cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular Phylogeny and Dating of Early Primate Divergences

Rapid evolutionary radiations characterize many higher-level taxa. This pattern of diversification poses a challenge for accurate phylogenetic reconstruction, since the few synapomorphies defining short internal branches are often overwritten over long periods of evolutionary time, making determination of homology difficult and rendering the outgroup method of rooting prone to error for both molecular and morphological systematic investigations (Carroll, 1988; Novacek, 1992; Swofford et al., 1996). These issues can be addressed and hopefully overcome by employing comprehensive taxon sampling, large numbers of characters, multiple data sets (derived from different sources), and diverse inferential techniques. In spite of being limited to samples of only living or recently extinct taxa, molecular data have great potential to help decipher the pattern and timing of rapid and ancient radiations. Specifically, they provide a means to collect larger numbers of phylogenetic characters than most morphological data matrices, and present a simpler and better understood mode of evolution that can be currently modeled within a maximum likelihood (ML) framework (e.g., Goldman et al., 2000; Swofford et al., 1996; Whelan et al., 2001).
Exploratory Tongue Flicking By Green Iguanas in Laboratory and Field

Tongue flicking (rapid tongue extrusion) is an integral component of the behavior of all snakes and many lizards (Gove, 1979; Simon, 1983). Such tongue flicking has been related to vomeronasal functioning in many snakes (e.g., Burghardt, 1970, 1980; Gillingham and Clark, 1981; Halpern and Kubie, 1981, 1983; Kubie and Halpern, 1979; Meredith and Burghardt, 1979; Chiszar, 1981; Graves and Duvall, 1985 and others). However, in lizards direct experimental evidence for vomeronasal involvement is sparse. Indeed a recent persuasive case has been made for taste being the function of much lizard tongue flicking, especially when contact with objects occurs (Schwenk, 1985). Lizards do often have well-developed taste buds on the tongue while no species of snake has been documented to have lingual taste buds. Surgical studies (c.f., Hammerman and Thomas, 1967) eliminating gustation in lizards may eventually be necessary.
Finite Element Methods for Reactor Analysis

AbstractThe application of the finite element method to problems in neutron diffusion in space, energy, and time is studied. The use of piecewise polynomials with a variational form of the diffusion equation leads to algebraic systems of equations with characteristics similar to the usual finite difference equations. In Part I, a theoretical analysis of the finite element method, with Hermite polynomials, is presented and rigorous error bounds for the approximate solution are developed. In Part II, numerical studies are presented for problems in space and time. The results confirm the theoretical analysis and indicate the power of the method for diffusion problems.
HRTEM and Diffraction Analysis of Surface Phases in Nanostructured LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 Spinel

The Ni doped transition metal spinel LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 is an excellent candidate as Liion cathode material for high voltage applications due to its high capacity (> 130 mAh/g) with good cycling and rate capabilities at room temperature. In order to improve its performance at high temperatures (60 °C), we have introduced a surface modification process involving treatments in hydrofluoric (H-treated) or phosphoric (P-treated) acids followed by high temperature annealing. The surface modified LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 spinel show drastically improved impedance and capacity retention with enhanced cycle life and rate capabilities over untreated spinel. In this paper, we present HRTEM, diffraction and image simulation results on the formation of a surface phase induced by these surface acidic and annealing treatments.
Robust Modality Selection in Radiotherapy

External beam radiotherapy attempts to maximize tumor-damage while limiting toxicity on healthy tissue. Although several modalities with distinctive biological and physical properties are available, none is dominant. A mathematical formulation for optimal modality selection with uncertainty in these properties is presented. Uncertainty is incorporated via a robust approach. The problem decomposes into finitely many subproblems with analytically solvable Karush-Kuhn-Tucker conditions. Numerical experiments demonstrate how uncertainty affects optimal solutions even when clinical intuition is not readily available.
Narratives and Evaluation: How to Write Competitive NSF CS Education Proposals

You develop a plan for testing the prototype for a new learning strategy in your class or across institutions. How can you ensure that your plan is clearly understood by reviewers and the managing NSF program officer? What goes through the reviewer's mind once a proposal is submitted? What prompts one proposal to be recommended for funding but another declined? Close examination of the panel review process can inform proposal writing and ensure that reviewers will understand an idea, identify its merit, and value a PI's vision of how the work will broaden participation in STEM education. This workshop steps through the NSF proposal review process from submission of proposal to award or decline, touching on NSF intellectual merit and broader impact criteria, mapping the project pipeline to appropriate evaluation. Participants gain insight into writing a good review and improving one's own proposal writing. For further information and travel support see: https://people.cs.clemson.edu/~etkraem/UPCSEd/. Laptops recommended.
Vestibular ontogeny: measuring the influence of the dynamic environment.

