cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ACTON PROLONGATUM® suppresses spasms head to head with Acthar® Gel in the model of infantile spasms.

Abstract Epileptic spasms during infancy (infantile spasms, IS) are a rare epilepsy syndrome with dire prognosis. Current treatments, effective in about 55% of cases, include hormonal therapy (adrenocorticotropic hormone [ACTH] = adrenocorticotropin or corticosteroids) or vigabatrin (also in combination with hormones). In addition to their limited efficacy, these treatments may also carry serious adverse effects. Thus, the search for new effective drugs to treat this rare disease is desirable. In this study, we determined the efficacy of ACTON PROLONGATUM® (AP; Ferring Pharmaceuticals) in comparison with Acthar® Gel (Mallinckrodt) and full 39 amino-acid rat ACTH molecule (Genscript) in the rodent model of IS consisting of prenatal priming with betamethasone and repeated postnatal trigger of spasms with N-methyl- d -aspartate. Treatment with these ACTH varieties was given on postnatal days (P)12, P13, and P14 in a prospective test (treatment onset on P12 AFTER induction of spasms). Two independent arms were investigated: subcutaneous (SC) and intramuscular (IM) deliveries that were evaluated separately. In the SC arm, there was a significant suppression of the number of spasms after both Acthar® Gel and AP on P13 and P15 compared with gelatin control. In the IM arm, a significant suppression of the number of spasms was achieved only after AP on both P13 and P15 indicating that after IM delivery, Acthar® Gel was not as effective as AP. In this study, we confirmed the efficacy of two ACTH formulations (gelatin-based Acthar® Gel and carboxymethyl cellulose-based AP) in the model of IS. ACTON PROLONGATUM® may become a valuable therapy for IS. In our animal model, AP was at least as efficient as the standard of care, Acthar® Gel.
The influence of floral resources and microclimate on pollinator visitation in an agro-ecosystem

Abstract As agriculture expands to meet the needs of a growing global population, natural ecosystems are threatened by deforestation and habitat fragmentation. Tropical agroforestry systems offer a sustainable alternative to traditional agriculture by providing food for production while also supporting biodiversity and ecosystem services. Previous studies have shown that these systems may even improve crop pollination, but the mechanisms of how these improvements occur are still poorly understood. Using coffee as a focal crop, we explored how microclimatic conditions affected nectar traits (sugar and caffeine concentration) important for pollinator visitation. We also studied how microclimate, floral traits, floral availability at the coffee plant level, availability of floral resources provided by other plant species in the agroecosystem (“neighborhood floral availability”), and the presence of other bees affected the amount of time bees spent foraging on coffee flowers and the proportion of coffee pollen carried on their bodies. We explored these factors using the two dominant coffee species farmed on Puerto Rico, Coffea canephora and C. arabica, under sun and shade management. We found that high nectar sugar concentration and temperature were important predictors of short floral visits (
Noise optimizes super-Turing computation in recurrent neural networks

The authors use noise to restore chaotic behavior and show consistency with super-Turing theory and operation in neural networks.
“Down-to-Earth TV dramas”: The reception of authenticity, reality, and modality in Danish TV dramas:

This article investigates how Turkish audiences conceptualize authenticity in their engagement with foreign television (TV) productions in the case of Danish TV dramas. The theoretical notion of au...
Legislative influences on cancer care

Deficit reduction politics was a major force in policymaking in the 1980s and a pervasive fact of life in the development of health policy. The Medicare budget was habitually used to find savings for deficit reduction and reforms, such as how to address the problem of 31 to 37 million uninsured Americans, were postponed. The 101st Congress did produce major physician payment reforms and in the spring of 1990, the Pepper Commission issued its recommendations for access to care and long-term care. Less sweeping but significant proposals affecting cancer care were considered by Congress. For example, positive actions were taken on anti-smoking and food labeling proposals. Funding for the National Institutes of Health was increased, and there was a growing awareness of the threat to biomedical research presented by assaults on animal research facilities.
Intertemporal Budgeting and Efficiency

This paper introduces as an intertemporal variable cost indirect technology which permits technological change over time and allows for financial flexibility, i.e., intertemporal budgeting. It characterizes agencies which maximize outputs or services subject to the budget they face. We define Farrell-type output oriented technical efficiency under different financial regimes and efficiency gains from financial flexibilities. An empirical illustration based on a sample of Illinois municipalities is included.
Alexander the Great – By Krzysztof Nawotka

Why another biography of Alexander the Great? Krzysztof Nawotka, a Polish historian of the ancient world, asserts that there are three reasons for a new tome on the great Alexander III of Macedonia...
Contractile Fibroblasts in Chronic Alcoholic Cirrhosis

Contractile fibroblasts were sought via electron microscopy in liver tissue from 12 patients with chronic alcoholic cirrhosis, and from 3 noncirrhotic patients. In 9 of the 12 cirrhotic livers, contractile fibroblasts (myofibroblasts) were seen containing the classic features of 60–80 A microfilament bundles with electron-dense bodies along with prominent microtubules. The remaining three cirrhotic liver specimens had fibroblasts containing microfilament bundles but without electron-dense bodies. Myofibroblasts were not found in any of the noncirrhotic livers. Just as in other types of scars, myofibroblasts are probably the active contractile force in the scarring and fibrosis which characterize chronic alcoholic cirrhosis.
Advanced technology's impact on compressor design and development : a perspective

