cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 1136: Synergistic inhibition of bioenergetic pathways in pancreatic cancer cells by mitochondria-targeted nitroxide and glycolytic inhibitors

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is one of the most aggressive cancers with a high fatality rate. Currently available chemotherapy for treating pancreatic cancers is ineffective. Emerging research is focused on drugs targeting bioenergetic pathways in tumor cells. Despite decades of evidence that cancer cells have increased aerobic glycolysis, glycolytic inhibition has failed as a chemotherapeutic approach, due in part to enhanced systemic toxicity of antiglycolytic agents. We hypothesized that a combined inhibition of glycolysis and mitochondrial function may represent an alternate therapeutic approach that can potentially overcome the insufficiency of glycolytic inhibition alone. In this study we investigated the chemotherapeutic efficacy of combining mitochondria-targeted nitroxide, Mito-CP (a nitroxide, carboxy proxyl conjugated to a triphenylphosphonium (TPP+) moiety), and inhibitors of glycolysis, 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) or 3-bromopyruvate (3-BP) in pancreatic cancer cell lines, PANC-1 and MiaPaCa-2. The relative cytotoxicity and mitochondrial bioenergetic changes in pancreatic cancer cells were assessed. We observed that Mito-CP synergized with glycolytic inhibitors (2-DG or 3-BP) in inducing cell death. Using a Seahorse XF24 extracellular flux analyzer, we determined the combined effects of Mito-CP and 2-DG or 3-BP on cellular mitochondrial function and glycolytic function. The combined treatments induced fast and irreversible inhibition of mitochondrial functions and intracellular ATP depletion. Collectively, these results suggest that targeting mitochondrial bioenergetic metabolism with Mito-CP and glycolytic inhibitors such as 2-DG and 3-BP may be a promising chemotherapeutic strategy in pancreatic cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1136. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1136
Cytomegalovirus infection and disease after solid-organ transplantation: Epidemiology, prevention, and therapy

Disease caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection remains one of the largest health concerns in clinical transplantation. CMV (transmitted to recipients before transplantation from exogenous sources, including blood transfusions, or during transplantation through the transmission of dormant virus within the transplanted organ) may replicate subsequent to either primary infection or reactivation. During and subsequent to host immunosuppression. CMV disease often manifests as fever and leukopenia; viral invasion of tissue, with involvement of more than 1 organ, is not uncommon. Formerly, CMV disease was associated with serious morbidity and a substantial decrease in allograft and patient survival rates. Fortunately, thanks to the advent of effective anti viral agent prophylaxis and therapy, CMV disease is lethal rarely today. However, even though the epidemiologic characteristics of disease caused by this viral pathogen have changed over the past 10 to 15 years, it remains a significant cause of morbidity, as shown by rehospitalizations and use of anti viral agent prophylaxis and therapy, which result into increased health care costs. We review current epidemiology, prophylaxis, and therapy of CMV disease in solid-organ transplant recipients.
Changes in Polar Lipid Fatty Acid Composition during Cold Acclimation in ‘Midiron’ and ‘U3’ Bermudagrass

'Midiron' and 'U3' bermudagrass were exposed to conditions known to induce cold acclimation [e.g., 8/4°C (day/night) temperature, 10-h photoperiod, 250 μmol m -2 s -1 photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD)]. Tissues (leaves, crowns, and roots) were harvested and stored frozen until processed. Polar membrane lipids were isolated by thin layer chromatography, and fatty acids (FA) were separated and quantified by gas chromatography. Different organs from the same plant responded differentially to low temperature. Crowns showed the most dramatic changes in total FA content and composition and were the focus of this study. Overall, greater than 95% of the total FA content was accounted for by four FA species: palmitic acid (16:0), stearic acid (18:0), linoleic add (18:2), and linolenic acid (18:3). Midiron (relatively cold-tolerant) responded more rapidly and to a greater extent than did U3 (relatively cold-sensitive ) as illustrated by the nearly four-fold increase of unsaturated FA:saturated FA ratio for Midiron vs. U3, and by the significant difference between the double bond index of the two genotypes. These data suggest that specific desaturase enzymes (e.g., ω-3 and ω-6) are of fundamental importance in controlling membrane lipid/fatty acid composition in response to low temperature and ultimately in avoiding the winter damage suffered by bermudagrass along its northern boundary of adaptation.
Novel Escherichia coli hybrids with enhanced butanol tolerance

Hybrids between Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus brevis were generated via protoplast fusion. Growth kinetics of five hybrid strains and E. coli were used to evaluate the butanol tolerance of the novel strains under different conditions. The hybrid strains tolerated up to 2% (v/v) butanol compared to the 1% (v/v) maximum for E. coli. The growth inhibitory effects of butanol were also significantly less in several of the hybrids compared to E. coli. These results demonstrate the potential use of protoplast fusion to generate butanol-tolerant strains.
Update on Neuropsychological Assessment of Malingering

