cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An integrated approach for identifying priority contaminant in the Great Lakes Basin – Investigations in the Lower Green Bay/Fox River and Milwaukee Estuary areas of concern

Environmental assessment of complex mixtures typically requires integration of chemical and biological measurements. This study demonstrates the use of a combination of instrumental chemical analyses, effects-based monitoring, and bio-effects prediction approaches to help identify potential hazards and priority contaminants in two Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOCs), the Lower Green Bay/Fox River located near Green Bay, WI, USA and the Milwaukee Estuary, located near Milwaukee, WI, USA. Fathead minnows were caged at four sites within each AOC (eight sites total). Following 4d of in situ exposure, tissues and biofluids were sampled and used for targeted biological effects analyses. Additionally, 4d composite water samples were collected concurrently at each caged fish site and analyzed for 132 analytes as well as evaluated for total estrogenic and androgenic activity using cell-based bioassays. Of the analytes examined, 75 were detected in composite samples from at least one site. Based on multiple analyses, one site in the East River and another site near a paper mill discharge in the Lower Green Bay/Fox River AOC, were prioritized due to their estrogenic and androgenic activity, respectively. The water samples from other sites generally did not exhibit significant estrogenic or androgenic activity, nor was there evidence for endocrine disruption in the fish exposed at these sites as indicated by the lack of alterations in ex vivo steroid production, circulating steroid concentrations, or vitellogenin mRNA expression in males. Induction of hepatic cyp1a mRNA expression was detected at several sites, suggesting the presence of chemicals that activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. To expand the scope beyond targeted investigation of endpoints selected a priori, several bio-effects prediction approaches were employed to identify other potentially disturbed biological pathways and related chemical constituents that may warrant future monitoring at these sites. For example, several chemicals such as diethylphthalate and naphthalene, and genes and related pathways, such as cholinergic receptor muscarinic 3 (CHRM3), estrogen receptor alpha1 (esr1), chemokine ligand 10 protein (CXCL10), tumor protein p53 (p53), and monoamine oxidase B (Maob), were identified as candidates for future assessments at these AOCs. Overall, this study demonstrates that a better prioritization of contaminants and associated hazards can be achieved through integrated evaluation of multiple lines of evidence. Such prioritization can guide more comprehensive follow-up risk assessment efforts.
Feelings of Clinician-Patient Similarity and Trust Influence Pain: Evidence From Simulated Clinical Interactions

Abstract Pain is influenced by many factors other than external sources of tissue damage. Among these, the clinician-patient relationship is particularly important for pain diagnosis and treatment. However, the effects of the clinician-patient relationship on pain remain underexamined. We tested the hypothesis that patients who believe they share core beliefs and values with their clinician will report less pain than patients who do not. We also measured feelings of perceived clinician-patient similarity and trust to see if these interpersonal factors influenced pain. We did so by experimentally manipulating perceptions of similarity between participants playing the role of clinicians and participants playing the role of patients in simulated clinical interactions. Participants were placed in 2 groups on the basis of their responses to a questionnaire about their personal beliefs and values, and painful thermal stimulation was used as an analog of a painful medical procedure. We found that patients reported feeling more similarity and trust toward their clinician when they were paired with clinicians from their own group. In turn, patients' positive feelings of similarity and trust toward their clinicians—but not clinicians' feelings toward patients or whether the clinician and patient were from the same group—predicted lower pain ratings. Finally, the most anxious patients exhibited the strongest relationship between their feelings about their clinicians and their pain report. These findings increase our understanding of context-driven pain modulation and suggest that interventions aimed at increasing patients’ feelings of similarity to and trust in health care providers may help reduce the pain experienced during medical care. Perspective We present novel evidence that the clinician-patient relationship can affect the pain experienced during medical care. We found that “patients” in simulated clinical interactions who reported feeling more similarity and trust toward their “clinicians” reported less pain, suggesting that increasing feelings of clinician-patient similarity and trust may reduce pain disparities.
Abstract 3771: Concurrent GVAX and anti-OX40 therapy in murine intracranial glioma model

