cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract P5-10-04: Metformin mediated upregulation of microRNA-193 triggers apoptosis by decreasing fatty acid synthase

Background: We have previously shown that the anti-diabetic drug metformin kills triple negative (TN) breast cancer cells lines via apoptosis, at lower IC50 than luminal and HER2 subtypes (presented at ENDO, manuscript in preparation). Metformin reportedly shows greater efficacy against stem cells than differentiated cells, reducing mammosphere formation in in non-adherent culture. Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is an enzyme critical for de novo fatty acid synthesis that is overexpressed in breast cancer. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that miRNAs might be involved in the ability of metformin to preferentially kill TN cell lines at a lower IC50 than luminal A lines. Methods: TN and luminal A (LA) breast cancer cell lines (MDA-468, HCC70 and MCF7, T47D, respectively) were used to study the effects of 10mM metformin action in vitro, at physiological and hyperglycemic culture conditions. Affymetrix chips Human Gene 1.1 and the miRNA 2.0 were utilized to profile gene and miRNA expression at 6 and 24 hrs. Mimics and lentiviral expression vectors were utilized to manipulate miRNA expression and a luciferase reporter was used to confirm miR-193 direct targeting of the FASN 3′ UTR. Results: miR-193 is significantly higher in untreated LA as compared to TN cells. MiR-193 increases 2–4 fold within 6 hrs of metformin treatment in both TN, but not LA cell lines. A predicted target of miR-193, fatty acid synthase ( FASN ), is decreased by 8 fold following 24 hrs 10mM metformin treatment of the TN breast cancer cells. miR-193 directly targets FASN via a binding site in the 3′ UTR, downregulating gene expression. Restoration of miR-193 to TN lines, causes a dramatic decrease in FASN protein in a dose dependent fashion. Conclusions and future directions: Metformin stimulates an increase in mature miR-193, which mediates the dramatic downregulation of FASN. This occurs coincident with apoptotic cell death. It remains to be determined if FASN is the only relevant direct target of miR-193 in TN cell lines. The addition of exogenous non-targetable FASN, lacking its 3′ UTR, will demonstrate whether this pathway is a primary mechanism of metformin action in TN cells. Future studies will investigate the ability of metformin to inhibit FASN in non-adherent mammosphere (stem cell-like) subpopulations, the role of fatty acid metabolism in mammosphere maintenance and anoikis resistance. Supported by Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Grants KG100575 (ADT, JKR, SME, NSS) and KG090415 (JKR, DRC) Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-10-04.
Crosslink network rearrangement via reactive encapsulation of solvent in epoxy curing: A combined molecular simulation and experimental study

Abstract Encapsulation of solvent during cure is proposed as one way to alter the network topology of crosslinked polymers. We performed all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to study systems comprised of Epon828 epoxy resin and Jeffamine-D400 diamine crosslinkers cured with varying amounts of the inert solvent dichloromethane (0–50 wt%) and then dried and annealed. Densities, glass transition temperatures, and Young's moduli are observed to be insensitive to the initial amount of dichloromethane. These findings were verified by experiment. Simulations also showed that radial distribution functions and dihedral angle distributions were insensitive to the amount of dichloromethane present. However, using Dijkstra's algorithm, we observed that the distribution of minimum path lengths between crosslinks shifts appreciably to larger values as the amount of dichloromethane increases. This suggests that solvent-encapsulated curing can allow for control over network topology without changing crosslink density or intermolecular packing, and the properties derived from it, in highly crosslinked polymers.
"Reactive filtration": use of functionalized porous polymer monoliths as scavengers in solution-phase synthesis.

Solid functionalized porous monolithic disks with reactive polymer chains grafted to their inner pore surface have been developed for scavenging excess reagents from reaction mixtures. A poly(chloromethylstyrene-co-divinylbenzene) monolith was cut into disks and activated by graft polymerizing 4-vinyl-2,2-dimethylazlactone to its pore surface. In contrast to the direct copolymerization of reactive monomers, grafting increases the accessibility of the reactive groups. Application of the reactive disks is demonstrated in the scavenging of excess amines from reaction mixtures in different solvents.
On the rationality of US macroeconomic forecasts: evidence from a panel of professional forecasters

ASA–NBER survey data is used to check the rationality of US macroeconomic forecasts. It is found that of 75 forecast series examined, 51 are biased, 25 are both unbiased and efficient and only two pass the null hypothesis of orthogonality. This calls into question the validity of rational expectations hypothesis.
A quality and efficiency analysis of the IMFAST segmentation algorithm in head and neck "step & shoot" IMRT treatments.