This article presents a review of current techniques used for assessment of malingering in traumatic brain injury litigation. These techniques include tests that have the sole purpose of detecting malingering, tests of cognitive and emotional functioning that contain validity profiles, and evaluations of behavioral and historical consistency with true brain injury. How these techniques should be integrated to achieve convergent validity is also discussed.
An Analysis of the Probability Distribution of Spectral Angle and Euclidean Distance in Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Using Microspectroscopy

Determining the probability distribution of hyperspectral imagery (HSI) data and of the results of algorithms applied to those data, is critical to understanding algorithm performance and for establishing performance metrics such as probability of detection, false alarm rate, and minimum detectable and identifiable quantities. The results of analyses of visible/near-infrared (VNIR; 400 nm to 900 nm) HSI microscopy data of small fragments (~1.25 cm in size) of minerals are presented. HSI microscopy, also known as microspectroscopy, is the acquisition of HSI data cubes of fields of view ranging from centimeters to millimeters in size. It is imaging spectrometry but at a small spatial scale. With HSI microspectroscopy, several thousand spectral signatures may be easily acquired of individual target materials—samples of which may be quite small. With such data, probability distributions may be very precisely determined. For faceted/irregularly shaped samples and mixtures (checkerboard, intimate, or microscopic), HSI microscopy data readily facilitate a detailed assessment of the contribution of the materials, their morphology, spectral mixing interactions, radiative transfer processes, view/illumination geometry contributions, etc., to the observed probability distribution(s) of the HSI data and of algorithm output. Here, spectral angle, the individual components of spectral angle (e.g., the inner product or numerator of the spectral angle equation), Euclidean distance, and L1 norm values are calculated. Regions of interest (ROI) on the fragments are easily defined that contain thousands of spectra far from the fragments' edges though translucency sometimes remains a factor impacting spectral signatures. The aforementioned metrics are derived for the spectra in an ROI of individual mineral fragments; across ROIs of different minerals; and with an ROI of an inert background. The resulting probability distributions of the various populations of the metrics are decidedly non-Gaussian though the precise probability distribution is difficult to determine. Spectral angle values appear to be most closely related to beta distributed. The HSI microscopy method is described as are the results of the analyses applied to the data of the mineral fragments. The interpretation of the microspectroscopy data is considered within the ongoing investigation into determining how the spectral variability on the ~10 micrometer spatial scale relates to the spectral variability on larger scales such as those acquired by airborne remote sensing systems.
Group tactics utilizing suppression and shelter

In tactical games, a common strategy in squad movement has a portion of troops providing suppression fire while the rest of the squad advances to a new cover location safely. This represents a set of state changes as the entire squad moves towards the objective. The aim of this paper is to find the global optimal strategy where the total damage to the squad is minimized as they breach an objective. Traditional approaches to squad movement use greedy techniques and do not consider suppression fire. To better understand this problem and provide a firm foundation for other squad movement strategies that wish to employ suppression fire cover, we have developed a graph theoretic approach that solves for the globally optimal movement. We show that while this approach is PSPACE in terms of the number of cover locations, there are ways to mitigate this cost. We compare and contrast this approach to common greedy methods for squad movement, showing configurations where greedy algorithms fail. For this paper, we assume hardened targets.
A decomposition theory for phylogenetic networks and incompatible characters.

Phylogenetic networks are models of evolution that go beyond trees, incorporating non-tree-like biological events such as recombination (or more generally reticulation), which occur either in a sin...
Suitability of cation substituted cobalt ferrite materials for magnetoelastic sensor applications

The results of a study on the suitability of materials derived from cobalt ferrite for sensor and actuator applications are presented. The mechanism responsible for the superior sensor properties of Ge-substituted cobalt ferrite compared with Ti and other cation substituted cobalt ferrite materials is believed to be due to the tetrahedral site preference of Ge4+ and its co-substitution with Co2+. Results also showed that the higher strain derivative of Ge-substituted cobalt ferrite compared with Ti-substitution is due to a higher magnetostrictive coupling in response to applied field in the material.
Design of self-growing, self-sensing, and self-repairing materials for engineering applications

Like natural biological building systems these materials are inexpensive, and self-form through interaction of the materials. They sense and self-repair, respond to changes in the environment. The volume and scale, cost and end use are all considered from the start. The purpose of the particular system we will describe is an engineered bridge. The materials form as bone does from the innate attributes of the material without much labor. They sense the environment, respond to it, and repair any damage. This composite bridge is designed from a self-forming polymer and concrete system. Internal release of chemicals, their properties and location account for responsiveness to change and for repair. The choice of matrix additives also allow for the responsiveness. Bridge frames were fabricated for dynamic testing. The results showed that self repair and response to loads could be accomplished by careful placement of chemicals for later release and by use of chemicals which could alter such attributes as stiffness, flexure and permanent deformation. Internal viewing sensors could determine the state of the frames after testing.
Decoupling the effects of chemical composition and fineness of fly ash in mitigating alkali-silica reaction

