cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
E4orf1 Improves Lipid and Glucose Metabolism in Hepatocytes: A Template to Improve Steatosis & Hyperglycemia

Hepatic steatosis often accompanies obesity and insulin resistance. The cornerstones of steatosis treatment include reducing body weight and dietary fat intake, which are marginally successful over the long term. Ad36, a human adenovirus, may offer a template to overcome these limitations. In vitro and in vivo studies collectively indicate that via its E4orf1 protein, Ad36 improves hyperglycemia, and attenuates hepatic steatosis, despite a high fat diet and without weight loss. Considering that hepatic insulin sensitivity, or the synthesis, oxidation, or export of fatty acid by hepatocytes are the key determinant of hepatic lipid storage, we determined the role of E4orf1 protein in modulating these physiological pathways. For this study, HepG2 cells, or mouse primary hepatocytes were transfected with E4orf1 or the null vector. Glucose output by hepatocytes was determined under gluconeogenic conditions (cAMP and dexamethasone, or glucagon exposure). Also, de-novo lipogenesis, palmitate oxidation, and lipid export as determined by apoB secretion were measured 48 h post transfection. Results show that compared to null vector transfected cells, E4orf1 significantly reduced glucose output in basal and gluconeogenic conditions. E4orf1 reduced de-novo lipogenesis by about 35%, increased complete fatty acid oxidation 2-fold (p<0.0001), and apoB secretion 1.5 fold(p<0.003). Response of key signaling molecules to E4orf1 transfection was in agreement with these findings. Thus, E4orf1 offers a valuable template to exogenously modulate hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism. Elucidating the underlying molecular mechanism may help develop therapeutic approaches for treating diabetes or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).
IFN-γ and IL-12 plasmid DNAs as vaccine adjuvant in a murine model of grass allergy

Abstract Background: Plasmids encoding cytokines such as IFN-γ and IL-12 are potential genetic adjuvants that might increase the effectiveness of allergen vaccines. Objective: The role of plasmids expressing the cytokines IFN-γ (pIFN-γ) and/or IL-12 (pIL-12) as adjuvants in modulating allergic immune responses, inflammation, and asthma was investigated in a murine model of Kentucky blue grass (KBG) allergy. Methods: Groups of naive B6D2F1 mice were vaccinated subcutaneously with KBG allergens and administered intramuscularly with pIFN-γ, pIL-12, pIFN-γ plus pIL-12, or a vector control. Mice were then sensitized with KBG allergens in alum (intraperitoneally) and later challenged intranasally. Mice were examined for modulation of specific immunity, prevention of the development of airway hyperresponsiveness, and inflammation. Results: Mice vaccinated with cytokine plasmid adjuvants had relatively lower levels of total serum IgE and higher levels of grass allergen–specific IgG2a in comparison with control mice. The lowest IgE and highest IgG2a levels were found in mice vaccinated with the combination of pIFN-γ and pIL-12 as an adjuvant. The vaccination of mice with both pIFN-γ and pIL-12 as an adjuvant induced the highest level of T H 1 cytokines, IFN-γ, and IL-2 in comparison with mice given either of the plasmids alone. The most profound decrease in airway hyperresponsiveness and pulmonary inflammation was observed in mice receiving both pIFN-γ and pIL-12 as an adjuvant. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that pIFN-γ and pIL-12 together provide an effective adjuvant to parenteral grass allergen vaccines and show that this adjuvant can significantly enhance the effectiveness of allergen immunotherapy in human beings. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2001;108:402-8.)
Towards a Switched-Capacitor based Stimulator for efficient deep-brain stimulation

We have developed a novel 4-channel prototype stimulation circuit for implantable neurological stimulators (INS). This Switched-Capacitor based Stimulator (SCS) aims to utilize charge storage and charge injection techniques to take advantage of both the efficiency of conventional voltage-controlled stimulators (VCS) and the safety and controllability of current-controlled stimulators (CCS). The discrete SCS prototype offers fine control over stimulation parameters such as voltage, current, pulse width, frequency, and active electrode channel via a LabVIEW graphical user interface (GUI) when connected to a PC through USB. Furthermore, the prototype utilizes a floating current sensor to provide charge-balanced biphasic stimulation and ensure safety. The stimulator was analyzed using an electrode-electrolyte interface (EEI) model as well as with a pair of pacing electrodes in saline. The primary motivation of this research is to test the feasibility and functionality of a safe, effective, and power-efficient switched-capacitor based stimulator for use in Deep Brain Stimulation.
Situations and Processes of Coping

Despite many admirable and theoretically provocative attempts to understand the role of “coping” in the stress process and a myriad of studies to understand the relationship of particular sorts of coping strategies to outcomes in the stress process, several issues about coping and the coping process remain relatively unexplored. This chapter examines several such issues. For some issues, we provide new data. For others, we provide additional ideas about how data may be gathered.
Phencyclidine-induced depressions of cerebellar Purkinje neurons.