In comparison to other special senses, we are only meagerly informed about the development of vestibular function and the mechanisms that may operate to control or influence the course of vestibular ontogeny. Perhaps one contributing factor to this disparity is the difficulty of evaluating vestibular sense organs directly and noninvasively. The present report describes a recently developed direct noninvasive vestibular function test that can be used to address many basic questions about the developing vestibular system. More particularly, the test can be used to examine the effects of the dynamic environment (e.g. gravitational field and vibration) on vestibular ontogeny.
The Generation Of Integrity Bases

We consider constitutive relations of the form where W is a scalar and where P is a polynomial function. The symmetry properties of the material considered impose restrictions on the form of P. Thus, let ei. denote the base vectors associated with a rectangular cartesian coordinate system x whose orientation relative to the preferred directions (if any) in the material is specified. Let
The association of robotic lobectomy volume and nodal upstaging in non-small cell lung cancer.

Robotic lung resection for lung cancer has gained popularity over the last 10 years. As with many surgical techniques, there are improvements in outcomes associated with increased operative volume. We sought to investigate lymph-node harvest and upstaging rates for robotic lobectomies performed at hospitals with varying robotic experience. The National Cancer Data Base was queried for patients with early stage non-small cell lung cancer who received lobectomy between 2010 and 2015. Hospitals were stratified into volume categories based on the number of robotic resections performed, as a proxy for robotic experience: low at ≤ 12, low–middle 13–26, middle–high 27–52, and high volume at greater than or equal to 53. Lymph-node counts and nodal upstaging were compared among these volume categories. 8360 robotic lobectomies were performed. Mean lymph-node counts were for low, low–middle, middle–high, and high-volume robotic lobectomies were 9.8, 11.4, 12.9, and 12.6, respectively (P < 0.001), while nodal-upstaging rates were 10.3%, 10.2%, 12.8%, and 13.4%, respectively (P < 0.001). Compared to low-volume hospitals, on multivariable analysis, high-volume robotic centers had increased nodal harvest (P < 0.001) and nodal-upstaging rates (P < 0.001). Robotic lobectomies performed at high-volume hospitals have greater lymph-node harvest and upstaging than low-volume hospitals.
Reducing Precoder/Channel Mismatch and Enhancing Secrecy in Practical MIMO Systems Using Artificial Signals

Practical multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) systems depend on a predefined set of precoders to provide spatial multiplexing gain. This limitation on the flexibility of the precoders affects the overall performance. Here, we propose a transmission scheme that can reduce the effect of mismatch between users’ channels and precoders. The scheme uses the channel knowledge to generate an artificial signal, which realigns the predefined precoder to the actual channel. Moreover, the scheme can provide an additional level of secrecy for the communication link. The performance of the proposed scheme is evaluated using bit-error rate (BER), error vector magnitude (EVM), and secrecy capacity. The results show a significant improvement for the legitimate user, along with a degradation for the eavesdropper.
Computational Thinking Curriculum for Unmanned Aerial Systems

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) can explore common, vast and unsafe places at low cost. They could transform multiple sectors from photography to farming to city planning. However, the software underlying UAS is complex and requires multiple distinct programming skills, e.g., AI, machine learning and flight control. Few programmers encompass these skills, hampering software development and dampening the impact of UAS. We contend that early exposure to UAS software could help align workforce skills. However, early exposure requires curriculum that (1) captures the breadth of UAS software, (2) supports multiple levels of depth for diverse programming backgrounds and (3) fits within resource and institutional challenges. We propose a computational thinking framework. In our approach, lessons fit within 20-30 minute instructional blocks, making them usable in short workshop and extended classroom settings. UAV topics and computational thinking depth link lessons. Teachers can trade breadth for in-depth coding and vice versa. In early work, we presented an autonomous UAS to middle school students. Our 1 hour workshop focused on breadth and was received well.
5G and UAVs for Mission-Critical Communications: Swift Network Recovery for Search-and-Rescue Operations

We introduce a new approach for Search-and-Rescue Operations (SAROs) to search for survivors after large-scale disasters, assuming the wireless communication network cells are partially operational and exploiting the recent trend of using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) as a part of the network. These SAROs are based on the idea that almost all survivors have their own wireless mobile devices, called User Equipments (UEs), which serve as human-based sensors on the ground. Our approach is aimed at accounting for limited UE battery power while providing critical information to first responders: 1) generate immediate crisis maps for the disaster-impacted areas, 2) provide vital information about where the majority of survivors are clustered/crowded, and 3) prioritize the impacted areas to identify regions that urgently need communication coverage.
Cannabis: the plant, its evolution, and its genetics—with an emphasis on Italy

