cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative linear unmixing of CFP and YFP from spectral images acquired with two-photon excitation.

Background: Spectrally distinct fluorescent proteins (FPs) have been developed permitting the visualization of several proteins simultaneously in living cells. The emission spectra of FPs, in most cases, overlap, making signal separation based on filter technology inefficient and in cases of bleed-through, inaccurate. Spectral imaging can overcome these obstacles through a process called linear unmixing. Given a complex spectra composed of multiple fluorophores, linear unmixing can reduce the complex signal to its individual, weighted, component spectra. Spectral imaging with two-photon excitation allows the collection of nontruncated emission spectra. The accuracy of linear unmixing under these conditions needs to be evaluated. Methods: Capillaries containing defined mixtures of CFP and YFP were used to test the accuracy of linear unmixing using spectral images obtained with two-photon excitation. Results: Linear unmixing can be accurate when wavelength and power-matched reference spectra are provided to the algorithm. Linear unmixing errors can occur due to (1) excitation laser contamination of emission signals, (2) the presence of FRET, (3) poor selection of excitation wavelength, and (4) failure to background subtract reference spectra. Conclusions: Linear unmixing, when judiciously performed, can accurately measure the abundance of CFP and YFP in mixed samples, even when their relative intensities range from 90:1. © 2006 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Monte Carlo study of shear-induced alignment of cylindrical micelles in thin films.

The behavior of confined cylindrical micelle-forming surfactants under the influence of shear has been investigated using Monte Carlo simulations. The surfactants are modeled as coarse-grained lattice polymers, while the Monte Carlo shear flow is implemented with an externally imposed potential energy field which induces a linear drag velocity on the surfactants. It is shown that, in the absence of shear, cylindrical micelles confined within a monolayer coarsen gradually with Monte Carlo ``time'' $t$, the persistence length of the micelles scaling as ${t}^{0.24}$, in agreement with the scaling obtained experimentally. Under the imposition of shear, the micelles within a monolayer align parallel to the direction of shear, as observed experimentally. Micelles confined within thicker films also align parallel to each other with a hexagonal packing under shear, but assume a finite tilt with respect to the velocity vector within the velocity-velocity gradient plane. We propose a mechanism for this shear-induced alignment of micelles based on breaking up of micelles aligned perpendicular to the shear and their reformation and subsequent growth in the shear direction. It is observed that there exists a ``window'' of shear rates within which such alignment occurs. A simple theory proposed to explain the above behavior is in good agreement with simulation results. A comparison of simulated and experimental self-diffusivities yields a physical time scale for Monte Carlo moves, which enables an assessment of the physical shear rates employed in our Monte Carlo simulations.
The Literacy Needs of Adolescents: What Do Content-Area Teachers Know?

21st-century adolescents face greater literacy demands than their predecessors. Consequently, many state and local school systems have initiated efforts to increase and improve literacy instruction for adolescent learners. Using survey research, this study strove to gauge middle and high school content-area teachers' foundational knowledge of adolescent literacy. The researcher used three policy documents published by the Carnegie Corporation as the foundation for the survey, which consisted of close-ended questions. The researcher utilized an online survey platform to locate and solicit potential participants. A total of 161 teachers participated. First, descriptive data were computed to determine participants' knowledge of adolescent literacy in general as well as subcomponents of the survey. Second, an ANOVA was computed to compare the performance of content-area subgroups. Results indicated that content-area teachers have limited declarative knowledge of adolescent literacy. Furthermore, data indicate...
Prey capture and phagocytosis in the choanoflagellate Salpingoeca rosetta.

Choanoflagellates are unicellular and colonial aquatic microeukaryotes that capture bacteria using an apical flagellum surrounded by a feeding collar composed of actin-filled microvilli. Flow produced by the apical flagellum drives prey bacteria to the feeding collar for phagocytosis. We report here on the cell biology of prey capture in rosette-shaped colonies and unicellular “thecate” or substrate attached cells from the choanoflagellate S. rosetta. In thecate cells and rosette colonies, phagocytosis initially involves fusion of multiple microvilli, followed by remodeling of the collar membrane to engulf the prey, and transport of engulfed bacteria into the cell. Although both thecate cells and rosette colony cells produce ∼70 nm “collar links” that connect and potentially stabilize adjacent microvilli, only thecate cells were observed to produce a lamellipod-like “collar skirt” that encircles the base of the collar. This study offers insight into the process of prey ingestion by S. rosetta, and provides a context within which to consider potential ecological differences between solitary cells and colonies in choanoflagellates.
Work and earnings of artists in the media fields