A historical perspective of the impact of advanced technologies on compression system design and development for aircraft gas turbine applications is presented. A bright view of the future is projected in which further advancements in compression system technologies will be made. These advancements will have a significant impact on the ability to meet the ever-more-demanding requirements being imposed on the propulsion system for advanced aircraft. Examples are presented of advanced compression system concepts now being studied. The status and potential impact of transitioning from an empirically derived design system to a computationally oriented system are highlighted. A current NASA Lewis Research Center program to enhance this transitioning is described.
The remote brief intervention and referral to treatment model: Development, functionality, acceptability, and feasibility

Background Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) is effective for reducing risky alcohol use across a variety of medical settings. However, most programs have been unsustainable because of cost and time demands. Telehealth may alleviate on-site clinician burden. This exploratory study examines the feasibility of a new Remote Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (R-BIRT) model.
Service Learning in Engineering and Science for Sustainable Development

Appropriate technologies have a central role in the alleviation of poverty in the developing world. However, research and development of these technologies are generally apportioned relatively modest support by the world’s academic institutions in part because the operation of many of these appropriate technologies is dependent on relatively well-understood science and engineering concepts accessible even to undergraduate college students. The International Journal for Service Learning in Engineering (IJSLE) provides an outlet for university students that undertake project-based service learning assignments on appropriate technologies to publish their work. Service learning is the various pedagogies that link some form of community service with academic study so that both parts symbiotically strengthen one another. Professors at all of the world’s institutions can capitalize on this opportunity to assist students to learn engineering and science more effectively by offering them a chance to make concrete contributions to the optimization of appropriate technologies for sustainable development.
Maternal confidence in coping with labor. A self-efficacy concept.

The clinical study of labor pain suggests that a woman's confidence in her ability to cope with labor contributes significantly to her perception of pain during labor. Self: efficacy theory is examined as a framework for evaluating women's confidence in their ability to cope with labor. The major Propositions of self-efficacy theory are described and related to the experience of women approaching labor. The implications for nursing practice are presented, and directions for the study of maternal confidence are proposed.
Factors influencing fish distribution and community structure in a small coastal river in southwestern Costa Rica

We evaluated the relative importance of habitat size and diversity and distance from the ocean in explaining longitudinal patterns of fish distribution and community structure (species richness, evenness, and diversity) in the lower 5 km of the Rio Claro. The Rio Claro is a small coastal river in Corcovado National Park, southwestern Costa Rica, with a depauperate freshwater fish fauna. We observed 22 species in pools, 19 of which occured during quantitative sampling. Most of these species probably spent part of their lives in the Pacific Ocean. We observed no species in riffles, although these habitats were common and several taxa (e.g., Gobiesocidae, Gobiidae) were adapted for life in fast turbulent water. Fish abundance, and species richness, evenness, and diversity were highest near the ocean, where high tides influenced river levels and salinity. Eight species were not observed further than 2900 m from the ocean, whereas 6 species were not encountered in samples nearest the ocean; the remaining 8 species were present throughout the study area. Distance from the ocean was a better predictor of fish abundance and community structure than were pool width, pool depth, pool surface area, pool volume, amount of cover present, substrate diversity, or depth diversity. Based in qualitative comparisons of our data with previously published data from 1980–1986, the fish assemblage of the Rio Claro is persistent in both species composition and relative abundance.
Weekly topotecan in a heavily pretreated patient with peritoneal papillary serous adenocarcinoma.

Peritoneal papillary serous adenocarcinoma is a rare mullerian tumor type that is histologically similar to ovarian serous carcinoma. The low incidence of peritoneal papillary serous adenocarcinoma has hindered the establishment of a standard of care for this disease. A 56-year-old woman, who had undergone an abdominal hysterectomy 25 years earlier, presented with a vaginal nodule and palpable pelvic mass. She underwent debulking surgery and was diagnosed with stage IIIC peritoneal papillary serous adenocarcinoma. After 6 cycles of paclitaxel/carboplatin and 10 cycles of liposomal doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide, laparotomy revealed microscopic disease. This heavily pretreated patient then started topotecan therapy (1.0 mg/m2/day, ×5 days). After several dosing adjustments because of fatigue and malaise, weekly topotecan 4.0 mg/m2 was determined to be the best-tolerated dosage. The patient ultimately received 14 weekly cycles of topotecan. After 12 weekly cycles, she achieved a complete response, which was maintained for 25 weeks with weekly topotecan therapy with a subsequent recurrence. Topotecan was reinstated. She maintains a disease-free interval of 58 weeks. Weekly topotecan demonstrated antitumor activity and was well tolerated in a patient with recurrent peritoneal papillary serous adenocarcinoma.
Estimation of regional hemoglobin concentration in biological tissues using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy with a novel spectral interpretation algorithm