This paper presents a scoping review of recent literature regarding the phylogenetics of Cannabis, descending the taxonomic ranks of family, genus, species, subspecies, and varieties. The family Cannabaceae now consists of ten genera. Cannabis is a monotypic genus consisting of one species, Cannabis sativa L. The monotypic model is supported by DNA “barcode” studies. Two subspecies are recognized, and the number of varieties has increased to six. When and where Cannabis evolved has been explored, using molecular clock analyses and fossil pollen studies, respectively. The ubiquitous vernacular taxonomy of drug-type plants— “Sativa” and “Indica”—is deconstructed, and placed in a formal botanical framework. Italy has been a crossroads of Cannabis fiber-type plant genotypes, between Europe and Asia.
To Earmark or to Non-Earmark? The Role of Control, Transparency, Salience and Warm-Glow

Charities face tension when deciding whether or not to offer earmarking to donors — i.e., let donors restrict donations to a specific purpose. Research shows that earmarking decreases operational performance because it limits charities’ flexibility to use donations. However, there is also a common belief that earmarking increases donations. Earmarking is assumed to increase donations through four mechanisms: by (i) giving donors control over their donations, (ii) increasing operational transparency of donations (iii) leveraging highly salient projects and (iv) increasing donors’ warm-glow. To resolve this tension, we study how, when, and why earmarking affects donors’ decisions. We consider three important decisions donors make that impact the fundraising outcome: preference between earmarking and non-earmarking, decision on whether to donate or not (i.e., donor activation) and donation amount. We design three online experiments that allow us to quantify the effect of earmarking on donors’ decisions and investigate the role of the four mechanisms in fundraising. Our results reveal that earmarking has varying effects on the three decisions donors make and does not always increase donations. Moreover, we determine the conditions under which the four mechanisms affect the outcome of fundraising campaigns. Our findings provide clear insights for how charities can design fundraising campaigns more effectively and suggest when to leverage earmarking and the four mechanisms depending on the charity’s fundraising goals.
Progress in Hardware-Assisted Real-Time Garbage Collection

Hardware-assisted real-time garbage collection offers more reliable operation and higher performance than software-only real-time garbage collection systems. Completed simulation studies have analyzed the behavior of a hardware-assisted garbage collection system tuned primarily to achieve high throughput. Based on these studies, we conclude that system designers can trade small amounts of performance loss for significant cost reductions. This paper provides an overview of an alternative design for hardware-assisted real-time garbage collection that has been configured with the primary goal of maximizing performance per unit cost. Improved functionality is achieved by providing support for a variety of garbage collection algorithms, including fully copying, incremental mark and sweep, mostly stationary, and generational techniques.
Visual exploration of stream pattern changes using a data-driven framework

When using visualization techniques to explore data streams, an important task is to convey pattern changes. Challenges include: (1) Most data analysis tasks require users to observe the pattern change over a long time range; (2) The change rate of patterns is not a constant, and most users are normally more interested in bigger changes than smaller ones. Although distorting the time axis as proposed in the literature can partially solve this problem, most of these are driven by the user. This is however not applicable to streaming data exploration tasks that normally require near real-time responsiveness. In this paper, we propose a data-driven framework to merge and thus condense time windows having small or no changes. Only significant changes are shown to users. Juxtaposed views are discussed for conveying data pattern changes. Our experiments show that our merge algorithm preserves more change information than uniform sampling. We also conducted a user study to confirm that our proposed techniques can help users find pattern changes more quickly than via a non-distorted time axis.
Ageing, autoimmunity and arthritis: Senescence of the B cell compartment – implications for humoral immunity

Immunosenescence is associated with a decline in both T and B lymphocyte function. Although aged individuals have normal numbers of B cells in the periphery and are capable of mounting robust humoral responses, the antibodies produced are generally of lower affinity and are less protective than those produced by young animals. Here we review multiple studies that address the mechanisms that contribute to this decline. Taken together, these studies suggest that age-associated loss of the ability to generate protective humoral immunity results in part from reduced B lymphopoiesis. As the output of new, naive B cells declines, homeostatic pressures presumably force the filling of the peripheral B cell pool by long-lived antigen-experienced cells. Because the antibody repertoire of these cells is restricted by previous antigenic experience, they make poor quality responses to new immunologic insults.
Alternatives for short range low power wireless communications

The three leading contending standards for short-range low-power wireless communications (Bluetooth, Zigbee, Ultra-Wideband) are compared as to viability and practicality for implementation. The three standards all operate completely or partially in the largely unregulated ISM band with transmission ranges varying from a few meters to a maximum of around 15 meters. An ongoing case-study involves the development of a hybrid wireless automotive harness. The decision process leading to the choice of Bluetooth over the other two contenders is presented. Ongoing work with the wireless automotive harness includes a restructuring of the software to function as a layer under a controller area network (CAN). Computer models are also being developed to provide extensive studies of the performance, reliability, and security implications.
Dynamic compaction of human mesenchymal stem/precursor cells into spheres self-activates caspase-dependent IL1 signaling to enhance secretion of modulators of inflammation and immunity (PGE2, TSG6, and STC1)