Abstract A comprehensive investigation was conducted to determine the individual effects of the chemical composition and particle size of fly ash on alkali-silica reaction (ASR). Test results indicated that the combined oxides content of fly ash showed a better correlation with the ASR expansions than its individual oxides. Mixtures containing finer fly ash fractions registered lower expansions than those containing the corresponding virgin fly ashes or its coarser fractions. Within the usual range of average particle size of 10 to 30 microns, of fly ash, the chemical composition had a more dominant influence on ASR mitigation than the particle size. However, when the average particle size of fly ash decreases below 10 microns, the fineness of fly ash becomes significant in mitigating ASR. In addition, the fineness of fly ash had a more significant influence in mitigating ASR in mixtures containing high-lime fly ashes than those containing low-lime fly ashes. Hence, reducing the particle size of fly ash to finer fractions is an effective strategy to mitigate ASR. The decoupling of the chemical composition of fly ash from its particle size indicated that ASR mitigation can be achieved with any fly ash having a D50 below 5 μm. However, low-lime fly ashes were effective in mitigating ASR even without reducing their particle size.
The emerging role of lenalidomide in the management of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is considered an aggressive and incurable B-cell malignancy despite current available treatments that include the incorporation of rituximab, bortezomib, high-dose cytarabine, and for those eligible, high dose chemotherapy and autologous bone marrow transplant (HDC-ASCT). Patients with relapsed/refractory MCL represent a challenge for the treating physician stressing the need to develop therapeutic agents. Lenalidomide, a novel inmmunomodulatory drug (IMiD), is a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell lymphoma. Biologically, the mechanisms responsible for lenalidomide activity are yet to be clearly defined. Based on pre-clinical models and early correlative studies conducted parallel to clinical trials, lenalidomide has been found to enhance NK-cell and T-cell activity against tumor cells, alter the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the tumor bed, inhibit angiogenesis, and to a lesser degree, induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells. Together, all these biological effects appear to play a role in the activity observed in lymphoma patients treated with lenalidomide. Given the effect in NK- and T-cell function, lenalidomide is an alternative strategy to enhance the anti-tumor activity of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Clinical responses have been observed in patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), follicular lymphoma, small lymphocytic lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and MCL. The favorable toxicity profile and route of administration made the use of lenalidomide an attractive therapy for certain types of patients (i.e. elderly, chemotherapy unfit, etc.). The erratic but serious incidence of tumor lysis syndrome and/or tumor flare reactions provides challenges in the incorporation of lenalidomide in the management of previously untreated lymphoma patients with bulky adenopathy. Early studies evaluating the efficacy and toxicity of lenalidomide in combination with steroids or rituximab/bendamustine in MCL are promising and warrant further study. In addition, the evaluation of lenalidomide in the maintenance setting (i.e. post HDC-ASCT) or in combination with other target specific agents (i.e. proteasome inhibitors) in MCL is being addressed in ongoing clinical trials. We provide a general overview of the clinical development of lenalidomide in MCL. Future translational and clinical studies will further define the role of lenalidomide in the management of de novo or relapsed/refractory MCL and may assist in the identification of subset of MCL patients most likely to gain clinical benefit from this exiting agent.
TH-E-BRB-11: Benchmarking Flattening-Filter Free Photons for IMRT/VMAT

Purpose: To create a set of benchmark data, using the AAPM TG1 19 test suite, for 6MV flattening‐filter free IMRT/VMAT plans to compare with 6MV IMRT/VMAT plans and with TG119 multi‐institutional results. Methods: TG1 19 test cases were created: AP/PA, multiple dose bands, and 5 patient cases (c‐shape tumor with easy and hard dosimetric constraints, headn low dose: −0.4% +/− 1.0%). There was no significant difference between IMRT and VMAT results (p=0.9696). However, results were significantly different (p=0.0003) for 6MV (−0.3% +/− 1.0%) and 6MVFFF (−1.1% +/− 1.2%). This could be due to beam modeling differences from commissioning, to increased dose gradients in the 6MVFFF beam which may increase the measurement uncertainty, or to other measurement issues (Pion variability). There was no statistically significant difference between the results in the high and low dose regions (p=>0.1000). Prostate and H&N plans all measured lower than planned while the C‐shape and Multi‐target plans didn't show any consistent higher/lower trends compared to planned doses. Conclusions: While 6MVFFF and 6MV results were acceptable, there is room for improvement of the 6MVFFF accuracy. In future work we will investigate the effects of changing the 6MVFFF beam model and increasing the accuracy of the ion chamber measurements. Additionally, we will extend our analysis to 2D (film) and 3D (radiochromic dosimeter PRESAGE(TM).
The effect of interleukin-1α and tumor necrosis factor α on the secretion of human chorionic gonadotropin by JAR human choriocarcinoma cells