Both in medical research and clinical settings, regional hemoglobin concentrations ([Hb]) in the microcirculation of biological tissues are highly sought. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy has been proven to be a favorable method by which to detect regional [Hb]. This paper introduces a new algorithm to retrieve [Hb] information from diffuse reflectance spectra. The proposed algorithm utilizes the natural logarithmic operation and the differential wavelet transform to effectively quench the scattering effects, and then employs the concept of isosbestic wavelength in the transformed spectra to reduce the effects of hemoglobin oxygenation. As a result, the intensity at the defined isosbestic wavelength of the transformed spectra is a good indicator of [Hb] estimation. The algorithm was derived and validated using theoretical spectra produced by Monte Carlo simulation of photon migration. Its accuracy was further evaluated using liquid tissue phantoms, and its clinical utility with an in vivo clinical study of brain tumors. The results demonstrate the applicability of the algorithm for real-time [Hb] estimations from diffuse reflectance spectra, acquired by means of a fiber-optic spectroscopy system.
The inhibitory activity of ω-methylpantothenol

Abstract The inhibitory activity toward four lactic acid bacteria of pantothenol and ω-methylpantothenic acid has been compared to that of the hybrid analog, ω-methylpantothenol. The activity of the latter was found to be intermediate between the activities of the parent substances. Pantothenol supported but did not inhibit the growth of Lactobacillus fermenti . ω-Methylpantothenol was inactive toward L. fermenti . It was as effective as ω-methylpantothenic acid in inhibiting the growth of C-57 weanling mice, presumably through conversion to the latter analog.
Unleashing Change: A Study of Organizational Renewal in Government

The article reviews the book “Unleashing Change: A Study of Organizational Renewal in Government,” by Steven Kelman.
An analog of ACTH/MSH4-9, ORG-2766, reduces permeability of the blood-brain barrier.

Regional uptakes of a diffusion-limited substance, antipyrine, were compared to those of a highly diffusible substance, iodoantipyrine, in brains of conscious, unrestrained rats. The method included simultaneous measurements of regional cerebral blood flow. Within 10 min after intravenous injection of a behaviorally active analog of ACTH/MSH4−9, ORG-2766, the relative extraction of antipyrine was reduced in most regions of the brain, significantly in hypothalamus, hippocampus, parietal cortex and frontal cortex. The occipital cortex and brain stem were least affected. Since the flow of blood was not changed significantly in any region at this time, was conclude that the changes in extraction reflect a reduction in permeability of the blood-brain barrier. These results suggest that the behavioral responses to peripherally administered fragments of ACTH/MSH may depend, in part, on some action in the blood-brain barrier. These observations also suggest a mechanism by which such peptides may influence the behavioral effects of diffusion-limited drugs.
On empirical interpretation

The view that scientific theories are partially interpreted deductive systems (theoretical deductivism) is defended against recent criticisms by Hempel. Hempel argues that the reliance of theoretical inferences (both from observation to theory and also from theory to theory) uponceteris paribus conditions orprovisos must prevent theories from establishing deductive connections among observations. In reply I argue, first, that theoretical deductivism does not in fact require the establishing of such deductive connections: I offer alternative H-D analyses of these inferences. Second, I argue that when the refined character of scientific observation is taken into account, we find that a theorymay after all establish such deductive connections among scientific observations, without reliance on provisos.
The digestive system of the lobster, Homarus americanus. I: Connective tissue of the digestive gland

The digestive gland (midgut gland, hepatopancreas) of the American lobster, Homarus americanus (Decapoda: Nephropidae), has one continuous network of connective tissue in which the tubules are embedded and suspended and which forms the limiting layer of the organ. Light- and electron-microscopical observations show that the outer connective-tissue layer investing the entire digestive gland is a typical, fibrous connective tissue, containing hemal sinuses and a variety of cell types embedded in a collagenous matrix. This outer layer is continuous with the connective tissue among the tubules, which lacks a substantial fibrous matrix and lies peripheral to the digestive epithelium of each tubule. It consists of a complex, two-layered, epithelial basement membrane, an area containing cells, a tunica propria, and hemal sinuses. Several types of cells are present between the basement membrane and the tunica propria: contractile cells form a network of circular and longitudinal processes around each tubule, and several types of granulocytes are found in areas where tubules abut. The previously applied terms "myoepithelium" and "myoendothelium" are inappropriate to describe the tissue among the tubules. Instead, the extraepithelial elements are interpreted as forming an extensive connective tissue supporting the functional units of the digestive gland.
Disorders of urinary concentration and dilution