Introduction: Malignant glioma is the most aggressive brain tumor with a median survival time of less than 1.5 years post diagnosis despite standard treatments. However, recent advancements in immunotherapy hold significant promise. Irradiated whole tumor cell vaccination stimulates antitumor immunity and prolongs survival in mice with intracranial glioma tumors. We have shown that vaccination and immune checkpoint blockade is synergistic and these efforts are underway in the clinic. In contrast to immune checkpoint blockade, agonist stimulation of OX40, a member of the TNFR/TNF superfamily that is expressed on activated CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes increases T cell proliferation, clonal memory differentiation, and cytokine release. We hypothesized that subcutaneous vaccination with irradiated GM-CSF expressing glioma cells (GVAX) would, therefore, synergize with systemic delivery of stimulating anti-OX40 antibody and provide effective immunity against intracranial gliomas. Methods: Gl261 cells were implanted in the right frontal lobes of syngeneic c57/bl6 mice using a stereotactic implantation technique. Mice received concurrent subcutaneous injection of irradiated GM-CSF expressing glioma cells and intraperitoneal injection of OX40 antibody, either monotherapy, or control treatment on days 3, 6 and 9 following tumor implantation. Results: Combination immunotherapy with irradiated GM-CSF expressing glioma cells and intraperitoneal delivery of agonist monoclonal antibody against OX40 was more effective than either therapy alone and prolonged survival in mice with established intracranial GL261 tumors. Elispot analyses of peripheral lymphocytes revealed that combination immunotherapy reverses the Th2 cytokine skew that is induced by the presence of intracranial glioma. OX40 signaling alone and in combination with vaccination drove high levels of interferon gamma expression by splenocytes harvested from glioma-bearing animals, while IL-10 expression was little changed. In the tumor microenvironment, vaccination improves the CD8+ /FoxP3+ T lymphocyte ratio, while OX40 ligation overcomes tumor-driven lymphocyte exhaustion, demonstrated by reduced expression of PD1 and LAG3, measured by flow cytometery 2 weeks after initiation of treatment. Conclusions: Combination treatment with GVAX and OX-40 agonist antibody increased survival in mice bearing intracranial gliomas and are mechanistically complementary. Citation Format: Nusrat Jahan, Hammad Talat, William T. Curry. Concurrent GVAX and anti-OX40 therapy in murine intracranial glioma model [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3771. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-3771
Perioperative hemodynamics and outcomes of patients on metyrosine undergoing resection of pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma

Abstract Introduction To describe outcomes of patients with metyrosine (MET) pretreatment for abdominal surgical resection of pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma (PCC/PGL) compared with patients who had phenoxybenzamine (PBZ) pretreatment. Methods Retrospective review of perioperative outcomes for PCC/PGL patients treated with MET and propensity-matched comparison of MET and PBZ (MET + PBZ) with PBZ alone. Results MET preparation was given in 63 cases (26 laparoscopic and 37 open, of which 55 also received PBZ). All patients had wide perioperative hemodynamic oscillations. Patients with open procedures required more intravenous fluids and blood transfusions; 35% required postoperative vasopressor infusions for hypotension and 38% developed acute kidney injury. One laparoscopic procedure required postoperative vasopressor infusion, and 12% of patients developed acute kidney injury. Forty-five MET + PBZ patients were propensity-matched with PBZ-only patients. Intraoperatively, MET + PBZ patients had lower minimum systolic and diastolic blood pressures than PBZ-only patients (median systolic, 74 vs 80 mm Hg, P = 0.01; median diastolic, 42 vs 46 mm Hg, P = 0.005) and larger intraoperative blood pressure oscillations (median systolic range, 112 vs 93 mm Hg, P = 0.06; median diastolic range, 58 vs 51 mm Hg, P = 0.02). Postoperative vasopressor infusion use was similar between MET + PBZ and PBZ only (16% vs 11%, P = 0.76). Major outcomes were not different between regimens. Conclusion Large hemodynamic oscillations were present in our PCC/PGL patients treated with MET + PBZ. These patients had a wider range of intraoperative blood pressure variations than PBZ-only patients. No differences in postoperative comorbid outcomes were found between MET + PBZ and PBZ-only groups.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) in Children and Adolescents: Clinical Features and Response to Therapy in 110 Pediatric Patients

Objective:This study aimed to characterize the clinical features and outcomes of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) in the pediatric population.Study Design:Retrospective case review.Setting:Tertiary care center.Patients:One hundred ten patients, aged 5 to 19 years old, diagnosed with BPPV.
Drug and nutrient aspects of wound healing

An understanding of the major factors that influence wound healing enables the clinician to better prepare patients for surgery and to identify and correct the effects of either drugs or nutritional imbalances in patients whose wounds fail to heal. Ideally, factors that enhance wound healing should be optimized, and detrimental influences minimized whenever possible. Among the major factors influencing wound healing are the state of general health, drugs, and nutritional status. Nutritional assessment prior to surgery, following injury, and during recovery is an important part of management of patients with extensive wounds. In dermatologic surgical practice, nutritional support is not indicated; however, subclinical nutritional deficiencies may not be uncommon and may become relevant if wound healing is significantly impaired. Dermatologic surgeons must be aware of the potential for many drugs to interfere with wound healing and interrupt therapy prior to surgery whenever possible. Some drugs cannot be stopped and surgery should be performed only when absolutely necessary when patients are receiving antineoplastic, anticoagulant, and high-dose steroid therapy.
ANALYSIS OF TWO-DIMENSIONAL STRESS PROBLEMS BY THE MOIRé METHOD

Abstract —This paper discusses the application of the Moire method as an optical reflection procedure for the solution of two-dimensional stress problems, as described by Airy's stress function and solved by the slab analogy. Analogous slab models for a disk and a ring under 2 diametrically opposite concentrated loads are described. The experimental results from these tests show excellent agreement with analytically determined comparable values. Finally some additional examples of slab anology models are given, including one for the evaluation of the stress distribution in a box-type crosssection due to temperature.
Understanding the Effect of Existing Positive Relationships on a Social Motion-based Game for Health