Abstract The regulation of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) secretion by placental trophoblasts is incompletely understood. A recent study reports that Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) stimulates hCG production in vitro by human, first trimester, placental trophoblasts, but not by a human choriocarcinoma cell line (1). Human decidua has been shown to produce IL-1α and β, and Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNFα). The precise role(s) of these proteins in pregnancy is unknown. In the present study, hCG production by human choriocarcinoma cells (JAR) was evaluated in the presence of recombinant human IL-1α (rHIL-1α) and rHTNFα. hCG production was increased by rHIL-1α in a dose-dependent manner, and heat-inactivation of this cytokine abolished the effect. Equimolar quantities of rHTNFα failed to influence hCG production or cell viability. IL-1 may be important in the regulation of hCG production by human trophoblasts, and therefore may play a physiologic role in pregnancy. Furthermore, TNF does not appear to participate in the regulation of the production of this hormone by human choriocarcinoma cells. This is the first demonstration of a divergence of activity of these two cytokines in the reproductive process.
Prospects and Pitfalls of Personalizing Therapies for Sarcomas: From Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults to the Elderly

Sarcomas are a heterogeneous class of tumors that affect all ages, from children, adolescents, and young adults to the elderly. Within this panoply of tumor subtypes lies the opportunity to bring to bear a vision of personalized medicine in which the fast-paced evolution from the "one gene, one test, one drug" approach to a comprehensive "panomic," multiplex, multianalyte method coupled with advances in bioinformatics platforms can unravel the biology of this disease. The increasingly enlarging repertoire of novel agents provides innumerable prospects in precision medicine. Personalized therapy covers the entire spectrum of cancer care, from risk factor assessment through prevention, risk reduction, therapy, follow-up after therapy, and survivorship care. Challenges remain in implementing the science of precision medicine in the clinic, including providing comprehensive multidisciplinary care and overcoming regulatory and economic hurdles, which must be facilitated within the collaborative framework of academia, industry, federal regulators, and third-party payers.
When is a silicate melt not a liquid

Abstract Recent evidence from static compression, spectroscopy and relaxational studies all support the conclusion that there are no significant structural relaxation mechanisms with mean durations longer than the order of microseconds (frequencies below the MHz range) at superliquidus temperatures in silicate compositions. Evidence suggests that volume and shear relaxation times are similar, and are distributed over a narrow range of frequencies. These relaxation processes probably represent high-frequency high-temperature manifestations of the glass transition. The results of this study support earlier assertions that relaxed longitudinal ultrasonic velocities provide an accurate means of determining the compressibility of silicate melts. The observed discrepancy between ultrasonically derived compressibilities and those derived from high-pressure falling-sphere experiments cannot be attributed to relaxation effects.
Recovery of function in the albino rat following either simultaneous or seriatim lesions of the caudate nucleus

Abstract This study examines acquisition of spatial alteration performance and of passive avoidance behavior following seriatim lesions of the caudate nucleus in mature albino rats. Bilateral destruction of the caudate in one surgical operation has been shown to produce animals with well defined behavioral impairments; thus, the application of the seriatim surgical paradigm provides a means of evaluating the potential of the caudate damaged brain for functional reorganization. Lesions of the caudate nucleus were created by electrocoagulation, either bilaterally at one operation or in two sequential unilateral stages with a 25 day interlesion interval. A sham operated group was also employed. Rats having one-stage caudate lesions were impaired on spatial alternation when compared with two-stage and sham operated animals. Rats with two-stage lesions were better on passive avoidance than subjects with one-stage lesions and sham operated controls. These latter differences could not be accounted for by shock threshold or water consumption differences. There were no differences in the extent of the lesions between the animals that were subjected to one- and two-stage operations. These findings indicate that significant functional differences are produced by one-stage versus two-stage lesions of the rat caudate nucleus.
Some experiments in algebraic manipulation by computer

A set of subroutines to allow algebraic manipulations on the IBM 7094 computer has been written using a List Processor, SLIP.A series of four problems of increasing difficulty were solved using these routines.
The location of the amorphous component in poly(trans-1,4-butadiene) crystals

Abstract The heat of transition from Form I to Form II, ΩHt, and from Form II to the melt have been measured by DSC for poly(trans-1,4-butadiene) crystals prepared from three solvents: heptane, toluene, and benzene. Broad-line NMR measurements were obtained on PTBD crystals from heptane and toluene in the dry state and wetted with a nonprotonated solvent, CS2. The ΩHt values and the NMR narrow line-broad line intensity ratios support earlier assertions, based on a comparison of IR and epoxidation results, concerning the location of the amorphous regions in PTBD cyrstals.
NF-κΒ inhibition is ineffective in blocking cytokine-induced IL-8 production but P38 and STAT1 inhibitors are effective

