins (exclusive of motifs A and C). We infer that the poxvirus triphosphatases are a distinct lineage within the metal-dependent RNA triphosphatase family. Their unique active site, which is completely different from that of the host cell’s capping enzyme, recommends the poxvirus RNA triphosphatase as a molecular target for antipoxviral drug discovery.
Genetic Characterization of Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus of Coastal Salmonid Stocks in Washington State

Abstract Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) is a pathogen that infects many Pacific salmonid stocks from the watersheds of North America. Previous studies have thoroughly characterized the genetic diversity of IHNV isolates from Alaska and the Hagerman Valley in Idaho. To enhance understanding of the evolution and viral transmission patterns of IHNV within the Pacific Northwest geographic range, we analyzed the G gene of IHNV isolates from the coastal watersheds of Washington State by ribonuclease protection assay (RPA) and nucleotide sequencing. The RPA analysis of 23 isolates indicated that the Skagit basin IHNV isolates were relatively homogeneous as a result of the dominance of one G gene haplotype (S). Sequence analysis of 303 bases in the middle of the G gene (midG region) of 61 isolates confirmed the high frequency of a Skagit River basin sequence and identified another sequence commonly found in isolates from the Lake Washington basin. Overall, both the RPA and sequence analysis showed...
Intrapericardial yolk sac tumor in an infant girl.

This article is a report on the first known case of an intrapericardial yolk sac (endodermal sinus) tumor discovered in a 14-month-old girl. The patient presented with a systolic murmur, cardiomegaly, and manifestations of cardiac failure. At surgery a large, friable, intrapericardial mass with no evidence of extrapericardial spread was found. Histologic and immunohistochemical findings were diagnostic of yolk sac tumor. Following initial resection, chemotherapy, and a second resection 13 months after the first, the patient died 24 months after diagnosis. Tumor enlargement was associated with elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein levels. Cancer 60:1567-1569. 1987.
Vivid: A framework for heterogeneous problem solving

We introduce Vivid, a domain-independent framework for mechanized heterogeneous reasoning that combines diagrammatic and symbolic representation and inference. The framework is presented in the form of a family of denotational proof languages (DPLs). We present novel formal structures, called named system states, that are specifically designed for modeling potentially underdetermined diagrams. These structures allow us to deal with incomplete information, a pervasive feature of heterogeneous problem solving. We introduce a notion of attribute interpretations that enables us to interpret first-order relational signatures into named system states, and develop a formal semantic framework based on 3-valued logic. We extend the assumption-base semantics of DPLs to accommodate diagrammatic reasoning by introducing general inference mechanisms for the valid extraction of information from diagrams, and for the incorporation of sentential information into diagrams. A rigorous big-step operational semantics is given, on the basis of which we prove that the framework is sound. We present examples of particular instances of Vivid in order to solve a series of problems, and discuss related work.
Study of Natural Oxidation of Ultra-Thin Aluminum Layers with In-Situ Resistance Measurement

Exposure to oxygen (1 Torr) at room temperature of thin Al films deposited by UHV ion beam sputtering has been studied using an in-situ resistance measurement set-up. Two lock-in amplifiers allow low noise data acquisition. By monitoring the conductance during deposition and oxidation we can deduce the consumed Al thickness as a function of exposure time (t). It is found that the Al/vacuum interface is diffuse for electron scattering. A two-stage mechanism for natural oxidation is revealed: fast growth (for t<10s) followed by a slow logarithmic growth. A simple model based on interface reactions and place exchange describes the experimental results. The conductance drop after 5 minutes of oxidation is found to decrease for initial Al thicknesses below 30A. This suggests the oxidation rates slow down for thin initial Al thicknesses.
On population-based measures of agreement for binary classifications.