Abstract Local administration of phencyclidine (PCP) by pressure ejection elicited a dose-dependent slowing of the spontaneous discharge of cerebellar Purkinje neurons. Ketamine also depressed firing and was much less potent than PCP. Effects of both PCP and ketamine were antagonized by local or parenteral administration of antipsychotic drugs. The similarities between the electrophysiological and behavioral actions of phencyclidine suggest that alterations in neuronal discharge may underlie its psychotomimetic properties.
Authenticities: A Semiotic Exploration

Charles Taylor has called ours an “Age of Authenticity”, and authenticity is a popular object of scholarly examination, not least in anthropology. A considerable number of scholars have even proposed models for multiple “authenticities”. None, however, has brought a modified Peircean theoretical tool-kit together with ethnographic evidence that “the natives know” that there are many authenticities. This article seeks to fill that gap. Working with Peirce’s model of the sign and with postmodern theories of originals and replicas, we draw on Wilce’s Finnish fieldwork to analyze what we consider clear evidence of four authenticities arising in recent debates surrounding traditional Karelian lament and particularly highly organized attempts in Finland to “revive” the practice. We call performances arising out of the revival “neolaments”. We treat authenticities as strictly relational, metasemiotic, and ideological phenomena. Authenticities that appear salient to actors on the revivalist scene may involve the following relationships : that between any neolament performance and any particular Karelian lament performances, with the question being whether the former is adequately “traditional” (i.e. relationship between replica and original); between a particular lament performance and the generic essence of that which makes lament a lament (i.e. token and type); between a lament performance and emotion – a relationship ideologically construed as “expressive” (i.e. sign and object); and finally, a relationship between some sort of dynamic interpretant of particular old Karelian laments (lament1) and new dynamic interpretants generated in and through new lament performances (lament2 or habitual participation in such performance) that in some way replicates the old dynamical interpretant (interpretant1 and interpretant2).
Milk Sample Preservation

Abstract Potassium dichromate continues to be the most widely used milk sample preservative. Other such preservatives are discussed and the requirements for suitability are detailed.
Framing the Role of Leader: How Community College Presidents Construct Their Leadership

ABSTRACT Presidents are one of the most studied of administrative roles, yet little research occurs on understanding how these leaders construct their own leadership. Thus, the question guiding the research reported here concerned how community college presidents cognitively framed their leadership roles. This study involved the interviewing of 9 community college presidents. Findings uncovered 3 themes. The first theme identified how the presidents' underlying mental maps guided decision-making and leadership on campus. The second theme linked the basic cognitive orientation of the presidents with on-going situated cognition in their new work settings. Learning evolved based on environmental factors. The final category highlighted the dynamic and changing nature of the presidents' leadership role. The findings from the research reported underscore that college presidents are constantly learning and adjusting their conceptions of leadership. The foundation of this learning journey was each president's cor...
Administrative Appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court: The Importance of Legal Signals

When do federal agencies appeal adverse circuit court decisions to the U.S. Supreme Court? It is hypothesized that features of judicial opinions, such as the basis of the court’s ruling and the evidence used to support it, can affect whether a petition is filed. Judges send signals in their opinions that discourage petitions, even though parties are otherwise under no legal obligation to refrain from seeking higher court review. Using an original database, this study finds that legal signals do influence the certiorari process, but that the filing of petitions is also affected by an agency’s ideological preferences and the likelihood of review by the Supreme Court.
Directed stigmergy-based control for multi-robot systems

Multi-robot systems are particularly useful in tasks that require searching large areas such as planetary science exploration, urban search and rescue, or landmine remediation. In order to overcome the inherent complexity of controlling multiple robots, the user must be able to give high-level, goal driven direction to the robot team. Since human robot interaction is a relatively new discipline, it is helpful to look to existing systems for concepts, analogies, or metaphors that might be utilized in building useful systems. Inspiration from natural decentralized systems guides the development of a computer simulation for stigmergy-based control of multi-robot system, and the interface with which an operator can interact and control mobile robots. In-depth description of the design process includes a description of a basic stigmergy-based control system and an innovative Directed Stigmergy control system that facilitates operator control of the robot team in an interesting and surprisingly effective way.
Vegetation management for the maintenance and conservation of butterfly habitats in temperate human-dominated landscapes