In vitro but not in vivo evidence indicates that blockade of NF-κB is effective in reducing inflammation and production of IL-8. We hypothesized that the failure of in vitro experiments to predict in vivo outcome was due to the use of short time periods of observation and the use of single cytokines to stimulate NF-κB. HEK cells with a NF-κB reporter gene or CaCo-2 cells were stimulated with CM (IL-1-β; TNF-α, and IFN-γ) or individual cytokines in the presence and absence of NF-κB inhibitors, a STAT1 inhibitor, and/or a p38 MAPK inhibitor for periods up to 24 h. NF-κB activation, IL-8 production, and nitric oxide production were measured. CM-induced IL-8 production in HEK cells was additive to synergistic. CM enhanced production of IL-8 at 24 h but not 4 h was independent of NF-κB. The p38 inhibitor SB203580 and the STAT1 inhibitor EGCG blocked CM-induced IL-8 production at both early and late time periods. The NF-κB inhibitors PDTC and BAY11-7082 were found to increase CM-stimulated IL-8 production in Caco-2 cells at 24 h. Our data suggest an effective strategy to reduce IL-8 production is to block p38 or STAT1 rather than NF-κB.
Biochemical applications of a synchronously pumped krypton ion dye laser fluorescence system

Abstract A synchronously pumped krypton ion dye laser fluorescence system is shown to provide tunable, polarized, subnanosecond pulses at high repetition rates, modest peak powers, and low energy. Such a source is uniquely suited to fluorescence investigations of biochemical mechanisms. Applications of this fluorescence excitation source to analysis, life-time determination, and depolarization effects are discussed.
Impact of pH on Binding Metal Ions by Datura innoxia Biomass

Abstract Metal ion binding to biomaterials derived from cultured antheral cells of Datura innoxia has been investigated as a function of solution pH. Specifically, the binding of Ba2+, Cd2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, and Sr2+ was studied at pH 1–6, inclusive, in 0.1 M MES solutions. For 10 mg·L−1 metal ion solutions, maximum binding was observed for solutions at pH 5. The dependence of metal ion binding on solution pH was studied for the biomass both free in solution and immobilized in a polysilicate matrix. A significant change in the pH-dependent binding of each of these metals was observed when the cell material was immobilized. These variations in the impact of metal solution pH could not be explained by the Lewis acidity of the metal ions. The involvement of conformational changes of the macromolecular components of the material for the formation of metal-selective coordination sites is postulated.
Smoking Cessation Programs for Adolescents

Many smoking cessation programs for adult smokers are described in the medical and nursing literature. Programs designed to prevent smoking among adolescents and children also are prevalent in the literature. Despite these prevention programs, many adolescents choose to start smoking. Once adolescents begin smoking, it is difficult to find ways to help them quit. Few programs exist that are targeted to help this population with smoking cessation. This article provides an in-depth review of 5 smoking cessation programs designed for adolescents. Each of the programs presents unique strategies for helping teenage smokers quit. Techniques used in these programs include peer leadership, nicotine patch therapy, peer support, computer instruction, and one-on-one counseling with a nurse practitioner. Each program was studied for efficacy with adolescents. Although none of the programs reviewed showed remarkable success, they serve as guides for future program development. Additional programs need to be developed and studied with larger, more diverse populations. Nurses must identify or develop smoking cessation programs that meet the needs of all types of adolescents and are effective in helping them to quit. Once designed, these smoking cessation programs should be made accessible to adolescents in a variety of settings.
Critical topics in ensuring data quality in bioanalytical LC–MS method development

The use of LC-MS for bioanalysis of pharmaceuticals is entering its third decade and may be considered to be a mature technology. In many respects this is true, considering the advances made in such areas as instrument performance, electronics, software and automation of use. However, there remain instrumental and noninstrumental areas that require significant attention to ensure data quality. Increasing regulatory focus on analytical method performance and unaddressed method issues require the bioanalyst to understand those areas that most greatly impact data quality. This review will focus on instrumental and noninstrumental areas that can influence data quality, including reference standard and internal standard quality and physicochemical properties, matrix effects, stability in matrix, sample preparation, LC and MS.
Exploring a Neuroplasticity Model of Music Therapy

BACKGROUND Given that music therapists work across a wide range of disabilities, it is important that therapists have at least a fundamental understanding of the neurophysiology associated with the client/patient populations that they serve. Yet, there is a large gap of evidence regarding the neurophysiological changes associated with applying music as therapy. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to provide music therapists with a general background in neuroplasticity principles that can be applied to the use of music therapy with multiple populations. METHODS This article will review literature on neuroplasticity and literature supporting the specific attributes of music therapy that apply to neuroplasticity. Finally, examples of how to use neuroplasticity principles to explain and support clinical music therapy will be provided. RESULTS Using the material presented in this review, music therapists will be equipped with information to effectively communicate why music therapy works using three neuroplasticity principles; increase in dopamine, neural synchrony, and a clear signal. CONCLUSION Music therapy is a powerful tool to enhance neuroplasticity in the brain.
Probing Quantum Solvation with Infrared Spectroscopy: Infrared Activity Induced in Solid Parahydrogen by N2 and Ar Dopants