The performance of segmentation algorithms used in IMFAST for “step & shoot” IMRT treatment delivery is evaluated for three head and neck clinical treatments of different optimization objectives. The segmentation uses the intensity maps generated by the in-house TPS PLANUNC using the index-dose minimization algorithm. The dose optimization objectives include PTV dose uniformity and dose volume histogram-specified critical structure sparing. The optimized continuous intensity maps were truncated into five and ten intensity levels and exported to IMFAST for MLC segments optimization. The MLC segments were imported back to PLUNC for dose optimization quality calculation. The five basic segmentation algorithms included in IMFAST were evaluated alone and in combination with either tongue and groove/match line correction or fluence correction or both. Two criteria were used in the evaluation: treatment efficiency represented by the total number of MLC segments and optimization quality represented by a clinically relevant optimization quality factor. We found that the treatment efficiency depends first on the number of intensity levels used in the intensity map and second the segmentation technique used. The standard optimal segmentation with fluence correction is a consistent good performer for all treatment plans studied. All segmentation techniques evaluated produced treatments with similar dose optimization quality values, especially when ten-level intensity maps are used.
Characterizing and predicting postpartum depression from shared facebook data

The birth of a child is a major milestone in the life of parents. We leverage Facebook data shared voluntarily by 165 new mothers as streams of evidence for characterizing their postnatal experiences. We consider multiple measures including activity, social capital, emotion, and linguistic style in participants' Facebook data in pre- and postnatal periods. Our study includes detecting and predicting onset of post-partum depression (PPD). The work complements recent work on detecting and predicting significant postpartum changes in behavior, language, and affect from Twitter data. In contrast to prior studies, we gain access to ground truth on postpartum experiences via self-reports and a common psychometric instrument used to evaluate PPD. We develop a series of statistical models to predict, from data available before childbirth, a mother's likelihood of PPD. We corroborate our quantitative findings through interviews with mothers experiencing PPD. We find that increased social isolation and lowered availability of social capital on Facebook, are the best predictors of PPD in mothers.
Minimizing bleeding complications of percutaneous coronary intervention and glycoprotein IIb-IIIa antiplatelet therapy.

Abstract Percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with coronary artery disease can lead to thrombotic occlusion of the artery and to subsequent ischemic complications. Patients undergoing these procedures have been treated with aspirin, heparin, or both as a means of preventing thrombosis. The arsenal of antithrombotic agents has recently been augmented by the addition of a new class of drugs the platelet receptor glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa inhibitors, which include abciximab, eptifibatide, and tirofiban. Unlike aspirin or heparin, which inhibit some but not all pathways leading to thrombosis, GP IIb-IIIa inhibitors block the final common pathway of platelet aggregation. When used in conjunction with aspirin and heparin, GP IIb-IIIa inhibitors have yielded favorable clinical outcomes, reducing the incidence of death, myocardial infarction, and urgent intervention. However, GP IIb-IIIa inhibitors also have been associated with an increased risk of bleeding complications, especially at the femoral access site. This presents new challenges for nurses charged with the care of patients treated with these agents. The goal of nursing care for this population is to ensure the optimal benefits of GP IIb-IIIa inhibitor therapy while simultaneously preventing or minimizing groin bleeding in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary procedures. (Am Heart J 1999;138:S297-S306.)
Osteolysis of the distal clavicle: serial improvement and normalization of acromioclavicular joint space with conservative care.

Objective To discuss a case of osteolysis of the distal clavicle (ODC) in a 29-year-old male chiropractic student who showed interval radiographic and clinical evidence of healing. Clinical Features The patient complained of intermittent left-sided shoulder pain of 8 months' duration that was exacerbated while performing spinal-manipulative procedures. A radiographic examination showed changes consistent with osteolysis involving the distal clavicle. Intervention and Outcome A conservative treatment regimen of physiotherapy, nutritional supplementation, and activity modification resulted in an interval reduction in symptomatology and radiographic findings on serial examinations, ultimately resolving both abnormal clinical and radiographic findings after approximately 14 months of treatment. We specifically observed normalization of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint dimension. Conclusions In contrast to the posttreatment radiographic outcome seen in our patient, ODC classically does not result in complete resolution of radiographic findings or normalization of AC joint dimension, and such radiographic normalization of joint space is currently not reported in the literature. This case report serves to document and to show this unique occurrence.
Blocking small cuts in a network, and related problems

Let G be a graph with weights on the edges, S a subset of vertices, and k an integer. The problem of computing a minimum-weight subset of edges that meets all the cuts of cardinality $ \leqslant k$ that separate pairs of vertices in S is considered. This problem is motivated by issues in network survivability. Assuming $|S| = 2$, it is shown that although this problem is NP-hard, it can be solved in linear time for each fixed value of k. Furthermore, if $|S| > 2$, the problem is NP-hard even for small values of k but can be solved in linear time for each fixed k and $|S|$.
Developing a Standard Protocol for the Introduction of New Testing Into a Clinical Laboratory