Abstract Many temperate butterfly species occur in habitats where human activities have altered the natural or long-term disturbance regime, and current activities modify the structure and availability of butterfly habitats over several spatial and temporal scales. Indeed, human activities modify key ecological processes sufficiently that the maintenance of some butterfly populations depends on human intervention to provide suitable habitat. Combined changes in historic and current disturbance regimes and human land-use practices necessitate active vegetation and habitat management to conserve and expand many butterfly populations. Efforts to protect temperate butterfly habitats often have resulted in successional changes that reduce habitat suitability. Butterfly habitats commonly deteriorate through a reduced intensity and frequency of long-term disturbance or management patterns that result in smaller and fragmented patches of early successional habitat. Fragmentation of otherwise continuous habitats can result in the forced dependence of a metapopulation structure. Because some butterfly larvae require one or a few host plants or adults are selective for nectar or oviposition sites, habitat management plans that include selection of an appropriate site for subsequent vegetation management activities may enhance conservation efforts. Vegetation management activities within an area can be coordinated to provide a mosaic landscape with habitats suitable for numerous species. Recommended vegetation management strategies vary with plant community type, historic disturbance regime, desired vegetation structure and composition, spatial pattern of habitat patches, land ownership patterns, and economic constraints. Because butterflies respond directly and indirectly to vegetation management and to the mosaic nature of habitat patches within the landscape, management plans must accommodate the constraints of the regional landscape and the spatial and temporal dynamics of the prescribed disturbance or management regime. We review efforts to manage temperate plant communities for butterfly habitat, and discuss general strategies for developing a vegetation management program for butterfly habitats in human-dominated landscapes. A case study of Karner blue butterfly habitat conservation efforts is provided.
PATTERNS OF PREPOSITIONAL ATTACHMENTS — WHERE DICTIONARY SEMANTICS MEETS CORPUS STATISTICS

This paper presents a novel methodology of disambiguating prepositional phrase attachments. We create patterns of attachments by classifying a collection of prepositional relations derived from Treebank parses. As a by-product, the arguments of every prepositional relation are semantically disambiguated. Attachment decisions are generated as the result of a learning process, that builds upon some of the most popular current statistical and machine learning techniques. We have tested this methodology on (1) Wall Street Journal articles, (2) textual definitions of concepts from a dictionary and (3) an ad hoc corpus of Web documents, used for conceptual indexing and information extraction.
Plasmin's peptide-binding specificity: characterization of ligand sites in α2-antiplasmin

Abstract The basis for specific binding of plasmin to α2-antiplasmin (AP) was analyzed by preparing overlapping synthetic peptides of 11, 17, 18, 19, 26, 33, and 40 amino acid residues corresponding to the carboxy-terminal sequence of AP. Affinities of the peptides for plasmin were estimated by competitive inhibition of the association of AP with plasmin. Dissociation constants with increasing peptide length were: 200, 54, 19, 18, 9.8, 4.7, and 2.8 μM, respectively. Peptides blocked binding sites on plasmin, not the catalytic site, as evidenced by lack of effect on the hydrolysis of chromogenic substrates. Substituting arginine for lysine at the carboxy-terminus or the 17th residue from the carboxy-terminus decreased the affinity of peptides for plasmin 9-fold and 5-fold, respectively, implicating these lysine residues of AP as major ligand sites for plasmin. Several stepwise increases in affinity of peptides for plasmin as peptide length increased up to 40 residues suggest contributions by additional sites, possibly other lysine residues. A potential plasmin binding site in fibrin, analogous to that in AP, is identified by affinity for plasmin of synthetic peptides corresponding to part of the α-chain ending with residue 207. To explain these data, we propose that plasmin recognizes physiological ligands by binding two or more lysine residues which are optimally presented to favor simultaneous interaction with separate lysine-binding site in plasmin.
Effects of Frozen Storage of Poultry Giblets on Water-Holding and Emulsifying Capacity

Abstract Effects of frozen storage on the water-holding and emulsifying capacity of broiler and turkey giblets were investigated. Gizzards, hearts, and livers were divided into three groups: 0 weeks (nonfrozen), 4 weeks, and 8 weeks frozen storage. Water-holding capacity of gizzards and hearts was adversely affected by frozen storage; livers retained the highest percent moisture. Water-holding capacity of turkey livers was less than that of broiler livers. Hearts lost more moisture than either gizzards or livers. For emulsifying capacity, livers were higher than gizzards; gizzards were higher than hearts. Nonfrozen giblets had higher emulsifying capacity than did frozen-thawed giblets.
Engaging Families (and Ourselves) in Quality Improvement: An Optimistic and Developmental Perspective

From the Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Ore The views expressed in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the USDepartment of Health andHuman Services, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality or the American Board of Pediatrics Foundation. The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. Publication of this article was supported by the Agency for HealthcareResearch andQuality and the American Board of Pediatrics Foundation. Address correspondence to Christina D. Bethell, PhD, MBA,MPH, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, 707 SW Gaiens Rd, Mail Code CDRCP, Portland, OR 97239-2998 (e-mail: bethellc@ohsu.edu).
Detection of idiotypic cross-reactions among streptococcal antisera from related rabbits.