Abstract We present the first high-resolution study of the infrared (IR) absorption spectra of solid parahydrogen matrices containing low concentrations of N 2 or Ar impurities. The spectra reveal dopant-induced absorption features that acquire IR activity through short-range isotropic vibrational transition dipole moments arising from dopant–H 2 intermolecular interactions. These dopant-induced features provide new insights into the perturbation of the vibron bands of the H 2 matrix by chemical impurities, and thus into the physics of solvation in a quantum solid.
Space debris removal using high-power ground-based laser

The feasibility and practicality of using a ground-based laser (GBL) to remove artificial space debris is examined. Physical constraints indicate that a reactor-pumped laser (RPL) may be best suited for this mission, because of its capabilities for multimegawatt output, long run- times, and near-diffraction-limited initial beams. Simulations of a laser-powered debris removal system indicate that a 5-MW RPL with a 10-meter-diameter beam director and adaptive optics capabilities can deorbit 1-kg debris from space station altitudes. Larger debris can be deorbited or transferred to safer orbits after multiple laser engagements. A ground- based laser system may be the only realistic way to access and remove some 10,000 separate objects, having velocities in the neighborhood of 7 km/sec, and being spatially distributed over some 1010 km3 of space.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Social psychology of institutional change: general principles for intervention.

Six principles for achieving total institutional change are presented as a framework for developing intervention strategies for changing established human-service institutions for deviants. These principles are discussed and then explicated with examples from a total change effort in a state training school for adjudicated male delinquents. It is argued that most human service institutions for deviants are in desperate need of massive change and that all six of these principles must be realized, at least to some degree, if such change is to be effected.
Auxin Factor in Branch Epinasty.

Until specific growth regulators were known to control the enlargement phase of the growth process in plant organs, the angular position of the plagiotropic branch could be analyzed only as the resultant of negative geotropism and an opposing epinasty. Epinasty of branches was first reported in 1872 by De Vries (3) and confirmed by Baranetzsky (1) in 1901. Rawitscher reviewed (13) subsequent studies by a few workers before 1932 but they had done little more than interpret what seemed to be an inherent property of the plagiotropic branch. The dependence of negative geotropism on a lateral transport of auxin to the lower side of a horizontal organ was demonstrated in 1930 by Dolk (4). More recently his work has been verified by Gillespie and Briggs (5), with supplementary proof supplied by Gillespie and Thimann (6) with IAA-C14. Horizontal coleoptiles of Avena develop a gradient of diffusible auxin from 35 to 40 % in the upper half to 65 to 60 % in the lower half of the organ. The mechanism for this lateral transport of auxin is still unknown but the associated geoelectric effect of Brauner (2) has recently been verified by Grahm and Hertz (8). It is logical to suspect a corresponding but reversed imbalance of auxin in lateral branches when the effect of gravity on its lateraltransport is removed by turning the plant on a horizontal clinostat, as in most demonstrations of epinastic curvatures. S6ding (17) seems to favor this basis for the resulting greater growth of the upper side of the branch, as suggested by the inconclusive evidence of Uyldert (19), and von Witsch (20) with shoots of Tradescantia and by the work of Munch (12) and of Snow (15,16) with auxin pastes. A recent note by Leike and von Guttenberg (11) describes an epinastic response of a defoliated Coleus branch to exogenous auxin applied to the disbudded tip or to the lower side of the youngest internode. This strongly suggests some lateral transport of the growth regulator to the upper side but in no work thus far has it been possible to demonstrate an excess of auxin in the upper (convex) tissues of an epinastic curvature produced in any way. This paper includes an independent confirmation and extension of the points reported by Leike and von Guttenberg, based on work done before their brief note was published. It has also been possible to measure by two methods the distribution of indoleacetic acid (IAA) within the growth zone of a lateral branch when the transport effects of gravity are eliminated.
Comparative effects of methylphenidate and mixed salts amphetamine on height and weight in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

ABSTRACT Objective To determine whether methylphenidate (MPH) and mixed salts amphetamine (MSA) have different effects on growth in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Method Patients treated for at least 1 year with MPH or MSA were identified. A linear regression was performed to determine the effect of stimulant type, patient gender, cumulative stimulant dose, and length of time in treatment on change in Z scores for height. A subset of patients was identified who had 3 years of consistent stimulant treatment on either MSA or MPH. Repeated-measures analyses of variance were performed to examine the effects of time and medication type on Z scores for weight, height, and body mass index. Results The linear regression showed no effect of stimulant type, drug holidays, or length of time of treatment on change in height Z score. Cumulative dose of stimulant had a small (−0.26) relationship to change in height Z scores. For patients treated for 3 years, there were no effects of stimulant or time on height Z scores. MSA produced more decrease in weight and body mass index Z scores than MPH; all of the subjects were heavier than average at baseline. Conclusion MSA and MPH did not differ in their effects on height. MSA had more of an effect on weight than MPH, although the effect was modest in magnitude and may be of limited clinical significance.
Length mismatch in random semiconductor alloys. I. General theory for quaternaries.