Appropriate up-to-date testing helps hospital laboratories remain financially viable by remaining competitive in the market while serving physician and patient needs. Laboratory personnel continuously look for new analyses to supplement their arsenal of in-house testing. Staying current and maintaining new technology in-house allows smaller hospital laboratories to rely less on reference laboratories to do their testing. To ascertain if a specific test should be brought in-house, a process for laboratory test evaluation was devised. A standardized template in the form of a checklist was created to aid clinical laboratory personnel in the introduction of new clinical laboratory testing. The checklist is designed to expedite implementation of new testing. With the eventual retirement of experienced laboratory professionals, inexperienced laboratory personnel who have recently graduated or recently changed professions are more likely to be placed into positions where they will be involved in new test implementation. With this checklist, information that has become general knowledge to experienced laboratory personnel is formatted into a standard procedure to guide those individuals new to the field. Key implementation points were identified to create a checklist. These steps include: selection of test, test research, interacting with vendors, decision, special requirements (including validation), creating and maintaining documentation, establishing competency, and proficiency. ### Step 1: Selection of Test The laboratory must first decide if demand is present for a particular new test ( Appendix I: Step 1 ). Analyzing the demand includes determining the cost effectiveness, complexity of testing, and where in the hospital the testing will be performed (ie, central laboratory, stat laboratory, satellite laboratory, or point-of-care). Even though a demand may be present, the test must be cost effective to bring in-house. An aspect relating to cost effectiveness is how many tests are ordered (volume). It may not be cost effective for low-volume tests ordered to be done in-house based on the cost of …
Experimental study of weak antilocalization effects in a high-mobility In x Ga 1 − x A s / I n P quantum well

The magnetoresistance associated with quantum interference corrections in a high mobility, gated ${\mathrm{In}}_{x}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\ensuremath{-}s}\mathrm{A}\mathrm{s}/\mathrm{I}\mathrm{n}\mathrm{P}$ quantum well structure is studied as a function of temperature, gate voltage, and angle of the tilted magnetic field. Particular attention is paid to the experimental extraction of phase-breaking and spin-orbit scattering times when weak anti-localization effects are prominent. Compared with metals and low mobility semiconductors the characteristic magnetic field ${B}_{\mathrm{tr}}=\ensuremath{\Elzxh}/4\mathrm{eD}\ensuremath{\tau}$ in high mobility samples is very small and the experimental dependencies of the interference effects extend to fields several hundreds of times larger. Fitting experimental results under these conditions therefore requires theories valid for arbitrary magnetic field. It was found, however, that such a theory was unable to fit the experimental data without introducing an extra, empirical, scale factor of about 2. Measurements in tilted magnetic fields and as a function of temperature established that both the weak localization and the weak antilocalization effects have the same, orbital origin. Fits to the data confirmed that the width of the low field feature, whether a weak localization or a weak antilocalization peak, is determined by the phase-breaking time and also established that the universal (negative) magnetoresistance observed in the high field limit is associated with a temperature independent spin-orbit scattering time.
Distinct Oligomeric States of SMAD Proteins in the Transforming Growth Factor-β Pathway

Protein interactions are critical for the function of SMADs as mediators of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signals. TGF-beta receptor phosphorylation of SMAD2 or SMAD3 causes their association with SMAD4 and accumulation in the nucleus where the SMAD complex binds cofactors that determine the choice of target genes. We provide evidence that in the basal state, SMADs 2, 3, and 4 form separate, strikingly different complexes. SMAD2 is found mostly as monomer, whereas the closely related SMAD3 exists in multiple oligomeric states. This difference is due to a unique structural element in the MH1 domain of SMAD2 that inhibits protein-protein interactions in the basal state. In contrast to SMAD2 and SMAD3, SMAD4 in the basal state is found mostly as a homo-oligomer, most likely a trimer. Upon cell stimulation with TGF-beta, SMAD proteins become engaged in a multitude of complexes ranging in size from SMAD2-SMAD4 heterodimers to assemblies of >650 kDa. The latter display the highest DNA binding affinity for the TGF-beta-response elements of JUNB and collagen 7. These observations, all validated with endogenous SMAD proteins, modify previous models regarding the assembly and activity of SMAD complexes in the TGF-beta pathway.
Imbalanced tunneling ready states in alcohol dehydrogenase model reactions: rehybridization lags behind H-tunneling.