Idiotypic cross-reactions among antibodies to Group C streptococcal carbohydrate were studied using idiotypic antisera prepared in allotypically matched rabbits. Antibodies with idiotypic cross-specificity to one proband antibody were detected in 58% of the antisera from related rabbits, while approximately 1% of nonrelated rabbits produced antibody with this specificity. The cross-specificity was related to the group a (VH) allotype of 133 rabbits tested with only one exception. Studies utilizing antisera against a second proband antibody failed to detect antibodies with idiotypic cross-reactivity among the same group of related rabbits. This result emphasizes the variation in expression of idiotypic determinants of antibodies. It was further shown that the presence of anti-IgG's in the streptococcal antisera interfere with the detection of idiotypic cross-reactions. These anti-IgG's masked the presence of antibodies with idiotypic cross-specificity when inhibition of precipitation tests were used for their detection.
Are You Truly a Recovering Dope Fiend? Local Interpretive Practices at a Therapeutic Community Drug Treatment Program

Previous qualitative research on treatment programs for drug addiction/ alcoholism has primarily focused on those processes whereby participants are expected to construct a new sense of self according to institutional parameters. The present article builds on that research and explores how contemporary programs attempt to resolve the problem that it is almost impossible to tell if someone has engaged in this self-construction process. Informed by five months of ethnographic fieldwork at an adult residential drug treatment facility, the article asks: under what circumstances do program members call into doubt a client’s efforts to create an institutional self, and how do they express this skepticism? The article reveals that staff and clients employ a set of local interpretive practices about community and emotions to assess whether clients are constructing the institutional self of a “recovering dope fiend.” It specifically considers how they interpret a client’s emotional displays to represent that client’s current self under construction. That is, a client’s ability to control anger appropriately or to handle anxiety demonstrates s/he is effectively “doing the program” of self-construction. Since Goffman’s Asylums (1961), sociologists have studied programs that seek to rehabilitate individuals confronting drug addiction, alcoholism, mental illness, child/ sexual abuse, and gambling. These programs expect participants to construct a new sense of self according to institutional parameters. Goffman’s seminal text examines techniques of degradation and mortification to impose the institutional self on inmates who, in turn, respond with various commitments to self-change (conversion, colonization, “playing it cool,” or resistance). Contemporary self-construction programs have evolved in three significant ways since Goffman’s analysis. First, many clients now submit voluntarily to such programs, particularly therapeutic communites or self-help programs like Alcoholics
OPTIMAL CONTROL OF EXTERNALITIES IN THE PRESENCE OF INCOME TAXATION*: optimal control of externalities

A substantial literature examines second-best environmental policy, focusing particularly on how the Pigouvian directive that marginal taxes should equal marginal external harms needs to be modified in light of the preexisting distortion due to labor income taxation. Additional literature is motivated by the possibility that distributive concerns should amend the internalization prescription. It is demonstrated, however, that simple first-best rules - unmodified for labor supply distortion or distribution - are correct in a natural, basic formulation of the problem. Specifically, setting all commodity taxes equal to marginal harms (and subsidies equal to marginal benefits) can generate a Pareto improvement. Likewise, a marginal reform in the direction of the first-best can yield a Pareto improvement. For other reforms, a simple efficiency test characterizing when a Pareto improvement is possible is offered. Qualifications and explanations for the substantial departure from results in previous work are also elaborated.
Enzymatic Oxidation of Tetramethyl-p-Phenylenediamine and p-Phenylenediamine by the Electron Transport Particulate Fraction of Azotobacter vinelandii

The ability of the electron transport particulate fraction of Azotobacter vinelandii strain O to oxidize tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD) and p-phenylenediamine (PPD) was examined in detail. The highest specific activity for TMPD and PPD oxidation concentrated in the A. vinelandii O R3 fraction. The A. vinelandii O R3 fraction was used to develop a standard manometric assay which gave optimal oxidation rates for both of these dyes. The conditions of the assay and all essential related enzymatic kinetic parameters are presented. Other para derivatives of phenylenediamines also were oxidized readily, whereas ortho and meta derivatives were not. Hydroquinone, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, p-cresol, tyrosine, pyrogallol, pyrocatechol, and diphenylamine were not able to serve as electron donors for the A. vinelandii O R3 system. The probable involvement of a particle-bound cytochrome oxidase is indicated by the marked sensitivity of both TMPD and PPD oxidation to cyanide, axide, phenylhydrazine, hydroxylamine, and, to a lesser degree, carbon monoxide.
Differences between calf and adult bovine rennet.