A new approach to the classification of disorders of urinary concentration and dilution is recommended based on recent studies of how the kidney elaborates a urine of widely varying osmolality. The capacity to concentrate urine depends on ft, the fractional reabsorption of solute delivered to the loop of Henle; fu, the excretion of solute relative to the sum of solute excretion and solute delivery to Henle's loop; fw, the fraction of solute loss by vascular outflow from the medulla relative to that reabsorbed by the loop; and finally, collecting duct response to antidiuretic hormone (ADH). A decrease in ft or in increased fu or fw will diminish urinary concentrating ability, as will resistance of the tubule to ADH. Conversely, urinary dilution depends on the delivery of sodium and water to the ascending limb; NaCl reabsorption by the ascending limb; and the absence of ADH. A decrease in sodium and water delivery to the ascending limb or in NaCl reabsorption by the ascending limb will impair urinary diluting ability, as will the presence of ADH. The consequences of disorders in urinary concentrating and diluting ability vary widely. In an alert patient with an intact thirst center, there may be no consequence; in a patient unable to communicate thirst or whose thirst center is deranged, the results may be catastrophic. Keeping in mind the kidney's few basic requirements for formation of concentrated or dilute urine may help the physician avoid these potentially serious dislocations of water balance.
The Association between Teachers' Child-Centered Beliefs and Children's Academic Achievement: The Indirect Effect of Children's Behavioral Self-Regulation.

Background Recent studies have suggested that teachers’ psychological attributes can be an indicator of teacher quality (Rimm-Kaufman and Hamre in Dev Psychol 45(4):958–972. doi:10.1037/a0015861, 2010), and teachers’ child-centered beliefs have been associated with children’s academic achievement (Burchinal and Cryer in Early Child Res Q 18(4):401–426, 2003). The process underlying this link, however, has less been explored. One potential intervening factor can be children’s behavioral self-regulation.
Deaf Women: Educational Experiences and Self-Identity.

Using life history interviews with 10 college educated Deaf 1 women this paper investigates connections between early education and college experience and how they identified as Deaf. The women developed strategies as they managed their impressions while employing Goffman’s practices of loyalty, discipline and circumspection. Acknowledging deafness and their own decisions about education affected their identities. The women experienced a cultural shift after attending a college for the deaf or after their exposure to the Deaf community and learning American Sign Language. The women developed strategies of becoming ‘lifetime educators’ and ‘self‐advocates’. Their experiences show the role of language in the identity making process and how the women navigated this in their schools.
Membrane fusion: Kinetics and mechanisms

Abstract Membrane fusion is an essential process of biological cell function and is presumably mediated by specific membrane proteins. Nevertheless, the final step is the rearrangement of the molecular packing of the lipid molecules in the two apposed membranes to form a single, unified membrane. Recent work on the fusion of phospholipid vesicles, or liposomes, has provided both molecular descriptions of their fusion mechanisms and, of equal importance, a methodology for obtaining the same depth of knowledge for biological membranes. In this review, we describe the current status of liposomal fusion mechanisms, the effect of cellular cytoplasmic agents (proteins, polypeptides and polyamines) on their fusion and (as the best understood biological system) the fusion of viruses with membranes. To the extent possible, we describe both the aggregation kinetics (where the membranes overcome the physical forces opposing their close approach, e.g., electrostatic and hydration) and the fusion kinetics (where the destabilization of the apposed membranes can lead to either fusion or lysis). We also discuss the thermodynamic phases of lipids which sometimes govern the interaction between two liposomes. For phospholipid vesicles we have been able to identify two canonical fusion mechanisms and examples of both mechanisms where the intermembrane intermediates which cause fusion appear to be sufficiently long lived to be examined structurally. We believe that accounting for both the kinetic stages of fusion (i.e., the rate limiting step) and the structural analysis of fusion intermediates will be crucial for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of biological membrane fusion.
Repopulation of Thymus by Immunologically Competent Cells Derived from Donor Marrow

SummaryMany of the sublethally irradiated BlF1 and B6D2F1 mice injected intraperitoneally with thymus cells from parental strain donors died within 90 days, owing presumably to an immunological reaction by the implanted cells against the recipient. Likewise, regenerated thymus tissue of lethally irradiated BIF1 mice injected with C57BL bone marrow cells induced a fatal wasting disease on implantation in sublethally irradiated B6D2F1 mice. It was concluded, therefore, that regenerated thymus tissue in lethally irradiated BlF1 mice injected with C57BL bone marrow was repopulated by immunologically competent cells derived from the donor marrow.
IgE and IgG antibody responses to recombinant Alt a 1 as a marker of sensitization to Alternaria in asthma and atopic dermatitis.

