cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Altered Inferior Parietal Functional Connectivity is Correlated with Praxis and Social Skill Performance in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulties perceiving and producing skilled gestures, or praxis. The inferior parietal lobule (IPL) is crucial to praxis acquisition and expression, yet how IPL connectivity contributes to autism-associated impairments in praxis as well as social-communicative skill remains unclear. Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, we applied independent component analysis to test how IPL connectivity relates to praxis and social-communicative skills in children with and without ASD. Across all children (with/without ASD), praxis positively correlated with connectivity of left posterior-IPL with the left dorsal premotor cortex and with the bilateral posterior/medial parietal cortex. Praxis also correlated with connectivity of right central-IPL connectivity with the left intraparietal sulcus and medial parietal lobe. Further, in children with ASD, poorer praxis and social-communicative skills both correlated with weaker right central-IPL connectivity with the left cerebellum, posterior cingulate, and right dorsal premotor cortex. Our findings suggest that IPL connectivity is linked to praxis development, that contributions arise bilaterally, and that right IPL connectivity is associated with impaired praxis and social-communicative skills in autism. The findings underscore the potential impact of IPL connectivity and impaired skill acquisition on the development of a range of social-communicative and motor functions during childhood, including autism-associated impairments.
Effects of short birth spacing on birth-order differences in child stunting: Evidence from India.

Do firstborn children have a height advantage? Empirical findings have found mostly that, yes, second or higher-order children often lag behind firstborns in height outcomes, especially in developing countries. However, empirical investigations of birth-order effects on child height overlook the potential impact that birth spacing can have. We provide an explanation for the negative birth-order effect on stunting outcomes for young Indian children and show it is driven by short preceding-birth spacing. We find that firstborn children are taller than children of higher birth order: The height-for-age gap for third (or higher)-order children is twice the gap for children second in birth order. However, this pattern is observed when spacing between later-born children and their immediate elder siblings is fewer than 3 y. Interestingly, the firstborn height advantage disappears when later-born children are born at least 3 y after their elder siblings. Thus, our findings indicate that spacing length between children explains differences in height, over birth order. Although India’s family planning policy has resulted in a substantial reduction in total fertility, its achievement in spacing subsequent births has been less impressive. In showing that spacing can alleviate or aggravate birth-order effects on attained height, our study fills an evidence gap: Reducing fertility alone may not be sufficient in overcoming negative birth-order effects. To reduce the detrimental effects of birth order on child stunting, policy responses—and therefore research priorities—require a stronger focus on increasing the time period between births.
Characterization of anisotropic T2W signals from human knee femoral cartilage: The magic angle effect on a spherical surface

The aim of the current study was to propose a generalized magic angle effect (gMAE) function for characterizing anisotropic T2W signals of human knee femoral cartilage with a spherical surface in clinical studies. A gMAE model function f(α, e) was formulated for an orientation-dependent (e) transverse T2 (i.e., 1/R2 ) relaxation in cartilage assuming an axially symmetric distribution (α) of collagen fibers. T2W sagittal images were acquired on an adult volunteer's healthy knee at 3 T, and ROI-based average signals S(e) were extracted from angularly and radially segmented femoral cartilage. Compared with the standard MAE (sMAE) functions in the deep (DZ, α = 0°) and in the superficial (SZ, α = 90°) zones, a general form of R2 orientation-dependent function f(α, e) was fitted to S(e), including an isotropic R2 contribution (internal reference [REF]). Goodness of fit was evaluated by root-mean-square deviations (RMSDs). An F-test and a paired t-test were respectively used to assess significant differences between the observed variances and means, with statistical significance set to p less than .05. As a symmetric orientation-dependence function with a varying dynamic range, the proposed gMAE model outperformed the previous sMAE functions manifested by significantly reduced RMSDs in the DZ (0.239 ± 0.122 vs. 0.267 ± 0.097, p = .014) and in the SZ (0.183 ± 0.081 vs. 0.254 ± 0.085, p < .001). The fitted average angle α (38.5 ± 34.6° vs. 45.1 ± 30.1°, p < .43) and REF (5.092 ± 0.369 vs. 5.305 ± 0.440, p < .001) were smaller in the DZ than those in SZ, in good agreement with the reported collagen fibril microstructural configurations and the nonbound water contribution to R2 in articular cartilage. In conclusion, a general form of the magic angle effect function was proposed and demonstrated for better characterizing anisotropic T2W signals from human knee femoral cartilage at 3 T in clinical studies.
Do’s and Don’t’s for the Leaking Gastrostomy tube

This article aims to discuss the causes of gastrostomy tube leak (including percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube leak) and effective strategies to manage it. Choosing the appropriate solution for a gastrostomy tube leak is not always intuitive. For example, placing a gastrostomy tube that is larger in size through the same tract is not really helpful. Prevention of stoma leakage can be targeted by methods such as appropriately managing patients’ underlying comorbidities. An exciting advancement in treating gastrostomy tube leaks is the use of endoscopic clips and sutures. Gastrostomy tube leakage is a possible post-procedural complication after gastrostomy tube placement. Potential causes range widely from gut dysmotility (e.g., gastroparesis, constipation) to buried bumper syndrome. Understanding the appropriate treatment strategies as well as what not to do is crucial. There are several treatment methods including preventing constipation and properly managing comorbidities. Further research will shed light on how to better treat and prevent gastrostomy tube leaks.
Application of Multi-Criteria Decision Making in Bioink Selection

