cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A potential role for microglia in stress- and drug-induced plasticity in the nucleus accumbens: A mechanism for stress-induced vulnerability to substance use disorder.

Abstract Stress is an important risk factor for the development of substance use disorder (SUD). Exposure to both stress and drugs abuse lead to changes in synaptic plasticity and stress-induced alterations in synaptic plasticity may contribute to later vulnerability to SUD. Recent developmental neuroscience studies have identified microglia as regulators of synaptic plasticity. As both stress and drugs of abuse lead to microglial activation, we propose this as a potential mechanism underlying their ability to change synaptic plasticity. This review focuses on three components of synaptic plasticity: spine density, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor expression. Their roles in addiction, stress, and development will be reviewed, as well as possible mechanisms by which microglia could regulate their function. Potential links between stress, vulnerability to addiction, and microglial activity will be explored.
The Prognostic Value of Preoperative Patient-Reported Function and Psychological Characteristics on Early Outcomes Following Trapeziectomy With Ligament Reconstruction Tendon Interposition for Treatment of Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis.

Purpose Biopsychosocial factors are associated with patient-reported upper extremity disability; however, their impact on postoperative outcomes remains less clear. Our purpose was to test the hypothesis that high levels of preoperative patient-reported upper extremity and psychological disability are associated with lower magnitudes of improvement following trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction tendon interposition (LRTI). Methods Adult patients undergoing LRTI by fellowship-trained hand surgeons between February 2014 and March 2017 were considered for inclusion. Patient-reported outcomes were collected by tablet computer, including the shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pain Interference (PI) Computer Adaptive Test (CAT), PROMIS Depression CAT, and PROMIS Anxiety CAT. Univariate and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with QuickDASH improvement. Results Of 119 included patients, the mean age was 62.7 ± 7.2 years and 74% were women. At a mean of 14 weeks after surgery, the QuickDASH improved by a mean of –10 ± 20 points. The QuickDASH improvement was significantly greater for patients with preoperative QuickDASH scores greater than the median (score change, –19 ± 20) versus those at or below the median (–2 ± 16), and for patients with preoperative PI CAT scores greater than the median (–17 ± 21) versus at or below the median (–4 ± 17). No differences were observed between groups when Anxiety or Depression CAT baseline scores were similarly dichotomized. Multivariable modelling revealed that higher preoperative QuickDASH scores were associated with greater improvement on the QuickDASH; however, no association was observed for preoperative PI CAT, Depression CAT, and Anxiety CAT scores. Conclusions Patients with higher levels of preoperative upper extremity disability experienced more improvement in the early postoperative period following LRTI. Baseline pain interference, depression, and anxiety were not associated with early outcomes. These findings may be useful when identifying patients who may experience the most functional improvement in the immediate postoperative period following LRTI. Type of study/level of evidence Prognostic IV.
A Typology of Approaches for the Use of History of Science in Science Instruction

Weaving accounts of the history of science (HOS) into science instruction has been a popular technique by those interested in helping students understand the human side of science. Therefore, including elements of the HOS can be justified for this reason alone. However, a further justification for the use of HOS is its role in providing examples and context when teaching about elements of the nature of science. This chapter examples HOS instructional approaches and offers rationales for its use and an extensive taxonomy based on a review of the literature in this regard. Each of the seven distinct ways by which HOS can inform science teaching and learning is fully described with examples and considerations for use. The chapter concludes with a section detailing some of the challenges associated with a HOS focus in science instruction.
Plea-Bargaining Law: the Impact of Innocence, Trial Penalty, and Conviction Probability on Plea Outcomes

Despite the prevalence of guilty pleas, we know relatively little about factors that influence the decision to plead. Replicating and extending Dervan and Edkins’ Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology, 103, 1-48. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2071397, (2013), we conducted two experiments to examine the effects of guilt status, trial penalty, and conviction likelihood on plea outcomes using an adaptation of a high-stakes cheating paradigm. Students were led to believe that they were participating in a study examining team versus individual problem solving. Those randomly assigned to a guilty condition were induced to cheat on an individual problem by a study confederate (in clear violation of the study instructions). All participants were later accused of cheating in the research study, and were offered the analogue of a plea deal in an academic context. Across both experiments, guilty participants were significantly more likely to plead guilty than innocent participants. In Experiment 2, conviction probability affected plea rates only among the innocent. The trial penalty manipulation had no significant effect on plea rates. Reasons for pleading guilty differed between the innocent and the guilty, whereas the plea rejection rationales were similar across the two groups. Overall, this research highlights several avenues for further research aimed at improving the current system of pleas to reduce false guilty pleas.
Call Me Rollie! The Role of Brand Nicknames in Shaping Consumer-Brand Relationships