Background Sensitization to Alternaria alternata is a risk factor for the development of wheezing and asthma. Alt a 1 is the major Alternaria allergen causing sensitization in asthmatics. Some atopic dermatitis (AD) patients have very high immunoglobulin (Ig)E antibody (ab) to Alternaria as analysed by Pharmacia CAP, however, it is not clear whether these are specific responses or whether Alt a 1 is involved in disease symptoms. Objective The aim of this study was to analyse specific IgE and IgG ab responses to recombinant Alt a 1 in asthmatic and AD patients and to compare these results to IgE ab against Alternaria measured by CAP. Methods Sera from individuals who were IgE positive to Alternaria by CAP were obtained from 58 patients with asthma/rhinitis, 19 patients with AD, and 20 patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) who were included as specificity controls. IgE and IgG ab to recombinant Alt a 1 were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Results Of 43 asthma/rhinitis patients having an Alternaria CAP score > 2, a high percentage (93%) had both IgE and IgG ab to Alt a 1, emphasizing its importance as a major allergen. Only, 47% of AD patients with CAP score greater than 2 had ab to Alt a 1, and their levels were low when compared to the asthmatics. For CF controls, 75% of these patients had no IgE ab to Alt a 1, and those which were positive to Alt a 1 by RIA were also positive by CAP. Overall, patients with a low CAP (1–2) had a low prevalence (20–30%) of IgE or IgG ab to Alt a 1. Conclusion IgE and IgG ab to Alt a 1 in asthmatics are good markers for sensitization to Alternaria. Although AD patients gave high Alternaria CAP scores, they had low or undetectable levels of IgE to Alt a 1, suggesting that other Alternaria allergens may be important in AD or that the CAP results are non-specific. Recombinant allergens may provide more specific measures of sensitization to fungi.
Epidemiological assessment of drug-induced disease

Adverse reactions are a potential concern for physicians when they prescribe or recommend drugs. Epidemiological principles, when combined with clinical judgment, can be of help in this situation, starting with an appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of different sources of information on adverse reactions--clinical trials, case reports, and formal epidemiological studies. The latter studies generally provide the most comprehensive information on the risks of serious adverse drug reactions. An understanding of the different types of risk estimates, relative and absolute, is also needed--we stress the value of the absolute risk as the best measure of the impact of an adverse reaction. Rare serious reactions, although striking, have little impact on individual risk, whereas more common reactions, even with much lower fatality rates, are more likely to lead to adverse outcomes for patients. The importance of balancing risks and benefits, taking into account all the information about an individual patient's risk profile, is also highlighted.
Dimensional and magnetic effects in superconducting superlattices

Abstract The superconducting propertied of superconductor/normal metal (Nb/Cu) and superconductor/magnetic metal(V/Ni) superlattices are presented. The superconducting and magnetic transition temperatures are found to be strongly thickness dependent. The superconducting critical fields show dimensional crossover in the Nb/Cu superlattices and an anomalous reversed anisotropy in V/Ni superlattices.
The centromeric and nucleolus-associated heterochromatin of Rattus norvegicus.

Abstract The structural details of each chromosome of the male Wistar rat at spermatogonial prophase and pachytene were studied and the findings were correlated with the appearance of the chromosomes at spermatogonial metaphase. A heterochromatic region adjacent to each respective kinetochore was recognized on each of the 20 pairs of autosomes. The autosomes of the 2nd and the 7th pairs carry the nucleolus organizers at their distal subterminal regions. The portion adjacent to the nucleolus organizer is marked with heterochromatin. Both the X and the Y appear to be almost entirely heterochromatic.
Affirmative Action at Work

IMGIP and ICEOP are minority graduate fellowship programs sponsored by the State of Illinois in order to increase the number of minority faculty and professional staff at Illinois institutions of higher education through graduate fellowships, networking and mentoring support. Nearly 850 fellowships have been awarded since 1986. A performance audit examined immediate (areas of graduate study, ethnicity of awards), intermediate (graduation areas and rates), and long-range results (academic job placement). The primary source for the audit was the database maintained by the programs' administrative office. These data were compared with data sets maintained by the Illinois Board of Higher Education and with national benchmarks (NSF and Ford Foundation Minority Graduate Fellowships). Findings revealed: (a) the IMGIP and ICEOP programs led to major diversification of minority doctoral study in Illinois; (b) a high percentage of all fellows graduated, both absolutely and in relation to national benchmarks, and fellows made up a large percentage of doctoral degrees awarded to minorities by Illinois institutions (e.g., 46% of doctorates in the hard sciences awarded to African Americans from 1988-1998); and (c) fellows made up an important proportion of all minority faculty in Illinois (9%). Most ICEOP doctoral fellows and many other fellows have taken academic positions. The audit revealed outcomes-based evidence of a successful affirmative action program in higher educationevidence that is not otherwise available.
Energy partitioning studies of adsorbate repulsion: Chemisorption and coadsorption of CO and NO on the Pd(1 1 1) surface

Abstract Hamilton population (HP) analysis—a bond-by-bond partitioning of the electronic energy—is used to elucidate the physical mechanisms by which direct (through-space) and surface-mediated interactions between adsorbates are propagated in ordered CO, NO and mixed CO/NO phases on the Pd(1 1 1) surface. Analysis of ( 3 × 3 ) R 30 ° -CO and NO phases at one-third coverage, c(4 × 2)-2CO, 2NO, and mixed CO/NO phases at half-coverage, and p(2 × 2)-3CO and 3NO phases at high (0.75 ML) coverage demonstrates that, in each case, the interaction between neighboring adsorbates is principally surface-mediated. Within the HP description, direct interactions between neighboring adsorbates are found to be of little consequence, even at high (0.75 ML) adsorbate coverages. At each coverage, the surface-mediated interaction between adsorbates primarily results from a reduction in surface–adsorbate bonding that, in turn, results from the competition between neighboring adsorbates for bonding to individual surface atoms. The magnitude of the surface-mediated interaction is shown to be strongly influenced by the relative orientation of the adsorbates about intervening surface atoms. As such, the surface-mediated interaction between adsorbates is not found to be a simple function of adsorbate separation. The reduction in surface–adsorbate bonding about shared surface atoms is shown to be influenced by the extent to which neighboring adsorbates compete for σ and π bonding with the intervening surface atoms. The extent to which the interaction between neighboring CO and/or NO molecules is mediated by Pd–Pd bonds within the surface is also shown to be a function of the respective ability of CO and NO to act as σ-donors and π-acceptors.
Socialized to Ruminate? Gender Role Mediates the Sex Difference in Rumination for Interpersonal Events