Bioprinting is a rapidly emerging area of study within Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM) where live cells are be embedded in a solution (referred to as a bioink) and 3D printed into anatomically relevant geometries for in vivo implantation; this allows native tissues to regenerate better and faster. Most current research investigates the mechanical, rheological, and biological properties of bioinks, but few methods have been proposed to mathematically rank bioinks based on a set of application-focused, relevant criteria. In this study, we develop a general methodology to evaluate bioinks for the purpose of musculoskeletal tissue engineering, using multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) tools, including analytical hierarchy process (AHP), simple additive weighting (SAW), and technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). GelMA-alginate, dECM, PEG-fibrinogen, collagen, and HA were all evaluated using the criteria of cell viability, shear thinning, printability, degradation rate, storage ability, and cost. Results include a comparison matrix showing the relative importance of each criterion as well as a ranking of each selected bioink from each ranking method. Future research should focus on building upon the proposed model by considering a larger set of bioink alternatives and criteria to demonstrate the model’s ability to handle large datasets, as well as updating evaluations with more current data regarding the properties of bioinks.
Quiescent Cancer Cells Resist T Cell Attack by Forming an Immunosuppressive Niche

Immunotherapy is a promising treatment for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), but patients recur, arising the need to understand mechanisms of resistance. We discovered that in primary breast cancer, tumor cells that survive T-cell attack are in a quiescent state. Quiescent Cancer Cells (QCCs) are found clustering together forming regions with reduced immune infiltration. QCCs display superior tumorigenic capacity and higher expression of stemness genes than their proliferative counterparts. We adapted single-cell-RNA-sequencing with precise spatial resolution to profile infiltrating cells inside and outside QCC niches. This transcriptomic analysis revealed hypoxia-induced programs and identified more exhausted T-cells, tumor-protective fibroblasts, and dysfunctional dendritic cells inside clusters of QCCs. This uncovered differential phenotypes in infiltrating cells based on their specific intra-tumor location. Thus, QCCs constitute immunotherapy-resistant reservoirs by orchestrating a local hypoxic immune-suppressive milieu that blocks T-cell function. Eliminating QCCs holds the promise to counteract resistance to immunotherapy and prevent disease recurrence in TNBC.
Convexity: An Analytic Viewpoint

Convexity is important in theoretical aspects of mathematics and also for economists and physicists. In this monograph the author provides a comprehensive insight into convex sets and functions including the infinite-dimensional case and emphasizing the analytic point of view. Chapter one introduces the reader to the basic definitions and ideas that play central roles throughout the book. The rest of the book is divided into four parts: convexity and topology on infinite-dimensional spaces; Loewner's theorem; extreme points of convex sets and related issues, including the Krein–Milman theorem and Choquet theory; and a discussion of convexity and inequalities. The connections between disparate topics are clearly explained, giving the reader a thorough understanding of how convexity is useful as an analytic tool. A final chapter overviews the subject's history and explores further some of the themes mentioned earlier. This is an excellent resource for anyone interested in this central topic.
90nm low leakage SoC design techniques for wireless applications

The new generation of multimedia-application processors requires a drastic leakage reduction to bring the standby current to 50/spl mu/A. An efficient set of leakage reduction techniques, including power gating, memory retention, voltage scaling, and dual V/sub t/, is employed on a 50M transistor, 80mm/sup 2/ IC, fabricated in a 90nm CMOS technology, resulting in a 40/spl times/ leakage reduction.
Identification of Two New Proteins in Spermidine Nucleoids Isolated from Escherichia coli

The Escherichia coli nucleoid contains DNA in a condensed but functional form. Analysis of proteins released from isolated spermidine nucleoids after treatment with DNase I reveals significant amounts of two proteins not previously detected in wild-type E. coli. Partial amino-terminal sequencing has identified them as the products of rdgC and yejK. These proteins are strongly conserved in gram-negative bacteria, suggesting that they have important cellular roles.
Choline acetyltransferase. Inhibition by thiol reagents.

Abstract Choline acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.6) catalyzes the reversible transfer of the acetyl group from acetyl coenzyme A to choline. Previous studies are consistent with the idea that an active site sulfhydryl group reacts with acetyl coenzyme A to form an acetyl-thioenzyme intermediate and coenzyme A (Roskoski, R., Jr. (1973) Biochemistry 12, 3709). Choline then reacts with the acetyl-enzyme to form acetylcholine and the regenerated enzyme. It has been found that the enzyme is inactivated by N-ethylmaleimide with a second order rate constant of 32.5 m-1 s-1 at pH 7.4 at 37°. The enzyme is completely protected against N-ethylmaleimide inactivation by acetyl coenzyme A and is substantially protected by acetylcholine. Choline does not appreciably protect against thiol reagent inactivation. The postulated acetyl-enzyme intermediate, isolated by Sephadex gel filtration, is also resistant to thiol reagent inactivation, but becomes susceptible to inactivation as the acetyl group is transfered from enzyme to substrate. At "saturating" concentrations of acetyl coenzyme A and choline (during turnover), the enzyme is resistant to inactivation. Decreasing the acetyl coenzyme A concentration during turnover renders the enzyme susceptible to N-ethylmaleimide inactivation. These studies provide further evidence for an active site—SH and for a kinetically significant acetyl-thioenzyme intermediate. The results also suggest that the reaction of choline with the acetylenzyme (deacylation) is rate-limiting during turnover.
Quantitative studies on Rous sarcoma virus. VI. Clonal analysis of in vitro infections.