The authors describe a model-based kappa statistic for binary classifications which is interpretable in the same manner as Scott's pi and Cohen's kappa, yet does not suffer from the same flaws. They compare this statistic with the data-driven and population-based forms of Scott's pi in a population-based setting where many raters and subjects are involved, and inference regarding the underlying diagnostic procedure is of interest. The authors show that Cohen's kappa and Scott's pi seriously underestimate agreement between experts classifying subjects for a rare disease; in contrast, the new statistic is robust to changes in prevalence. The performance of the three statistics is illustrated with simulations and prostate cancer data. Sur les mesures theoriques d'accord pour les classements binaires Partant d'un modele de classification binaire, les auteurs proposent une statistique kappa qui s'interprete comme le pi de Scott et le kappa de Cohen, mais qui ne souffre pas des memes defauts. Ils comparent cette statistique aux versions theorique et experimentale du pi de Scott dans le cas ou l'inference sur une procedure diagnostic est faite a partir de donnees issues de plusieurs evaluateurs et de plusieurs sujets. Les auteurs montrent que le kappa de Cohen et le pi de Scott sous-estiment considerablement l'accord entre les experts lorsque ceux-ci sont appeles a classer des sujets comme atteints ou non d'une maladie rare; en revanche, la nouvelle statistique est robuste aux changements de prevalence. La performance des trois statistiques est illustree au moyen de simulations et de donnees sur le cancer de la prostate.
Analysis of Resolution and Noise Properties of Nonquadratically Regularized Image Reconstruction Methods for PET

We present accurate and efficient methods for estimating the spatial resolution and noise properties of nonquadratically regularized image reconstruction for positron emission tomography (PET). It is well known that quadratic regularization tends to over-smooth sharp edges. Many types of edge-preserving nonquadratic penalties have been proposed to overcome this problem. However, there has been little research on the quantitative analysis of nonquadratic regularization due to its nonlinearity. In contrast, quadratically regularized estimators are approximately linear and are well understood in terms of resolution and variance properties. We derive new approximate expressions for the linearized local perturbation response (LLPR) and variance using the Taylor expansion with the remainder term. Although the expressions are implicit, we can use them to accurately predict resolution and variance for nonquadratic regularization where the conventional expressions based on the first-order Taylor truncation fail. They also motivate us to extend the use of a certainty-based modified penalty to nonquadratic regularization cases in order to achieve spatially uniform perturbation responses, analogous to uniform spatial resolution in quadratic regularization. Finally, we develop computationally efficient methods for predicting resolution and variance of nonquadratically regularized reconstruction and present simulations that illustrate the validity of these methods.
Single scan PC‐MRI by alternating the velocity encoding gradient polarity between phase encoding steps

The purpose of this study was to develop a faster approach to phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging. This article proposes a phase contrast imaging scheme called single scan phase contrast in which the polarity of the velocity-encoding gradient is alternated between phase encoding steps. In single scan phase contrast, ghost images due to moving spins form. The signal intensity of the ghost images is modulated by the sine of the motion-induce phase shift. Prior to image acquisition, the region of interest containing moving spins is identified, and the field of view is configured so to avoid overlap between the object in the image and the ghost image(s) due to motion in the region of interest. The image values of the region of interest and the ghost image are used to quantify velocity. At best, single scan phase contrast reduces the total acquisition time by a factor of two when compared to phase contrast. In this study, single scan phase contrast is validated against phase contrast in phantom and in vivo. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Frog or Fruit? The Importance of Color and Shape to Bird Predators in Clay Model Experiments

Clay model experiments are commonly used to measure natural rates of predation and have become an important method in studying predator avoidance of aposematic frogs. Previous clay model experiments have demonstrated that conspicuous coloration in dendrobatid frogs is an effective deterrent to avian predators. It is generally assumed that predators recognize clay models as frogs, but few studies have examined this hypothesis. Certain aposematic frogs are similar in color to fruits on the forest floor, and it is possible that frugivorous or omnivorous birds perceive clay models as fruit. In the present study, we further investigate aposematism in Oophaga pumilio and specifically examine the importance of model shape and color. We assessed natural avian predation rates using clay models, which were either red or brown in color, and frog or ball (fruit) shaped. Overall, avian predation was significantly higher on red ball-shaped models when compared to red frog-shaped models. Brown frogs were also more likel...
Carbohydrate Microarrays Identify Blood Group Precursor Cryptic Epitopes as Potential Immunological Targets of Breast Cancer