In this paper, we present the iterative design of StepQuest, a Fitbit-based social motion-based game for health (MGH) to sustain physical activity (PA) and support extended play. We conducted two 6-week user studies (n=24) to evaluate the effectiveness of the game to promote PA for an extended period of time as well as the role of existing social relationship. Our findings indicate that a pre-existing positive relationship (e.g., friendship) has a positive impact on players' PA levels when they play a social MGH, compared to strangers, and that this effect was amplified when more gameplay actions were available. However, our results also show that overall PA levels declined for both groups in week 4, and that pre-existing social relationship and a variety of gameplay actions are not enough to sustain long-term motivation for PA. Based on these results and drawing from game design literature, we present a list of design implications including less-discussed key topics such as game balancing.
Analyzing Class Attendance and Student Achievement in Prescribed College Mathematics Courses

Class attendance has been a concern of educators over the years. Multiple research studies have examined class attendance and its impact on student achievement in various college classes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a relationship existed between class attendance and student achievement in prescribed college mathematics courses. Class attendance was compared with various factors for students at one institution across multiple sections of two different prescribed mathematics courses, College Algebra and Applied Statistics. Results indicated that the number of days that a student missed class did affect their overall performance in the course. Additionally it was noted that if a student missed more than 40% of class instructional time, they were certain not to receive a final course grade higher than a D.
Abstract B112: Obtusaquinone is a cysteine-modifying compound that targets Keap1 for degradation

In a previous study, we described the antineoplastic properties of the natural compound Obtusaquinone (OBT) against glioblastoma, breast cancer and other cancer types. We have shown that OBT targets cancer cells by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to DNA damage and apoptotic cell death. However, the mechanism behind the tumor targeting properties of OBT is not fully elucidated, hampering further preclinical development. In our current study we combined medical chemistry, quantitative mass-spectrometry-based proteomics, functional cancer cell studies, pharmokinetics and in vivo xenograft models to understand the mechanism of action of this compound and develop new OBT analogues with enhanced pharmacokinetic properties. Mechanistically, we now show that OBT binds cysteine residues, and in particular cysteine residues on Keap1. Our data also demonstrates that binding of OBT to Keap1 leads to its ubiquitination and degradation by the ubiquitin proteasome pathway (UPP). Since Keap1 acts as a negative regulator of Nrf2, its degradation following treatment with OBT results in the activation of Nrf2 signaling. Further, our pharmacokinetic studies demonstrate that OBT is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. In a GBM cancer stem cell xenograft model, OBT treatment results in 50% decrease in glucose uptake as detected using FDG-PET imaging. In conclusion, we show here that OBT binding to Keap1 is crucial for its anti-cancer properties, and that this binding leads to ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of Keap1 and the activation of Nrf2 pathway. Citation Format: Cintia Carla da Hora, Elie Tabet, Christian Elias Badr, Bakhos Tannous. Obtusaquinone is a cysteine-modifying compound that targets Keap1 for degradation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2019 Oct 26-30; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2019;18(12 Suppl):Abstract nr B112. doi:10.1158/1535-7163.TARG-19-B112
Using excess natural gas for reverse osmosis-based flowback water treatment in US shale fields

Abstract This work addresses three significant issues associated with hydraulic fracturing in US shale fields: flaring/venting of excess natural gas, disposal of flowback water and freshwater procurement. Flaring/venting of excess gas is a significant contributor to global emissions. This work presents a novel utilization concept, wherein excess gas is used onsite to power reverse osmosis (RO)-based treatment of flowback water to supply freshwater for oilfield operations. This study details technical and techno-economic analyses of the above concept. An analytical model is extended and improved to quantify RO-based freshwater production for flowback water of different salinities. The technical performance of RO systems is analyzed and compared with two competing gas utilization technologies (thermal desalination, atmospheric water harvesting). The use of these technologies in the top eight US shale fields is analyzed, and a techno-economic analysis of RO-based water treatment is conducted. Results indicate that this concept will significantly benefit the Eagle Ford and Niobrara shales. It can meet 200% of water requirements and reduce wastewater disposal by 60% in the Eagle Ford. Furthermore, such RO-based projects can have favorable payback periods of as low as one year. Importantly, this waste-to-value concept has worldwide relevance since the underlying issues are present globally.
The Arts Experience at Community College: A Phenomenological Study

This study seeks to address the scarcity of qualitative research on community college arts study in the research literature. It addresses the following question: “How do students at a large, urban ...
Female Councilors: Who Passes the Filter?