Abstract It has been found that under certain conditions Rous sarcoma virus-in-fected fibroblasts may be serially propagated in the presence of relatively stable but markedly lowered virus:cell ratios. The mechanism of this phenomenon has been investigated. When infected cultures were cloned, analysis of these clones revealed that a variable but major portion did not produce virus spontaneously, except in some cases in very small amounts, and were resistant to challenge infection. Clones from control cultures were all sensitive to challenge infection, responding with an average of 1–2 PFU per cell 2–3 days after challenge. The resistant clones, which were termed “noninfective,” were smaller on the average than control clones. Quantitative consideration suggested that these resistant clones arose as a consequence of infection rather than by a selection mechanism. Under certain conditions “noninfective” clones responded partially or suboptimally, to challenge infection, suggesting the possibility of reversion of a fraction of the clone to sensitivity. When resistant clones were followed without challenge, 80% produced small amounts of virus at some time. This could not be definitely interpreted as “virogenicity,” owing to the fact that contamination of these clones by non-clone-forming, virus-yielding cells could not be ruled out under the conditions of these experiments. The results were interpreted as suggesting the existence of a non-virus-yielding type of virus:cell union. The relationship between this phenomenon and that of lysogenicity was discussed.
Effect of size and type of still projected pictures on immediate recall of content

In addition to its pertinence to the general question of the effectiveness of various kinds of pictorial representations, readers may find the following study of particular interest because individualized instruction, which is receiving a great deal of attention at this time, generally means a smaller image size than that used for group instruction. One cannot help wondering if TV viewing is a contributing factor to that part of the study pertaining to size of pictures.-Editor
Heat Exchangers for Heavy Vehicles Utilizing High Thermal Conductivity Graphite Foams

Approximately two thirds of the world's energy consumption is wasted as heat. In an attempt to reduce heat losses, heat exchangers are utilized to recover some of the energy. A unique graphite foam developed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and licensed to Poco Graphite, Inc., promises to allow for novel, more efficient heat exchanger designs. This graphite foam, Figure 1, has a density between 0.2 and 0.6 g/cm 3 and a bulk thermal conductivity between 40 and 187 W/m{center_dot}K. Because the foam has a very accessible surface area (> 4 m 2 /g) and is open celled, the overall heat transfer coefficients of foam-based heat exchangers can be up to two orders of magnitude greater than conventional heat exchangers. As a result, foam-based heat exchangers could be dramatically smaller and lighter.
Chapter 6 - Thermal Analysis of Clays

This chapter discusses the thermal behavior of clay and related minerals correlated to the changes in their atomic structure. Crude clay deposits are used for structural clay products such as bricks and tiles, while clay deposits of higher purity are used for ceramic white wares. Clays are also essential ingredients in cement and some refractories. They function as a coating and filler for paper—to increase surface shine and opacity—and are added to rubber to increase wear resistance. Clay is added to soil for building dams to decrease water permeability. Porcelains typically consist of triaxial mixtures of clay, feldspar and quartz. The main classes of clay minerals, categorized by similarity in crystal structure, are the kaolins, montmorillonites, and illites.
Near-IR Spectroscopy of H2 and CO in Molecular Clouds

The near infrared vibration rotation (v-r) bands of CO and H2 provide a powerful tool for the study of physical conditions in molecular clouds. They cluster individual v-r transitions, encompassing a wide range of excitation energy and line strength, into a relatively narrow frequency interval which can be observed with uniform instrumental techniques, often with a single instrument. Precise line frequencies and transition probabilities are available for both CO and H2. The v-r lines are not seen in emission from cool (T ≲ 200K) cloud material because their upper states (E/k ≳ 3000K) are not collisionally populated at such temperatures. However, the H2 transitions are emitted by shocked regions where T is ≳ 2000K and the CO transitions are seen in absorption against embedded continuum sources.
Modeling and estimation of hydrodynamic potentials

In order for underwater vehicles to fully realize the potential of utilizing oscillating foils as propulsion mechanisms, it is necessary for the control scheme to be aware of the state of the water environment, especially the vorticity in the water. In this paper, we investigate the problem of estimating the hydrodynamic potentials based on pressure measurement on a submerged body. A relationship between hydrodynamic potential and pressure distribution on the foil, based on the potential flow theory, is obtained. This relationship is then reformulated to eliminate the dependence on acceleration of the submerged body which is not available. Based on this relationship, estimation algorithms for the vorticity of the water using pressure measurements on the submerged body are derived. Simulation studies demonstrate the efficacy of the estimation scheme in both ideal and some non-ideal situations.
Transmigration of M1 and M 2 macrophages in pulmonary vessels following intratracheal bleomycin (834.7)