Using carbohydrate microarrays, we explored potential natural ligands of antitumor monoclonal antibody HAE3. This antibody was raised against a murine mammary tumor antigen but was found to cross-react with a number of human epithelial tumors in tissues. Our carbohydrate microarray analysis reveals that HAE3 is specific for an O-glycan cryptic epitope that is normally hidden in the cores of blood group substances. Using HAE3 to screen tumor cell surface markers by flow cytometry, we found that the HAE3 glycoepitope, gp(HAE3), was highly expressed by a number of human breast cancer cell lines, including some triple-negative cancers that lack the estrogen, progesterone, and Her2/neu receptors. Taken together, we demonstrate that HAE3 recognizes a conserved cryptic glycoepitope of blood group precursors, which is nevertheless selectively expressed and surface-exposed in certain breast tumor cells. The potential of this class of O-glycan cryptic antigens in breast cancer subtyping and targeted immunotherapy warrants further investigation.
Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Strongyloides stercoralis Infection

Objective:To summarize current literature on the manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of Strongyloides stercoralis infection.Data Sources:A search was conducted of PubMed (1970–August 2007). Search terms included Strongyloides stercoralis, hyperinfection, prevention, and treatment. Reviews, studies, and recent case reports were included. Additional references were obtained from article bibliographies.Study Selection and Data Extraction:All studies or review articles published in English from 1970 to August 2007 and case reports of hyperinfection or disseminated disease published since 2000 were evaluated.Data Synthesis:Strongyloidiasis is a parasitic infection endemic to tropical, subtropical, and temperate areas including the Appalachian region of the southern US. Prevalence rates vary widely. Patients may present with infection decades after original exposure. Diagnosis can be achieved by identifying the larvae in the stool; usually, more than one sample is needed. Most patients are asymptomatic, Ho...
Ascribing beliefs to ingroup and outgroup political candidates: neural correlates of perspective-taking, issue importance and days until the election

We used the five weeks leading up to the 2008 presidential election as a backdrop to examine the ways that the brain processes attitudes and beliefs under different circumstances. We examined individual differences in personal issue importance and trait perspective-taking, as well as the temporal context in which attitude representation took place (i.e. number of days until the election). Finally, we examined the extent to which similar or dissimilar processes were recruited when considering the attitudes of political ingroup and outgroup candidates. Brain regions involved in social cognition and theory of mind, and to a lesser extent the limbic system, were modulated by these factors. Higher issue importance led to greater recruitment of neural regions involved in social cognition, across target perspectives. Higher trait perspective-taking was also associated with greater recruitment of several regions involved in social cognition, but differed depending on target perspective; greater activity was observed in prefrontal regions associated with social cognition when considering the perspective of one's own candidate compared with the opponent, and this effect was amplified closer to the election. Taken together, these results highlight ways in which ability and motivational relevance modulate socio-affective processing of the attitudes of others.
DISTRIBUTION OF POLISTES IN CANADA, WITH NOTES ON THE GENUS (HYMENOP.)

Through the courtesy of Dr. J. McDunnough of the Division of Systematic Entomology, Canada Department of Agriculture, I have had the privilege of examining a series of Polistes from several of the Southern Canadian Provinces. It is the purpose of this paper to discuss the distribution of this genus as shown by the collection and to present some comments on the characteristics of the species studied, especially as they relate to the United States forms.
A Role for the Extracellular Matrix in Autocrine and Paracrine Regulation of Tissue-Specific Functions

How can the knowledge gained in characterizing a functional epithelial cell model in culture shed light on the autocrine and paracrine mechanisms of gene regulation? Our purpose in presenting the following brief description of mammary epithelial cell culture is two-fold. First, to suggest that functional cells should be prerequisite for studying the effects and relationships between the cell and the multitude of growth factors and hormones that interact with tissues. Second, to emphasize the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in obtaining the “correct” functional phenotype for epithelial cells in culture. These aims are by no means all inclusive. There are many new and interesting reports of the effects of growth factors in mammary gland that we will not discuss in detail here, including exciting research that addresses how ECM and soluble factors interact in vivo. For example, the recent results indicating that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) acts as a negative regulator of ductal growth in virgin gland (Silbertstein and Daniel, 1987) may involve the ECM, since TGF-β appears to be intimately involved in synthesis and degradation of ECM molecules (Sporn et al., 1987).
Truncus Arteriosus: Diagnostic Accuracy, Outcomes, and Impact of Prenatal Diagnosis