Abstract Activated enzyme extracts of adult bovine abomasum (adult bovine rennet) tissues contained 5 to 15% milk clotting activity attributable to pepsin. Starch gel electrophoresis in urea and mercaptoethanol revealed different patterns than for calf rennet extract. Differences also were in casein-agar gel diffusion patterns at pH 6.8. Lipolytic activities were similar. Proteolytic activity on casein substrate at pH 9.0 was evident in adult bovine but not in calf rennet or in swine pepsin. However, milk clotting activities in adult bovine and calf rennets were destroyed at comparable rates at pH 9.0. Proteolytic activity of adult bovine rennet was significantly reduced by milk clotting activation at pH 2.0. Casein-agar gel diffusion at pH 9.0 was useful in detecting blends of adult bovine and calf rennet. Adult bovine rennet could be detected at 1% concentration. Accelerated ripening and proteolytic activity studies of adult bovine and calf rennet at pH 5.2 indicated possible differences in their effects upon the aging properties of cheese.
The management of the clinically positive neck as part of a larynx preservation approach

Abstract Purpose : For patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck with palpable neck node metastases, the standard management of the neck usually involves neck dissection and postoperative neck irradiation. A strategy of larynx preservation with induction chemotherapy and radiation therapy has been utilized for patients with locally advanced resectable cancer of the larynx, hypopharynx, and oropharynx. For patients treated in this non-surgical manner for the primary site, the optimal management of the clinically positive neck has not been clarified. To determine whether response to induction chemotherapy could help to select patients in whom neck dissection could be omitted in favor of definitive radiation therapy alone, we have analyzed our prospective larynx preservation experience. Methods and Materials : Between 1983–1989, 80 patients were entered onto larynx preservation protocols involving 1–3 cycles of cisplatin based chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy with or without neck dissection. There were 54 patients with clinically positive necks prior to treatment, of whom 44% (24/54) had a complete response, and of whom 20% (11/54) had a partial response to chemotherapy in the neck. In 22 of these 35 patients with clinically positive necks who achieved a major neck response to chemotherapy, radiation therapy (median 66 Gy) was used as the only subsequent treatment of the neck. Results : At a median follow-up of 25 months (range 7–83 months), neck control for this subset is 91% (20/22). Neck failure occurred in 20% (1/5) of patients with a partial response to chemotherapy treated without neck dissection and 6% (1/17) of node positive with a complete response. Conclusion : These results suggest that patients with clinically palpable cervical nodal metastases who have a complete response to chemotherapy and receive high dose radiation therapy have excellent neck control and may not need neck dissection. Further experience will be required to confirm these preliminary data and to determine if patients who achieve a partial response in the neck after induction chemotherapy can be treated with radiation therapy without neck dissection.
Quantifying aphid behavioral responses to environmental change

Aphids are the most common vector of plant viruses, and their feeding behavior is an important determinant of virus transmission. Positive effects of global change on aphid performance have been documented, but effects on aphid behavior are not known. We assessed the plant-mediated behavioral responses of a generalist aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), to increased CO2 and nitrogen when feeding on each of three host species: Amaranthus viridis L. (Amaranthaceae), Polygonum persicaria L. (= Persicaria maculosa Gray) (Polygonaceae), and Solanum dulcamara L. (Solanaceae). Via a family of constrained Markov models, we tested the degree to which aphid movements demonstrate preference among host species or plants grown under varying environmental conditions. Entropy rates of the estimated Markov chains were used to further quantify aphid behavior. Our statistical methods provide a general tool for assessing choice and quantitatively comparing animal behavior under different conditions. Aphids displayed strong preferences for the same host species under all growth conditions, indicating that CO2- and N-induced changes in plant chemistry have minimal effects on host preference. However, entropy rates increased in the presence of non-preferred hosts, even when preferred hosts were available. We conclude that the presence of a non-preferred host species affected aphid-feeding behavior more than changes in plant leaf chemistry when plants were grown under elevated CO2 and increased N availability.
Diagnosis and treatment of lovesickness: an Islamic medieval case study.

Samuel W. Perry, M.D., editor of the Treatment Planning column since January 1991, died March 15 of pancreatic cancer at the age of 53. Sam was a model of what a major contributor to the scientific literature should be. His ideas were translated into research, and those research findings into action. His work with burn patients and AIDS victims was truly pioneering. In addition, as a tri-athlete and highly energetic person, he was all any patient or colleague would want as a model of health and mental health. We at H&CP will miss him greatly, and filling his shoes will be impossible. After the current series on historical treatment planning is completed this year, the column will be suspended.
Simultaneous analysis of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and doxorubicinol by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry

A method for the simultaneous determination of cyclophosphamide (CP), doxorubicin (dox), and doxorubicinol (dol) was developed and validated to analyze 400 microL of plasma from patients receiving chemotherapeutic treatment with CP and dox. Final calibration ranges for the analytes were 0.440-60.0 microg/mL for cyclophosphamide, 7.20-984 ng/mL for dox and 3.04-104 ng/mL for dol. The samples were prepared using solid phase extraction and analyzed using a gradient separation over a Waters Symmetry C18, 2.1 by 30 mm (Milford, MA) column. Detection was achieved in positive mixed reaction monitoring mode on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer.
Combinatorial approaches for the identification and optimization of oxide semiconductors for efficient solar photoelectrolysis