Human mesenchymal stem/precursor cells (MSC) are similar to some other stem/progenitor cells in that they compact into spheres when cultured in hanging drops or on nonadherent surfaces. Assembly of MSC into spheres alters many of their properties, including enhanced secretion of factors that mediate inflammatory and immune responses. Here we demonstrated that MSC spontaneously aggregated into sphere-like structures after injection into a subcutaneous air pouch or the peritoneum of mice. The structures were similar to MSC spheres formed in cultures demonstrated by the increased expression of genes for inflammation-modulating factors TSG6, STC1, and COX2, a key enzyme in production of PGE2. To identify the signaling pathways involved, hanging drop cultures were used to follow the time-dependent changes in the cells as they compacted into spheres. Among the genes upregulated were genes for the stress-activated signaling pathway for IL1α/β, and the contact-dependent signaling pathway for Notch. An inhibitor of caspases reduced the upregulation of IL1A/B expression, and inhibitors of IL1 signaling decreased production of PGE2, TSG6, and STC1. Also, inhibition of IL1A/B expression and secretion of PGE2 negated the anti-inflammatory effects of MSC spheres on stimulated macrophages. Experiments with γ-secretase inhibitors suggested that Notch signaling was also required for production of PGE2 but not TSG6 or STC1. The results indicated that assembly of MSC into spheres triggers caspase-dependent IL1 signaling and the secretion of modulators of inflammation and immunity. Similar aggregation in vivo may account for some of the effects observed with administration of the cells in animal models.
Intrinsic features of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+ delta tunneling spectra: Scaling and symmetry of the energy gap.

Tunneling measurements have been made on a series of high-quality ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Sr}}_{2}$${\mathrm{CaCu}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{8+\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}}}$ (BSCCO) single crystals with transition temperatures (${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$) ranging from 79 to 92 K. From these systematic studies it has been possible to delineate the intrinsic features of the low-energy electronic spectrum in the BSCCO materials. These results demonstrate that the magnitude of 2\ensuremath{\Delta} at 4.2 K is nearly constant in the different ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ samples, and thus, that 2\ensuremath{\Delta}/${\mathit{kT}}_{\mathit{c}}$ increases as ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ decreases. In addition, intrinsic quasiparticle excitations are detected within the gap irrespective of the sample ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$'s. Analyses of these electronic spectra using a variety of pairing models suggest that gap functions having a large anisotropy can provide a good fit to the experimental data.
Alteration of the Trifoliin A-Binding Capsule of Rhizobium trifolii 0403 by Enzymes Released from Clover Roots.

Abstract The effect of white clover root exudate on capsules of Rhizobium trifolii 0403 was examined. The clover lectin trifoliin A was detected in root exudate of two clover varieties by indirect immunofluorescence with antibody against this lectin purified from clover seed. Trifoliin A bound uniformly to encapsulated, heat-fixed cells during 1 h of incubation with root exudate. After 4 to 8 h of incubation, trifoliin A was only bound to one pole of the cells. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the capsule itself was altered. The disorganization of the acidic polymers of the capsule began in the equatorial center of the rod-shaped cell and then progressed toward the poles at unequal rates. Trifoliin A could no longer be detected on heat-fixed cells after 12 h of incubation with root exudate. However, trifoliin A was detected in situ on one pole of cells grown for 4 days in the clover root environment of Fahraeus slide cultures. Inhibition studies with the hapten 2-deoxy-d-glucose showed that trifoliin A in root exudate had a higher affinity for one of the cell poles. Immunoelectrophoresis was used to monitor the alteration of the extracellular polysaccharides from R. trifolii 0403 by concentrated root exudate. These polysaccharides were converted into products which eventually lost their ability to immunoprecipitate with homologous antibody. This progressive loss of antigenic reactivity proceeded more rapidly with root exudate from seedlings grown under nitrogen-free conditions than with root exudate from plants grown with 15 mM KNO3. The root exudate, depleted of trifoliin A by immunoaffinity chromatography, was still able to alter the capsule of R. trifolii 0403. Reconstitution experiments showed that the substance(s) in root exudate which induced this alteration of the capsule was of a high molecular weight, heat labile, trypsin sensitive, and antigenically unrelated to trifoliin A. A variety of glycosidase activities were also detected in the fraction depleted of trifoliin A. These results suggest that enzymes in clover root exudate alter the trifoliin A-binding capsule in a way which would favor polar attachment of R. trifolii to clover root hairs.
Velocity Structure in the Mixed Layer during MILDEX

Abstract During October–November 1983, a MIxed Layer Dynamics EXperiment (MILDEX) took place off the coast of California. As a part of MILDEX, a number of sensors were deployed from the Research Platform FLIP in an effort to monitor the flow structure in the near-surface mixed layer. Profiling current meters (VMCMs) measured velocities down to 150 m on an hourly basis. Other VMVMs were set at fixed depths. Depths of interest were examined using a package which measured three-component velocities and displayed them in FLIP's laboratory in real time. The current meters often observed sequences of downwind-directed jets, with maximum velocities exceeding 25 cm s−1. Downwelling velocities of equal magnitude were also observed. The strongest currents were found 10 to 35 m below the surface, at mid-depth in the mixed layer. Surface convergences associated with these jets were visualized by scattering tracers (computer cards) on the sea surface. These features suggest Langmuir circulation. Six Doppler sonars wer...
Determination of Organic Acids and Volatile Flavor Substances in Kefir during Fermentation