We have demonstrated macrophage transmigration in pulmonary vessels in murine lungs following bleomycin (Am J Pathol. 2011 Jun; 178(6):2560-72). Because there are two distinct phenotypes in macrophages, M1 and M2, we wanted to compare the difference between them in transmigration of pulmonary vessels. To address this, we intratracheally instilled bleomycin (3.33 U/kg) into female adult mice (C57BL/6J, n=8). Lungs were isolated at day 2-21 after bleomycin and cryostat sectioned for immunostaining with iNOS and arginase I to identify M1 and M2 macrophages, respectively. We used ki67 as the marker of cell proliferation. We used confocal microscopy to image pulmonary vascular region covered from the lumen to the perivascular interstitium. We found that more macrophages expressed arginase I [6.7-fold to iNOS, p<0.05, unpaired t-test], indicating that more M2 than M1 macrophages transmigrated in pulmonary vessels after bleomycin. Also, up to 20% M2 macrophages revealed ki67 expression (2-fold to M1 macrophages,...
Wide band MM-wave, double-sided printed bow-tie antenna for phased array applications

This paper presents a V-band double-sided, printed bow tie antenna which exhibits 49% bandwidth (46∼76 GHz). The antenna is fed by a microstrip transmission line for easy impedance matching. The simple structure and the small antenna are suitable for low cost fabrication, easy circuit integration, and phased antenna array multi-frequency applications.
Predictions based on Munsell notation. II. Principal hue components

With Munsell colors j, observers made assessments on the degree of grayness N(j), 0∼10, and the degrees of principal hues ξα(j) in the chromatic part ζ(j) = 10 − N(j). Based on these data, the optimum directions of principal hue vectors {fα}, common for colors from 4∼7V, were determined, where α means 4 (R, Y, G, B) or 5 (R, Y, G, B, P). Coordinates &xcirc;α of points (H, V/C) on these vectors and ratios ηα = ξα/ζ are called the absolute and relative principal hue components. These values, ξα(j), ζ(j), and ηα(j), provide the foundation for denoting a color j by (Hj, Vj/Cj). Curves representing ξα(H‖V, C) or ηα(H‖V, C) as functions of Munsell H with fixed levels of V and C are compared with chromatic response functions on the equal-energy spectrum. Of the five Munsell principal hues, Purple was shown not indispensable. The most representative blue was found not at 5B, but close to 5PB in both 4- and 5-Hue assessments. It was discussed how to predict assessments ξα from &xcirc;α and ζ from Munsell Chroma, and ηα by an appropriate combination of &xcirc;α and ζ. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Col Res Appl, 24, 19–32, 1999
Application of the multiaxial perfectly matched layer (M-PML) to near-surface seismic modeling with Rayleigh waves

Perfectly matched layer (PML) absorbing boundaries are widely used to suppress spurious edge reflections in seismic modeling. When modeling Rayleigh waves with the existence of the free surface, the classical PML algorithm becomes unstable when the Poisson’s ratio of the medium is high. Numerical errors can accumulate exponentially and terminate the simulation due to computational overflows. Numerical tests show that the divergence speed of the classical PML has a nonlinear relationship with the Poisson’s ratio. Generally, the higher the Poisson’s ratio, the faster the classical PML diverges. The multiaxial PML (M-PML) attenuates the waves in PMLs using different damping profiles that are proportional to each other in orthogonal directions. The proportion coefficients of the damping profiles usually vary with the specific model settings. If they are set appropriately, the M-PML algorithm is stable for high Poisson’s ratio earth models. Through numerical tests of 40 models with Poisson’s ratios that varied from 0.10 to 0.49, we found that a constant proportion coefficient of 1.0 for the x- and z-directional damping profiles is sufficient to stabilize the M-PML for all 2D isotropic elastic cases. Wavefield simulations indicate that the instability of the classical PML is strongly related to the wave phenomena near the free surface. When applying the multiaxial technique only in the corners of the PML near the free surface, the original M-PML technique can be simplified without losing its stability. The simplified M-PML works efficiently for homogeneous and heterogeneous earth models with high Poisson’s ratios. The analysis in this paper is based on 2D finite difference modeling in the time domain that can easily be extended into the 3D domain with other numerical methods.
Universal reduction of Tc in strong-coupling superconductors by a small concentration of magnetic impurities.