We have studied the length-mismatch problem in random semiconductor alloys. In this paper, the first of three, we obtain an analytic solution for the quaternary zinc-blende alloys ${\mathit{A}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathit{B}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathit{C}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{y}}$${\mathit{D}}_{\mathit{y}}$. The solution incorporates the effects of the lattice via topological rigidity parameters and is exact under the assumptions that the force parameters do not vary from site to site, and that the unstrained atomic radii are additive. We obtain the mean bond lengths for the nearest and next-nearest neighbors. We also show that the length-distribution functions for the nearest-neighbor bonds AC, AD, BC, and BD are identical apart from shifts in the centers and weights. Results have been checked against computer simulations. Special cases of this theory are the pseudobinary alloys such as ${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{In}}_{\mathit{x}}$As, which are discussed in paper II, and the binary alloys ${\mathrm{Si}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Ge}}_{\mathit{x}}$, either crystalline or amorphous, which are discussed in paper III.
Does the WTO promote trade? Further evidence

In a recent notable paper, Rose (2004a) finds no evidence that membership in the GATT/WTO increases trade. However, to evaluate accurately the role of the trade organization on trade promotion, only trade in commodities and sectors that are actually under the influence of that organization should be taken into account. Therefore, in this study, we exclude agriculture, textile and oil trade from consideration, as they are not dealt with under GATT/WTO rules; as a result, the benefit of the GATT/WTO's promotional efforts is pronounced, increasing trade by approximately 30% for member countries.
Microarray-based gene expression profiling reveals the mediators and pathways involved in the anti-arthritic activity of Celastrus-derived Celastrol

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints. The prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other newer drugs is associated with severe adverse reactions. Therefore, there is a need for newer anti-arthritic agents. Celastrol, a bioactive component of the Chinese herb Celastrus, possesses anti-arthritic activity as tested in the adjuvant arthritis (AA) model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the mechanism of action of Celastrol has not been fully defined. We reasoned that microarray analysis of the lymphoid cells of Celastrol-treated arthritic animals might provide vital clues in this regard. We isolated total RNA of the draining lymph node cells (LNCs) of Celastrol-treated (Tc) and vehicle-treated (Tp) arthritic Lewis rats that were restimulated in vitro with the disease-related antigen, mycobacterial heat-shock protein 65 (Bhsp65), and tested it using microarray gene chips. Also tested was RNA from LNCs of control arthritic rats just before any treatment (T₀). Seventy six genes involved in various biological functions were differentially regulated by Bhsp65 in LNCs of Tp group, and 19 genes among them were shared by the Tc group. Furthermore, a group of 14 genes was unique to Tc. When Tc and Tp were compared, many of the Bhsp65-induced genes were related to the immune cells, cellular proliferation and inflammatory responses. Our results revealed 10 differentially expressed genes and 14 pathways that constituted the "Celastrol Signature". Our results would help identify novel targets for RA therapy.
Laser energy source in surgical atrial fibrillation ablation: preclinical experience.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate diffusing tip laser energy in surgical atrial fibrillation ablation using a canine model. This is the first report to describe the pathological and histological findings using a laser energy source. Description The surgical atrial fibrillation ablation procedure was performed through a left atriotomy; the pulmonary veins were encircled in 16 dogs using a diode laser (980 nm) with a diffusing tip that permits linear ablation perpendicular to the fiber direction. Lesion durations were 45 seconds with a power density of 3.8 or 4.5 W/cm. Six animals were allowed to survive 4 hours after the procedure, with the remainder sacrificed at 1 week (n = 1), 4 weeks (n = 3), and 6 weeks (n = 6). Electrophysiologic effectiveness was judged using unipolar or bipolar pacing from the pulmonary veins after attempting isolation. Hearts were harvested for histologic examination using standard trichrome staining. Evaluation All animals tolerated the procedure. The animals required an average of 5.6 ± 0.82 lesions to complete the procedure. All animals had confirmed isolation of the pulmonary veins as judged by unipolar or bipolar pacing, and this isolation persisted in those animals that were allowed to survive. Pathology revealed all lesions to be transmural with an average tissue thickness of 3.62 ± 1.50 mm (range, 0.95 mm to 7.06 mm). Conclusions Diffusing tip laser technology reproducibly makes rapid, transmural, and electrophysiologically effective atrial lesions.
Effect of composition on deep levels in heteroepitaxial Ge x Si 1−x layers and evidence for dominant intrinsic recombination-generation in relaxed Ge layers on Si