state of growth and change throughout their history. At the present time, radio broadcasting is in a period of rapid expansion after a long period of contraction. Cable distribution of video programs is also in a period of rapid expansion after several decades of slow, but steady growth. New regulations effecting low power transmission of television may significantly increase the number of stations and the character of program material being offered in less populated regions of the country. A surge of feature film successes in 1981 brought new attendance and profit records to the motion picture industry, only to reverse and begin to decline again in 1982. An important feature of the media fields that contrasts with traditional performing arts is the enormous increase of efficiency they offer for artists to serve their audiences. In the media fields, artists' performances or productions have the possibility of being stored, multiplied, and re-experienced many times and in many places without the continuing employment of the artists or performers. Few artists need to be employed in contrast with the potential size of the audience. The distribution system to this large audience may generate revenues that are very large when compared with traditional live performances. Unlike live performing arts presentations, media presentations such as films shown in a cinema theater and programs for radio or television, may be accumulated as
Advances in Determining Cloud Composition from Infrared Radiances: Application to Advanced Geostationary Sensors

This work is aimed at developing advanced techniques for inferring information on cloud microphysics from infrared measurements, with a focus on cloud composition. The techniques are applicable to narrow band or hyperspectral.
Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Decreases Plasma Luteinizing Hormone Levels in Female Rats by Inhibiting Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Release into Hypophysial-Portal Circulation

To evaluate whether the hypothalamus is the site of action of CRF in inhibiting LH levels in female rats, we measured hypophysial-portal blood concentrations of immunoreactive GnRH (irGnRH) after the central injection of CRF. Ovine CRF (0.1, 1.0, 2.0, and 5.0 nmol) was injected intracerebroventricularly to intact rats on the afternoon of proestrus and in long term ovariectomized (OVX) rats in the presence or in absence of estradiol benzoate (OVX + EB). CRF injection decreased the amplitude of the proestrous irGnRH surge without affecting presurge levels. CRF (0.1 nmol) attenuated the afternoon irGnRH surge in OVX + EB rats; higher doses of CRF blocked this surge and decreased nonsurge irGnRH levels. No dose-related alterations of irGnRH levels were observed in OVX rats; only the highest dose of CRF was active. For comparison, plasma LH concentrations were measured after a single dose of CRF (2 nmol) in rats under the same experimental conditions. While CRF decreased LH concentrations in anesthetized proes...
Coalescence of Drops

This review examines different stages of the coalescence process of liquid drops on a planar interface under different conditions. Depending on the application, drops coalescence under the influence of applied external shear stress. The focus of this review is on the effect of the viscous stress, Marangoni stress, and electric field stress on the outcome of this process, particularly on the time of coalescence and partial coalescence. Theoretical progress and experiments of this phenomenon are examined, and a future outlook of this area of research is given.
Five fractions of preoperative radiotherapy for selected cases of rectal carcinoma: long-term tumor control and tolerance to treatment.

Abstract Background: Randomized Swedish studies demonstrate the efficacy of a 5-fraction course of preoperative radiotherapy for rectal carcinoma. The present study evaluates the results in a single U.S. institution over a 20-year period with a similar regimen. Methods and Materials: During the period of 1975–1995, 83 patients received pelvic radiotherapy of 20 Gy/5 fractions, followed by immediate surgery for rectal cancer. These patients represented 21% of cases receiving preoperative treatment; the remainder received 45–50 Gy preoperatively. The 5-fraction course was used for lesions deemed readily resectable but too bulky for conservative endocavitary treatment. Since 1990, it has been our policy to administer postoperative chemotherapy to medically fit patients who prove to have pathologic Stage II or III disease. Patient characteristics including age (mean 65 years, range 23–90), gender (45% male), and location within the rectum were comparable to our previously reported cases that received 45 Gy/25 fractions preoperatively. However, the group selected for 5 fractions preoperatively had relatively fewer lesions that were tethered (20% vs. 61%), circumferential (11% vs. 20%), or near obstructing (1% vs. 16%). Results: With a post treatment follow-up of 1–15 years (mean 4.7), there have been 3 local failures and 12 distant failures, with an actuarial local control of 95%, and disease-specific survival of 77% at 5 and 10 years. Grade ≥ 3 perioperative or late toxicity occurred in 11 cases (13%), including 3 (3.5%) late bowel obstructions. Stage II or III disease was found in 56% of the cases, 74% of which were free of disease at last follow-up. However, patients with Stage II or III lesions that were significantly tethered or fixed had a 40% greater likelihood of recurring than similar stage lesions that were, at most, slightly tethered. Sphincter-preserving surgery was possible in 60% of the patients. In recent years, postoperative chemotherapy has been administered to 16 patients with Stage II or III disease; this has been well tolerated, with only 1 late toxicity (cystitis managed medically). When compared with a matched group of cases receiving conventionally fractionated preoperative radiation, there were no significant differences in perioperative morbidity and nonradiotherapeutic cost generating factors (length of hospital stay, duration of postoperative antibiotics, blood loss at surgery). Conclusion: Patients with resectable rectal cancer who received 20 Gy/5 fractions preoperative radiotherapy to the pelvis had excellent local and distant control of disease. These patients were able to undergo sphincter-preserving surgery and postoperative chemotherapy. It would be of interest to conduct a randomized trial comparing short course with longer course (45 or 50 Gy) preoperative radiotherapy for resectable T3 lesions. The results of this study suggest that, in general, differences in toxicity, local control, and disease-free survival would probably be
Gastrointestinal Fermentation in Greater Sirens (Siren lacertina)

