cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The design, fabrication, and test of a new VLSI hybrid analog-digital neural processing element

A hybrid analog-digital neural processing element with the time-dependent behavior of biological neurons has been developed. The hybrid processing element is designed for VLSI implementation and offers the best attributes of both analog and digital computation. Custom VLSI layout reduces the layout area of the processing element, which in turn increases the expected network density. The hybrid processing element operates at the nanosecond time scale, which enables it to produce real-time solutions to complex spatiotemporal problems found in high-speed signal processing applications. VLSI prototype chips have been designed, fabricated, and tested with encouraging results. Systems utilizing the time-dependent behavior of the hybrid processing element have been simulated and are currently in the fabrication process. Future applications are also discussed. >
Ghosts and Domestic Politics in Brazil: Some Parallels between Spirit Possession and Spirit Infestation

To date, the ethnological study of ghosts in Western societies has been dominated by folklorists (e.g., Davidson and Russell 1981; Jacob 1977; Jones 1983), most of whom have focused on recording ghost stories and the popular lore of techniques for laying (exorcising) ghosts rather than determining the extent to which ghostlore reflects lived experiences, social action, and practiced rituals.' This essay argues that the theoretical frameworks which have been developed in anthropology for the study of nonceremonial spirit possession will bring a new level of richness to the ethnological study of ghosts, and also that, at least in the Brazilian case, this important form of religious experience and popular illness shares several features in common with nonceremonial spirit possession. Although the word "ghosts" is more common, I have suggested elsewhere that the older term "spirit infestation" might be more ap-
Physical properties of polymers–an introductory discussion

Physical characteristics of isolated molecules and bulk polymers are discussed briefly. The broad spectrum of mechanical properties resulting from changes in temperature and experimental time-scale is introduced by first considering the time-independent properties of elastomers under large deformations and then the effect of a progressive decrease in segmental mobility, leading eventually to glassy characteristics. The phenomenological theory of linear viscoelasticity along with time-temperature superposition is outlined, and illustrative data are presented. Finally, phenomena resulting from volumetric relaxation processes are considered briefly.
Infection and Inflammation-Induced Proatherogenic Changes of Lipoproteins

Epidemiologic studies suggest a link between infection/inflammation and atherosclerosis. During the acute-phase response to infection and inflammation, cytokines induce tissue and plasma events that lead to changes in lipoprotein. Many of these changes are similar to those proposed to promote atherogenesis. The changes of lipoproteins during infection and inflammation are reviewed with a focus on those that are potentially proatherogenic. Hypertriglyceridemia, elevated triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, the appearance of small dense low-density lipoproteins, increased platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase activity, and secretory phospholipase A(2), sphingolipid-enriched lipoproteins, and decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are changes that could promote atherogenesis. Moreover, alterations of proteins associated with HDL metabolism (e.g., paraoxonase, apolipoprotein A-I, lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase, cholesterol ester transfer protein, hepatic lipase, phospholipid transfer protein, and serum amyloid A) could decrease the ability of HDL to protect against atherogenesis through antioxidation and reverse cholesterol transport mechanisms. These proatherogenic changes of lipoproteins may contribute to the link between infection/inflammation and atherosclerosis.
Eve and ftz regulate a wide array of genes in blastoderm embryos: the selector homeoproteins directly or indirectly regulate most genes in Drosophila

The selector homeoproteins are a highly conserved group of transcription factors found throughout the Eumetazoa. Previously, the Drosophila selector homeoproteins Eve and Ftz were shown to bind with similar specificities to all genes tested, including four genes chosen because they were thought to be unlikely targets of Eve and Ftz. Here, we demonstrate that the expression of these four unexpected targets is controlled by Eve and probably by the other selector homeoproteins as well. A correlation is observed between the level of DNA binding and the degree to which gene expression is regulated by Eve. Suspecting that the selector homeoproteins may affect many more genes than previously thought, we have characterized the expression of randomly selected genes at different stages of embryogenesis. At cellular blastoderm, 25-50% of genes whose transcription can be monitored are regulated by both Eve and Ftz. In late embryogenesis, 87% of genes are directly or indirectly controlled by most or all selector homeoproteins. We argue that this broad control of gene expression is essential to coordinate morphogenesis. Our results raise the possibility that each selector homeoprotein may directly regulate the expression of most genes.
Recent advances in electric analysis of cells in microfluidic systems

Microfluidics offers an ideal platform to integrate cell-based assays with electric measurements. The technological advances in microfluidics, microelectronics, electrochemistry, and electrophysiology have greatly inspired the development of microfluidic/electric devices that work with a low number of cells or single cells. The applications of these microfluidic systems range from the detecting of cell culture density to the probing of cellular functions at the single-cell level. In this review, we introduce the recent advances in the electric analysis of cells on a microfluidic platform, specifically related to the quantification and monitoring of cells in static solution, on-chip patch-clamp measurement, and examination of flowing cells. We also point out future directions and challenges in this field.
Influenza detection from emergency department reports using natural language processing and Bayesian network classifiers.