Electron traps, hole traps, and the dominant recombination-generation (R-G) centers have been investigated with deep level transient spectroscopy and current-voltage/temperature measurements in heteroepitaxial GexSi1-x alloys with x ranging from 0.15 to 1, grown on graded Gey.Si1−y/Si substrates. For all samples with compositions x < 0.85, which retain the Si-like conduction band structure, we detect a dominant electron trap and R-G center whose activation energy is ΔE = 0.5 eV, independent of composition. This energy agrees with that of electron traps previously reported for plastically deformed (PD) Si, suggesting a connection to the Si-like band structure. This 0.5 eV level dominates the reverse leakage current over a wide range of growth and annealing conditions for the 30% Ge samples, indicating that the electronic state at ΔE = 0.5 eV is a very efficient R-G center, as would be expected from its midgap position. Alternatively, for strain relaxed, pure Ge (< 1), we detect electron traps at Ec − 0.42 eV and Ec − 0.28 eV, in agreement with the literature on PD Ge and Ge bicrystals. These energies are significantly different from those observed for x < 0.85, and we conclude that these changes in activation energy are due to changes in the conduction band structure for high Ge content. Moreover, in contrast with the Si-like samples (x < 0.85), the reverse leakage current in the relaxed Ge cap layer is not controlled by deep levels, but is rather dictated by intrinsic, band-to-band generation due to the reduced bandgap of Ge as compared to Si-like alloys. Only for reverse bias magnitudes which incorporate a significant portion of the graded buffer within the depletion region do R-G centers dominate the reverse leakage current. These results confirm the high quality of the strain-relaxed, pure Ge cap region which was grown on a GeySi1−y/Si step graded heterostructure (where y was increased from 0 to 1) by ultra high vacuum chemical vapor deposition. Finally, we report for the first time, what is apparently the dislocation kink site state at Ec − 0.37 eV, in a GexSi1−x alloy.
Electrochemical and spectroscopic study of anthracene in a mixed Lewis—Brønsted acid ambient temperature molten salt system

Abstract The electrochemistry, NMR and uv-vis spectroscopy of anthracene in ambient temperature molten salts composed of a mixture of AlCl3:1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (ImCl) have been investigated. In acidic mixtures of AlCl3:ImCl, where the molar ratio is greater than 1, electrochemical oxidation of anthracene produces a cation radical which exhibits stability similar to that found in “super dry” dichloromethane. Electrochemical and spectroscopic measurements in the acidic melts show that anthracene protonates to form anthracenium cation. The anthracenium ion cannot be oxidized within the melt electrochemical window, but is reduced by yield H2 and free anthracene. In basic mixtures of AlCl3:ImCl, where the molar ratio is less than 1, no anthracene electrochemistry is observed. However, NMR and uv—vis spectra in the basic melts show anthracene to be unprotonated.
Collaboration in the Context of Appalachia The Case of Cassie

A broad perspective on child development is important to understanding collaboration in special education. Bronfenbrenner's ecological model of human development provides a backdrop to this case study of collaboration on behalf of Cassie, a 4-year-old child with disabilities in a small West Virginia community. The story of Cassie and her family is used to examine special education in a socio-cultural context. The implications of the research for special education in general and professional development in particular are discussed.
School Meals Participation and Weekday Dietary Quality Were Associated after Controlling for Weekend Eating among U.S. School Children Aged 6 to 17 Years

Prior research has shown positive associations between participation in school meals and some dietary measures, but the evidence is equivocal. Few prior studies have used methodological approaches that address underlying differences in food preferences and health beliefs between school meals participants and nonparticipants, resulting in the potential for selection bias to influence results. This study estimated relationships among school meals participation and weekday energy intake and dietary quality, controlling for weekend dietary intake as a proxy for food preferences and health beliefs. Further, this paper explored how family income moderated these relationships. NHANES data (2003-2008) were analyzed for children aged 6-17 y with reliable dietary recalls for one weekday and one weekend day (n = 2376). Using multivariate linear regression models, we examined weekday-weekend differences in energy intake as a percentage of the estimated energy requirement (%EER) and differences in Healthy Eating Index-2005 (HEI) scores for breakfast and lunch and for the entire day. Overall, school meals participants and nonparticipants had equivalent %EERs and total HEI scores, but participants scored higher for milk and lower for saturated fat and sodium after adjustment for weekend eating. Family income moderated the relationship between school meals participation and HEI. Low-income children who ate school breakfast and lunch had significantly higher total HEI, and total grain, and meat and beans component scores. Conversely, higher income participants had significantly lower scores for total grains, whole grains, and saturated fat. Changes to the content of school meals may differentially affect weekday dietary intake of low-income and higher income participants.
Application of pulsed quantum cascade lasers to NO monitoring in industrial exhaust gases

Development of a pulsed quantum cascade laser (QCL) based spectroscopic gas sensor for detection of nitric oxide and other molecular species (NH/sub 3/, H/sub 2/O, and CO/sub 2/) in industrial combustion exhaust systems are reported. A fast modulation approach similar to the method used with near-IR diode lasers' to minimize the influence of fluctuating nonselective absorption was adapted to pulsed QCLs. A method of a few pulses long wavelength scans with absorption probing at precisely selected optical frequencies was implemented. A high-temperature gas cell was used for laboratory testing of the NO sensor performance.