Abstract The production of organic acids and volatile flavor components was measured during kefir starter culture fermentation. Samples were collected at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 22 h of fermentation (final pH=4.6). Samples were analyzed for orotic, citric, pyruvic, uric, lactic, acetic, butyric, propionic and hippuric acids by HPLC. Acetaldehyde, ethanol, acetoin and diacetyl production were monitored using GC equipped with headspace autosampler. Levels of orotic, citric, and pyruvic acids slightly decreased during fermentation. Hippuric acid was totally consumed by 15 h of incubation. Acetic, propionic, and butyric acids and diacetyl were not detected. Production of ethanol began only after 5 h of incubation whereas acetaldehyde and acetoin increased during fermentation.
Toward an Affect-Sensitive AutoTutor

Here, we consider the possibility of enabling AutoTutor, an intelligent tutoring system, to process learners' affective and cognitive states. AutoTutor is a fully automated computer tutor that simulates human tutors and converses with students in natural language.
Plectin-1 Targeted AAV Vector for the Molecular Imaging of Pancreatic Cancer.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is highly malignant disease that is the 4th leading cause of cancer-related death in the US. Gene therapy using AAV vectors to selectively deliver genes to PDAC cells is an attractive treatment option for pancreatic cancer. However, most AAV serotypes display a broad spectrum of tissue tropism and none of the existing serotypes specifically target PDAC cells. This study tests the hypothesis that AAV2 can be genetically re-engineered to specifically target PDAC cells by modifying the capsid surface to display a peptide that has previously been shown to bind plectin-1. Towards this end, a Plectin-1 Targeting Peptide (PTP) was inserted into the loop IV region of the AAV2 capsid, and the resulting capsid (AAV-PTP) was used in a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments. In vitro, AAV-PTP was found to target all five human PDAC cell lines tested (PANC-1, MIA PaCa-2, HPAC, MPanc-96 and BxPC-3) preferentially over two non-neoplastic human pancreatic cell lines (HPDE and hPSC). In vivo, mice bearing subcutaneous tumor xenografts were generated using the PANC-1 cell line. Once tumors reached a size of ~1-2 mm in diameter, the mice were injected intravenously with luciferase reporter vectors packaged in the either AAV-PTP or wild type AAV2 capsids. Luciferase expression was then monitored by bioluminescence imaging on days 3, 7 and 14 after vector injection. The results indicate that the AAV-PTP capsid displays a 37-fold preference for PANC-1 tumor xenographs over liver and other tissues; whereas the wild type AAV2 capsid displays a complementary preference for liver over tumors and other tissues. Together, these results establish proof-of-principle for the ability of PTP-modified AAV capsids to selectively target gene delivery to PDAC cells in vivo, which opens promising new avenues for the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Diffraction analysis of frequency selective reflector antennas

A unified computational technique which allows the incorporation of the curved frequency selective surface (FSS) geometry in the computation of a dual-reflector-antenna radiation pattern is presented. The scattered fields from a illuminated FSS reflector are formalized using Huygens' principle in such a way that the 'reflecting' and the 'transparent' FSS subreflector cases are treated identically and the thickness of the FSS subreflector remains arbitrary. The analysis utilizes local surface coordinates to describe the reflection/transmission matrices of the FSS subreflector, assuming that these matrices are available. In most cases the local tangent plane may be used to approximate the plane of the FSS in the local coordinate surface of the reflector. The way in which the local curved coordinate system can be introduced in the diffraction modeling of FSS reflectors and its importance in accurately predicting the sidelobe and cross-polarization levels are demonstrated. Results of numerical simulations are presented for several FSS subreflector configurations. >
Measurement of the thermomechanical stability of interphases by the embedded single fiber test

Abstract In this review of results of the embedded single fiber composite test it is shown that stress transferability in E-glass and carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites can be characterized by a fragment length distribution, and that the mode of failure in most instances can be characterized by a fracture energy criterion. E-glass fiber systems appear to be bounded by fracture energies of the order of 230 J/m 2 for well-bonded interfaces to 60 J/m 2 for poorly-bonded interfaces, with values being only slightly influenced by temperature. The upper limit of fracture energy in carbon fiber systems may be somewhat lower than in glass fiber systems and the use of higher modulus carbon fiber seems to result in lower fracture energies. Fragment length distribution are sensitive to fiber surface treatment and temperature, and are useful for predicting the strength and stiffness properties of composites.
Modern management of pheochromocytoma.