The secondary kinetic isotope effects for the hydride transfer reactions from aliphatic alcohols to two carbocations (NAD+ models) in acetonitrile were determined. The results suggest that the hydride transfer takes place by tunneling and that the rehybridizations of both donor and acceptor carbons lag behind the H-tunneling. This is quite contrary to the observations in alcohol dehydrogenases where the importance of enzyme motions in catalysis is manifested.
Nanostructured cantilevers as nanomechanical immunosensors for cytokine detection

The use of microfabricated cantilevers as immunosensors for the detection of human interleukin-1 beta (HIL1-β), one of the proinflammatory cytokines, is demonstrated. Cytokines are important biomarkers to monitor the effect of drugs influencing the immune system or inflammation. Nanostructured microcantilevers (MCs) functionalized with anti-human interleukin-1 beta (anti HIL1-β) antibody (Ab) are used for achieving immunonanome-chanical responses. Antibody-antigen binding interaction induces an apparent surface stress, thereby causing static bending of the MC that is detected in this work by an optical beam bending technique. Specific binding of HIL1-β to surface-bound Ab produces substantial compressive surface stress, which enables its detection in presence of other interfering proteins. Combination of biospecificity of antibodies with the sensitivity of nanomechanical surface stress detection using MCs with one side nanostructured allows detection of cytokine HIL1-β in the ppb range. The nanostructured immuno-MCs, when compared to the smooth surface MC, exhibit higher responses and yet better reversibility. The detection of HIL1-β shows good measurement reproducibility (CV=10%) in the same day tested via three replicate consecutive measurements of a solution of 0.5 ppm of HIL1-β. Also, a reasonable stability of the Ab functionalized MC within 7 d of functionalization is observed. It can be envisioned that differentially functionalized MC arrays can be made in a similar fashion.
A bilingual advantage for episodic memory in older adults

The ability to remember events - referred to as episodic memory - is typically subject to decline in older adulthood. Episodic memory decline has been attributed in part to less successful executive functioning, which may hinder an older adult's ability to implement controlled encoding and retrieval processes. Since bilingual older adults often show more successful executive functioning than monolinguals, they may be better able to maintain episodic memory. To examine this hypothesis, we compared bilingual and monolingual older adults on a picture scene recall task (assessing episodic memory) and a Simon task (assessing executive functioning). Bilinguals exhibited better episodic memory than their monolingual peers, recalling significantly more items overall. Within the bilingual group, earlier second language acquisition and more years speaking two languages were associated with better recall. Bilinguals also demonstrated higher executive functioning, and there was evidence that level of executive functioning was related to memory performance. Results indicate that extensive practice controlling two languages may benefit episodic memory in older adults.
Adjuvant dexamethasone with bupivacaine prolongs the duration of interscalene block: a prospective randomized trial

Purpose To identify the effects of adding two different doses of dexamethasone on the duration and quality of interscalene block in patients undergoing shoulder surgery in ambulatory surgery settings.
Nonlinear approximations for electronic structure calculations

We present a new method for electronic structure calculations based on novel algorithms for nonlinear approximations. We maintain a functional form for the spatial orbitals as a linear combination of products of decaying exponentials and spherical harmonics centred at the nuclear cusps. Although such representations bare some resemblance to the classical Slater-type orbitals, the complex-valued exponents in the representations are dynamically optimized via recently developed algorithms, yielding highly accurate solutions with guaranteed error bounds. These new algorithms make dynamic optimization an effective way to combine the efficiency of Slater-type orbitals with the adaptivity of modern multi-resolution methods. We develop numerical calculus suitable for electronic structure calculations. For any spatial orbital in this functional form, we represent its product with the Coulomb potential, its convolution with the Poisson kernel, etc., in the same functional form with optimized parameters. Algorithms for this purpose scale linearly in the number of nuclei. We compute electronic structure by casting the relevant equations in an integral form and solving for the spatial orbitals via iteration. As an example, for several diatomic molecules we solve the Hartree–Fock equations with speeds competitive to those of multi-resolution methods and achieve high accuracy using a small number of parameters.
A Framework for Engaging Parents in Prevention

The literature on engaging families in prevention programs is informed by the Health Beliefs Model (HBM), Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), and Family Systems theory. Although useful, these frameworks have not facilitated the development of prevention-based practice strategies that recognize different levels of prevention (i.e., universal, selective, and indicated). This article contributes to the literature on parent engagement by (a) summarizing the research on factors that affect parent engagement, (b) proposing an integrated model for engaging parents that incorporates the various levels of prevention, and (c) suggesting engagement strategies for universal, selective, and indicated prevention programs within this integrated model.
The role of distance in international relations: A new look at the social field theory

A general theory of internation behavior is proposed employing field theoretical implications. The main proposition postulates that the behavior of one country directed toward another is a linear function of similarities and differences on such attribute dimensions as power, wealth, and political orientation. In order to span major types of interactive behavior, two operators of attribute similarities are introduced: vectors of simple difference on attributes (VSD) and vectors of absolute difference on attributes (VAD). Mathematically, the two are independent of each other. Substantively, vectors of simple difference predict asymmetric flows of international transaction, while vectors of absolute difference are related to the symmetric give-and-take between nations. The results from an experimental test are reported.
Photocatalytic membrane for removal of organic contaminants during ultra-purification of water