The nutritional ecology and digestive physiology of salamanders in the Family Sirenidae remain poorly understood. Although the intestinal contents of these salamanders include herbivorous dietary items, the nutritional significance of such ingested matter is unknown. In this study, we examined gut contents, gastrointestinal structure, and microbial fermentation in wild-caught Greater Sirens (Siren lacertina). Ingested items included aquatic invertebrates, vascular plants, and algae. The guts of these amphibians were not as voluminous or morphologically specialized as in many herbivores, but the posterior intestine was enlarged and exhibited a distinct folding pattern and an ileocolonic valve that may help maintain a symbiotic microbial population. An active microbial fermentation was indicated by relatively high levels of short-chain fatty acids in the medial-posterior and posterior gut regions. This is the first account of gastrointestinal fermentation in the Family Sirenidae and only the second account in the Class Amphibia.
Experimental Social Policymaking During World War II: The United Service Organizations (USO) and American War-Community Services (AWCS)

Winning the war on the home front and overseas meant that citizens of different races, religions, and ethnic appellations needed to work together peacefully in the “arsenal of democracy.” Prior to America's entrance into the war, community leaders recognized that selected social problems must be addressed in order to promote domestic harmony and boost urgently needed defense production in war communities. Instead of viewing the war years as distracting community interest from social problems, social welfare organizations pressed localities to acknowledge and act to alleviate ongoing difficulties that presented themselves, sometimes in dramatic fashion, as serious obstacles to the war effort. Race riots in Harlem and Detroit, the “zoot-suit” struggles on the West Coast, “khaki-wacky” girls who chased after servicemen, the erosion of child labor laws, significant population shifts across the nation, and a record number of teenage dropouts highlighted the structural cracks in American society. Clear understanding of the expedient nature of wartime social work mobilized efforts to establish national and local strategies that would enable wartime programs to continue into the postwar era.
Simulation methods for analysis of traffic processes in ATM networks

This paper presents efficient simulation methods for analyzing modern, large-scale networks and evaluating their performance attributes. Characterizing traffic flows from multiple sources and applications is key in assessing overall network performance measures. It is essential to have quantitative network cost and performance measures in order to plan, design, and implement modern, large-scale networks such as the Advanced Distributed Learning Network (ADLN). ADLN requires integrated, multimedia network services for distributed, collaborative processing among globally dispersed users. ADLN will interconnect multiple categories of users and provide integrated voice, video, and data services, which can be enabled through the use of Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) technology (ATM Forum 1992). Through efficient multi-plexing and networking, ATM can interconnect multiple classes of users and transport ADLN applications cost-effectively with guaranteed per-formance. A combined approach of simulation and analysis is used to assess the performance of the large-scale, distributed network such as ADLN. Topics include the multi-source traffic characterization, performance analysis of ATM networks, capacity sizing, and optimal allocation of network resources.
RNAi-mediated Hip1R Silencing Results in Stable Association between the Endocytic Machinery and the Actin Assembly Machinery

Actin filaments transiently associate with the endocytic machinery during clathrin-coated vesicle formation. Although several proteins that might mediate or regulate this association have been identified, in vivo demonstration of such an activity has not been achieved. Huntingtin interacting protein 1R (Hip1R) is a candidate cytoskeletal-endocytic linker or regulator because it binds to clathrin and actin. Here, Hip1R levels were lowered by RNA interference (RNAi). Surprisingly, rather than disrupting the transient association between endocytic and cytoskeletal proteins, clathrin-coated structures (CCSs) and their endocytic cargo became stably associated with dynamin, actin, the Arp2/3 complex, and its activator, cortactin. RNAi double-depletion experiments demonstrated that accumulation of the cortical actin-endocytic complexes depended on cortactin. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching showed that dynamic actin filament assembly can occur at CCSs. Our results provide evidence that Hip1R helps to make the interaction between actin and the endocytic machinery functional and transient.
Near-road air pollutant concentrations of CO and PM2.5: A comparison of MOBILE6.2/CALINE4 and generalized additive models