Limited data exist on the impact of prenatal diagnosis and outcomes of fetal truncus arteriosus (TA). We sought to assess prenatal diagnostic accuracy and prenatal outcomes in fetuses with TA and compare postnatal outcomes in neonates with prenatally and postnatally diagnosed TA. Records were reviewed for patients diagnosed with TA in utero or at ≤60 days of life from 1992 to 2007. Forty-three (32%) of 136 TA patients had prenatal diagnosis. Five patients with TA were prenatally misdiagnosed, and 5 with other congenital heart diseases were misdiagnosed with TA prenatally. Of 28 fetuses diagnosed at <24 weeks gestation, 19 (68%) did not survive to birth because of spontaneous fetal death (n = 2) or because of elective termination (n = 17). Pregnancy termination was not more likely for fetuses with extracardiac anomalies. Of 19 live-born patients with correct prenatal diagnosis of TA, 2 (11%) died before surgery, and 4 (24%) died in the early postoperative period. All patients who died presurgically had been diagnosed prenatally. Overall, early postoperative mortality was 10%. Prenatal diagnosis of TA remains challenging and is associated with a high rate of elective termination. Fetal diagnosis was associated with younger age at repair but was not associated with improved neonatal survival.
Collective Cross-Document Relation Extraction Without Labelled Data

We present a novel approach to relation extraction that integrates information across documents, performs global inference and requires no labelled text. In particular, we tackle relation extraction and entity identification jointly. We use distant supervision to train a factor graph model for relation extraction based on an existing knowledge base (Freebase, derived in parts from Wikipedia). For inference we run an efficient Gibbs sampler that leads to linear time joint inference. We evaluate our approach both for an indomain (Wikipedia) and a more realistic out-of-domain (New York Times Corpus) setting. For the in-domain setting, our joint model leads to 4% higher precision than an isolated local approach, but has no advantage over a pipeline. For the out-of-domain data, we benefit strongly from joint modelling, and observe improvements in precision of 13% over the pipeline, and 15% over the isolated baseline.
Effect of Vagal Stimulation on Duodenal Serotonin in the Guinea Pig

The serotonin concentration of duodenal tissue was examined immediately after peripheral or central vagal stimulation, and an 18 or 36% reduction of serotonin, respectively, was found. This is the first demonstration of a decrease in gastrointestinal serotonin in response to autonomic nerve stimulation.
Comments on circuit models for MOSFET thermal noise

It is shown that some current and proposed SPICE models for MOS thermal noise are inconsistent, either when moving from one operating region to another or when changing model levels. A different model is shown to be consistent with theory in all regions and with all SPICE model levels. The reasons for the inconsistency are explored. >
A unified approach to the via minimization problem

A unified via minimization approach for two-layer routing of printed circuit boards and VLSI chips is presented. A topological routing strategy for the unconstrained via minimization (UVM) problem is proposed. Both the constrained via minimization (CVM) and the UVM problems are treated under a unified
Frequency-Domain System Identification of a Large Segmented Space Reflector

The NASA sponsored Structures Pointing and Controls Engineering (SPACE) testbed at CSULA is an experimental apparatus that is capable of performing experiments that simulate the complex dynamics of a large segmented optical system (James Webb Space Telescope). It is intended to serve as a generic experimental facility that can address in an integrated way the problems associated with control and structure interaction, distributed control of multi-input multi-output systems, optics, electronics, actuator and sensor design, and digital implementation. System identification experiments, aimed at achieving an accurate system model, would aid in the design of precision control techniques to satisfy the strict control requirements for this complex flexible structure. This paper describes an iterative, offline, frequency-domain, data fit approach for estimation of a mathematical model of this complex MIMO flexible structure. Black-box parameterization of the MIMO system is achieved by modeling the input-output relationships within the system as LTI ordinary nth-order difference equations. In a multi-band approach, non-linear least-squares optimization would provide the solution to the system parameters
Psychomotor vigilance performance predicted by Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores in an operational setting with the United States Navy