The marked sex difference in depression has been explained in part by the sex difference in rumination. However, we know little about why females are more likely than males to ruminate. One explanation is that greater feminine gender role identification may be associated with a greater tendency to ruminate. In Part 1 of this study, we examined gender role as a mediator of the sex difference in trait rumination for domain-specific stressors among 136 older adolescents (ages 14 to 20; 40% male). Although females were more likely than males to ruminate about all types of stressors, we found that femininity accounted for the sex difference in trait rumination about interpersonal, Coefficient = .09, 95% CI (.01, .21), R2 = .16, but not achievement stressors Coefficient = .02, 95% CI (−.04, .14), R2 = .10. In Part 2 of the study, we prospectively followed 107 of the initial 136 participants to track state rumination about specific interpersonal and achievement stressors. Using a weekly diary design, participant...
Use of dual rf systems to accelerate large longitudinal emittance intense beam in a synchrotron

Preserving the beam brightness and emittance during acceleration for high energy collider operation is a long-standing challenge for synchrotron injectors. Radio-frequency manipulation schemes used to produce bright bunches in these synchrotrons are often responsible for both beam loss and for the emittance dilution; the impact of such effects becomes the main obstacle to improve the collider luminosity. We have developed a scheme for acceleration of intense beam bunches of large longitudinal emittance using two rf systems. The development of such a method primarily came about to improve the overall injection to extraction efficiency of the antiproton beam in the Main Injector used for the proton-antiproton collider operation of the Tevatron at Fermilab. This technique is quite general and can be applied at other facilities. Multiparticle beam dynamics simulations of the scheme have shown that one can eliminate the beam loss and minimize the emittance growth. The scheme has been demonstrated with beam experiments in the Main Injector using the 2.5 and 53 MHz rf systems with harmonic ratio of $1\ensuremath{\mathbin:}21$.
A Distinct Contribution of the δ Subunit to Acetylcholine Receptor Channel Activation Revealed by Mutations of the M2 Segment

Acetylcholine receptor (AChR) channels with proline (P) mutations in the putative pore-forming domain (at the 12' position of the M2 segment) were examined at the single-channel level. For all subunits (alpha, beta, epsilon, and delta), a 12'P mutation increased the open channel lifetime >5-fold. To facilitate the estimation of binding and gating rate constants, subunits with 12'P mutations were co-expressed with alpha subunits having a binding site mutation that slows channel opening (alphaD200N). In these AChRs, a 12'P mutation in epsilon or beta slowed the closing rate constant approximately 6-fold but had no effect on either the channel opening rate constant or the equilibrium dissociation constant for ACh (Kd). In contrast, a 12'P mutation in delta slowed the channel closing rate constant only approximately 2-fold and significantly increased both the channel opening rate constant and the Kd. Pairwise expression of 12'P subunits indicates that mutations in epsilon and beta act nearly independently, but one in delta reduces the effect of a homologous mutation in epsilon or beta. The results suggest that a 12'P mutation in epsilon and beta has mainly local effects, whereas one in delta has both local and distributed effects that influence both agonist binding and channel gating.
The AIDS Pandemic: Impact on Science and Society

As we enter the third decade of the AIDS pandemic, numerous texts explore the many aspects of AIDS and its consequences. Mayer and Pizer's premise is that AIDS has transformed many of the disciplines that it has touched. For the most part, this well-written volume supports their thesis. The authors, all established researchers, tackle many of the major issues, including virology, immunology, vaccines, microbicides, and sexually transmitted diseases, as well as the global impact of HIV/AIDS. Each chapter provides a well-referenced overview of its topic with many references as recent as 2003. One of the real strengths of this book is a chapter on quantitative science that explores not only the history of HIV clinical trials, but also the design and importance of clinical trials in general. This chapter should be required reading for those considering clinical research in HIV. The chapters on Africa and Asia ably contrast the differences in these areas of highest prevalence. Another strength is the discussion of HIV in correctional facilities and the challenge of caring for this population, including their coexisting conditions and illicit drug use. Lastly, the discussion of the economics of AIDS is especially welcome in this era of efforts to increase access to drugs worldwide. Overall, this book fills a valuable niche. A relatively concise text, it reviews many aspects of HIV with a focus on how each topic has evolved over the years. A few tables are small, but overall the diagrams and charts are clear and legible. This book would be of interest to infectious disease fellows, HIV caregivers, and those involved in public health and health policy. I heartily recommend this book and plan to keep it handy for future reference.
Efficient cluster expansion for substitutional systems.