Abstract The contribution of vehicular traffic to air pollutant concentrations is often difficult to establish. This paper utilizes both time-series and simulation models to estimate vehicle contributions to pollutant levels near roadways. The time-series model used generalized additive models (GAMs) and fitted pollutant observations to traffic counts and meteorological variables. A one year period (2004) was analyzed on a seasonal basis using hourly measurements of carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter less than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM 2.5 ) monitored near a major highway in Detroit, Michigan, along with hourly traffic counts and local meteorological data. Traffic counts showed statistically significant and approximately linear relationships with CO concentrations in fall, and piecewise linear relationships in spring, summer and winter. The same period was simulated using emission and dispersion models (Motor Vehicle Emissions Factor Model/MOBILE6.2; California Line Source Dispersion Model/CALINE4). CO emissions derived from the GAM were similar, on average, to those estimated by MOBILE6.2. The same analyses for PM 2.5 showed that GAM emission estimates were much higher (by 4–5 times) than the dispersion model results, and that the traffic-PM 2.5 relationship varied seasonally. This analysis suggests that the simulation model performed reasonably well for CO, but it significantly underestimated PM 2.5 concentrations, a likely result of underestimating PM 2.5 emission factors. Comparisons between statistical and simulation models can help identify model deficiencies and improve estimates of vehicle emissions and near-road air quality.
Information embedding based on user's relevance feedback for image retrieval

An image retrieval system based on an information embedding scheme is proposed. Using relevance feedback, the system gradually embeds correlations between images from a high- level semantic perspective. The system starts with low-level image features and acquires knowledge from users to correlate different images in the database. Through the selection of positive and negative examples based on a given query, the semantic relationships between images are captured and embedded into the system by splitting/merging image clusters and updating the correlation matrix. Image retrieval is then based on the resulting image clusters and the correlation matrix obtained through relevance feedback.
Dietary fat quality and risk of sudden cardiac death in women

Background: Dietary n−3 PUFAs are inversely associated with risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD); however, little is known about other fats and SCD. Furthermore, concerns have been raised that high n−6 PUFA intake may attenuate the benefits of n−3 PUFAs. Objective: We examined associations and selected interactions between dietary fatty acids, expressed as a proportion of total fat and SCD. Design: We conducted a prospective cohort study among 91,981 women aged 34–59 y from the Nurses’ Health Study in 1980. Over 30 y, we documented 385 SCDs. Results: In multivariable models, women in the highest compared with the lowest quintile of SFA intake had an RR of SCD of 1.44 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.98). Conversely, women in the highest compared with the lowest quintile of PUFA intake had an RR of SCD of 0.57 (95% CI: 0.41, 0.78). Intakes of n−6 and n−3 PUFAs were both significantly associated with a lower risk of SCD, and n−6 PUFAs did not modify the association between n−3 PUFAs and SCD. MUFAs and trans fats were not associated with SCD risk. After further adjustment for coronary heart disease (CHD) and CHD risk factors potentially in the causal pathway, the association between PUFAs and SCD remained significant, whereas the association for SFAs was no longer significant. Conclusions: Intake of PUFAs as a proportion of fat was inversely associated with SCD risk, independent of traditional CHD risk factors. These results support dietary guidelines to improve dietary fat quality by replacing intake of SFAs with n−6 and n−3 PUFAs.
Coping with Racial Discrimination: Assessing the Vulnerability of African Americans and the Mediated Moderation of Psychosocial Resources.

Research demonstrates that the mental health of African Americans is negatively affected by discrimination, but few studies have investigated the effects of racial discrimination specifically and whether these effects vary by poverty and education levels. Using a sample of 3,372 African Americans from the National Survey of American Life (NSAL), we find a positive relationship between racial discrimination and depressive symptoms, with both lifetime and daily racial discrimination being more salient for depressive symptoms among impoverished African Americans than those living above 200% of the poverty line. Evaluating mediated moderation models, we also find that the conditional effects of socioeconomic status are mediated by poor African Americans’ having fewer psychosocial resources. Namely, lower levels of mastery are influential in accounting for poor African Americans’ greater vulnerability to both daily and lifetime discrimination. The findings highlight the importance of examining specific reasons...
HOW PSYCHOLOGICAL PITFALLS GENERATED THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS

The root cause of the financial crisis that erupted in 2008 is psychological. In the events which led up to the crisis, heuristics, biases, and framing effects strongly influenced the judgments and decisions of financial firms, rating agencies, elected officials, government regulators, and institutional investors. Among the many lessons to be learned from the crisis is the importance of focusing on the behavioral aspects of business process. Examples involving UBS, Merrill Lynch, Citigroup, Standard & Poor’s, and the SEC illustrate this point. The examples provide support for a position arguing behavioral finance needs to be much better integrated into business school education. The extent of process failure prior to the crisis suggests when it comes to integrative education, behavioral corporate finance is especially germane.
Context-dependent Semantic Parsing for Time Expressions

We present an approach for learning context-dependent semantic parsers to identify and interpret time expressions. We use a Combinatory Categorial Grammar to construct compositional meaning representations, while considering contextual cues, such as the document creation time and the tense of the governing verb, to compute the final time values. Experiments on benchmark datasets show that our approach outperforms previous stateof-the-art systems, with error reductions of 13% to 21% in end-to-end performance.
Management of the potential organ donor