This Case Study describes a 55-year-old man with a history of coronary artery disease who was diagnosed with pheochromocytoma of the left adrenal gland. The authors discuss the diagnosis of this patient and his treatment with alpha-blockade therapy combined with phenoxybenzamine before open adrenalectomy. Background A 55-year-old male with poorly controlled hypertension and a history of coronary artery disease presented with a large adrenal mass. The patient also reported a long-standing history of profuse sweating, tinnitus, vomiting and headaches. Investigations Physical examination, 24-hour urine metanephrine level, CT, MRI and bone scan. Diagnosis Pheochromocytoma of the left adrenal gland. Management Preoperative alpha-blockade therapy with phenoxybenzamine followed by open left adrenalectomy.
Interactions of 7.5-Mev Protons with Copper and Vanadium

The separate cross sections are measured for interactions of 7.5 Mev protons with natural copper and vanadium. Angular distributions for elastic scattering are presented. The (inelastic scattering + alpha emission) cross sections are for Cu, 266 mb, and 134 rwb for V. The (p,n) reaction cross sections are 537 mb for Cu/sup 65/, and 555 mb for V/sup 51/. These data, along with separate measurements of polarization from copper, are compared with optical model computations. The results indicate a volume-absorption potential rather than a surface-absorption potential. (auth)
Thermal transpiration and rotational relaxation in some polyatomic gases

Abstract The maximum thermomolecular pressure differences across a capillary tube whose ends are held at 195 K and 298 K have been measured for CF 4 , SF 6 , SiF 4 and BF 3 . These results have been used to predict the collision numbers for rotational relaxation in these gases.
The Case for and Against Business Assumption of Social Responsibilities

There are many sound reasons both for and against business’s assumption of social responsibilities. Because of the increasing amount of rhetoric which exists on this subject, it is appropriate to e...
Abstract 4487: Synergistic effects of resveratrol and doxorubicin on inducing the apotosis of mouse and human PTEN deficient T-cell acute lymphoblastic cells.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Resveratrol (3,5,4’-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene), a plant antibiotic produced in a wide variety of plants in response to stress, injury, UV irradiation, and fungal infection, has been shown to inhibit cell growth of several types of cancer. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of Resveratrol alone and its combination with Doxorubicin, a commonly used chemotherapeutics for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), on the proliferation and apoptosis of T-ALL cells. Mouse T-ALL cell lines were derived from T-cell-specific deletion of Pten tumor suppressor gene, and human T-ALL cells were obtained from ATCC. We treated T-ALL cells with different concentrations of Resveratrol (0 μM to 200 μM) alone and in combination with various concentrations of Doxorubicin (0 μM to 1 μM) for different durations (0, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours, respectively). We showed mouse and human Pten deficient T-ALL cell lines were sensitive to the treatment of Resveratrol in dose- and time-dependent manners. In addition, low dose Resveratrol (3.125 μM) in combination with very low dose of o (0.01 μM) showed a remarkable synergistic effect on the cell proliferation and apoptosis. Flow cytometric analysis with Annexin V and Western blot studies on Caspase 3 confirmed that Resveratrol induced apoptosis, especially in combination with Doxorubicin. This study establishes a potential role of Resveratrol in the treatment of Pten deficient T-ALL. Citation Format: Ling Chen, Yaling Yang, M. James You. Synergistic effects of resveratrol and doxorubicin on inducing the apotosis of mouse and human PTEN deficient T-cell acute lymphoblastic cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4487. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4487
Impact of distance independent education

Distance independent learning has the potential for a fundamental and beneficial transformation of higher education. By combining the best aspects of our present university and college systems with the opportunities offered by recent developments in communications and information technology, distance independent learning could lead to high quality, highly individualized instruction and the creation of intellectual communities that transcend the limitations of time and space. This potential infuses the rhetoric of the proponents of distance independent learning. But much of the rhetoric around distance education is misleading and fails to articulate the potential negative effects of widespread adoption of these new instructional delivery vehicles. In this article, the authors examine the motivations behind proponents of distance education, as well as the potential impact of distance learning upon instructors and students. They also raise questions as to curricular subjects and pedagogical styles that may not be appropriate for this type of instructional delivery. The authors emphasize that the educational community must consider not just the benefits but the non-monetary costs of relying on distance independent educational delivery. Educators must not see distance education as a universal innovation applicable to all types of instructional situations, but must carefully analyze the appropriateness of distance independent learning to various types of instructional situations.
Transcriptional analysis of distant signaling induced by insect elicitors and mechanical wounding in Zea mays