Who are the female municipal councilors? Most of them have strikingly similar profiles, situated at the intersection of privileges—they come from a well-off background, have a university diploma and professional career. However, firstly, these similarities are nuanced by the different family backgrounds and different patterns of political socialization among the female municipal councilors. Secondly, identical attributes (such as a university diploma or career as a lawyer) have different salience depending on the local context. Thirdly, women with unconventional profiles are also represented in local politics, even though they are fewer. This chapter also discusses the gendered dimensions of political resources, such as political experience, associational capital, or the fact of being a woman.
Correction: Anomalous and heterogeneous DNA transport in biomimetic cytoskeleton networks

Correction for 'Anomalous and heterogeneous DNA transport in biomimetic cytoskeleton networks' by Jonathan Garamella et al., Soft Matter, 2020, DOI: 10.1039/d0sm00544d.
Computing Balanced Convex Partitions of Lines

Dujmovic and Langerman (2013) proved a ham-sandwich cut theorem for an arrangement of lines in the plane. Recently, Xue and Soberon (2019) generalized it to balanced convex partitions of lines in the plane. In this paper, we study the computational problems of computing a ham-sandwich cut balanced convex partitions for an arrangement of lines in the plane. We show that both problems can be solved in polynomial time.
Gender and the Strategic and Tactical Logic of Boko Haram’s Suicide Bombers

Boko Haram is well known for its use of women as suicide bombers. While prior research has examined why this phenomenon is occurring, as well as what makes Boko Haram a unique terror group, the pre...
Prevention Starts in the Womb: Opportunities for Addressing Cardiovascular Risk Factors During Pregnancy and Beyond

Early identification and mitigation of sex-specific cardiovascular disease risk factors is a potential trajectory-changing strategy to improve lifelong cardiovascular health in women. These sex-specific risk factors include adverse pregnancy outcomes, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and premature menopause. We start by discussing the impact and management of risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes as an upstream intervention for cardiovascular disease risk reduction and then address the long-term effect and mitigation of sex-specific risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Understanding trauma experiences and needs through a comprehensive assessment of transition age youth in child welfare.

Abstract Background In the context of child welfare, Transition Age Youth (TAY) have high rates of trauma experiences (TEs) and are more likely to exhibit negative outcomes as they transition into adulthood. Objective This study describes the frequency and distribution of TEs among TAY in child welfare, as a whole and across sex and race/ethnicity. This study also examines the relationship between TEs and Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) needs. Participants and setting Participants included 3324 TAY (14.5 to 21-year-olds) who were under the care of the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services (IDCFS) and in out-of-home care for at least one year. Methods The CANS was the primary measure for this study. Administrative and clinical data were examined for youth who met the identified criteria. Pearson's chi-square tests of association were conducted to determine differences in TEs across race/ethnicity and sex. Negative binomial regressions were used to determine the association between TEs and needs. Results Most TAY had at least one TE (91%) and the majority had four or more TEs (52%). Significant differences occurred in relation to sex and race/ethnicity. Furthermore, TEs were significantly associated with needs across all CANS domains examined (e.g., behavioral/emotional needs, life domain functioning). Conclusions This is one of the few empirical studies to examine TEs and related functional, behavioral, and emotional needs of TAY in child welfare. Overall, findings suggest a need for improving trauma-informed approaches and interventions that serve TAY.
Identification and Back-Titration of Brain Pyruvate Dehydrogenase: Functional Significance for Behavior

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses an in vitro method for back-titration of brain phosphoproteins to determine the consequences of behavioral treatments on the available phosphorylatable sites of such proteins. This back-titration technique, in the endogenous phosphorylation system, measures the net phosphate incorporated as a consequence of both kinase and phosphatase activity. The back-titration method is influenced by procedural factors that alter, from the time before sacrifice to the time of assay, the amount of phosphate covalently bound to substrate proteins. The influence of method of sacrifice, buffer system, subcellular fraction and gel conditions on the accuracy of back-titration thus requires detailed consideration. With the use of conventional biochemical techniques, the establishment of evidence indicating that different laboratories are working with the same phosphoproteins, the use of back-titration to establish the consequences of functioned behavioral manipulations, and the identification of a behaviorally responsive phosphoprotein as pyruvate dehydrogenase, the study of the macromolecular basis of behavior can be said to be established on a firm foundation. Understanding the function of brain phosphoproteins will require the identification of the sequence of cellular and molecular events set into motion by specific environmental conditions, particularly those involving learning and memory.
Multiplicative noise protocols

Statistical agencies have conflicting obligations to protect confidential information provided by respondents to surveys or censuses and to make data available for research and planning activities. When the microdata themselves are to be released, in order to achieve these conflicting objectives, statistical agencies apply Statistical Disclosure Limitation (SDL) methods to the data, such as noise addition, swapping or microaggregation. In this paper, several multiplicative noise masking schemes are presented. These schemes are designed to preserve positivity and inequality constraints in the data together with means and covariance matrix.
Unclear on the Context: Refocusing on Information Literacy's Evaluative Component in the Age of Google