We demonstrate a cluster expansion technique that is capable of accurately predicting formation energies in binary substitutional systems---even for those with large atomic relaxations. Conventional cluster expansions converge rapidly only in the absence of atomic relaxations, and they fail for long-period lattice-mismatched superlattices. When combined with first-principles total-energy methods, our method allows for very fast calculations for structures containing hundreds or thousands of atoms. The convergence and effectiveness of the cluster expansion are enhanced in two ways. First, the expansion is recast into reciprocal space, which allows for the inclusion of all important pair interactions. Second, a reciprocal space formulation for elastic strain energy is introduced, allowing accurate predictions for both long- and short-period superlattices. We illustrate the power of the method by performing a cluster expansion that requires total-energy calculations for only 12 simple input structures, with at most eight atoms per unit cell. We then correctly predict the formation energies of relaxed long-period superlattices, low-symmetry intermixed superlattices, structures with varied compositions, substitutional impurities, and a [ital im]1000 atom/cell simulation of the random alloy.
Effectors of Rapid Homeostatic Responses of Endoplasmic Reticulum Cholesterol and 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA Reductase

The cholesterol content of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) imbedded therein respond homeostatically within minutes to changes in the level of plasma membrane cholesterol. We have now examined the roles of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-dependent gene expression, side chain oxysterol biosynthesis, and cholesterol precursors in the short term regulation of ER cholesterol levels and HMGR activity. We found that SREBP-dependent gene expression is not required for the response to changes in cell cholesterol of either the pool of ER cholesterol or the rate of cholesterol esterification. It was also found that the acute proteolytic inactivation of HMGR triggered by cholesterol loading required the conversion of cholesterol to 27-hydroxycholesterol. High levels of exogenous 24,25-dihydrolanosterol drove the inactivation of HMGR; lanosterol did not. However, purging endogenous 24,25-dihydrolanosterol, lanosterol, and other biosynthetic sterol intermediates by treating cells with NB-598 did not greatly affect either the setting of their ER cholesterol pool or the inactivation of their HMGR. In summary, neither SREBP-regulated genes nor 27-hydroxycholesterol is involved in setting the ER cholesterol pool. On the other hand, 27-hydroxycholesterol, rather than cholesterol itself or biosynthetic precursors of cholesterol, stimulates the rapid inactivation of HMGR in response to high levels of cholesterol.
Recovering H p functions from partial boundary data

We consider the problem of recovering a function in the Hardy space H p of the ball B in from its restriction to a relatively open subset E of the boundary of B. We construct a sequence of operators definedon the space of L p CR functions on E, taking values in H p , such that if is the restriction to E of the boundary values of , then converges to f in H p , 1 < p < ∞.
Residual flow procedure for sea water intrusion in unconfined aquifers

A simplified procedure is presented for the analysis of sea water intrusion in unconfined aquifers. It involves the finite element method with a residual flow procedure which combines transformation of the salt water zone into the fresh water zone that has the same pressure distribution as that of the salt water. This procedure avoids simultaneous solutions of governing differential equations for both flow and mass transport. Numerical results are compared with laboratory observations.
Evaluation of a prototype visualization for distributed simulations

Monitoring and improving the performance of complex distributed simulations can be challenging. Without proper software tools, the process of performance tuning could be complicated and tedious. The paper presents a new approach for visualizing the performance of distributed simulations. In particular, a formal methodology for constructing a visualization is presented, which includes a formal model for visualization and a systematic approach for identifying performance issues. The paper also presents results of a controlled evaluation of a prototype visualization created using the new methodology.
Simultaneous Comparison of Δ5-3β-Hydroxysteroid Levels in the Fetoplacental Circulation of Normal Pregnancy in Labor and Not in Labor

Concentrations of pregnenolone (Δ5P), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), 16α-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone (16α-OH DHEA), pregnenolone sulfate (Δ5P-S), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) were measured simultaneously by radioimmunoassay in individual, paired umbilical artery (UA) and vein (UV) sera from 18 normal term pregnancies, 6 in labor, 12 not in labor. Mean UA and UV levels ± SEM (ng/ml) were for Δ5P: 30.39 ± 1.69, 35.55 ± 3.06; DHEA: 12.31 ± 2.34, 3.66 ± 0.38; 16α-OH DHEA: 7.48 ± 0.63, 10.59 ± 0.78; Δ5P-S: 1,652 ± 154,1,486 ± 130; DHEA-S: 2,122 ± 134, ± 134,1,906 ± 134. Umbilical artery Δ5P-S, DHEA-S, and DHEA levels were significantly higher than UV levels, whereas the reverse was true for Δ5P and 16α-OH DHEA. The inverse arterio-venous (A-V) gradient for 16α-OH DHEA was contrary to previous published reports using pooled samples. Comparison by linear regression of paired UA and UV steroid concentrations of Δ5P, Δ5P-S, DHEA, and DHEA-S revealed a significant correlation (P < 0.01) for each st...
Tetralogy of Fallot with a Single Pulmonary Artery: Operative Repair