The cost effective generation of hydrogen with sunlight via water photoelectrolysis is the critical breakthrough needed to transition the world to a renewable energy based hydrogen economy. A semiconductor based photoelectrolysis system may have cost advantages over using either a photovoltaic cell coupled to an electrolyzer or solar thermochemical cycles for water splitting. Unfortunately there is no known semiconducting material or combination of materials with the electronic properties and stability needed to efficiently photoelectrolyze water. Semiconducting oxides can have the required stability but present theoretical methods are insufficient to a priori identify materials with the required properties. Most likely, the discovered material will be a complex oxide containing many elements whereby each contributes to the required material properties such as light absorption across the solar spectrum, stability and electrocatalytic activity. The large number of possible multicomponent metal oxides, even if only ternary or quaternary materials are considered, points to the use of high-throughput combinatorial methods to discover and optimize candidate materials. In this critical review, we will cover some techniques for the combinatorial production and screening of metal oxides for their ability to efficiently split water with sunlight (88 references).
An Intensified EMCCD Camera for Low Energy Gamma Ray Imaging Applications

This paper presents the design and feasibility study of a very-high resolution gamma camera for detecting 27-35 keV X and gamma rays emitted by I-125 labelled radiotracers. This detector consists of a newly developed Electron-multiplying CCD (EMCCD) sensor and a de-magnifier tube coupled to a thin layer of scintillator. A prototype detector was developed and experimentally evaluated. This detector has a detection area of ~5times5 cm2. It provided an intrinsic spatial resolution of <60 mum FWHM and a high signal-to-noise ratio for detecting the 27-35 keV photons, which ensures an excellent counting efficiency. This detector will be used as the key component for a single photon emission microscope (SPEM) system that is under development
Measuring speed behaviors for future intelligent, adaptive in-vehicle speed management systems

Quantifying the variability in drivers' speed profiles is crucial for the development of effective intelligent speed adaptation (ISA) systems. Current ISA systems face significant challenges in achieving both acceptability and effectiveness. By adapting ISA system response to individual driving styles, drivers would be less likely to view the system as a speed limiter; instead, they would be more inclined to view it as a speed management system that assists in the maintenance of safe driving speeds. Simulator experiments were conducted to measure the variability in drivers' speed keeping behavior in different driving scenarios. Experimental results were used to develop an advanced vehicle speed adaption system (AVSAS), which provides individual drivers with customized speed warnings based on their preferred speed, deceleration rates, and lateral accelerations in curves. The developed system was integrated in the center for intelligent systems research (CISR) driving simulator and compared against informative and mandatory ISAs to evaluate its contribution towards consumer acceptance and speed reduction effectiveness.
Method for recovering sulfolipid from plant lipid extracts

Sulfoquinovosyl diglyceride from plant tissues is recovered in sizeable quantities, free from phospholipids and galactolipids.
Residual Limb Hyperhidrosis and RimabotulinumtoxinB: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study

Abstract Objective To investigate the use of rimabotulinumtoxinB (BoNT/B [Myobloc]) compared with placebo in treating hyperhidrosis in the residual limbs of individuals with amputation. Design Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Setting Military medical center. Participants Male participants (N=9) with 11 major amputations of the lower limbs and who complained of excessive sweating in their residual limbs were enrolled in the study between September 24, 2008 to October 28, 2011. Participants' lower limbs were randomly assigned to receive injections of either BoNT/B (n=7) or placebo (n=4). Intervention BoNT/B. Main Outcome Measures The primary efficacy variable was a minimum of 50% reduction in sweat production 4 weeks after the injection as measured via gravimetric sweat analysis after 10 minutes of physical exertion. Secondary analyses were performed on prosthetic function and pain. Results All volunteers (100%; 7) in the BoNT/B group achieved a minimum of 50% reduction in sweat production as compared with only 50% (2) in the placebo group. The percent reduction was significantly greater for the BoNT/B group than for the placebo group (−72.7%±15.7% vs −32.7%±39.2%; P P P P >.05 for both). Conclusions BoNT/B successfully reduces sweat production in individuals with residual limb hyperhidrosis, but does not affect pain. No differences were found in perceived effect on prosthetic use between BoNT/B and placebo groups.
A Case for Open Access: Acclerating Discovery in Climate Science

“Comprehensive scientific assessments of our current and potential future climates clearly indicate that climate change is real, largely attributable to emissions from human activities, and potentially a very serious problem.” This is taken from a public policy statement originally written in 2004 by the American Chemical Society.1 Eighteen scientific societies signed on to a similar American Association for the Advancement of Science statement affirming the consensus scientific view on climate change in 2009.2 According to the California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research,3 at least 200 worldwide scientific organizations now formally hold the position that climate change has been caused by human action. The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was set up in 1988 to assess global warming and its impacts. Recently, the panel released a major report, capping its latest assessment, a mega-review of 30,000 climate change studies that establishes with 95% certainty that nearly all warming seen since the 1950s is due to human activity. More than 700 of the world’s top climate scientists and 1,729 expert reviewers from more than 70 countries participated in the report preparation process. The latest report reinforces with medium to high confidence levels some of the basic science concerning climate change:
Progress on Avian Influenza virus H9N2 Subtype