In an era of information decontextualization, the evaluative component of information literacy is more important than ever. College students believe themselves to be expert researchers, due to their familiarity with Google; yet they also value the library and know to be critical about information resources. Previous theoretical work, including Marcia Bates's "berrypicking" model and Christine Pawley's analysis of the discourse of information literacy, provides a ground for developing a proactive response to the age of Google. Far from being made redundant by ease of access to information, our task of developing information literacy in college students is more critical than ever.
Storage and Access Structures for Geometric Data Bases

Geometric computation and data bases, two hitherto unrelated computing technologies, have begun to influence each other in response to the growing use of graphics and computer-aided design. CAD imposes a new challenge to data base implementers. A data base system for CAD must manage “in designer real time” large collections not of points, but of spatial objects, in such a way that proximity queries (such as intersection, contact, minimal tolerances) are answered efficiently. There are many techniques for reducing the problem of storing spatial objects to storing (sets of) points. Common to all of them is the problem that simple queries on objects turn into complex queries on points - much more complex than orthogonal range queries.
Fibrinogen interactions with ICAM‐1 (CD54) regulate endothelial cell survival

We tested hypothesis that the interaction of fibrinogen (Fg) with intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) mediates cellular adhesion and cell proliferation. Our results demonstrate that Fg : ICAM-1 ligation mediates endothelial cell survival and has an anti-apoptotic effect via activation of the MAP kinase pathway. Fg : ICAM-1 ligation in endothelial cells treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α resulted in the hyperphosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-1/2 (eightfold to 10-fold) at 5–30 min. The specificity of ERK-1/2 phosphorylation was verified using the recognition peptides Fg-γ-(117–133) and ICAM-1(8–22). ERK-1/2 hyperphosphorylation was dependent on intact cytoskeleton, as treatment with cytochalasin B and nocodazole blocked this activity. The attachment of TNFα-treated endothelial cells to fibrinogen or Fg-γ-(117–133) resulted in cell survival, as assessed by an annexin V binding assay. ICAM-1(8–22) blocked the survival process. The MEK-1 inhibitor PD 98059 blocked ERK-1/2 phosphorylation, and treatment of endothelial cells with PD 98059 resulted in apoptosis even upon Fg : ICAM-1 ligation. Cells transfected with dominant-negative ERK-1/2 underwent apoptosis upon Fg : ICAM-1 ligation. Cell survival factor A1 was specifically upregulated upon adhesion of TNFα-stimulated endothelial cells to Fg. A1 expression was blocked by ICAM-1(8–22) and PD 98059. The Fg : ICAM-1 endothelial cell survival pathway appears to be mediated via the activation and upregulation of ERK-1/2 and A1.
Infrared Energy Distributions and the Nature of Young Stellar Objects

The formation and early evolution of stars in our galaxy occurs in dense regions of molecular clouds, where newly formed stars are physically associated with varying amounts of gas and dust that alter their observed appearance. Indeed, the actual star formation process and the youngest stellar objects themselves are rendered completely invisible by the obscuration of opaque circumstellar dust. As a consequence, a significant fraction of the luminous energy of a young stellar object is radiated in the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Infrared observations therefore offer a powerful tool for studying the earliest phases of stellar evolution and perhaps even star formation itself. Recent studies of the infrared energy distributions of young objects have resulted in a new and clearer understanding of the processes involved in the formation and early evolution of low mass stars. In this paper some of the more interesting results of these investigations are reviewed.
Distributed Estimation in the MIT/LL DSN Testbed

The acoustic tracking algorithms currently used in the MIT Lincoln Laboratory distributed sensor networks (DSN) testbed is described. The original motivation for inclusion of various features in those algorithms and the lesson learned about those features through experimentation with real and simulated data are discussed. Plans for modifications to the detection and tracking algorithms are sketched.
Exploration of the Upper Atmosphere by Meteoritic Techniques

Publisher Summary Meteor refers to the visual, photographic, or other electromagnetic phenomena associated with the passage of a small particle through the atmosphere. The particle sizes involved in the phenomenon depend greatly upon the velocity of the particles. When meteoroids are sufficiently large to withstand the ablation arising from interaction with the earth's atmosphere and that falls to the surface in sizeable pieces, they are known as meteorites. The phenomenon is essentially known as meteorite fall. The chapter describes the visual techniques for the observation of meteors. The techniques considered for observing meteors include photographic method, meteor spectra, radio methods, and micro-meteorites. The chapter also outlines the theory of the meteoric process, its basic principles, and relationships. It then presents the results concerning the upper atmosphere that includes data about densities, temperatures, pressures, and variations in upper atmosphere. Finally, circulation in upper atmosphere is illustrated.
Ordered mesoporous crystalline aluminas from self-assembly of ABC triblock terpolymer–butanol–alumina sols