Objectives To evaluate factors affecting performance of influenza detection, including accuracy of natural language processing (NLP), discriminative ability of Bayesian network (BN) classifiers, and feature selection. Methods We derived a testing dataset of 124 influenza patients and 87 non-influenza (shigellosis) patients. To assess NLP finding-extraction performance, we measured the overall accuracy, recall, and precision of Topaz and MedLEE parsers for 31 influenza-related findings against a reference standard established by three physician reviewers. To elucidate the relative contribution of NLP and BN classifier to classification performance, we compared the discriminative ability of nine combinations of finding-extraction methods (expert, Topaz, and MedLEE) and classifiers (one human-parameterized BN and two machine-parameterized BNs). To assess the effects of feature selection, we conducted secondary analyses of discriminative ability using the most influential findings defined by their likelihood ratios. Results The overall accuracy of Topaz was significantly better than MedLEE (with post-processing) (0.78 vs 0.71, p 0.70, p<0.05). Conclusions Using a three-component evaluation method we demonstrated how one could elucidate the relative contributions of components under an integrated framework. To improve classification performance, this study encourages researchers to improve NLP accuracy, use a machine-parameterized classifier, and apply feature selection methods.
Studies on the biologic characterization of human gonadotropins. I. Human pituitary gonadotropin from urine of normal men, and postmenopausal and castrated women.

Human pituitary gonadotropin (HPG) was prepared from urine of men and of postmenopausal and castrated women by the kaolin-acetone procedure. Those 3 preparations were tested by four-point to ten-point assays, using 2 to 5 animals per point. In addition, HPG prepared by ultrafiltration of urine of castrated women was tested. The assay system employed was the simultaneous response of the ovary and uterus of the immature rat. The parametersof the assay system consisted of the slopes of the ovarian and uterine responses and the dose ratios obtained from the intercepts of the ovarian and uterine dose-response curves at both the control value and at a level equal to 100 per cent more than the control value. It was found that the parameters for HPG prepared from the urine of males and of postmenopausal and castrated women by the same process did not differ. Furthermore, the same parameters were found for HPG prepared from urine of castrated women by 2 different methods.
The expression of several T cell-specific and novel genes is repressed by trans-acting factors in immature T lymphoma clones

Cell surface proteins encoded by members of the immunoglobulin supergene family are sequentially expressed during T cell ontogeny. The molecular mechanisms responsible for the regulation of these surface molecules are not well understood. To investigate this issue, we used a series of well characterized T lymphoma cell clones with phenotypes characteristic of distinct stages of early thymocyte maturation. Somatic cell hybrids formed from these cell lines were employed to detect the presence of negative regulatory molecules. The expression of CD4 and CD8 was strongly repressed in hybrids formed between a CD4+ CD8+ lymphoma clone and "immature" CD4- CD8- lymphoma clones. Individual subunits of the T cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 complex displayed independent regulation in unique patterns in hybrid cells. Hybrids formed by fusing CD3+ and CD3- cells completely repressed CD3-delta mRNA expression while CD3-gamma, -epsilon, and -zeta transcripts were moderately inhibited or codominantly regulated. Similar to CD3-delta, interleukin 2R-alpha(IL-2R-alpha), and TCR-beta mRNA accumulation was trans-negatively regulated. Transcription rate measurements demonstrated that the inhibition of CD4, CD8, CD3-gamma, CD3-epsilon, TCR-beta, and IL-2R-alpha mRNA accumulation in hybrid cells was exerted, at least in part, at the transcriptional level. To test whether repressional regulation is a general feature of T cells, we examined the regulation of six novel genes which were selected solely on the basis of their differential expression between two of the cell lines used in this study. Five of the six novel gene transcripts were repressed in the somatic cell hybrids. Thus, inhibitor factors appear to play a general role in controlling T cell gene expression. The model system presented here may be useful for the identification and characterization of repressor molecules responsible for the regulation of genes expressed during T cell ontogeny.
Steady and Unsteady Supersonic Flow Control with Energy Addition

This paper presents a review of some experimental and theoretical results obtained by the authors and their collaborators during the past few years, including: • The effect of a plasma (directed-energy) air spike in supersonic/hypersonic flows . The similarity laws for shock wave and drag parameters, as functions of the strength of heat source and characteristics of incident flow, and experimental and computational parametric studies are discussed. • Modeling of “virtual cowl ,” i.e., of energy addition to hypersonic flow off the vehicle in order to increase air mass capture and reduce spillage in scramjet inlets at Mach numbers below the design value. • Numerical studies of aerodynamic forces created by off-axis heat addition upstream of a body. These forces and moments can be used for supersonic/hypersonic vehicle steering. • Experiments and numerical modeling of pulsed off-body energy addition for sonic boom mitigation.
Gigabit wireless personal area networks: Motivation, challenges and implementation