Experiments were performed using a photocatalytic membrane fabricated by embedding titanium dioxide particles within a polymer matrix. Catalyst particles were activated by ultraviolet illumination of the membrane. Experimental results demonstrated the feasibility of the photocatalytic process for elimination from water of trace organic solute concentrations. A mathematical model is proposed that aided in the estimation of kinetic parameters associated with the process. The process simulation is based upon a mechanism whereby the primary organic solvent is mineralized via a series of reactions that involve not less than two organic solute intermediates. The reaction rate parameter associated with 254-nm illumination is estimated to be directly proportional to light intensity. Where 185-nm light and 254-nm light were used together, their catalytic effects were shown to be comparable, but the oxidative effect of 185-nm illumination had the added benefit of noncatalytic oxidation. Catalyst and support system improvements are indicated to increase the photocatalytic effect.
The Relevance of Interactional and Institutional Contexts for the Study of Gender Differences: A Demonstrative Case Study

Previous studies of gender differences in language and interaction have made inadequate use of the context of the language behavior being studied. In this paper, I use a single-case method to demonstrate how a conversation analytic approach to the interactional and institutional context of a mediation hearing can be informative in the search for gender differences. In the mediation hearing studied, an apparent gender difference in the mediator's address of disputants is first identified and then shown to disappear when the interactional and institutional context of the utterances are taken into account.
Biomarkers of exposure to triclocarban in urine and serum

3,4,4'-Trichlorocarbanilide (triclocarban, TCC) is widely used as an antimicrobial agent in a variety of consumer and personal care products. TCC is considered a potential endocrine disruptor, but its potential toxic effects in humans are still largely unknown. Because of its widespread uses, the potential for human exposure to TCC is high. In order to identify adequate exposure biomarkers of TCC, we investigated the metabolic profile of TCC in adult female Sprague Dawley rats after administering TCC once (500 mg/kg body weight) by oral gavage. Urine was collected 0-24 h before dosing, and 0-24 h and 24-48 h after dosing. Serum was collected at necropsy 48 h after dosing. We identified several metabolites of TCC in urine and serum by on-line solid phase extraction-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. We unambiguously identified two major oxidative metabolites of TCC, 3'-hydroxy-TCC and 2'-hydroxy-TCC, by comparing their chromatographic behavior and mass spectral fragmentation patterns with those of authentic standards. By contrast, compared to these oxidative metabolites, we detected very low levels of TCC in the urine or serum. Taken together these data suggest that in rats, oxidation of TCC is a major metabolic pathway. We also measured TCC and its oxidative metabolites in 50 urine and 16 serum samples collected from adults in the United States. The results suggest differences in the metabolic profile of TCC in rats and in humans; oxidation appears to be a minor metabolic pathway in humans. Total (free plus conjugated) TCC could serve as a potential biomarker for human exposure to TCC.
Distributed interference compensation for wireless networks

We consider a distributed power control scheme for wireless ad hoc networks, in which each user announces a price that reflects compensation paid by other users for their interference. We present an asynchronous distributed algorithm for updating power levels and prices. By relating this algorithm to myopic best response updates in a fictitious game, we are able to characterize convergence using supermodular game theory. Extensions of this algorithm to a multichannel network are also presented, in which users can allocate their power across multiple frequency bands.
Myths and facts about electricity in the U.S. South

This paper identifies six myths about clean electricity in the southern U.S. These myths are either propagated by the public at-large, shared within the environmental advocacy culture, or spread imperceptibly between policymakers. Using a widely accepted energy-economic modeling tool, we expose these myths as half-truths and the kind of conventional wisdom that constrains productive debate. In so doing, we identify new starting points for energy policy development. Climate change activists may be surprised to learn that it will take more than a national Renewable Electricity Standard or supportive energy efficiency policies to retire coal plants. Low-cost fossil generation enthusiasts may be surprised to learn that clean generation can save consumers money, even while meeting most demand growth over the next 20 years. This work surfaces the myths concealed in public perceptions and illustrates the positions of various stakeholders in this large U.S. region.
Cooperative breeding and its significance to the demographic success of humans.

The demographic success of humans compared with other closely related species can be attributed to the relatively rapid pace of reproduction and improved chances of survival. The assistance that mothers receive from others to help raise children is a common theme in explaining this gain in surviving fertility. Cooperative breeding in its broad definition describes such a social system in which nonmaternal helpers support offspring who are not their own. In traditional societies, kin and nonkin of different ages and sex contribute both to child care and to provisioning older children. This review discusses empirical evidence for human cooperative breeding and its demographic significance and highlights the ways in which humans are similar to and different from other cooperative breeders. An emphasis is placed on cross-cultural comparison and variability in allocare strategies. Because helping in humans occurs within a subsistence pattern of food sharing and labor cooperation, both kin selection and mutualism may explain why children are often raised with nonmaternal help. Cooperative breeding is relevant to debates in anthropology concerning the evolution of human life history, sociality, and psychology and has implications for demographic patterns in today’s world as well as in the past.
Necessary and Sufficient Conditions for Attitude Estimation in Fractionated Spacecraft Systems