Management of the potential organ donor in critical care units is the most immediate and practical solution to the current crisis in organ donation. Brain death physiology significantly impacts upon the management process. Cardiovascular support is the cornerstone of donor management because it ensures donor somatic survival for procurement and maintains all of the donor organs in the best possible conditions. General applications of cardiovascular management for critically ill patients are applicable to donor management and include invasive monitoring and adjustment of vasoactive medications. Adjudicating the delicate balance between the adequacy of fluid resuscitate for organ perfusions versus minimizing the extravascular lung water from overzealous fluid resuscitation is challenging and requires vigilance with invasive monitoring. The use of hormonal resuscitation remains controversial with studies showing mixed results. Donor management is analogous to managing six to eight critically ill patients simultaneously; this period can impact the quality of the organ, the quality of life of the recipient and should be undertaken with the same level of intensity that is applied to any other critically ill patient.
Nonparametric methods for the analysis of single-color pathogen microarrays

Background: The analysis of oligonucleotide microarray data in pathogen surveillance and discovery is a challenging task. Target template concentration, nucleic acid integrity, and host nucleic acid composition can each have a profound effect on signal distribution. Exploratory analysis of fluorescent signal distribution in clinical samples has revealed deviations from normality, suggesting that distribution-free approaches should be applied. Results: Positive predictive value and false positive rates were examined to assess the utility of three well-established nonparametric methods for the analysis of viral array hybridization data: (1) Mann-Whitney U, (2) the Spearman correlation coefficient and (3) the chi-square test. Of the three tests, the chi-square proved most useful. Conclusions: The acceptance of microarray use for routine clinical diagnostics will require that the technology be accompanied by simple yet reliable analytic methods. We report that our implementation of the chi-square test yielded a combination of low false positive rates and a high degree of predictive accuracy.
How We Explain Depends on Whom We Explain: The Impact of Social Category on the Selection of Causal Comparisons and Causal Explanations

Prior research indicates that people's causal explanations depend on the comparison case against which the event is considered. The present research examined the hypothesis that the causal comparison depends on the typicality of the target actor's social category. Participants in two studies placed greater relative emphasis on across-group comparisons than within-group comparisons for atypical actors compared to typical actors. Perceived typicallity was manipulated indirectly through prior beliefs about the type of person most likely to be involved in an activity (Experiment 1) and directly through explicit information about social group typicality relative to an event (Experiment 2). Participants' causal explanations also differed by social category, providing more category-related explanations for atypical actors than typical actors. The contribution of findings toward understanding the influence of a target actor's group membership on causal explanations is discussed. Findings are also related to prior research on social identity and stereotypes, which has addressed the impact of social category on causal explanations.
Practical and relevant self-report measures of patient health behaviors for primary care research.

PURPOSE With increasing evidence for the value of behavior change counseling, there is a need for health behavior measurements that can be implemented in primary care research. This article discusses criteria for and reviews self-report measures to briefly assess cigarette smoking, eating patterns, physical activity, and risky drinking across the life course. It then proposes pragmatic measures for use in practice-based research. METHODS Drawing from literature reviews, previous multisite studies, personal communications with experts in the field, and guidance from an expert panel, we identified self-report behavior change measures and gave priority to items that addressed Healthy People 2010 goals, as well as those that were practical (ie, shorter, and easier to score and use for intervention), were sensitive to change, and produced results that could directly inform primary care intervention. RESULTS Separate recommendations are described for measures for adults and for children/adolescents. We recommend a set of 22 items for adults and 16 items for adolescents to track succinctly their status on the 4 health behaviors above. Perfected measures remain elusive: newly developed measures of physical activity and eating patterns are recommended, and in general, the brief measures for adults are currently better validated than are the child measures. CONCLUSIONS A set of totally satisfactory practical instruments for measuring behavior change in primary care settings does not yet exist. There is sufficient progress to encourage use of and further research on the proposed items. Use of a common set of items across different interventions and projects will help to advance clinical and behavioral research in primary care settings.
DNA Synthesis in Adult Feline Ventricular Myocytes: Comparison of Hypoxic and Normoxic States

Abstract Adult mammalian ventricular myocytes are terminally differentiated cells, and the prevailing perception has been that DNA synthesis and repair are not active. We tested the hypothesis that there is potential for DNA synthesis and repair by studying the ability of whole-cell extracts from adult myocytes to incorporate [α-32P]dCTP into damaged plasmids. Left ventricular myocytes were isolated from adult cat hearts by collagenase dissociation. Cells were maintained in room air (control extract, CE) or made ischemic (IE) with N2 displacement of O2 and extracted for total protein. The nicked form of the plasmid was produced by exposure to an Fe3+/ascorbic acid free radical generating system. Both IE and CE degraded the supercoiled form of the plasmid and incorporated [α-32P]dCTP into the nicked (32P/DNA mass; CE=2.2, IE=3.0) and linear forms (32P/DNA mass; CE=28.7, IE=25.2). Exposure of plasmids to UV light did not inhibit incorporation of label. Inhibition studies with the cell extracts suggested a p...
Wild-type class I β-tubulin sensitizes Taxol-resistant breast adenocarcinoma cells harboring a β-tubulin mutation