Demands in file size and transfer rates for consumer products are escalating, requiring gigabit rates for applications such as uncompressed streaming video. A number of wireless technologies are attempting to meet the gigabit-plus rates required for these applications. The most promising of these wireless solutions is found to be the use of the 60 GHz band. This technology can provide the needed bandwidth for the most demanding application - even with modest modulation and coding implementations. The objective of this work is to provide an up to date overview of gigabit wireless systems with a focus on wireless personal area networks.
The Sanctity of Life and the Criminal Law: Reflections on Dudley and Stephens and killing the innocent: taking a wrong conceptual path

This is a chapter of a book, Glanville Williams: The Sanctity of Life and the Criminal Law, to be published in 2013 by Cambridge University Press. In this chapter I argue that the famous "lifeboat" case of Dudley and Stephens was wrongly decided because Lord Coleridge failed to distinguish between the criminal law defense concepts of justification and excuse; and Professor Glanville Williams, in his critique of the case, also failed to focus on this important distinction.
Relationships among Role Accuracy, Compliance, Performance Evaluation, and Satisfaction within Managerial Dyads

In this study of 142 managerial dyads in four industrial settings, the accuracy of the subordinate's perceptions of what his superior expects of him and the extent to which the subordinate complies...
Status Disagreement: An Insidious Obstacle to Team Dynamics and Performance

Hierarchies are pervasive in groups, generally providing clear guidelines for the dominance and deference behaviors that members are expected to show based on their relative ranks. But what happens...
Comparison of Loblolly and Shortleaf Pine Bolts as Hosts of the Southern Pine Beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

Southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann, adults were introduced to 2-m bolts of loblolly, Pinus taeda L., and shortleaf pine, P. echinata Mill., to determine the effect of host species on the beetle's reproductive potential. A multivariate analysis of variance test revealed significant differences in parent gallery characteristics between host species. Although the average distance between egg niches was similar in both species, the average parent gallery was almost 90 mm longer in the shortleaf bolts. No statistically significant differences were found in average brood survival or average brood length. However, loblolly pine bolts consistently produced more brood adults. The sex ratio of emerged brood was not significantly different from 1:1 for either host species.
Longitudinal smooth muscle of the mammalian intestine. A model for Ca2+ signaling by cADPR

Ca2+ mobilization in muscle cells from the circular muscle layer of the mammalian intestine is mediated by IP3-dependent Ca2+ release. Ca2+ mobilization in muscle from the adjacent longitudinal muscle layer involves a distinct, phosphoinositide-independent pathway. Receptors for contractile agonists in longitudinal muscle cells are coupled via a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein to activation of PLA2 and formation of arachidonic acid (AA). The latter activates Cl- channels resulting in depolarization of the plasma membrane and opening of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels. Ca2+ influx via these channels induces Ca2+ release by activating sarcoplasmic ryanodine receptor/Ca2+ channels. The increase in [Ca2+]i activates membrane-bound ADP ribosyl cyclase, and the resultant formation of cADPR enhances Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release.
Analysis on the laboratory diagnosis coincidence of hepatitis E in Jiangsu Province in 2012

Objective To analyze the laboratory diagnosis coincidence of hepatitis E in Jiangsu Province in 2012.Methods Stratified random method was used to choose 2-3 cities from each of south,middle and north of Jiangsu Province,and to further choose the provincial,municipal and county hospitals from each city.Afterward,the laboratory diagnosis coincidence were analyzed by re-checking the reported cases.Results 490 cases from a total of 23 county-level or above medical institutions were effective investigation cases.The laboratory diagnosis coincidence rate was 91.84%.The diagnostic accordance rate in the provincial,municipal and county hospitals,as well as the south,middle and north of Jiangsu Province was 85.07%,93.45%,92.27% and 89.34,94.19%,91.55%,respectively.The awareness rates of laboratory diagnostic criteria and report type of HEV for clinicians were 50.38% and 33.75%,respectively,the highest of which came from country hospitals.Conclusions The laboratory diagnosis coincidence rate of hepatitis E in Jiangsu Province is relatively high.However,the awareness rate about HEV relevant knowledge needs to be improved.Therefore,it is necessary to strengthen the training and communication,and improve the HEV monitoring network as well as propel practical HEV diagnostic criteria.
Analysis of Agricultural Monitoring and Early-warning System in Guangdong Province

In the era of big data,agricultural data resources integration and explore plays an important role in the development of modern agriculture.Based on the analysis of construction demand in agricultural information monitoring and early warning system in Guangdong province,this paper elaborated the present situation of agricultural information monitoring and early warning system in Guangdong Province.The problems were also stated including low utilization rate of the data,sharing complexities and the shortage of date reality.At last,it put forward a series of suggestions such as integration of resources,structural improvement,strengthening early warning and reinforcements of training,etc.
Lessons learned from leading a Canadian psychotherapy medical education program