This paper addresses the problem of attitude estimation in fractionated spacecraft clusters. Each module in the cluster may have either a star-tracker, a relative attitude sensor, or both. Using results in nonlinear ob- servability theory, we provide graph-theoretic sufficient conditions for the attitude of every module to be observable. In particular we show that the attitude of every module in the cluster can be observed if every module has either a star tracker with non-collinear stars, or there is a path through the sensing network from a module with a star tracker to the module without a star tracker, and each of the relative measurements along the path has either multiple non-collinear beacons or a single beacon that is not parallel to the rotation vector of the target module.
Multiple identities of Jewish immigrant adolescents from the former Soviet Union: An exploration of salience and impact of ethnic identity

The current paper explores the salience and impact of ethnic and national identities for immigrants that are negotiating more than two cultures. Specifically, we were interested in the ways in which Jewish immigrant adolescents from the former Soviet Union integrate their Russian, Jewish, and American identities, and to what extent identification with these three cultures predicts adaptation to varied life domains. In order to examine whether being Jewish has an impact on salience and predictive value of Russian and American identities, a sample of Jewish adolescents (n = 100) was compared with a sample of non-Jewish (n = 113) adolescent immigrants from the former Soviet Union. The study suggests that Jewish and non-Jewish adolescent immigrants differ in levels of Russian and American identity. Further, using structural equation modeling a bicultural model for Jewish and non-Jewish adolescents was tested. The results suggest that these two groups do not differ with respect to how Russian and American iden...
Dietary intervention rescues maternal obesity induced behavior deficits and neuroinflammation in offspring

Obesity induces a low-grade inflammatory state and has been associated with behavioral and cognitive alterations. Importantly, maternal environmental insults can adversely impact subsequent offspring behavior and have been linked with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (AHDH). It is unknown if maternal obesity significantly alters offspring sociability, a key ASD feature, and if altering maternal diet will provide an efficacious intervention paradigm for behavioral deficits. Here we investigated the impact of maternal high fat diet (HFD) and maternal dietary intervention during lactation on offspring behavior and brain inflammation in mice. We found that maternal HFD increased anxiety and decreased sociability in female offspring. Additionally, female offspring from HFD-fed dams also exhibited increased brain IL-1β and TNFα and microglial activation. Importantly, maternal dietary intervention during lactation was sufficient to alleviate social deficits and brain inflammation. Maternal obesity during gestation alone was sufficient to increase hyperactivity in male offspring, a phenotype that was not ameliorated by dietary intervention. These data suggest that maternal HFD acts as a prenatal/perinatal insult that significantly impacts offspring behavior and inflammation and that dietary intervention during lactation may be an easily translatable, efficacious intervention to offset some of these manifestations.
Film lamination by radiation‐induced polymerization of acrylic acid

Monomeric acrylic acid when placed between two polymeric films may be polymerized almost explosively at a dose of 0.3 Mrad with electrons. The resultant exotherm leads to bonding of the two films and the preparation of an interlaminar layer of polyacrylic acid. Changes in oxygen permeability are found for the resultant sandwich. The exotherm and the resultant bonding is dependent on the dose rate, dose, and the volume of acrylic acid used for the interlaminar layer. The results qualitatively follow the mechanism for explosive polymerization discussed by Semenov and more recently by Chachaty, Magat, and Ter Minassian.
Derivation of fluorine-containing pyridine dicarboxylates IV. N-substituted dihydropyridine derivatives†

The bio-activity observed for certain Hantzsch derived fluorine-containing dihydropyridinecarboxylates 6, 11 and 12 and pyridinecarboxylates 10 prompted the preparation of a number of related N-substituted dihydropyridines for the first time. One method involved a mixed Hantzsch sequence to give 2 from which unexpected side products 3–5 were also isolated and identified. A second preparative method relied on lithiobase deprotonation of 6, 11 and 12 followed by alkylation or acylation to give products 7–9 and 13–15. Structure determination and stereo-assignments are discussed in terms of their spectral properties, and reaction mode.
Effects of a Modified Milieu Therapy Intervention on the Social Communicative Behaviors of Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of combining milieu therapy and functional communication training (FCT)] to replace aberrant behavior with functional communicative skills in 3 male preschool or elementary aged children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Study activities were conducted in the natural environments of the participants and parents acted as change agents. A concurrent multiple baseline design across participants was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the modified milieu therapy intervention. Results indicate that aberrant behavior decreased concurrent with an increase in total percentage of communication responses (PCR). The children maintained communication and low rates of aberrant behavior, and generalized their communication from the home to the classroom. A discussion of limitations and future research directions is included.
Larval entrainment in cooling water intakes: spatially explicit models reveal effects on benthic metapopulations and shortcomings of traditional assessments

Spatial management of marine populations typically requires consideration of larval dispersal pathways. When a power plant with a cooling water intake system (CWIS) is present, managers must also a...
The “long-thumb” brachydactyly syndrome