When plants are under insect herbivore attack defensive measures are activated not only locally, but also in distant and systemic tissues. While insect elicitors (IE) abundant in the oral secretions of the attacking herbivore are essential in the regulation of induced defenses, little is known about their effects on systemic defense signaling in maize (Zea mays). The goal of this study was therefore to identify genetic markers that can be used to further characterize local and systemic signaling events induced by IE or mechanical wounding (MW). We selected genes for this study based on their putative involvement in signaling (allene oxide synthase), regulation of gene expression (transcription factor MYC7), and in direct defenses (ribosome inactivating protein) and analyzed their expression in different sections of the treated leaf as well as in systemic parts of the same plant. We found the most significant transcript accumulation of the selected genes after treatment with insect elicitors in those parts with increased JA levels. Additionally, treatment with IE did also induce the accumulation of MYC7 transcripts in basal parts of the treated leaf and systemically. MW, in contrast, did induce RIP and AOS only locally, but not MYC7. This local suppression of MYC7 was further studied by adding glutathione (GSH) as an electron donor to MW plants to quench putative α, β-unsaturated carbonyls, which build up to significant levels around the damage site. Indeed, GSH-treated MW plants accumulated MYC7 at the damage site and also produced more volatiles, suggesting a putative redox-regulatory element being involved in the suppression of MYC7. The results presented herein provide evidence for the specific induction of distant signaling events triggered by IE, most likely through electric signaling. Additionally, a putative role for MW-induced α, β-unsaturated carbonyls in the transcriptional regulation of defense genes was discovered.
Rating the Shrink/Swell Behavior of the Porters Creek Formation

The Porters Creek Formation, a Tertiary age formation found in the Gulf Coastal Plain region, is known to exhibit shrink/swell behavior. This formation consists of mixed-layer clays composed mostly of montmorillonite. However, to date, the Porters Creek Formation has been ranked as only moderately expansive compared with other expansive geologic materials. During this investigation, surface and subsurface samples of the Porters Creek Formation were subjected to a variety of geotechnical tests to determine their shrink/swell potential. The tests included Atterberg limits, percentage of clay, activity, and volumetric change of samples using a potential volume change meter. The results were used to rank the shrink/swell behavior of the samples in six commonly used classification systems that are based on empirical relationships between the engineering properties of the clay mineral constituents. The same classification systems were then used to classify other geologic formations known to exhibit shrink/swell behavior; then, these results were compared with the results of analyses of the Porters Creek Formation. The samples from the Porters Creek Formation generally ranked in the highest or second highest category of shrink/swell potential, higher than generally expected. This indicates that the Porters Creek Formation has the same high potential for damaging shrink/swell behavior as other formations known to cause damage to roads and other engineered construction, and the current ranking of the Porters Creek Formation by the Federal Highway Administration is too low.
Penetration of acid solution and gel in occlusal fissures

This study evaluates the penetration of an acid solution and two gels with different viscosities into occlusal fissures. Morphologically distinguishable differences in enamel at the occlusal site was examined as to whether the tooth is treated by acid solution, low-viscosity acid gel, or high-viscosity acid gel as well as the extent of involvement, using either a conventional or scraping method of application. The study also looks at the use of a gel acid agent in the pit and fissure sealant treatment.
Heroin attenuates the negative consequences of cocaine in a runway model of self-administration

Abstract It has been presumed that the combination of cocaine (COC)+heroin (HER) is more reinforcing than either of the two drugs alone, thus leading to their coadministration (“speedballing”). An alternative hypothesis is that HER serves to attenuate the undesired negative effects of COC. To test this notion, male Sprague–Dawley rats ( n =31) were trained to run a straight alley for a daily intravenous (IV) injection of COC (1.0 mg/kg/injection) for 14 trials. Studies in our laboratory have shown that such animals begin to exhibit approach–avoidance behaviors (“retreats”) stemming from concurrent positive and negative associations with the goal box (which, in turn, are the result of COC's immediate rewarding and subsequent dysphoric actions). Thus, retreats can be used as a reliable index of COC's anxiogenic side effects. Following 14 COC-reinforced trials, animals were split into three groups matched on mean retreat frequency. One group ( n =11) received IV COC (1.0 mg/kg/injection) for seven additional trials; the remaining two groups ( n =10 each) received an IV injection of COC mixed in a single solution with either a low dose (0.025 mg/kg/injection) or a high dose (0.1 mg/kg/injection) of HER. It was hypothesized that adding HER would attenuate the negative consequences of COC administration and thereby produce a reliable decrease in the occurrence of retreats. The resulting data were consistent with this hypothesis, suggesting that “speedballing” in human addicts may be motivated by a desire to reduce the negative impact of COC use.
Post-transcriptional regulation of the Sef1 transcription factor controls the virulence of Candida albicans in its mammalian host.