Introduction Under Canadian training requirements, psychiatry residents must demonstrate proficiency in various psychotherapy modalities such as cognitive behavior therapy and psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Objective Building from an earlier case study of the development of a comprehensive psychotherapy education program, the current presentation explores lessons learned from the ongoing delivery of this program to psychiatrists in training. Innovative strategies, opportunities, challenges and current outcomes on the delivery of this program are explored through a case study framework. The design, implementation and ongoing operation of the psychotherapy education program are based on the Royal College of Physicians of Canada specialty training requirements in psychiatry. Methods In the context of the case study framework, a Canadian psychotherapy training program for psychiatrists in training is analysed. The psychotherapy education model is designed and operated to offer a gradual and integrated educational and clinical experience in psychotherapy over four years of training. Results The psychotherapy education program was investigated to explore new frameworks and innovative strategies of delivery and operation. Among the lessons learned were the need to maintain formally structured, modality specific teaching and supervision, video recording of sessions in supervision, provision of additional protected psychotherapy time, access to online training resources and utilization of non-physician mental health experts. Conclusions This presentation will investigate the ongoing insights emerging from managing delivery of different psychotherapy competencies to psychiatrists in training in a Royal College of Physicians of Canada accredited program. Implications for training, practice and future research will be discussed.
The Rotational Spectra of H2CCSi and H2C4Si

Abstract The microwave rotational spectra of two singlet chains H 2 CCSi and H 2 C 4 Si, have been observed in a pulsed supersonic molecular beam by Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy. Following detection of the singly substituted rare isotopic species and D 2 CCSi, an experimental structure ( r 0 ) has been determined to high accuracy for H 2 CCSi by isotopic substitution. In addition, the rotational transitions of the 29 Si and the two 13 C isotopic species of H 2 CCSi exhibit nuclear spin–rotation hyperfine structure. The component of the spin–rotation tensor along the a -inertial axis is abnormally large for each of these isotopic species, especially for that with 29 Si, where the magnitude of C aa is in excess of 700 kHz.
Large and small signal models for simulation of high speed modfet ICS

Large and small signal models for GaAlAs MODFETs have been developed. Transconductances, conductances, and capacitances for the two dimensional electron gas (2DEG) and the AlGaAs parasitic layers have been formulated. The model was then implemented in SPICE.
Respiratory Compromise as a New Paradigm for the Care of Vulnerable Hospitalized Patients

Acute respiratory compromise describes a deterioration in respiratory function with a high likelihood of rapid progression to respiratory failure and death. Identifying patients at risk for respiratory compromise coupled with monitoring of patients who have developed respiratory compromise might allow earlier interventions to prevent or mitigate further decompensation. The National Association for the Medical Direction of Respiratory Care (NAMDRC) organized a workshop meeting with representation from many national societies to address the unmet needs of respiratory compromise from a clinical practice perspective. Respiratory compromise may arise de novo or may complicate preexisting lung disease. The group identified distinct subsets of respiratory compromise that present similar opportunities for early detection and useful intervention to prevent respiratory failure. The subtypes were characterized by the pathophysiological mechanisms they had in common: impaired control of breathing, impaired airway protection, parenchymal lung disease, increased airway resistance, hydrostatic pulmonary edema, and right-ventricular failure. Classification of acutely ill respiratory patients into one or more of these categories may help in selecting the screening and monitoring strategies that are most appropriate for the patient's particular pathophysiology. Standardized screening and monitoring practices for patients with similar mechanisms of deterioration may enhance the ability to predict respiratory failure early and prevent its occurrence.
Stabilization of collapsing scroll waves in systems with random heterogeneities

In three-dimensional reaction-diffusion systems, excitation waves may form and rotate around a one-dimensional phase singularity called the filament. If the filament forms a closed curve, it will shrink over time and eventually collapse. However, filaments may pin to non-reactive objects present in the medium, reducing their rate of collapse or even allowing them to persist indefinitely. We use numerical simulations to study how different arrangements of non-reactive spheres affect the dynamics of circular filaments. As the filament contracts, it gets closer to and eventually touches and pins to objects in its path. This causes two possible behaviors. The filament can detach from the spheres in its path, slowing down the rate of contraction, or it can remain pinned to a collection of spheres. In general, more or larger spheres increase the chance that the filament remains pinned, but there are exceptions. It is possible for a small number of small spheres to support the filament and possible for the filament to pass through a large number of large spheres. Our work yields insights into the pinning of scroll waves in excitable tissue such as cardiac muscle, where scar tissue acts in a way similar to the non-reactive domains.
The Burke phase: A Mississippian frontier in the North Carolina foothills

ment the history of Burke phase archaeology, and, using four lines of data mound construction, mortuary assemblages, settlement patterns, and ethnohistorical sources suggest that one or more regional polities, or chiefdoms, integrated portions of the study area during Burke phase times. The authors further suggest that two specific factors, an ecotone setting and a location along major trade routes, had particularly important roles in the success of Mississippian strategies along this South Appalachian frontier.
Fluctuation in on‐again/off‐again romantic relationships: Foreboding or functional?