The first exact calculation of ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ in the presence of a dilute concentration c of uncorrelated magnetic impurities is presented. The shape of ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$(c) is universal, ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$(c)/${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}0}$ =h[cf(${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{0}$)/N(0)${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}0}$,${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{K}}$/${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}0}$]. The detailed shape of ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$(c)/${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}0}$ is qualitatively and quantitatively different from that found by previous approximate theories. ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$(c) depends strongly upon the electron-phonon coupling ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{0}$. There is no indication of a low-temperature tail of positive curvature for ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{K}}$/${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}0}$1, or the associated third transition temperature ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}3}$, both predicted by M\"uller-Hartmann and Zittartz. My results agree well with experimental data.
Evidence for drift waves in ionospheric heating experiments

[1] Universal Drift Wave instabilities commonly occur in laboratory plasmas and yet have not been detected in space experiments. Meter-scale waves occurring in convective ionospheric storms, also known as equatorial spread F conditions, were long thought, erroneously, to be caused by drift waves, even though laboratory simulations of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability seem to result in drift modes. Most space-based instabilities occur at such large scales that the gradients required to support drift waves are simply too weak. The results of a laboratory-like experiment, performed in space using high power radiowaves, are then revisited. Such experiments produce modest density depletions having very short scales across the magnetic field. Here, wavelets are used to parse the signal into a deterministic structure-the needle-like irregularities-and a noise-like signal corresponding to waves trapped in the depletions, which are very likely lower hybrid drift waves. Recent space experiments have revealed natural phenomena with similar characteristics.
γ-Rays from Her X-1

Recent observations have detected bursts of extremely high energy pulsed (1.24 s)γ-rays (1012 eV to 5×1014 eV) from Her X-1. We propose a model for producing theseγ-rays.
Hand transplantation : Pertinent data and future outlook

Transplantation of composite tissue allografts, such as a hand, offers immense potential in reconstructive surgery. Review of current replantation literature suggests the prospect for significant functional return following hand transplant, provided appropriate patient is selected and allograft rejection is prevented. Experimental studies of limb transplantation in rodents have demonstrated the efficacy of combination therapy using multiple immunosuppressants. However, long-term survival of limb allografts could not be achieved in large animal models without significant drug toxicity. Given the potential for organ failure, opportunistic infection, and malignancy resulting from long-term immunosuppression, the risk-benefit ratio for hand transplant must be carefully weighed. Our laboratory has been able to achieve allograft survival with minimum immunosuppression by MHC matching or donor antigen exposure prior to immune maturity in the swine. Future transplantation of composite tissue allografts, therefore, may depend upon such modalities to induce host tolerance without long-term immunosuppression.
Signaling pathways regulating aromatase and cyclooxygenases in normal and malignant breast cells.

Abstract Aromatase (estrogen synthase) is the cytochrome P450 enzyme complex that converts C19 androgens to C18 estrogens. Aromatase activity has been demonstrated in breast tissue in vitro, and expression of aromatase is highest in or near breast tumor sites. Thus, local regulation of aromatase by both endogenous factors as well as exogenous medicinal agents will influence the levels of estrogen available for breast cancer growth. The prostaglandin PGE2 increases intracellular cAMP levels and stimulates estrogen biosynthesis, and our recent studies have shown a strong linear association between CYP19 expression and the sum of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in breast cancer specimens. Knowledge of the signaling pathways that regulate the expression and enzyme activity of aromatase and cyclooxygenases (COXs) in stromal and epithelial breast cells will aid in understanding the interrelationships of these two enzyme systems and potentially identify novel targets for regulation. The effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ), and tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA) on aromatase and COXs were studied in primary cultures of normal human adipose stromal cells and in cell cultures of normal immortalized human breast epithelial cells MCF-10F, estrogen-responsive human breast cancer cells MCF-7, and estrogen-unresponsive human breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231. Levels of the constitutive COX isozyme, COX-1, were not altered by the various treatments in the cell systems studied. In breast adenocarcinoma cells, EGF and TGFβ did not alter COX-2 levels at 24 h, while TPA induced COX-2 levels by 75% in MDA-MB-231 cells. EGF and TPA in MCF-7 cells significantly increased aromatase activity while TGFβ did not. In contrast to MCF-7 cells, TGFβ and TPA significantly increased activity in MDA-MB-231 cells, while only a modest increase with EGF was observed. Untreated normal adipose stromal cells exhibited high basal levels of COX-1 but low to undetectable levels of COX-2. A dramatic induction of COX-2 was observed in the adipose stromal cells by EGF, TGFβ, and TPA. Aromatase enzyme activity in normal adipose stromal cells was significantly increased by EGF, TGFβ and TPA after 24 h of treatment. In summary, the results of this investigation on the effects of several paracrine and/or autocrine signaling pathways in the regulation of expression of aromatase, COX-1, and COX-2 in breast cells has identified more complex relationships. Overall, elevated levels of these factors in the breast cancer tissue microenvironment can result in increased aromatase activity (and subsequent increased estrogen biosynthesis) via autocrine mechanisms in breast epithelial cells and via paracrine mechanisms in breast stromal cells. Furthermore, increased secretion of prostaglandins such as PGE2 from constitutive COX-1 and inducible COX-2 isozymes present in epithelial and stromal cell compartments will result in both autocrine and paracrine actions to increase aromatase expression in the tissues.
A mathematical model describing the effect of temperature and substrate concentration on the activities of M4 and H4 lactate dehydrogenase from the big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus).