A one-pot synthesis approach is described to generate ordered mesoporous crystalline γ-alumina–carbon composites and ordered mesoporous crystalline γ-alumina materials via the combination of soft and hard-templating chemistries using block copolymers as soft structure-directing agents. Periodically ordered alumina hybrid mesostructures were generated by self-assembly of a poly(isoprene)-block-poly(styrene)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) terpolymer, n-butanol and aluminum tri-sec-butoxide derived sols in organic solvents. The triblock terpolymer was converted into a rigid carbon framework during thermal annealing under nitrogen to support and preserve the ordered mesoporous crystalline γ-alumina–carbon composite structures up to 1200 °C. The carbon matrix was subsequently removed in a second heat treatment in air to obtain ordered mesoporous crystalline γ-alumina structures. Such thermally stable, highly crystalline, and periodically ordered mesoporous ceramic and ceramic–carbon composite materials may be promising candidates for various high temperature catalysis, separation, and energy-related applications.
Improving Online Idea Generation Platforms and Customizing the Task Structure on the Basis of Consumers' Domain-Specific Knowledge

The authors explore how firms can enhance consumer performance in online idea generation platforms. Most, if not all, online idea generation platforms offer all consumers identical tasks in which (1) participants are granted access to ideas from other participants and (2) ideas are classified into categories, but consumers can navigate freely across idea categories. The former is linked to stimulus ideas, and the latter may be viewed as a first step toward problem decomposition. The authors propose that the effects of both stimulus ideas and problem decomposition are moderated by consumers' domain-specific knowledge. In particular, concrete cues such as stimulus ideas are more beneficial to low-knowledge consumers, and high-knowledge consumers are better served with abstract cues such as the ones offered by problem decomposition. The authors' hypotheses are supported by an extensive empirical investigation involving more than 6,000 participants. The findings suggest that online idea generation platforms s...
The criterion validity of four vocabulary tests compared with a language sample

This study provided empirical evidence of the validity of four vocabulary tests: Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-III (PPVT-3), Expressive Vocabulary Test (EVT), Receptive One-Word Picture Vocabulary Test (ROWPVT), and Expressive One-Word Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised (EOWPVT-R) against a 150- utterance language sample for 28 normally-developing pre-school children. Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts (SALT) standard scores on number of different words, total number of words, and mean length of utterance were used to provide evidence of convergent and discriminant criterion validity. Performance on the vocabulary tests showed significant weak to moderate correlations with the semantic measure, and the predicted lower relationship with the non-semantic measures. Despite this, individual score analysis showed considerable variation, indicating caution predicting conversational language performance from standardized tests.
HES1-mediated inhibition of Notch1 signaling by a Gemini vitamin D analog leads to decreased CD44(+)/CD24(-/low) tumor-initiating subpopulation in basal-like breast cancer.

Abstract Tumor-initiating cells (also known as cancer stem cells) are the subpopulation of cells shown to be responsible for tumor initiation, maintenance and recurrence. In breast cancer, CD44+/CD24−/low cells were identified as tumor-initiating cells. We previously reported that a Gemini vitamin D analog, 1,25-dihydroxy-20R-21(3-hydroxy-3-deuteromethyl-4,4,4-trideuterobutyl)-23-yne-26,27-hexafluoro-cholecalciferol (BXL0124), reduced CD44+/CD24−/low cells in MCF10DCIS basal-like breast cancer cells. Since Notch has been identified as one of the key signaling pathways involved in breast cancer stem cells, the effect of BXL0124 on the Notch signaling pathway was investigated in breast cancer. The CD44+/CD24−/low subpopulation of MCF10DCIS cells showed elevated Notch1 signaling and increased cell proliferation compared to the CD44+/CD24high subpopulation. Treatment with the Gemini vitamin D analog BXL0124 decreased the level of activated Notch1 receptor. In addition, mRNA and protein levels of the Notch ligands, Jagged-1, Jagged-2 and DLL1, were significantly reduced by treatment with BXL0124, which was followed by repression of c-Myc, a key downstream target of Notch signaling. Interestingly, HES1, a known downstream target of Notch signaling, was rapidly induced by treatment with BXL0124. The inhibitory effect of BXL0124 on Notch signaling was reversed by knockdown of HES1. Overexpression of HES1 inhibited Notch1 signaling and reduced the CD44+/CD24−/low subpopulation, confirming a role of HES1 in Notch1 signaling. In conclusion, the Gemini vitamin D analog, BXL0124, represses the tumor-initiating subpopulation by HES1-mediated inhibition of Notch1 signaling. The present study demonstrates BXL0124 as a potent inhibitor of Notch signaling to target tumor-initiating cells in basal-like breast cancer. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled “17th Vitamin D Workshop”.
Corporate Ethical Codes: Effective Instruments For Influencing Behavior.