A unique variety of brachydactyly associated with skeletal and joint anomalies and possible cardiac conduction defects has been observed in three generations of one family in a pattern consistent with autosomal-dominant transmission. This combination of anomalies has not previously been seen together as a single syndrome. We report clinical and radiographic studies in three of the four affected family members.
Fish and Blue Crab Assemblages in the Shore Zone of Tidal Creeks in the Delaware Coastal Bays

Spatial and temporal dynamics of shore zone fish and Callinectes sapidus (Blue Crab) densities in tidal creeks of the Delaware Coastal Bays were examined dur- ing the spring/summer nursery period and in the winter of 2004, 2005, and early 2006 to identify underlying abiotic conditions driving the structure of species assemblages. Distinct spring/summer species assemblages were identified within separate tidal creeks, correlated with dissolved oxygen range. Differences were driven by the domi- nance of hypoxia-tolerant species in the intensely developed White Creek watershed and hypoxia-sensitive species in the less-developed Miller Creek watershed. In winter, species assemblages were somewhat homogenized and were less influenced by abiotic conditions. Results of this study indicate that the fish and Blue Crab assemblage in the shore zone of tidal creeks in the Delaware Coastal Bays is affected primarily by location-specific influences, such as anthropogenic alteration and associated hypoxia, particularly in the spring and summer.
Biopsy versus conservative management of sonographically benign-appearing solid breast masses in adolescents.

Objectives To determine whether the size of palpable solid breast masses in adolescents at initial sonography and their growth at follow-up sonography could be used to decide between conservative management and tissue biopsy. Methods This retrospective study included 37 adolescent female patients with 45 palpable benign-appearing solid breast masses on initial sonography. They were grouped as follows: group I, masses undergoing follow-up sonography with subsequent biopsy (n = 9); group II, masses undergoing biopsy without follow-up sonography (n = 13); and group III, masses undergoing follow-up sonography without biopsy (n = 23). The largest dimension, volume, volume change per month, and change in the sonographic appearance were analyzed to predict the need for biopsy. A combination of a largest dimension greater than 3 cm and volume change per month greater than 16% was used to assess the need for biopsy. Sonograms of 22 masses were correlated with histopathologic diagnoses. Results None of the masses that underwent follow-up sonography showed changes in their sonographic appearance. All masses that underwent biopsy were benign on histopathologic analysis. There was no significant difference in the largest dimension among the groups at initial sonography or between groups I and III at follow-up sonography. The volume change was smaller for fibroadenomas (n = 7; mean, 22.67%) than benign phyllodes tumors (n = 2; mean, 45.30%) in group I, but the difference was not significant (P = .384). However, the volume change for groups I and III showed a significant difference (P = .026). Neither size greater than 3 cm nor volume change greater than 16% predicted pathologic outcomes. Conclusions If the combined criteria for assessing benignity of palpable breast masses had been used, biopsy could have been reduced by 89% in group I and deemed not necessary in 96% of group III breast masses.
Assessing Business Requirements

The first and most critical step in providing a software solution is to understand what users really want. The word “user” has actually been replaced over the years with the word “business.” Indeed, the target for most application solutions need to be geared to solving a business issue, rather than the user’s personal needs. This point is very relevant to the large-scale implementations of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solutions. ERP is a large organizational product that essentially links all aspects of the business to an integrated system—certainly a complex application. Historically, almost half of ERP implementations fail to succeed. ERP project failures are typically associated with the inability of the user community to accept the way the system works in comparison to their personal business preferences. That is, the user community is not willing to change its procedures to meet the more generic business operations that are designed into package software products. Thus heavy modifications to the existing product inevitably cause project delays and potential failures. Furthermore, the evolution of a new ERP initiative, which is being coined “digital transformation,” is driven by a new type of user, the consumer. Thus, assessing business requirements now has a new dimension—one that goes beyond the boundaries of the internal organization and requires analysts to work directly with outside consumers. Indeed, consumers present the analyst with new challenges by providing ongoing and dynamic needs that mirror the uncertainties of their business environments. Gone then are the days of product development cycles as we know them. New versions of products will be ongoing and require analysts to do more speculative requirements based on market trends.
Numerical analysis of anion-exchange membrane direct glycerol fuel cells under steady state and dynamic operations