This study explored how fluctuations in satisfaction and perceived partner commitment were associated with stability measures (e.g., commitment, perceived stability, relational uncertainty, turbulence) in both on-again/off-again and noncyclical relationships. Participants completed an initial survey, 8 weekly surveys, and a final survey. Results suggest fluctuation in perceived partner commitment across the weekly surveys was associated with all measures of stability when moderated by relationship type; fluctuation was negatively associated with the stability measures for noncyclical relationships but positively for on–off relationships. For fluctuation in satisfaction, this same pattern was found for commitment only. Overall, fluctuation, particularly in perceived partner commitment, was not viewed as disruptive for on–off partners; rather, fluctuation appeared to foster more steady and viable views of the relationship.
Polarimetric observations by a phase-tilt weather radar in the DFW network

During the Spring of 2014 a Phase-Tilt Weather Radar (PTWR) developed by the University of Massachusetts was deployed within the Dallas-Fort Worth Urban Testbed operated by the CASA Engineering Research Center. During an eight-week period it observed several weather events including severe thunderstorms and stratiform rain. Observations by the phased-array radar were compared to a nearby mechanically-scanned dual-polarized radar employing a parabolic dish with the objective of assessing the relative severity of biases in polarimetric observations by the PTWR. Such biases are due to polarization-basis rotation due to scanning along a tilted axis. It is expected these would be negligible except possibly at large (> 10°) elevation angles. At lower elevation angles where near-direct comparisons were possible, differences in observations were not uniquely attributable to this souce of error.
Multifunctional Cross-Linked Polymeric Membranes for Safe, High-Performance Lithium Batteries

Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are the dominant power source in portable device technology and are poised to play a similar, important role in electrified transportation systems. While significant strides have been made in recent years in evolving the cathode chemistry and electrolyte formulations to meet higher energy storage demands, almost all contemporary LIB designs rely on flammable electrolyte solvents that are fundamentally unsafe. Here we report a facile UV cross-linking chemistry that can be used to create ion-conducting polymer networks containing dangling chains that impart specific, desired functionalities to liquid electrolytes. We show in particular that incorporation of monofunctional sulfonate and phosphate species in a photo-/heat-initiated cross-linking reaction of a multifunctional oligomer provides a straightforward route to mechanically robust membranes able to transform both transport properties and flammability of standard liquid electrolytes incorporated in their pores. We evaluate ...
Queering the Interspecies Encounter: Yoko Tawada’s Memoirs of a Polar Bear

In Yoko Tawada’s (Etuden im Schnee, Tubingen, Claudia Gehrke Verlag, 2014) novel Etuden im Schnee (Memoirs of a Polar Bear), the lives of three generations of polar bears are intricately intertwined with those of their human companions. As the story unfolds through shifting narrative perspectives between bear and human, intimate bodily encounters occur across species lines that disturb the anthropocentric and heteronormative order. In a critical effort to queer zoopoetics and to approach queer theory from the perspective of the animal, this chapter argues that animals and animality are important metaphorical and material sites of intersectionality.
The Influences of Mechanical Load on Concrete-Filled FRP Tube Cylinders Subjected to Environmental Corrosion

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) has been introduced into civil engineering since last century and finds tremendous applications in retrofitting and constructing infrastructures. Numerous studies have been done on its durability performance; however, most of the test specimens were not applied with mechanical loads while subjecting to environmental conditions, which didn’t reflect the actual service load in a real application. This paper aims to investigate the influence of mechanical loads on concrete-filled FRP tube (CFFT) cylinders while they are under harsh environmental conditions. Both loaded and unloaded specimens were put into an environmental chamber and exposed to freeze/thaw cycles, wet/dry cycles, and heating/cooling cycles for 72 days. Compression tests and split-disk tensile tests were conducted on the CFFT cylinders and the outer FRP tubes, respectively, after the conditioning was completed. Experimental results showed slight reduction on the stress, but considerable decrease on the strain for loaded CFFT when comparing to unloaded specimens.
Tuning Vector Stability and Integration Frequency Elevates Functional GPCR Production and Homogeneity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Membrane proteins play a valuable role in biotechnology, yet the difficulty of producing high yields of functional membrane protein limits their use in synthetic biology. The practical application of G protein-coupled receptors in whole cell biosensors, for example, is restricted to those that are functionally produced at the cell surface in the chosen host, limiting the range of detectable molecules. Here, we present a facile approach to significantly improve the yield and homogeneity of functional membrane proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by altering only the choice of expression vector. Expression of a model GPCR, the human adenosine A2a receptor, from commonly used centromeric and episomal vectors leads to low yields and cellular heterogeneity due to plasmid loss in 20–90% of the cell population. In contrast, homogeneous production of GPCR is attained using a multisite integrating vector or a novel, modified high copy vector that does not require genomic integration or addition of any selection ag...
Inhibition of the glioblastoma cell cycle by type I IFNs occurs at both the G1 and S phases and correlates with the upregulation of p21(WAF1/CIP1).