Abstract A Taxol-resistant cell line, K20T, which does not express P-glycoprotein, was selected with Taxol from human MDA-MB-231 breast adenocarcinoma cells and maintained in the presence of 20 nM Taxol. K20T cells were ∼18-fold resistant to Taxol, displayed cross-resistance to Taxotere and the epothilones, but little cross-resistance to discodermolide. Sequence analysis of the class I β-tubulin indicated that it harbored an A593G mutation resulting in a change from glutamate to glycine at amino acid 198, which is near the intradimer interface within the α/β-tubulin heterodimer. An HA-tagged wild-type class I β-tubulin expression vector was transfected into the K20T cells. Immunofluorescence studies demonstrated that this exogenous tubulin was incorporated into cellular microtubules and Western blot analysis indicated that the K20T transfectants predominantly expressed the exogenous wild-type class I β-tubulin. The transfected cells were only ∼5-fold resistant to Taxol. Our results, plus the knowledge that Glu198 is the target for other anti-tubulin agents, suggest that glutamate198 in β-tubulin is a critical determinant for microtubule stability and Taxol resistance.
Fairness influences early signatures of reward-related neural processing

Many humans exhibit a strong preference for fairness during decision-making. Although there is evidence that social factors influence reward-related and affective neural processing, it is unclear if this effect is mediated by compulsory outcome evaluation processes or results from slower deliberate cognition. Here we show that the feedback-related negativity (FRN) and late positive potential (LPP), two signatures of early hedonic processing, are modulated by the fairness of rewards during a passive rating task. We find that unfair payouts elicit larger FRNs than fair payouts, whereas fair payouts elicit larger LPPs than unfair payouts. This is true both in the time-domain, where the FRN and LPP are related, and in the time-frequency domain, where the two signals are largely independent. Ultimately, this work demonstrates that fairness affects the early stages of reward and affective processing, suggesting a common biological mechanism for social and personal reward evaluation.
Soft-Tissue Neoplasms of the Head and Neck

The vast majority of head and neck cancers are epithelial in origin, with primary mucosal squamous cell carcinomas the most common. Thyroid cancer, salivary gland cancer, and the lymphoreticular diseases are less frequent forms of cancer, while malignant neoplasms of mesodermal origin are relatively rare. These lesions are more frequent in children than in adults.
Multiple Myeloma Evolves from a Malignant Hematopoietic Stem Cell

The low proliferative activity of multiple myeloma cells prompted investigations designed to identify the proliferative pool of pre-myeloma cells which feed into the compartment of recognizable tumor cells. In the last several years significant insight has been gained into the biology of myeloma; the involvement of pre-B lymphocytes has been demonstrated, IL-6 has been identified as the major myeloma growth factor, the role of accessory cells has been recognized and the efficacy of biologicals with known activity as regulators of gene expression in controlling the disease has been established. Yet the myeloma stem cell has remained elusive.
Photolysis of Nitric Acid and Nitrate on Natural and Artificial Surfaces

Photolysis of nitric acid and nitrate (HNO3/nitrate) was investigated on the surfaces of natural and artificial materials, including plant leaves, metal sheets, and construction materials. The surfaces were conditioned in the outdoor air prior to experiments to receive natural depositions of ambient HNO3/nitrate and other atmospheric constituents. The photolysis rate constant (JHNO3(s)) of the surface HNO3/nitrate was measured based on the production rates of nitrous acid (HONO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). The JHNO3(s) values, from 6.0 × 10–6 s–1 to 3.7 × 10–4 s–1, are 1 to 3 orders of magnitude higher than that of gaseous HNO3. The HONO was the major product from photolysis of HNO3/nitrate on most plant leaves, whereas NOx was the major product on most artificial surfaces. The JHNO3(s) values decreased with HNO3/nitrate surface density and could be described by a simple analytical equation. Within a typical range of HNO3/nitrate surface density in the low-NOx forested areas, photolysis of HNO3/nitrate on ...
Foreign Investment and the Growth of the Firm

Most successful firms grow, and if a firm grows by virtue of its own earnings then the foreign equity in the firm grows without any net import of new foreign exchange. The General Motors began in Australia in 1926 with chassis-assembly plants in various States, and in 1931 bought out the Australian-owned Holden's Motor Body Builders Ltd. with an issue of Preference Shares. Until 1945 the combined firm was engaged in building bodies and assembling imported chassis units, but in that year began planning the manufacture in Australia of the Holden car. In the realm of manufacturing the direct foreign investment is probably more effective in expanding productivity and promoting industrial efficiency than any other kind of foreign investment. There are two types of benefits realised from foreign investment: additional supplies of capital, on the one hand, and, on the other, new techniques of production and management, entrepreneurial skill, new products, new ideas.
Silent Infarcts with Sickle Cell Anemia