This work develops a one-dimensional model of an alkaline anion-exchange membrane direct glycerol fuel cell (AEM-DGFC) for cogeneration of tartronate and electricity. The model is validated against steady state and dynamic experiments, and shows good agreement. Steady state modeling includes anode and cathode losses and predicts the single cell polarization and power density curves. Coupled mass transport, charge transport, and electrochemical kinetics predict the effects of varying reactant concentration and diffusion layer porosity on single cell performance. The results show that anode overpotential is the major source of loss at middle to high current density regions, due to limited glycerol diffusion at the catalyst layer. Furthermore, the dynamic response of AEMDGFC to step changes in current density is simulated by considering time-dependent species transport and double-layer capacitance charging. Analysis of dynamic simulation reveals that the liquid-phase reactant diffusion is a key factor influencing the transient AEM-DGFC behavior and is very sensitive to diffusion layer design. This new numerical analysis of a glycerol-fed fuel cell demonstrates that a simple, single oxidation product model can successfully predict the steady state and dynamic losses.
Bidirectional Synaptic Plasticity and Spatial Memory Flexibility Require Ca2+-Stimulated Adenylyl Cyclases

When certain memory becomes obsolete, effective suppression of the previously established memory is essential for animals to adapt to the changing environment. At the cellular level, reversal of synaptic potentiation may be important for neurons to acquire new information and to prevent synaptic saturation. Here, we investigated the function of Ca(2+)-stimulated cAMP signaling in the regulation of bidirectional synaptic plasticity and spatial memory formation in double knock-out mice (DKO) lacking both type 1 and 8 adenylyl cyclases (ACs). In anesthetized animals, the DKO mutants showed defective long-term potentiation (LTP) after a single high-frequency stimulation (HFS) or two spaced HFSs at 100 Hz. However, DKO mice showed normal LTP after a single HFS at 200 Hz or two compressed HFSs at 100 Hz. Interestingly, reversal of synaptic potentiation as well as de novo synaptic depression was impaired in DKO mice. In the Morris water maze, DKO mice showed defective acquisition and memory retention, although the deficits could be attenuated by overtraining or compressed trainings with a shorter intertrial interval. In the reversal platform test, DKO animals were impaired in both relearning and old memory suppression. Furthermore, the extinction of the old spatial memory was not efficient in DKO mice. These data demonstrate that Ca(2+)-stimulated AC activity is important not only for LTP and spatial memory formation but also for the suppression of both previously established synaptic potentiation and old spatial memory.
A reduced dimensionality model of torsional vibrations in star molecules

Abstract The torsional vibrations of star molecules are studied with a reduced dimensionality model. In this model, the molecule is described by two equivalent sets of lumped inertial cylinders and vibrational frequencies are predicted by solution of the coupled equations of motion. Force constants are determined by including them as free parameters in the model and fitting the computed frequencies to their analogs as determined using full normal coordinate analysis at the HFSCF level of theory. Best agreement between the methods occurs when torsional force constants are included for the first two layers of the molecule. This reveals that non-bonded torsional interactions are important in the vibrational dynamics of these systems. Further insight is afforded by an analysis of why simple harmonic oscillator models are sufficient for modeling some related systems but fail to reproduce the trend in global mode frequencies for saturated aliphatic star molecules. The analysis reveals that the origin of this failure lies in backbone flexibility in these branched polymeric systems.
Impact of associated injuries in conjunction with fracture of the axis vertebra on inpatient outcomes and postoperative complications: a Nationwide Inpatient Sample analysis from 2002 to 2011.

Abstract Background Context There are limited data available on the impact of associated spinal (other spinal injuries [OSIs]) and extra-spinal injuries (ESIs) occurring in conjunction with fractures of the axis vertebra (C2) on clinical outcomes. Purpose This study aimed to compare outcomes in patients with isolated C2 fractures versus patients with associated injuries in conjunction with C2 fractures. Study Design/Setting A retrospective cohort study. Patient Sample A total of 30,472 adult patients with C2 fractures (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code 805.02) registered in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database (2002–2011) comprised the patient sample. Outcome Measures Inpatient mortality, unfavorable discharge, prolonged length of stay (LOS) and high-end hospital charges in the non-operative and operative cohorts, and postoperative complications (deep venous thrombosis [DVT]; acute renal failure [ARF]; respiratory complications and wound infections) for the operative cohort were the outcome measures. Methods Patients were stratified into four categories based on injury type: (1) isolated C2 fracture (n=10,135; 33.3%); (2) C2 fracture+OSI (8.7%); (3) C2 fracture+ESI (37.2%); and (4) C2 fracture+OSI+ESI (20.8%). Multivariable logistic regression fitted with generalized estimating equations using the sandwich variance-covariance matrix estimator to account for clustering of similar outcomes within hospitals was used to examine the association of primary endpoints for each of the associated injury categories with reference to isolated C2 fractures. Results Mean age of the cohort was 66.27±21.67 years and 52% were female. Of the cohort, 52% underwent surgical intervention for C2 fracture. In a pooled regression analysis involving the operative cohort, the risks for inpatient mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 3.77; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.02–4.70; p Conclusions Associated injuries occurring concomitantly with C2 fractures adversely influence postoperative outcomes. In comparison to isolated C2 fractures, patients with associated injuries tend to have a greater propensity for higher health-care resource use because of more complicated and longer hospital inpatient stay.