Abstract The effect of temperature on the activities of M4 and H4 lactate dehydrogenases (LDH, EC 1.1.1.27) isolated from the big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) was examined. Temperature effects were dependent on the concentrations of all four LDH substrates, pyruvate, lactate, NADH, and NAD. Arrhenius plots of In vi vs reciprocal of absolute temperature were linear for all but the lowest substrate concentrations. The slopes of these Arrhenius plots were used to calculate the temperature effect parameter (μ). Substrate-dependent temperature effects for M4 and H4 LDH were described by an equation for a rectangular hyperbola, μ = [E β S + E α K t ] [K t + S] proposed by G. R. Harbison and J. R. Fisher (1974, Comp. Biochem. Physiol.47B, 27–32) for adenosine deaminase. The parameters Eα (μ at infinitely low substrate concentration), Eβ (μ at infinitely high substrate concentration), and Kt (the concentration of substrate when μ = [E α + E β ] 2 ) can be used to describe the temperature dependence of LDH activity at any substrate concentration and to compare the substrate-dependent temperature effects on the two isoenzymes. Significantly different Eβ and Kt values for pyruvate-dependent temperature effects and different Eβ, Eα, Kt, and Eβ − Eα (the range of possible μ values) for lactate-dependent temperature effects were found between M4 and H4 LDH isoenzymes. High lactate concentrations inhibited bat H4 LDH activity to a greater degree at low temperatures than at high temperatures. Thus substrate inhibition plays an important role in the effect of temperature on the activity of H-type LDH at high lactate concentrations. Substrate-dependent temperature effects on bat LDH activity were the result of temperature effects on the apparent Km value of the respective substrate. Since both the apparent Km for pyruvate and the Ki for the competitive inhibitor oxamate decreased with decreasing temperature, the substrate-dependent temperature effects observed for pyruvate probably resulted from an increased affinity between pyruvate and the LDH-NADH complex with decreasing temperature.
A longitudinal comparison of consumer-directed and agency-directed personal assistance service programmes among persons with physical disabilities

Purpose. To compare outcomes for persons who were enrolled in an agency-directed personal assistance services (PAS) programme and then changed to a consumer-directed PAS programme.Method. A convenience sample was used for this longitudinal study. In-home interviews were conducted by a trained data collector from April 2000 to December 2001.Results. Participants reported more satisfaction and safety with personal assistance, and fewer unmet needs after receiving consumer-directed services than after receiving agency-directed services. Other variables related to outcomes included race and ethnicity, employment, functional status, unmet needs, and the level of confidence in obtaining help if assistance is unavailable. Participants (74%) also reported high rates of unmet needs in the past month.Conclusions. Consumer-directed PAS enhances outcomes for many persons with disabilities. Self-reported outcomes are affected by many factors that could be addressed in PAS program development.
Undifferentiated Facial Electromyography Responses to Dynamic, Audio-Visual Emotion Displays in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

We examined facial electromyography (fEMG) activity to dynamic, audio-visual emotional displays in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and typically developing (TD) individuals. Participants viewed clips of happy, angry, and fearful displays that contained both facial expression and affective prosody while surface electrodes measured corrugator supercilli and zygomaticus major facial muscle activity. Across measures of average and peak activity, the TD group demonstrated emotion-selective fEMG responding, with greater relative activation of the zygomatic to happy stimuli and greater relative activation of the corrugator to fearful stimuli. In contrast, the ASD group largely showed no significant differences between zygomatic and corrugator activity across these emotions. There were no group differences in the magnitude and timing of fEMG response in the muscle congruent to the stimuli. This evidence that fEMG responses in ASD are undifferentiated with respect to the valence of the stimulus is discussed in light of potential underlying neurobiological mechanisms.
Individual differences in cerebral asymmetries for facial recognition.

Abstract In the recognition of tachistoscopically presented unmasked upright faces, same individuals showed a RVF, i.e., left-hemisphere advantage while others showed a LVF, i.e., right-hemisphere advantage. Individuals with a LVF advantage in recognition of these faces showed an increase in errors when the faces were inverted whereas those with a RVF advantage did not. Individuals with a RVF advantage in recognition of the unmasked upright faces showed a greater increase in errors when individual features of the faces were masked than those with a LVF advantage. These results confirmed the view that individuals with a RVF advantage in facial recognition were using an analytic strategy in processing the stimuli whereas those with a LVF advantage were using a holistic strategy.
Interconversion of chloroneb and 2,5-dichloro-4-methoxyphenol by soil microorganisms☆

Abstract The stability of the chloroneb fungicide (1,4-dichloro-2,5-dimethoxybenzene) and its principal degradation product, 2,5-dichloro-4-methoxyphenol (DCMP), was tested in the presence of individual soil microorganisms. Both the fungicide and DCMP were unaltered in liquid shake cultures of the organisms when growth was minimal or static. However, in nutrient broth where active microbial growth was supported, several organisms converted chloroneb to DCMP and/or DCMP to chloroneb. Of 23 organisms grown in the presence of 5 μg chloroneb/ml, 13 demethylated the fungicide to produce DCMP. Liquid shake cultures of Fusarium spp. were most active in this respect, converting more than 50% of the chloroneb to DCMP in 5 days. When grown in the presence of 5 μg DCMP/ml, 8 organisms, especially Trichoderma viride and Mucor ramannianus , converted up to 20% of the DCMP to chloroneb. Cephalosporium gramineum, Rhizoctonia solani, Mucor ramannianus and Fusarium fungi could both methylate and demethylate DCMP to produce chloroneb and 2,5-dichlorohydroquinone, respectively. Microbial synthesis of chloroneb from DCMP, its principal degradation product, may account in part for the relative stability and long term effectiveness of the fungicide in soil.
Group motivational interviewing to promote adherence to antiretroviral medications and risk reduction behaviors in HIV infected women.