Surgical repair was performed on 8 patients with tetralogy of Fallot and congenital or acquired absence of the left pulmonary artery. Prior palliative systemic-pulmonary artery shunts had been performed in the 5 patients with acquired absence of the pulmonary artery, and in none was repair of the damaged pulmonary artery possible. A valve-containing conduit (Hancock) was used in each patient to prevent pulmonary valvular regurgitation during the early postoperative period. All patients survived operation and have exhibited marked symptomatic and hemodynamic improvement. This contrasts with the poor results of corrective operation previously reported in patients in this diagnostic category. We believe that the present improved results are due in large part to the valved conduit, and we therefore recommend its use during repair in children or adults with tetralogy and a single pulmonary artery.
IgG is transported across the mouse yolk sac independently of FcγRIIb

Abstract While generally accepted that FcRn of the human syncytiotrophoblast and the mouse yolk sac endoderm is the major IgG transporter, the finding of a different Fc receptor FcγRIIb (RIIb) in the human placental endothelium has suggested the existence of an additional IgG transporter. Testing our hypothesis in mouse, we found that while RIIb is expressed in the yolk sac vasculature, IgG concentrations in fetuses of wild-type mice (RIIb +/+ ) and mice with a null mutation in the gene encoding RIIb (RIIb −/− mice) are not different, and we thus reject our hypothesis that yolk sac RIIb transports IgG in utero in the mouse. However, the capillary bed in the mouse yolk sac is structurally more complex than in human placenta, consisting of three types of cells: an RIIb-negative endothelium, a unique RIIb-bearing cell that also expresses 2 out of 4 macrophage markers but not endothelial cell or pericyte markers, and pericytes. As in the human placenta the b2 isoform of RIIb predominates in the mouse yolk sac. Remarkably only a single capillary channel rather than 2 channels with a loop is found in each yolk sac villus, which, along with intracapillary erythrocytes, suggests that blood flow is peristaltic, mediated by pericytes. It is not clear whether RIIb in the human placental villus might mediate an IgG transport function in light of the mouse yolk sac equivalent failing to do so.
Local region statistical distance measure for tracking in Wide Area Motion Imagery

In this paper we propose a novel tracking method in Wide Area Motion Imagery (WAMI) data based on local region histogram feature and a statistical distance measure. The aspects that make tracking particularly challenging are global camera motion, large movement of targets, poor gradient and texture information and absence of color information. Global camera motion is reduced or eliminated by registering the images from frame to frame employing SURF (Speeded Up Robust Feature). The proposed method is based on a variant of intensity histogram that encodes both spatial and intensity information. The method is evaluated on aerial WAMI data. The robustness of the feature eliminates the need for background subtraction in videos. A performance comparison of our feature descriptor with other descriptors such as HOG (Histogram of Gradients), SURF and SIFT (Scale Invariant Feature Transform) shows the effectiveness of the proposed method. We also show a comparison of our method with mean-shift tracking to show its effectiveness in tracking on WAMI data.
Growing up in cities: a report on research under way

This paper describes the research under way in many cities to help understand how well urban communities function for adolescents from low-income families and how best to work with them in planning and implementing improvements.
Abstract IA02: A drug repositioning approach identifies tricyclic antidepressants as inhibitors of small cell lung cancer.

Small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) is highly aggressive and metastatic neuroendocrine lung cancer with a dismal 5-year survival. While a majority of patients is initially responsive to chemotherapy, chemoresistant tumors rapidly recur. There are no approved targeted therapies for SCLC. We used a systematic drug-repurposing computational approach querying a large number of gene expression datasets to identify new candidate FDA-approved drugs that may be used to treat SCLC. This analysis identified tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and related molecules as possible inhibitors of SCLC. Indeed, these compounds potently induce apoptotic cell death in chemonaive and chemoresistant tumor cells in culture, in a genetically engineered mouse model, and in human SCLC tumor cells transplanted into immunocompromised mice. Imipramine and Promethazine, the two top candidate drugs, activate stress pathways and induce apoptosis and necrosis in SCLC cells, in part by blocking autocrine survival signals involving neurotransmitters and their receptors (GPCRs). The candidate drugs inhibit the expansion of other neuroendocrine tumors, including pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. These experiments underscore the power of bioinformatics-based drug-repositioning approaches to rapidly repurpose FDA-approved drugs and identify a novel class of candidate molecules to treat patients with SCLC. In addition, our experiments highlight the importance of autocrine mechanisms promoting the growth of neuroendocrine tumor cells. Citation Format: Nadine Jahchan, Dudley Joel, Pawel Mazur, Joel Neal, Purvesh Khatri, Atul Butte, Julien Sage. A drug repositioning approach identifies tricyclic antidepressants as inhibitors of small cell lung cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-IASLC Joint Conference on Molecular Origins of Lung Cancer; 2014 Jan 6-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2014;20(2Suppl):Abstract nr IA02.