This paper reviews studies of corporate ethical codes published since 2000 and concludes that codes be can effective instruments for shaping ethical behavior and guiding employee decision-making. Culture and effective communication are key components to a code’s success. If codes are embedded in the culture and embraced by the leaders, they are likely to be successful. Communicating the code’s precepts in an effective way is crucial to its success. Discussion between employees and management is a key component of successful ethical codes.
Do Breast Cancer Cell Lines Provide a Relevant Model of the Patient Tumor Methylome

It is well documented that tumor cells undergo dramatic genetic and epigenetic changes during initial establishment as cell lines and in subsequent serial passaging, and that the resultant cell lines may have evolved significantly from the primary tumors from which they were derived. This has potential implications due to their widespread use in drug response experiments and studies of genomic function. One approach to optimizing the design of such cell line studies is to identify and use the cell lines that faithfully recapitulate critical features of primary tumors. To evaluate the epigenetic fidelity of breast cancer cell lines in the context of primary tumors, we performed methylation profiling of 55 well-characterized breast cancer cell lines on the Illumina HumanMethylation27 BeadChip platform, and compared them to publicly available methylation profiles of primary breast tumors. We found that the DNA methylation profiles of breast cancer cell lines largely retain the features that characterize primary tumors, although there are crucial differences as well. We describe these similarities and differences between primary tumors and breast cancer cell lines in detail, and develop a quantitative measure of similarity that is used to score each cell line with respect to how faithfully its methylation profile mirrors that of primary tumors.
Charge transport in a-Si: H PIN solar cells under AC excitation

We have made I-V and impedance measurements on a-Si: H PIN solar cells as a function of the frequency and bias voltage to understand the mechanisms that limit the charge transport under AC excitation. The measurements covered the range of frequencies from 1 Hz to 1 MHz. It is concluded that the interaction between gap states and extended states rather than the band transport is the limiting mechanism on the charge transport.
Poverty, Unemployment, and Economic Development: The Search for a National Antipoverty Policy

rpHE FOCUS of this paper is on the antipoverty campaign of the I 1960's. After an examination of the nature of the poverty problem, consideration will be given to antipoverty strategies, the use of the curative strategy, and some of the political aspects of the war on poverty. In all, the discussion is intended to provide a broad perspective on the national government's war on poverty and the development of antipoverty policy in the United States.
Calcitriol in Prolonged Hypocalcemia due to the Tumor Lysis Syndrome

Excerpt The tumor lysis syndrome is recognized by the development of hyperuricemia, hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, and hypocalcemia shortly after the administration of therapy for neoplastic diso...
Analytical benchmark test set for criticality code verification

A number of published numerical solutions to analytic eigenvalue (k{sub eff}) and eigenfunction equations are summarized for the purpose of creating a criticality verification benchmark test set. The 75-problem test set allows the user to verify the correctness of a criticality code for infinite medium and simple geometries in one- and two-energy groups, one- and two-media, and both isotropic and linearly anisotropic neutron scattering. A three- and six-energy group infinite medium problem are also included in the test set. The problem specifications will produce both k{sub eff}=1 and the quoted k{sub {infinity}} to at least five decimal places. Additional uses of the test set for code verification are also discussed. Los Alamos report LA-13511 contains the details of all 75 test problems.
Using TV as a Guide: Associations Between Television Viewing and Adolescents' Sexual Attitudes and Behavior

Using both correlational and experimental methodology, this study examined contributions of TV viewing to adolescents' sexual attitudes and behavior. A sample of 244 high school students was assigned to view clips depicting either one of three sexual stereotypes or neutral content. Participants then completed measures assessing their attitudes about sexual roles and relationships, their regular TV viewing habits, and their sexual experiences. Results indicated that more frequent viewing of talk shows and of “sexy” prime-time programs, and viewing TV more intently for companionship, were each associated with greater endorsement of sexual stereotypes. Additionally, more frequent viewing and stronger identification with popular TV characters were associated with greater levels of sexual experience. Laboratory exposure to specific stereotypical content lead to greater acceptance of gender and sexual stereotypes, as well. Implications for television's role as a sexual educator are discussed.
Vehicle detection and localization using Unattended Ground Magnetometer Sensors

This analysis was completed as part of a larger Modeling and Simulation effort to estimate algorithm-level Measures of Performance (MOP), such as the probability of detection (PD) and the probability of identification (PID) of a vehicle or person transiting through an area of interest. The present work focuses on MOPs for Unattended Ground Magnetometer Sensors, which may be used to detect passing vehicles and estimate their bearing relative to the magnetometer position. In the first phase of the analysis, we concentrate on the probability of detection as a function of vehicle speed and distance (i.e., point of closest approach (CPA)) from the sensor. In the second phase, we try to localize the vehicle by extracting its relative bearing with respect to the magnetometer from the two orthogonal induced magnetic field measurements. The derivations are based on the assumption that a road vehicle may be approximated as a prolate homogeneous ellipsoid, as well as the assumption of uniform linear motion. Results show that, for speeds below 30 MPH, the maximum detection ranges (for PD = 0.5) are on the order of 40 meters for two-axis fluxgate magnetometers and for the operational parameters used in this analysis.1
Documentation and evaluation of cognitive impairment in elderly primary care patients

Objective: To describe the prevalence of cognitive impairment among elderly primary care patients and to compare diagnostic evaluations and use of health services among patients with and those with...
Verbal Avoidance and Dissatisfaction in Intimate Conflict Situations