We present the results of a clinical trial that tested the efficacy of using motivational interviewing (MI) in a group format to promote adherence to antiretroviral medications and risk reduction behaviors (RRB) in 203 predominately African American HIV infected women. It was compared to a group health promotion program. Participants were followed for 9 months. Adherence was measured by MEMS®; and RRB by self-report. Controlling for recruitment site and years on ART, no significant group by time effects were observed. Attendance (≥7/8 sessions) modified the effects. Higher MI attendees had better adherence at all follow-ups, a borderline significant group by time effect (p = 0.1) for % Doses Taken on Schedule, a significantly larger proportion who reported abstinence at 2 weeks, 6, and 9 months, and always used protection during sex at 6 and 9 months. Though not conclusive, the findings offer some support for using MI in a group format to promote adherence and some risk reduction behaviors when adequate attendance is maintained.
Acoustic response properties of single neurons in the central posterior nucleus of the thalamus of the goldfish, Carassius auratus

Acoustic responses were recorded extracellularly from single neurons in the thalamic central posterior nucleus (CP). Spontaneous activity, best sensitivity, and sharpness of tuning (Q10db) of CP neurons ranged from 0 to 36 spikes/s, -40 to 5 dB re: 1 dyne/cm2, and 0.18 to 1.80, respectively. The distribution of characteristic frequency (CF) was nonuniform with a mode at 195 Hz. Temporal response patterns of CP neurons (N = 60) were categorized into three groups: phasic (25%), tonic chopper-like (22%), and tonic nonchopper-like (53%) on the basis of peri-stimulus time and inter-spike interval histograms. Most CP neurons (90%) did not phase-lock to tones, and none phase-locked strongly. The properties of CP neurons are similar to those of the midbrain torus semicircularis neurons in spontaneous rates, best sensitivities, nonuniform CF distributions, and in exhibiting level-independent best frequencies. Both CP and toral neurons show a diversity of response patterns resembling those found in the mammalian central auditory system. However, CP neurons have broader tuning and less phase-locking than toral neurons, suggesting different roles in auditory processing. While peripheral frequency analysis is enhanced at the midbrain level, the integration of frequency-selective channels in the thalamus may function in the processing of wideband spectra characteristic of natural sound sources.
Group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu2/3) in drug addiction

Drug addiction is characterized by maladaptive decision-making and dysfunctional brain circuitry regulating motivated behaviors, resulting in loss of the behavioral flexibility needed to abstain from drug seeking. Hence, addicts face high risk of relapse even after prolonged periods of abstinence from drug use. This is thought to result from long-lasting drug-induced neuroadaptations of glutamate and dopaminergic transmission in the mesocorticolimbic and cortico-striatal circuits where group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu(2/3) receptors) are densely expressed. mGlu(2/3) receptors presynaptically control glutamate as well as dopamine release throughout the mesocorticolimbic structures involved in reward processing and drug seeking, and their function is reduced after prolonged exposure to drugs of abuse. In pre-clinical models, mGlu(2/3) receptors have been shown to regulate both reward processing and drug seeking, in part through the capacity to control release of dopamine and glutamate respectively. Specifically, mGlu(2/3) receptor agonists administered systemically or locally into certain brain structures reduce the rewarding value of commonly abused drugs and inhibit the reinstatement of drug seeking. Given the ability of mGlu(2/3) receptor agonists to compensate for and possibly reverse drug-induced neuroadaptations in mesocorticolimbic circuitry, this class of receptors emerges as a new therapeutic target for reducing relapse in drug addiction.
Double patterning lithography study with high overlay accuracy

Double patterning (DP) has become the most likely candidate to extend immersion lithography to the 32 nm node and beyond. This paper focuses on experimental results of 32nm half pitch patterning using NSR-S620D, the latest Nikon ArF immersion scanner. A litho-freeze-litho (LFL) process was employed for this experiment. Experimental results of line CDU, space CDU, and overlay accuracy are presented. Finally, a budget for pitch splitting DP at the 22 nm half pitch is presented.
Microstructural evolution in joining of TiAl with a liquid Ti alloy

In this study, the reaction between titanium aluminide and a liquid titanium alloy, 70Ti-15Cu-15Ni in wt%, was investigated in order to reveal the behavior of TiAl during joining. The microstructural evolution of the reacted melt during solidification was also studied. Issues of concern in this study include: (1) the solidification process of the melt upon termination of heating, and (2) the diffusion of Cu and Ni into the substrate during processing. To accurately control the extent of reaction, an innovative infrared processing technique was used. Infrared processing can produce heating rates exceeding 100 C/s up to the processing temperature and cooling to below 500 C in a few seconds. Such rapid rates of processing decreases or eliminates the adverse effects associated with prolonged heating. In this study, experiments were conducted at various heating times in order to investigate the solidified zone microstructure, melt affected zone thickness, and base material microstructure. The system investigated in this study is directly related to joining of titanium aluminide with a titanium brazing alloy. Meanwhile, the evolution of the microstructure may be applied to other solid-liquid reactions of titanium alloys.
Postfailure subsidiary cracking from indentation flaws in brittle materials