SUMMARY It is critical in operational environments to identify individuals who are at higher risk of psychomotor performance impairments. This study assesses the utility of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale for predicting degraded psychomotor vigilance performance in an operational environment. Active duty crewmembers of a USA Navy destroyer (N = 69, age 21–54 years) completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale at the beginning of the data collection period. Participants wore actigraphs and completed sleep diaries for 11 days. Psychomotor vigilance tests were administered throughout the data collection period using a 3-min version of the psychomotor vigilance test on the actigraphs. Crewmembers with elevated scores on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (i.e. Epworth Sleepiness Scale >10) had 60% slower reaction times on average, and experienced at least 60% more lapses and false starts compared with individuals with normal Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores (i.e. Epworth Sleepiness Scale ≤10). Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores were correlated with daily time in bed (P < 0.01), sleep (P < 0.05), mean reaction time (P < 0.001), response speed 1/reaction time (P < 0.05), slowest 10% of response speed (P < 0.001), lapses (P < 0.01), and the sum of lapses and false starts (P < 0.001). In this chronically sleep-deprived population, elevated Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores identified that subset of the population who experienced degraded psychomotor vigilance performance. We theorize that Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores are an indication of personal sleep debt that varies depending on one’s individual sleep requirement. In the absence of direct performance metrics, we also advocate that the Epworth Sleepiness Scale can be used to determine the prevalence of excessive sleepiness (and thereby assess the risk of performance decrements).
Concentrations of selenium and mercury in eared grebes (Podiceps nigricollis) from Utah's great Salt Lake, USA

We examined selenium and mercury concentrations in eared grebes (Podiceps nigricollis) that spent the fall of 2006 on the Great Salt Lake (UT, USA), where their diet consisted mainly of brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana). Selenium concentrations in livers varied based on when the grebes were collected (lower in September [mean ± standard error, 9.4 ± 0.7 μg/g dry wt] than in November [14.5 ± 1.4 μg/g]), on where the birds were collected on the Great Salt Lake (Antelope Island, 8.6 ± 0.5 μg/g; Stansbury Island, 15.2 ± 1.4 μg/g), and on the grebe's age (juveniles, 8.5 ± 1.5 μg/g; adults, 15.8 ± 1.3 μg/g), but not by sex. Selenium concentrations in blood differed only by collection site (Antelope Island, 16.8 ± 2.3 μg/g; Stansbury Island, 25.4 ± 3.0 μg/g). Mercury concentration in the blood of grebes varied by when the grebes were collected (September, 5.6 ± 0.5 μg/g; November, 8.4 ± 1.2 μg/g), where the birds were collected (Antelope Island, 4.3 ± 0.5 μg/g; Stansbury Island, 10.1 ± 2.6 μg/g), and the grebe's age (juveniles, 5.5 ± 0.8 μg/g; adults, 8.4 ± 1.0 μg/g), but not by sex. Selenium concentrations in blood were correlated with selenium concentrations in the liver and with mercury concentrations in both blood and liver. Body mass of grebes increased dramatically from September (381 ± 14 g wet wt) to November (591 ± 11 g). Body, liver, and spleen mass either were not correlated with selenium or mercury concentrations or the relationship was positive. These results suggest that high mercury and selenium levels were not preventing grebes from increasing or maintaining mass.
Unsafe and potentially safe herbal therapies

Unsafe and potentially safe herbal therapies are discussed. The use of herbal therapies is on the rise in the United States, but most pharmacists are not adequately prepared educationally to meet patients' requests for information on herbal products. Pharmacists must also cope with an environment in which there is relatively little regulation of herbal therapies by FDA. Many herbs have been identified as unsafe, including borage, calamus, coltsfoot, comfrey, life root, sassafras, chaparral, germander, licorice, and ma huang. Potentially safe herbs include feverfew, garlic, ginkgo, Asian ginseng, saw palmetto, St. John's wort, and valerian. Clinical trials have been used to evaluate feverfew for migraine prevention and rheumatoid arthritis; garlic for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and infections; ginkgo for circulatory disturbances and dementia; ginseng for fatigue and cancer prevention; and saw palmetto for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Also studied in formal trials have been St. John's wort for depression and valerian for insomnia. The clinical trial results are suggestive of efficacy of some herbal therapies for some conditions. German Commission E, a regulatory body that evaluates the safety and efficacy of herbs on the basis of clinical trials, cases, and other scientific literature, has established indications and dosage recommendations for many herbal therapies. Pharmacists have a responsibility to educate themselves about herbal therapies in order to help patients discern the facts from the fiction, avoid harm, and gain what benefits may be available.
A Review of Radiotherapy-Induced Late Effects Research after Advanced Technology Treatments.