The purpose of this study was to more closely examine the association between avoidance and satisfaction during a potentially conflict-inducing conversation with one's dating partner. The results suggest that the way people respond to their own and their partner's conflict avoidance depends upon whether they are male or female. The perception of one's partner's avoidance and one's own avoidance were only dissatisfying for women. Moreover, although the chilling effect (M. E. Roloff & D. H. Cloven, 1990) was present for both men and women, it only affected women's relationship satisfaction. The results also revealed that the association between conflict avoidance and dissatisfaction was bidirectional for women. For both men and women, the more dissatisfied they were entering into the conversation, the more they avoided during it. Women's avoidance, however, also negatively influenced their relationship satisfaction. Finally, the strength of the associations suggests that satisfaction may have a slightly stronger impact on avoidance than avoidance has on satisfaction.
ECR Browser: a tool for visualizing and accessing data from comparisons of multiple vertebrate genomes

With an increasing number of vertebrate genomes being sequenced in draft or finished form, unique opportunities for decoding the language of DNA sequence through comparative genome alignments have arisen. However, novel tools and strategies are required to accommodate this large volume of genomic information and to facilitate the transfer of predictions generated by comparative sequence alignment to researchers focused on experimental annotation of genome function. Here, we present the ECR Browser, a tool that provides easy and dynamic access to whole genome alignments of human, mouse, rat and fish sequences. This web-based tool (http://ecrbrowser.dcode.org) provides the starting point for discovery of novel genes, identification of distant gene regulatory elements and prediction of transcription factor binding sites. The genome alignment portal of the ECR Browser also permits fast and automated alignments of any user-submitted sequence to the genome of choice. The interconnection of the ECR Browser with other DNA sequence analysis tools creates a unique portal for studying and exploring vertebrate genomes.
Effects of a Beef Grade Change on Choice and Select Slaughter Cattle Prices

Distributed lags are used to estimate the conditional price effects of quality grade substitution and ungraded beef on USDA Choice and Select grade slaughter cattle. The results show that Choice beef production and ungraded production demonstrate large class price effects. When revising USDA Choice grade to accommodate reduced marbling, potential reclassification of ungraded beef plays a major role. The results show a decrease in Choice price with a slight increase in Select price and a reduction in the price premium paid for Choice steers. Overall, grade modifications emphasizing leaner beef would not necessarily benefit cattle producers unless there was a compensating change in demand and/or a reduction in feeding costs.
Corotating Structure in the Solar Wind

The hydrodynamic equations which describe the radial solar wind expansion are linearized and specialized to treat corotating perturbations. Approximate solutions are found which are time stationary in the corotating reference frame. The solutions predict the behavior of corotating structures for a given boundary condition close to the sun. In particular, the structure resulting from the interaction of fast and slow streams is described. Comparison with sector structure data shows reasonable qualitative and quantitative agreement.
Laser-induced breakdown and damage in bulk transparent materials induced by tightly focused femtosecond laser pulses

Laser-induced breakdown and damage to transparent materials has remained an active area of research for four decades. In this paper we review the basic mechanisms that lead to laser-induced breakdown and damage and present a summary of some open questions in the field. We present a method for measuring the threshold intensity required to produce breakdown and damage in the bulk, as opposed to on the surface, of the material. Using this technique, we measure the material band-gap and laser-wavelength dependence of the threshold intensity for bulk damage using femtosecond laser pulses. Based on these thresholds, we determine the relative role of different nonlinear ionization mechanisms for different laser and material parameters.
Adsorption of dimer, trimer, stearic, oleic, linoleic, nonanoic and azelaic acids on ferric oxide

The adsorption isotherms of solutions of dimer, trimer, stearic, oleic, linoleic, nonanoic and azelaic acids in organic solvents, (mostly hexane) have been determined on an alpha ferric oxide with a surface area (B.E.T. N2 adsorption) of 99 m2 (99 × 1020 A2) per gram. They all showed limiting adsorption as grams adsorbed per gram of iron oxide beyond a concentration of about 1 g/100 cc, analagous to the Langmuir type monolayer isotherm. Areas per molecule were calculated and compared with areas of close-packed models in positions parallel to and perpendicular to the surface. The calculated areas corresponded more closely to the flat or parallel positions. Heats of adsorption were determined and were in the range of 27–71 kcal/eq, suggesting chemisorption of the COOH group at the surface. The value of dimer acid suggests that both COOH groups are chemisorbed. Models show that the parallel position permits both COOH groups to touch the surface. The perpendicular position generally does not permit both COOH groups to touch the surface. Dimer acid showed a value (71 kcal/eq) higher than the monobasic acids (44–55 kcal/eq), possibly due to interaction of the ring structure (partly aromatic) with the surface. Azelaic acid from an 80–20t-butanol-hexane solvent showed a lower value of 27 kcal/eq, possibly due to adsorption of a hydrogenbonded alcohol-acid moiety as such.