Vickers indentation sites in ceramics have been examined after specimen failure from median/radial indentation cracks. Evolution of a new cracking pattern of “ortho-lateral” cracks, originating at the intact corners of the Vickers indentation and running orthogonal to the classic-lateral cracks and parallel to the new fracture surface, has been observed. In some instances postfailure extension of the classic-lateral cracks toward the surface was also observed. Enhanced residual tensile stress from relaxation of constraints on the indentation-plastic cavity by the generation of a fracture surface is postulated to drive the subsidiary cracking. A simple qualitative model to explain this phenomenon is presented. Possible implications of such postfailure subsidiary cracking on residual-stress-driven flaws, postmortem fractography, and wear in ceramics are discussed.
Progressive Crush of Resin Transfer Molded Square Tube Stiffened Beam Elements

Processes such as Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) present the composites designer with the opportunity to combine tailored architectures with near-net-shape preform elements to fabricate components that not only reduce the number of joining operations through parts integration, but also enable the integration of a number of functions. The combination of structural and energy absorption functions requires the design of components that go beyond simplistic elements such as tubes. In this paper the progressive crush response of multi-celled square tube stiffened beam type elements fabricated using the RTM process is investigated. It is shown that the use of glass-carbon reinforced hybrids can result in very efficient structures capable of achieving high levels of initial peak load, mean crush load and specific energy absorbance with the same architecture. Comparisons are made between a variety of preform lay-up and reinforcement strategies on the basis of load, energy and damage characteristics, and the role of the stiffening flange between the tubes based on the reinforcement therein.
Land‐use maps

A series of land-use maps is now available for sale over-the-counter from USGS. Previously, these maps were available only by request. The two-color maps depict residential, agricultural, commercial, and industrial use, and land cover such as forests and wetlands, at a scale of 1:250,000 (1 cm equals about 2.5 km).
Biochemicl analysis f the lipids of mink milk

Abstract 1. 1. The milk obtained from lactating mink contained 7-2 per cent protein, 6-3 per cent carbohydrate, 1–3 per cent ash, and 13-4 per cent lipid material. 2. 2. The milk lipids possessed an unusually high concentration of phospholipids, i.e., '5'3 psr cent. This fraction was composed of phosphatidylcholine approximately 53 per cent, lysophosphatidylcholine 8-3 per cent, phoaphatidylethanolamine 10 per cent, sphingomyelin 15-5 per cent, phosphatidylinositol 6-6 per cent, phosphatidylserinc 3–6 per cent, and cercbrosides 3-2 per cent 3. 3. The triglycerides accounted for most of the neutral lipid fraction. Gas-liquid Chromatographic separation revealed a limited distribution of the molecular species of the triglycerides. Most of the triglycerides contained 2 or 3 fatty acids with 18 carbon atoms. 4. 4. Analyses of the fatty acid composition of the various lipid classes revealed that over 60 per cent of the fatty acids contained 18 carbons. All fractions contained a high concentration of linoleic acid.
Destabilization of Zirconia Thermal Barriers in the Presence of V2O5

Impurities, such as vanadium, degrade the operating performance of yttria-stabilized zirconia thermal-barrier coatings. V2O5 reacts preferentially with Y2O3, forms YVO4, and leads to the destabilization of zirconia thermal-barrier material. A model experiment has been designed to monitor the destabilization of zirconia thermal barriers by directly exposing thin films of yttria-stabilized zirconia to V2O5 vapor. The growth of YVO4 from yttria-stabilized zirconia and the destabilization of cubic yttria-stabilized zirconia into tetragonal and/or monoclinic zirconia polymorphs are monitored by selected-area diffraction and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in the transmission electron microscope. A special crystallographic orientation relation between YVO4 and cubic zirconia is discussed.
Transgenic perennial biofuel feedstocks and strategies for bioconfinement

The use of transgenic tools for the improvement of plant feedstocks will be required to realize the full economic and environmental benefits of cellulosic and other biofuels, particularly from perennial plants. Traits that are targets for improvement of biofuels crops include herbicide resistance, pest, drought, cold and salt tolerance, nutrient use efficiency, altered cell wall composition and improved processing and end-use characteristics. However, controlling gene flow is a major issue and there is no regulatory experience with perennial plants as dedicated biofuels feedstocks. Bioconfinement of transgenes is thus an obvious regulatory and biosafety objective to the release and commercialization of transgenic bioenergy feedstocks. In this article, we review bioconfinement strategies that target pollen or seeds that can be applied to perennial plants used as biofuels. These include male sterility, integration of transgenes into plastid genomes, removal of transgenes in pollen and seeds, transgene expre...