Avian influenza virus H9N2 subtype has been identified in avian species worldwide.The virus has been transmitted to mammalian species,including humans,raising concerns about their pandemic potential and prompting the development of related research.Many phylogenetic analysises provided evidence for the direct transfer of avian and swine viruses in causing human disease and highlighted the potential for emergence,either by adaptation or genetic reassortment with a circulating human strain,of a novel human pathogen.The development and evaluation of detection techniques and vaccines against H9N2 virus are of great importance.This review suggested that urgent attention should be paid to the control of H9N2 influenza virus in animals and to the human influenza epidemic.
Epidemiological survey on two human infection cases with avian influenza A(H7N9)virus in Yueyang City and analysis of the environment monitoring results

Objective To analyze the epidemiological data and environment monitoring results of two confirmed human infection cases with avian influenza A(H7N9)virus in Yueyang City,so as to provide scientific basis for the prevention and control of H7N9 infection. Methods The epidemiological data of two human infection cases with avian influenza A(H7N9)virus in Yueyang City were collected and analyzed by epidemiological case study combined with descriptive epidemiology.Two samples of throat swab from the patients,6samples of throat swab from the close contacts,118 samples from the surrounding environment of the patients and 283 samples from the expanded monitoring environment were collected.Real time RT-PCR was used to detect the nucleic acid of the avian influenza(H7N9)virus in the samples. Results The two patients were both urban women aged about 60 years old with disease history.Both patients had contacted with poultry or been exposed to contaminated surroundings before getting infected,and both died after rounds of invalid treatment in several hospitals.The 2samples from the patients were found to be H7N9 positive.The 6samples from the close contacts were found to be H7N9 negative.The H7N9 positive rate of samples from the surrounding environment of the patients was 12.7% and that of the samples from the expanded monitoring environment was 4.95%. Conclusions Avian influenza virus from the external environment might be the infectious resource of the two human infection cases with avian influenza A(H7N9)virus in Yueyang City.Periodical monitoring on the contamination by H7N9 virus in the poultry market and external environment of related sites should be strengthened.
Rapid Test on Mechanical Properties of Wooden Components

Mechanical properties of wood are important indicators to reflect its comprehensive utilization value.How to predict these indicators fast and use wood better,is always troubled with related workers.Based on the common material of wooden structures-Korean pine and larch,the article tested mechanical properties of them respectively with micro-drilling resistance meter and stress wave tester,and compared the results with those tested by the traditional mechanical tester.It was found that both the two methods are suitable for quick evaluation of mechanical properties of wooden component.The micro-drilling resistance method is more suitable for measurement of mechanical properties of larch materials such as bending modulus,compressive strength and bending strength,while the stress wave is more suitable for the estimation of the bending modulus and bending strength of the Korean pine materials.
Exploring College Student Satisfaction A Multi-Attribute Approach

The past decade has seen an increase in the use of marketing technology by non-business areas such as hospitals, politics and education. This paper continues this trend by examining the components of college student satisfaction. A satisfaction questionnaire was developed and data were gathered from 124 MBA students. Factor analysis and multiple regression were employed to determine and assess the salient components of satisfaction. The results indicate that quality of education and evaluation are important determinants of college satisfaction.
Agency as Inference: Toward a Critical Theory of Knowledge Objectification

This article evaluates the plausibility of synthesizing theory of knowledge objectification (Radford, 2003) with equity research on mathematics education. I suggest the cognitive phenomenon of mathematical inference as a promising locus for investigating the types of agency that equity-driven scholars often care for. In particular, I conceptualize students’ appropriation of cultural artifacts (e.g., algebraic symbols and forms) as semiotic means of objectifying their pre-symbolic inferences as conditional on their agency to carefully and incrementally construct personal meaning for these artifacts. To empirically ground this emerging approach, this study focuses on algebraic generalization (as a type of mathematical inference) and applies Radford’s framework to video data of two iterations of an instructional intervention conducted in a high school program for academically at-risk youth. I analyze and compare students’ acts of appropriation/objectification during whole-class conversations centered on pattern-finding tasks, in relation to the instructional mode adopted for each of the iterationsâ€”“direct instruction” vs. “inquiry-based.” The analysis shows that the implementation involving inquiry-based instruction enabled more equitable access to opportunities for agency-as-mathematical inference, whereas the implementation involving direct-instruction was ostensibly more productive. Implications for future equity research involving cognition-and-instruction analyses are discussed.
Offender-focused police intervention in residential burglary and theft from vehicle hot spots: a partially blocked randomized control trial