The effect of transfusion therapy on the risk for new silent infarct or stroke in children with sickle cell anemia and abnormal transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography was determined at the University of Miami, FL, and other centers in the STOP trial (Stroke Prevention in Sickle Cell Anemia).
Abstract 2713: Helicobacter pylori increases the risk of colorectal polyps in African Americans

Background: H. Pylori infection have linked to colorectal polyps, mainly through hypergastrinemia and its trophic effect on colon mucosa. African Americans were under represented despite both common diseases are more prevalent in them. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate whether H. Pylori infection has a role in development of colorectal polyps in Africans Americans. Methods: Retrospectively, Africans Americans (n=1262) greater than 40 years old who underwent bidirectional gastrointestinal endoscopy on the same day were enrolled. The pre-procedure indication and post-procedure diagnosis were recorded (n=1262). H. Pylori status was assessed by immunohistochemistry on gastric specimens. Colorectal polyps were confirmed by histological examination of biopsies from complete colonoscopy. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the independent risk factors of polyp occurrence. Results: Colorectal polyps (regardless polyp pathology) were more prevalent in H. Pylori-infected subjects (43%; 160/368) compared to (34%; 302/894) uninfected subjects (OR=1.5; 95 %CI=1.2-1.9). Furthermore, there was a trend toward larger polyp size ≥ 1cm in H. Pylori positive patients (P=0.07). There was no difference in histopathology or location of polyps in regard to H. Pylori status. Among the participants, 21 (2%) were defined with baseline above average risk for colorectal polyps justifying colonoscopy and of those; the polyps were detected in 62% (OR; 95%CI=2.9; 1.2-7.1). Age and male gender were independent risk factors for colorectal polyps. Conclusion: H. Pylori increases the risk of developing colorectal polyps and may increase the chances for having a larger size polyp in Africans Americans. These findings suggest that H. Pylori might have a role in the initiation and/or promotion of polyps. Further studies are needed to explore its mechanisms. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2713.
An Important Entomogenous Fungus

In I896, H. J. Webber discovered a fungus parasite of the citrus whitefly and described its sterile form under the name of "Brown mealy-wing fungus (2)." It is now popularly known by the orange growers of Florida as the "Brown fungus" of the whitefly. The spread of this fungus on whitefly larvae,(I) by means of superficial hyphae that spread over the surface of the leaves attacking every whitefly larva in their way, and (2) by means of spore-like aggregations of cells that may be carried in the air or by insects,-make this fungus one of the most important parasites of the whitefly! This fungus and the red fungus (Aschersonia Aleyrodis) are being introduced by orange growers into many localities in Florida with the belief that they are the most economic means yet discovered of keeping the whitefly (Aleyrodis Citri) under control.
Determination of navigation FDI thresholds using a Markov model

A method for determining time-varying Failure Detection and Identification (FDI) thresholds for single sample decision functions is described in the context of a triplex system of inertial platforms. A cost function consisting of the probability of vehicle loss due to FDI decision errors is minimized. A discrete Markov model is constructed from which this cost can be determined as a function of the decision thresholds employed to detect and identify the first and second failures. Optimal thresholds are determined through the use of parameter optimization techniques. The application of this approach to threshold determination is illustrated for the Space Shuttle's inertial measurement instruments.
Crossing the border to find home: A gendered perspective on the separation and reunification experiences of Mexican immigrant young adults in the United States:

For many Latino immigrants, family separation due to migration is common. Children who experience family separation and reunify with their parents in the United States experience profound outcomes. Research is limited in understanding how these youth adjust to life in the host country. Through in-depth interviews, this study investigated the adjustment processes of 10 Mexican immigrant youth who reunified with their parents. Findings indicated that male participants experienced low levels of familial, social support and had low academic achievement. Female participants received greater familial, social support and had high academic achievement. Recommendations for research and social work practice are provided.
Ranking Queue Systems Using Stochastic Dominance

AbstractThe appiicalion of stochastic ordering rules to waiting time distributions in single server queues is examined. Rules of this type can prove useful to the systems designer when analysing queueing systems. Systems can be compared in terms of average wailing (or system) time, in terms of the stochastic dominance of the waiting (or system) time distribution or in terms of the dominance of some other stochastic parameter characteristic of thesystem. Such rules are particularly important when one musi deal with non-linear waiting cost functions.
Lyme disease--a pediatric perspective.