The number of incident cancers and long-term cancer survivors is expected to increase substantially for at least a decade. Advanced-technology radiotherapies, e.g., using beams of protons and photons, offer dosimetric advantages that theoretically yield better outcomes. In general evidence from controlled clinical trials epidemiology studies are lacking. To conduct these studies, new research methods and infrastructure will be needed. In the paper, we review several key research methods of relevance to late effects after advanced-technology proton-beam and photon-beam radiotherapies. In particular, we focus on the determination of exposures to therapeutic and stray radiation and related uncertainties, with discussion of recent advances in exposure calculation methods, uncertainties, in-silico studies, computing infrastructure, electronic medical records, and risk visualization. We identify six key areas of methodology and infrastructure that will be needed to conduct future outcome studies of radiation late effects.
A Novel Mouse Model of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma Initiated in Pax3-Expressing Cells.

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a rare and incurable brain tumor that arises predominately in children and involves the pons, a structure that along with the midbrain and medulla makes up the brainstem. We have previously developed genetically engineered mouse models of brainstem glioma using the RCAS/Tv-a system by targeting PDGF-B overexpression, p53 loss, and H3.3K27M mutation to Nestin-expressing brainstem progenitor cells of the neonatal mouse. Here we describe a novel mouse model targeting these same genetic alterations to Pax3-expressing cells, which in the neonatal mouse pons consist of a Pax3 +/Nestin +/Sox2 + population lining the fourth ventricle and a Pax3 +/NeuN + parenchymal population. Injection of RCAS-PDGF-B into the brainstem of Pax3-Tv-a mice at postnatal day 3 results in 40% of mice developing asymptomatic low-grade glioma. A mixture of low- and high-grade glioma results from injection of Pax3-Tv-a;p53fl/fl mice with RCAS-PDGF-B and RCAS-Cre, with or without RCAS-H3.3K27M. These tumors are Ki67 +, Nestin +, Olig2 +, and largely GFAP − and can arise anywhere within the brainstem, including the classic DIPG location of the ventral pons. Expression of the H3.3K27M mutation reduces overall H3K27me3 as compared with tumors without the mutation, similar to what has been previously shown in human and mouse tumors. Thus, we have generated a novel genetically engineered mouse model of DIPG, which faithfully recapitulates the human disease and represents a novel platform with which to study the biology and treatment of this deadly disease.
Nanoscale Surface Potential Variation Correlates with Local S/Se Ratio in Solution-Processed CZTSSe Solar Cells

Thin film solar cells made from Cu, Zn, Sn, and S/Se can be processed from solution to yield high-performing kesterite (CZTS or CZTSSe) photovoltaics. We present a microstructural study of solution-deposited CZTSSe films prepared by nanocrystal-based ink approaches using scanning probe microscopy (SPM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). We correlate scanning Kelvin probe microscopy (SKPM) maps of local surface potential with SEM/EDS images of the exact same regions of the film, allowing us to relate observed variations in surface potential to local variations in stoichiometry. Specifically, we find a correlation between surface potential and the S/(S + Se) composition ratio. In particular, we find that regions with high S/(S + Se) ratios are often associated with regions of more negative surface potential and thus higher work function. The change in work function is larger than the expected change in the valence band position with these small changes in sulfur, and thus the data suggest an increase in acceptor-like defects with increasing sulfur. These findings provide new experimental insight into the microscopic relationships between composition, structure, and electronic properties in these promising photovoltaic materials.
Strain Relaxation in Epitaxial Heterostructures: Sensitivity of High Resolution X-Ray Diffraction