The antiproliferative effect of IFNα was tested on the human glioblastoma cell lines, U-373MG and T98G. IFNα significantly inhibited the growth of both cell lines, but was more effective in retarding the growth of U-373MG cells. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that synchronized IFNα-treated U-373MG cells showed a strong block in the progression of cells out of the S phase of the cell cycle. T98G cells, on the other hand, showed a moderate delay in the transition of cells from G1 to S phase and only a slight delay in the S phase, consistent with the decreased antiproliferative effect of IFNα on this cell line. IFNα-treated cells were then tested for the induction of the tumor suppressor gene product, p21WAF1/CIP1. Higher levels of p21WAF1/CIP1 were detected in lysates from IFNα-treated U-373MG cells as compared to media controls for as long as 18 h. In IFNα-treated T98G cells, p21WAF1/CIP1 levels were slightly elevated at 4 and 6 h, but decreased to levels similar to controls thereafter, correlating with the antiproliferative effects of IFNα on each cell line. Immunoprecipitation studies on lysates from IFNα-treated U-373MG and T98G cells indicated that increased amounts of p21WAF1/CIP1 were complexed to both cyclin D1 and cyclin E. Further, reduced cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (cdk2) activity was found in both IFNα-treated U-373MG and T98G cells, suggesting a mechanism by which p21WAF1/CIP1 exerted its antiproliferative effects. Lastly, we analyzed the time-dependent production of the cyclins Dl, E, and A. No differences in cyclin D1 levels were found between IFNα-treated and media-treated U-373MG and T98G cells. However, both IFNα-treated U-373MG and T98G cells showed a prolonged elevation in cyclin E, correlating with the G1 to S phase delays observed in these cell lines. Further, the duration of cyclin E production corresponded with the magnitude of the cell cycle delays seen in IFNα-treated U-373MG and T98G cells. Prolonged elevation of cyclin A was also seen in both IFNα-treated U-373MG and T98G cells, the magnitude of which correlated with the S phase delay observed in these cell lines. Thus, the data indicate that IFNα has significant antiproliferative activity against glioblastoma cells that is mediated, at least in part, by the tumor suppressor gene product, p21WAF1/CIP1.
Efficient assembly of quantum dots with homogenous glycans derived from natural N-linked glycoproteins

Coating inorganic nanoparticles with polyethylene glycol (PEG)-appended ligands, as means to preserve their physical characteristics and promote steric interactions with biological systems, including enhanced aqueous solubility and reduced immunogenicity, has been explored by several groups. Conversely, macromolecules present in the human serum and on the surface of cells are densely coated with hydrophilic glycans that act to reduce nonspecific interactions, while facilitating specific binding and interactions. In particular, N-linked glycans are abundant on the surface of most serum proteins and are composed of a branched architecture that is typically characterized by a significant level of molecular heterogeneity. Here we provide two distinct methodologies, covalent bioconjugation and self-assembly, to functionalize two types of Quantum Dots with a homogeneous, complex-type N-linked glycan terminated with a sialic acid moiety. A detailed physical and functional characterization of these glycan-coated nanoparticles has been performed. Our findings support the potential use of such fluorescent platforms to sense glycan-involved biological processes, such as lectin recognition and sialidase-mediated hydrolysis.
Lightweight AlCrTiV high-entropy alloys with dual-phase microstructure via microalloying

Single-phase equiatomic AlCrTiV high-entropy alloy has high hardness and relative low density. Further hardness increase was achieved through the addition of lightweight microalloying elements, based on calculation of phase diagram (CALPHAD) modeling. According to the results of CALPHAD calculation, microalloying equiatomic AlCrTiV high-entropy alloy with boron, carbon, and silicon will result in the formation of secondary phases. CALPHAD calculation also shows addition of lightweight elements can affect the order–disorder transition of microalloyed AlCrTiV high-entropy alloy. Dual-phase microstructure consisting of BCC_B2 matrix and an intermetallic phase is observed in these microalloyed alloys. Electron microscopy characterization confirms that the experimental results are consistent with CALPHAD prediction. Microalloyed AlCrTiV alloys have density close to 4.5 g cm−3 and hardness up to 710 HV. Compared to other high-entropy alloys, the microalloyed AlCrTiV alloys have a good combination of specific hardness, low cost, and ease of manufacturing, and thus they are promising for lightweight applications.
Purification of a non-specific nucleoside hydrolase from Alaska pea seeds.