This review attempts to summarize current developments in the epidemiology and pathogenesis of Lyme disease, primarily focussing on the clinical manifestations of the disease in children and the difficulty in diagnosis
Foundations of Pharmacodynamic Systems Analysis

The pillars of pharmacodynamic modeling are the pharmacokinetics of the drug, the nature of the pharmacology that underlies drug interactions with their targets, and the physiology of the system considering molecular to whole body levels of organization and functioning. This chapter provides a general assessment of the fundamental components and some interactions of each of these pillars indicating how they serve as building blocks for systems models. Key elements of pharmacokinetics include the operation of Fick’s Laws for diffusion and perfusion along with the often nonlinear mechanisms of drug distribution and elimination. Target-binding relationships in pharmacology evolve from the law of mass action producing capacity-limitation in most operative control functions. Mammalian physiology and pathophysiology feature a wide breadth of turnover rates for biological compounds, structures, and functions ranging from rapid electrical signals to lengthy human lifespans, which often determine the rate-limiting process and basic type of model to be applied. Appreciation of the diverse array, mechanisms, and interactions of individual components that comprise the pillars of pharmacodynamics can serve as the foundation for building more complex systems models.
Tensile strained gray tin: Dirac semimetal for observing negative magnetoresistance with Shubnikov–de Haas oscillations

The extremely stringent requirement on material quality has hindered the investigation and potential applications of exotic chiral magnetic effect in Dirac semimetals. Here, we propose that gray tin is a perfect candidate for observing the chiral anomaly effect and Shubnikov-de-Haas (SdH) oscillation at relatively low magnetic field. Based on effective $k\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}p$ analysis and first-principles calculations, we discover that gray tin becomes a Dirac semimetal under tensile uniaxial strain, in contrast to a topological insulator under compressive uniaxial strain as known before. In this newly found Dirac semimetal state, two Dirac points which are tunable by tensile [001] strains lie in the ${k}_{z}$ axis and Fermi arcs appear in the (010) surface. Due to the low carrier concentration and high mobility of gray tin, a large chiral anomaly induced negative magnetoresistance and a strong SdH oscillation are anticipated in this half of the strain spectrum. Comparing to other Dirac semimetals, the proposed Dirac semimetal state in the nontoxic elemental gray tin can be more easily manipulated and accurately controlled. We envision that gray tin provides a perfect platform for strain engineering of chiral magnetic effects by sweeping through the strain spectrum from positive to negative and vice versa.
Combining Phototherapy with Methotrexate

When phototherapy alone or methotrexate alone results in inadequate response for a patient with psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, the two therapies can be combined safely and effectively. Extremely rarely, methotrexate can induce an acute or delayed phototoxic reaction following phototherapy. In order to minimize this risk, there should be maximum amount of time between the dose of methotrexate and the next phototherapy session. Just like with other photosensitizing medications, minimizing blood levels of the medication at the time of phototherapy results in the lowest risk of phototoxicity.
Verifiable hierarchical protocols with network invariants on parametric systems

We present Neo, a framework for designing pre-verified protocol components that can be instantiated and connected in an arbitrarily large hierarchy (tree), with a guarantee that the whole system satisfies a given safety property. We employ the idea of network invariants to handle correctness for arbitrary depths in the hierarchy. Orthogonally, we leverage a parameterized model checker (Cubicle) to allow for a parametric number of children at each internal node of the tree. We believe this is the first time these two distinct dimensions of configuration have been together tackled in a verification approach, and also the first time a proof of an observational preorder (as required by network invariants) has been formulated inside a parametric model checker. Aside from the natural up/down communication between a child and a parent, we allow for peer-to-peer communication, since many real protocol optimizations rely on this paradigm. The paper details the Neo theory, which is built upon the Input-Output Automata formalism, and demonstrates the approach on an example hierarchical cache coherence protocol.
Spatially-tuned normalization explains attention modulation variance within neurons.

Tuned normalization studies have demonstrated that the variance in attention modulation size seen across neurons from the same cortical area can be largely explained by between-neuron differences i...
Control-Affine Systems in Low Dimensions: From Small-Time Reachable Sets to Time-Optimal Syntheses

We have seen in Chap. 4 that necessary conditions for optimality follow from separation results using convex approximations for the reachable set from a point. If the reachable sets are known exactly, not only necessary conditions, but complete solutions can be obtained for related optimal control problems (e.g., the time-optimal control problem). In general, determining these sets is as difficult a problem as solving an optimal control problem.
Finding label noise examples in large scale datasets

Mislabeled examples are difficult to avoid while building large scale datasets. In this paper we discuss an efficient approach for finding those mislabeled examples. Our approach involves selecting a small number of potentially mislabeled examples for review by an expert. We demonstrate the utility of our method by finding some mislabeled examples in one large scale dataset (ImageNet). We found 92 errors by automatically selecting 3607 examples to review out of 22951 images from 18 classes. This requires reviewing 9 times fewer examples than the random sampling method to find an equivalent number of mislabels.