Comparison of high resolution x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy measurements of Si-based heterostructures demonstrates that diffraction is much more sensitive to strain relaxation than previously reported. This study used as-grown and annealed Si 1-x Ge x structures grown on (001) Si by UHV/CVD. (004), (113), and (115) rocking curves were employed. Using the TEM measurements as a quantitative guide, relaxation was observed in rocking curves when the misfit dislocation line density was as low as 1 μ -1 . Also, interference fringes strongly depend on the presence of interfacial defects. At higher dislocation densities, the diffraction peak from the epitaxial layer broadens considerably but does not shift to a position that represents complete relaxation. Broadening of the substrate diffraction peak also occurs, which is due to dislocations that loop into the substrate.
Power, Culture, and Memory

It is refreshing to find someone with a good word to say for the concept of cultural hegemony. Even though Leon Fink misconstrues my argument in certain ways, he and I share a lot of common ground more, I think, than he realizes. Certainly he is more sympathetic to Gramscian ideas than some American intellectual historians have been. They have tended to doubt that the concept can be wielded with any precision. In Thomas L. Haskell's wickedly funny formulation, for example, Gramscianism is to Marxism as Unitarianism is to Christianity: a "feather pillow" to catch those falling from the true faith. from this point of view, the concept of cultural hegemony is too soft but also too volatile. "Like dry ice," Haskell writes, "hegemony always tends toward sublimation, becoming merely a diffuse aspect of the human condition rather than a distinct feature of particular societies that one could ever point to in explanation of specific events and actions."' That criticism is accurate but misconceived. As I have already acknowledged, it is probably true that no organized society can exist without governance by a hegemonic group.2 There is no explanatory power inhering in words or phrases like "hegemony" or "historical bloc" anymore than in "modernization," "false consciousness," "consensus," or "social system." Gramscian terms provide a theoretical vocabulary that acquires meaning only in specific contexts; the value of that vocabulary is that it highlights the relation between culture and power without reducing mental and emotional life to a mere epiphenomenon of economics or demography. There is little point in asking: Do we see hegemonic processes operating in this or that society? (That is what Aileen Kraditor once referred to as a "yes-type" question.3) The more salient questions are: Which groups composed a hegemonic (or counterhegemonic) historical bloc at particular historical moments? How were alliances forged through what combination of economic interests, moral impulses, ethnic ties, common prejudices, collective fantasies? How were those alliances dissolved or reshaped? Why did some groups peel away and others remain? Fink's account of the rise and fall of the Knights of Labor poses those questions in provocative ways. He correctly focuses on the "processes by which meanings were
Abstract B15: Development of an innovative treatment for obesity-related triple-negative breast cancer