To test an offender-focused police intervention in residential burglary and residential theft from vehicle hot spots and its effect on crime, arrests, and offender recidivism. The intervention was prevention-focused, in which detectives contacted offenders and their families at their homes to discourage criminal activity. The study was a partially blocked, randomized controlled field experiment in 24 treatment and 24 control hot spots in one suburban city with average crime levels. Negative binomial and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression were used to test the effect of the presence of intervention and its dosage on crime and offender recidivism, and examination of average and standardized treatment effects were conducted. The analyses of the hot spot impact measures did not reveal significant results to indicate that the treatment had an effect on crime or arrest counts, or on repeat arrests of the targeted or non-targeted offenders living in the hot spots. However, the relationships, while not significant, were in a promising direction. The collective findings from all four impact measures suggest that the intervention may have had some influence on the targeted offenders, as well as in the treatment hot spots. So, while the experimental results did not show an impact, they are promising. Limitations include large hot spots, the low case number, low base rates, and inadequate impact measures. Suggestions are provided for police agencies and researchers for implementing preventive offender-focused strategies and conducting studies in suburban cities.
Cyclosporine Alone for the Treatment of Early Recurrences of TTP.

Patients: The 3 patients detailed in this report presented to Ohio State University Hospitals and were enrolled on our prospective study of plasma exchange as initial therapy of TTP. Given the close outpatient follow-up during the first month after the tapering of plasma exchange, 2 patients were found to have an early recurrence of their TTP. The third patient had a recurrence 8 weeks after completing 6 months of CSA after being treated with concurrent CSA and PE for a previous acute episode of TTP. She completed the planned 6 months of cyclosporine therapy but relapsed 8 weeks after discontinuing the drug. Her recurrence was characterized by numbness and tingling in her right hand in addition to laboratory findings consistent with TTP. Complete demographic and clinical details of these 3 patients are shown in Table 1. Methods: All 3 patients received oral cyclosporine (2–3 mg/kg) daily for six months in a divided dose. None of the patients underwent plasma exchange, infusion, or transfusion of blood products of any kind. Patients were seen daily to monitor for any clinical or laboratory findings that would warrant the re-initiation of plasma exchange therapy. Remissions were defined as a normal platelet count, normalization of LDH for at least 2 consecutive days, and improvement or stabilization of any renal and neurologic abnormalities. Serial measurements of ADAMTS13 activity and inhibitors were performed at regular intervals throughout therapy and follow-up. Results: All three patients showed clear laboratory and clinical signs of improvement within the first 7 days of therapy and met criteria for clinical remission 14, 24, and 34 days respectively from the time they began treatment with cyclosporine. The third patient that presented with numbness and tingling in her right hand also had complete resolution of her neurologic symptoms within one week of restarting cyclosporine. Pretreatment ADAMTS13 activity was determined to be 33%, 25%, and 10% in all 3 patients respectively with all 3 patients having documented inhibitors of ADAMTS13. Conclusions: Treatment with cyclosporine alone resulted in the suppression of ADAMTS13 inhibitors and normalization of ADAMTS13 activity. All three patients have completed the planned 6 months of cyclosporine and have maintained their remission 4, 3, and 1 month respectively after discontinuing cyclosporine.
Exploring support for the unconquerable barriers in information seeking

Individuals are often faced with various types of barriers and failures when they look for information. They sometimes fail to locate their desired information after trying or even exhausting all of their known sources. Research has mostly focused on the barriers people face on the Web, but experiences with information seeking failures---particularly those that involve offline channels in real life scenarios---are understudied. In an exploratory qualitative study reported here, 63 survey participants and 10 interview participants contributed a total of 230 examples of information seeking failures and various supportive measures that would/might have prevented those failures. Their narrations not only offer rich pictures of what went wrong in information seeking episodes, but also further our understanding of the types of support that may improve the outcomes of individuals' information seeking.
Modeling Cancer Metastasis

Cancer metastases constitute a therapy-resistant stage in most cases; thus, the study of mechanisms underlying the metastatic process is a subject of intense research. With the recognition of patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) as being clinically relevant, in this chapter we describe methods to model specific stages of the metastatic cascade using PDXs. In particular we emphasize the processing of PDXs for in vitro studies to investigate migration, invasion, and cancer cell-stromal cell interaction. In vivo, we describe methods to implant cancer cells into the left ventricle (to study dissemination of cancer cells in the blood stream while bypassing the initial steps of metastases) and the direct implantation of cancer cells in the femur of immunodeficient mice (for cancer cell-bone interaction and preclinical studies). We also describe methods to evaluate these in vivo assays and outline basic concepts and methods of intravital microscopy to study early stages of metastases.