Abstract A non-specific nucleoside hydrolase has been isolated from germinated Alaska pea seeds. The enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of both purines and pyrimidines along with ribo- and deoxyribonucleosides. A purification scheme utilized ammonium sulfate precipitation, ion exchange chromatography and size exclusion chromatography, resulted in 103-fold purification with a recovery of 2.8%. The purified protein has a specific activity of 0.308 μmol/min•mg. The subunit molecular weight was 26103 Da and the enzyme exists as a dimer. The enzyme retains a significant amount of activity over a wide pH range with the maximum activity occurring at a pH of 6.0. The maximum activity was observed with adenosine as the substrate followed by inosine and guanosine, respectively. The Km for adenosine was 184 ± 34 μM and for inosine 283 ± 88 μM. In addition to the nucleoside hydrolase activity, adenosine deaminase activity was seen in the initial extract. Using adenosine as the substrate with the initial extract from the germinated seeds, the products adenine, inosine, and hypoxanthine were identified based on their retention times during reverse phase HPLC.
Ola Ka ʻĀina

What is the environment? To many, the environment is the space in which animals and plants dwell, and is separate from humans. One’s wellbeing is considered to be internal; the health of a person is often seen as a self-contained process of individual longevity and happiness. In the Hawaiian language, there are two approximate phrases for the notion of environment: 1) ʻano o ka nohona - oneʻs relationship to oneʻs place, and 2) nā mea e hoʻopuna ana - everything that encircles the person. The linoleum block print, Ola ka ʻāina (loosely translated as "We, the environment, thrive"), represents the intertwined relationship between humans and “the environment.”Within the print, the sun’s energy trickles down as stream water to sustain the agricultural fields of traditional crops, then becomes ocean in which sea creatures dwell. It then drapes the woman as hair, which represents spiritual power within Hawaiian and Korean culture, only to return back to the earth in which new life grows. As an artist and farmer with Hawaiian and Korean cultural values, the environment is not a separate entity from man, but a physical manifestation of relationships. Therefore, our well-being is dependent on how we connect and care for each other. ʻĀina, a Hawaiian word often translated as “land,” literally means “that which feeds.” Therefore, the way we interact with our skies, mountains, fields, oceans, and other living beings is a reflection of our own health as individuals. This notion continues to be an essential foundation for the sustainability of the collective health of my cultures and has immensely influenced my work as an undergraduate scholar in sustainable agriculture at Stanford University. I hope to encourage everyone to cultivate a relationship with all that is around us through growing and eating whole foods,
Giving Shape to the Shapeless: Divine Incomprehensibility, Moral Knowledge, and Symbolic Representation

Fichte’s philosophy of religion is widely recognized for its distinctiveness. In this chapter, I examine some of the core commitments that comprise it. First, I reconstruct Fichte’s arguments for the claim that God is ultimately incomprehensible (unbegreiflich) for finite human beings, drawing primarily on writings from his “Jena” period. Fichte’s views on the nature of understanding and of concepts, alongside other important positions, motivate his insistence on God’s incomprehensibility. Second, I show how Fichte develops the thought that moral action in a social context is the arena in which God can be represented or “symbolized,” both through the collective endeavor to understand the ultimate “supersensible something” and through the formation of a free community of individuals who together comprise the “image of God.”
P50 inhibitory sensory gating in schizophrenia: analysis of recent studies

Abstract Introduction Inhibitory sensory gating of the P50 cerebral evoked potential to paired auditory stimuli (S1, S2) is a widely used paradigm for the study of schizophrenia and related conditions. Its use to measure genetic, treatment, and developmental effects requires a metric with more stable properties than the simple ratio of the paired responses. Methods This study assessed the ratio P50S2μV/P50S1μV and P50S2μV co-varied for P50S1μV in all 27 independent published studies that compared schizophrenia patients with healthy controls from 2000 to 2019. The largest study from each research group was selected. The Colorado research group's studies were excluded to eliminate bias from the first report of the phenomenon. Results Across the 27 studies encompassing 1179 schizophrenia patients and 1091 healthy controls, both P50S2μV co-varied for P50S1μV and P50S2μV/P50S1μV significantly separated the patients from the controls (both P Conclusion Both methods detect an abnormality of cerebral inhibition in schizophrenia with high significance across multiple independent laboratories. The normal distribution of P50S2μV co-varied for P50S1μV makes it more suitable for studies of genetic, treatment, and other influences on the development and expression of inhibitory deficits in schizophrenia.
In Silico Engineering of Hydrate Antiagglomerant Molecules Using Bias-Exchange Metadynamics Simulations