The yeast Candida albicans transitions between distinct lifestyles as a normal component of the human gastrointestinal microbiome and the most common agent of disseminated fungal disease. We previously identified Sef1 as a novel Cys6Zn2 DNA binding protein that plays an essential role in C. albicans virulence by activating the transcription of iron uptake genes in iron-poor environments such as the host bloodstream and internal organs. Conversely, in the iron-replete gastrointestinal tract, persistence as a commensal requires the transcriptional repressor Sfu1, which represses SEF1 and genes for iron uptake. Here, we describe an unexpected, transcription-independent role for Sfu1 in the direct inhibition of Sef1 function through protein complex formation and localization in the cytoplasm, where Sef1 is destabilized. Under iron-limiting conditions, Sef1 forms an alternative complex with the putative kinase, Ssn3, resulting in its phosphorylation, nuclear localization, and transcriptional activity. Analysis of sfu1 and ssn3 mutants in a mammalian model of disseminated candidiasis indicates that these post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms serve as a means for precise titration of C. albicans virulence.
How a holoenzyme for DNA replication is formed

Loading of the phage T4 sliding clamp gp45 by the gp44/62 clamp loader onto DNA to form the holoenzyme and their disassembly pathways were investigated using FRET-based single-molecule and ensemble kinetic studies. gp44/62-mediated assembly of gp45 onto the DNA involves a rate-limiting conformational rearrangement of the gp45−gp44/62−DNA complex. Single-molecule measurements revealed the intermediates in gp45 loading and their interconversion, suggesting that the assembly is not concerted but is broken down into many small kinetic steps. Two populations of the gp45−gp44/62−DNA complex are formed on the end-blocked DNA that are poised to form the holoenzyme with the polymerase. In the absence of a polymerase, the two clamp populations dissociated from the DNA along with gp44/62 with distinct rates. In the presence of polymerase, holoenzyme assembly involved the recruitment of the polymerase to the gp45−gp44/62−DNA complex mediated by the chaperoning activity of gp44/62. This transient multiprotein complex then decomposed through an ATP hydrolysis−dependent exit of gp44/62 leaving the holoenzyme on DNA. The rate of dissociation of the holoenzyme from the DNA is sensitive to whether the DNA ends are blocked, underscoring its mobility on the DNA.
Optical phase control of an optically injection-locked FET microwave oscillator

A simple technique is proposed and demonstrated for controlling the phase of an optically-injection-locked 7.2-GHz FET oscillator. The relative phase phi between the oscillator and the locking signal is adjusted by optically tuning the oscillator frequency. Locking characteristics described include locking bandwidth (2.6 MHz), phase tuning range (187 degrees ), phase modulation ( beta =0.69 at 500 kHz), and optical tuning (125 MHz). >
Excluded volume scaling for polymers

Abstract The excluded volume of several polymers in the dilute solution regime is calculated using the Monte Carlo integration. The calculated scaling exponent, λ , for the excluded volume for a polymer chain with another chain of the same length is 1.74±0.02. This exponent is consistent with the idea that the interaction of chains with one another in a good solvent is similiar to the interaction of two hard spheres. The effective radius of the hard sphere is proportional to the radius of gyration which has a scaling exponent of ν =0.595±0.005. This result is close to the theoretical value of 0.589. This study establishes the relationship λ =3 ν .
Design and characteristics of staggered InGaN quantum-well light-emitting diodes in the green spectral regime

Staggered InGaN quantum wells (QWs) are investigated both numerically and experimentally as improved active region for light-emitting diodes (LEDs) emitting at 520–525 nm. Based on a self-consistent six-band k·p method, band structures of both two-layer staggered InxGa1−xN/InyGa1−yN QW and three-layer staggered InyGa1−yN/InxGa1−xN/InyGa1−yN QW structures are investigated as active region to enhance the spontaneous emission radiative recombination rate (Rsp) for LEDs emitting at 520–525 nm. Numerical analysis shows significant enhancement of Rsp for both two-layer and three-layer staggered InGaN QWs as compared to that of the conventional InzGa1−zN QW. Significant reduction of the radiative carrier lifetime contributes to the enhancement of the radiative efficiency for both two-layer and three-layer staggered InGaN QW LEDs emitting at 520–525 nm. Three-layer staggered InGaN QW LEDs emitting at 520–525 nm was grown by metal-organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) by employing graded-temperature profile. Power density-dependent cathodoluminescence (CL) measurements show the enhancement of peak luminescence by up to 3 times and integrated luminescence by 1.8–2.8 times for the three-layer staggered InGaN QW LED. Electroluminescence (EL) output power of the staggered InGaN QW LED exhibits 2.0–3.5 times enhancement as compared to that of the conventional InGaN QW LED. The experimental results show the good agreement with theory.
Somatic Therapies for Treatment- Resistant Depression: New Neurotherapeutic Interventions

Until recently, few treatments for major depression other than pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and electroconvulsive therapy have been available. This article reviews recent data from the field of somatic therapies for treatment-resistant depression. Examples of neurotherapeutic interventions for major depression include ablative limbic system surgeries (eg, anterior cingulotomy and subcaudate tractotomy), vagus nerve stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and deep brain stimulation. The article briefly discusses the role of each of these neurotherapeutic interventions in treating depression. It concludes with thoughts on the future potential of neurotherapeutic interventions in the treatment of depression.