Background: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women in the US. Although Caucasian women have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, more African American women die from this disease. Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer which comprises ~18 % of breast cancer cases and is characterized by the lack of expression of the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR), and the human epidermal growth factor receptor B2 (Her2). Due to the lack of receptor expression there is no targeted therapy for this more aggressive form of breast cancer mainly affecting women under the age of 50, minorities, and those with a BRCA1 gene mutation. There are several risk factors for breast cancer, notably being overweight or obese. Obesity is associated with high levels of leptin, a cytokine produced by adipose tissue. Leptin upregulates Notch, interleukin 1 (IL-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and its receptor VEGFR2 which promote survival and angiogenesis. Leptin induces expression of Notch and VEGFR2 via the activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. We have developed leptin peptide receptor antagonists linked to Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (IONP-LPrA2). IONP-LPrA2 has been shown to inhibit leptin signaling and decrease expression of its targets in cancer cells. Methods: Human breast cancer cells were cultured in MEM with 10% fetal bovine serum and maintained in an incubator at 37⁰C with 5% CO2. Cells were cultured in 6 well culture plates and grown to 70-80% confluence. They were then treated with leptin and IONP-LPrA2. Subsequently, the cells were analyzed for leptin target expression with the Cellometer Vision Image Cytometer ® and by Immunoblotting analysis. Results: IONP-LPrA2 was shown to abrogate leptin-induced JAK2/STAT3, Notch 1, and VEGFR2 expression in the breast cancer cell lines. Conclusion: IONP-LPrA2 inhibits leptin signaling and decreases expression of leptin-induced target proteins. This data suggests that IONP-LPrA2 may serve as a treatment for breast cancer patients by minimizing the harmful effects of leptin signaling. IONP-LPrA2 may also act as a targeted therapy for those suffering from TNBC. Acknowledgements: This work was partially supported by the DOD W81XWH-13-1-0382; NIH/SBIR 1R41CA183399-01A1; Pilot Project Award from MSM/Tuskegee University/UAB Cancer Center Partnership grant 5U54CA118638; PC SPORE Grant from UAB to RRGP, and facilities and support services at Morehouse School of Medicine (1G12RR026250-03; NIH RR03034 and 1C06 RR18386). Citation Format: Tia Harmon, Viola Lanier, Adriana Harbuzariu, Lily Yang, Ruben R. Gonzalez-Perez. Development of an innovative treatment for obesity-related triple-negative breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr B15.
Elevated Levels of Adhesion Proteins Are Associated With Low Ankle–Brachial Index: Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Inflammation plays a pivotal role in peripheral artery disease (PAD). Cellular adhesion proteins mediate the interaction of leukocytes with endothelial cells during inflammation. To determine the association of cellular adhesion molecules with ankle-brachial index (ABI) and ABI category (≤1.0 vs >1.0) in a diverse population, 15 adhesion proteins were measured in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). To assess multivariable associations of each protein with ABI and ABI category, linear and logistic regression was used, respectively. Among 2364 participants, 23 presented with poorly compressible arteries (ABI > 1.4) and were excluded and 261 had ABI ≤ 1.0. Adjusting for traditional risk factors, elevated levels of soluble P-selectin, hepatocyte growth factor, and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor were associated with lower ABI ( P = .0004, .001, and .002, respectively). Per each standard deviation of protein, we found 26%, 20%, and 19% greater odds of lower ABI category ( P = .001, .01, and .02, respectively). Further investigation into the adhesion pathway may shed new light on biological mechanisms implicated in PAD.
Soil Capability for the USA Now and into the Future

Historically, the US National Cooperative Soil Survey used soil properties to define soil capability and function primarily for farm, forestry, and grazing land practices. The maps, which are consolidated into an official web-based database, are derived from a framework of land classification, combined soil properties (both estimated and measured), and land management classification. The mapping was originally conceived as a practical tool to provide farmers and community planners with information on the basic soil resource for economic gain. For more than 75 years, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly the Soil Conservation Service) has used land capability classification as a tool for planning conservation measures and practices on farms so that the land could be used without serious deterioration from erosion or other causes. The land capability classification is one of innumerable methods of land classification based on broad interpretations of soil qualities and other site and climatic characteristics. Modern soil surveys have evolved to portray soil interpretations and soil capability both geospatially and with data analysis. As the functionality of the National Soil Survey Information System (NASIS) and Soil Survey Geographic System (SSURGO) increases, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is advancing its interpretation program nationally to address security issues within the context of soil capability beyond land use and land cover. Soil capability for any potential human use or ecosystem service must be assessed within the context of soil properties, either measured or estimated. Using soil security as a framework (including capability, condition, capital, connectivity, and codification), soil interpretations of the US National Cooperative Soil Survey database may be tailored to address the questions of sustainability and climate change at local, regional, and global scales and to facilitate the transfer of technology to other countries and related scientific disciplines.
The Friendships of Racial–Ethnic Minority Youth in Context

An extensive theoretical and empirical literature suggests that friendships are an important, if not essential, micro-context of adolescent development—shaping youth identity, school and civic engagement, and psychological and physical wellbeing. Friendships are also themselves embedded within, and shaped by, the larger macro-context of culture (Bronfenbrenner in Am Psychol 34:844–850, 1979. doi: 10.1037/0003-066X.34.10.844), including racial–ethnic stereotypes (Garcia-Coll et al. in Child Dev 67:1891–1914, 1996; Spencer in Black youth: perspectives on their status in the United States. Praeger, Westport, pp 37–69, 1995). Yet, the study of friendship rarely examines the influence of the macro-context or includes racial–ethnic minority adolescents despite the fact that half of all the youth in American schools are members of a racial-ethnic minority group. In this chapter, we review research on the friendships of racial–ethnic minority adolescents and focus specifically on how the macro-context of socialidentity-based stereotypes shapes the micro-context of friendships.