We use bias-exchange metadynamics simulations to quantify the adsorption of Antiagglomerant molecules to the surface of sII methane-propane gas hydrate. Multiple steps of sampling binding configura...
Disparity of Racial/Ethnic Representation in Publications Contributing to Overactive Bladder Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to compare the racial/ethnic representation in studies supporting the 2019 American Urological Association/Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction overactive bladder diagnosis and treatment guideline to the racial/ethnic distribution of the U.S. population. METHODS We analyzed the race and ethnicity of participants in the articles cited in the 2019 American Urological Association/Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction nonneurogenic overactive bladder guidelines. The primary outcome was the representation quotient, the ratio of the proportion of a racial/ethnic group in the guideline studies relative to the estimated proportion of that group in the U.S. population. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson χ2 test. RESULTS There were 387 studies included, 35% of which reported participants' race. Of the studies that included U.S. participants, 111 (61%) reported race and 44 (24%) reported Hispanic ethnicity. The representation quotient for White and Asian participants was 1.06 and 1.62, indicating overrepresentation relative to the U.S. population, respectively. The representation quotient for Black, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaska Native participants was 0.85, 0.56, and 0.02, respectively, indicating underrepresentation for these groups. Evaluation of the representation quotients over time revealed no meaningful change in representation from 1990 to 2019 for any racial/ethnic group. CONCLUSIONS The evidence based on the overactive bladder guidelines is derived from studies that frequently failed to report race/ethnicity and is not reflective of the U.S. population. Black, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaska Native participants that are underrepresented in U.S.-based studies, highlighting the need for more inclusive recruitment strategies in overactive bladder research.
Burnout and Worklife in Disaster Restoration: Maslach Burnout Inventory and Areas of Worklife Survey

AbstractDisaster restoration professionals operate in an inherently stressful niche of the construction industry. Their work often demands being on call and working long hours under stressful and d...
Re: Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and High School Performance.

The authors are commended for attempting to elucidate the poorly understood consequences of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a current global public health concern.1 Contrasting school test results from children diagnosed with NAS with matched controls and other children, the authors conclude that NAS is “strongly associated with poor and deteriorating school performance.” Determining academic risk for substance-exposed children could inform the need for early intervention services; therefore, the information could be important. We are concerned that this conclusion is not supported by the methodological approach, potentially leading to inaccurate perceptions by the public and policymakers. The article uses only minimal criteria to match NAS … E-mail: mishka.terplan{at}vcuhealth.org
Significance of Two Soil Components of the Pedosphere as Carbon Sinks

In this paper we explore the distribution of wet soils (organic and mineral) in the conterminous United States with respect to land use and carbon sequestration. We used information from the National Resource Inventory of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (Soil Conservation Service, 1987), and from the literature, to estimate potential carbon storage in wet soils.
Alternative Abeta immunotherapy approaches for Alzheimer's disease.

In a seminal report in 1999, Schenk and colleagues demonstrated that vaccination of a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with amyloid-β1–42 peptide (Aβ1–42) and adjuvant resulted in striking mitigation of AD-like pathology – giving rise to the field of AD immunotherapy. Later studies confirmed this result in other mouse models of AD and additionally showed cognitive improvement after Aβ vaccination. Based on these results, early developmental clinical trials ensued to immunize AD patients with Aβ1–42 plus adjuvant (so-called “active” Aβ immunotherapy; trade name AN-1792; Elan Pharmaceuticals, Dublin, Ireland). However, the phase IIa trial was halted after 6 % of patients developed aseptic meningoencephalitis. Despite occurrence of this adverse event, many individuals demonstrated high serum antibody titres to Aβ and histological evidence of clearance of the hallmark AD pathology, β-amyloid plaques. While raising justifiable safety concerns, these important results nonetheless demonstrated the feasibility of the active Aβ immunotherapy approach. This review focuses on alternative approaches to active Aβ vaccination that are currently in various stages of development – from pre-clinical studies in animal models to current clinical trials. Specifically, the focus is on those strategies that target inflammatory and immune aspects of AD, and can therefore be classified as immunotherapeutic in a broad sense.
The Influence of Argumentative Role (Initiator vs. Resistor) on Perceptions of Serial Argument Resolvability and Relational Harm

Intimate partners are sometimes unable to resolve an argument in a single episode. Often this results in serial arguing as one individual repeatedly confronts a resisting other over the same issue. This study investigates how adopting the role of initiator versus resistor impacts experiences with and perceptions of a serial argument. The results of a survey of undergraduates in dating relationships indicate that relative to resistors, initiators report that the initial argumentative episode resulted from an urgent need for action; that they planned what they would say prior to the confrontation; and that they were demanding while their partners withdrew from the interaction. Regardless of an individual's argumentative role, the more times a serial argument had occurred, the more predictable or ‘scripted’ the content of each episode was perceived to be. However, among resistors, the more times a serial argument had occurred, the less resolvable the argument was perceived to be and the more harmful it was seen to be to the relationship. In contrast, among initiators, there were nonsignificant trends which indicated that the more times a serial argument had occurred, the more resolvable it was perceived to be and the less relational harm that had resulted from it. Implications for future research are discussed.