Brand nicknames (e.g., Big Blue for IBM, Chevy for Chevrolet, Rollie for Rolex) are a common marketplace phenomenon. Marketers, however, hold polarized views about whether a brand should adopt or restrict the use of brand nicknames, yet little academic research has shed light on this debate. With three studies, the current research investigates the impact of brand nickname use in shaping the consumer-brand relationship. Drawing on the use of personal nicknames in interpersonal relationships, the current research proposes that brand nicknames elicit positive brand-related emotions (e.g., affection, love) and influence both the cognitive closeness (self-brand connection) and salience (brand prominence) components of brand attachment. This translates into downstream consequences of consumers’ brand relationship maintenance behaviors. The theoretical and managerial contributions of this research, its limitations, and future directions for research are discussed.
Job Accommodations, Return to Work and Job Retention of People with Physical Disabilities: A Systematic Review

Purpose We aimed to identify job accommodations that help persons with physical disabilities maintain or return to work and explore the barriers and facilitators that influence the provision and reception of job accommodations. Methods We conducted a systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42019129645). The search strategy incorporated keywords describing physical disabilities, employer-approved job accommodations, and employment retention or return to work approaches. We searched MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and ProQuest Theses and dissertations. Reviewers independently selected studies for inclusion. We used Hawker et al.'s method to assess study quality. Results We identified 2203 articles, of which 52 met inclusion criteria, developed a table of job accommodations commonly used by persons with physical disabilities, summarized the percentages of job accommodations used by persons with disabilities, synthesized evidence of the effectiveness of job accommodations, and identified the factors that influence job accommodation use. The most frequently reported accommodations were as follows: modification of job responsibilities, change of workplace policy, supportive personnel provision, flexible scheduling, and assistive technology. We summarized four types of facilitators and barriers that affect job accommodation use: employee-related factors, accommodation-related factors, job-related factors, and social workplace-related factors. Conclusion The absence of randomized controlled trials and prevalence of cross-sectional surveys provides inconclusive evidence regarding the effectiveness of specific job accommodations for people with particular functional limitations. Our system of categorizing job accommodations provides a guide to investigators seeking to evaluate the effectiveness of job accommodations using experimental methods.
Anti-PD-1 monotherapy in patients with malignant mesothelioma: A retrospective single institution experience.

e20564Background: Malignant mesothelioma (MM) patients historically have poor outcomes, but immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown promising results in certain patients. We aimed to retrospectivel...
Can’t drive today? The impact of driving restrictions on bikeshare ridership in Mexico City

Abstract The Mexico City government has introduced policies to reduce pollution from cars, including a license-plate based driving restriction and a bikeshare. When restrictions are in place, people need to find transportation alternatives. This research leverages the random nature of driving restrictions to explore whether people use bikeshare when driving is restricted due to poor air quality. Negative binomial models were used to study these effects using data from 2016 to 2019. Results indicate that restricted days exhibit approximately 17% lower bikeshare use (10–24% decrease, 95% CI) for non-peak traffic hours compared to regular days. However, ridership increases during peak traffic hours. Morning ridership increases up to 12.5% (3–22% increase, 95% C.I) and evening ridership increases up to 16.2% (5–27.6% increase, 95% C.I). The analysis suggests that the poor environmental conditions may buffer bikeshare system use increases and that bikeshare can be a critical partner in local transportation infrastructure.
Experiences and Perspectives From Women Taking Investigational Therapy for Hepatitis C Virus During Pregnancy.

Objective:Describe the experiences and perspectives among pregnant people with chronic HCV infection receiving ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) therapy during pregnancy.Methods:We conducted semi-str...
Footstep-Induced Floor Vibration Dataset: Reusability and Transferability Analysis

Footstep-induced floor vibration sensing has been used in many smart home applications, such as elderly/patient monitoring. These systems often leverage data-driven models to infer human information. Therefore, characterizing datasets is crucial for the generalization of this new modality. This dataset contains 144-minute floor vibration signals from two pedestrians in eight environments. We analyze the reusability of this dataset in three different research areas, including vibration-based information inference, knowledge transferring, and multimodal learning. We further characterize the dataset transferability on the occupant identification task, to provide quantitative insights for the transfer learning problems in the real-world floor vibration sensing applications. The characterization is conducted with three metrics, including distribution distance, information dependency, and influencing factor bias. Analysis results depict that the dataset covers different levels of transferability caused by multiple influencing factors. As a result, there are multiple future directions in which the dataset can be reused.
Sixty-minute infusion rituximab protocol allows for safe and efficient workflow

Purpose Rituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody approved to treat B cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Infusion reactions among NHL patients are common during the first exposure but decrease with subsequent infusions. We sought to assess the safety and feasibility of a rituximab rapid infusion protocol in the outpatient treatment area of a comprehensive cancer center.
Equality as Comparative Fairness

The goal of this article is modest. It is simply to help illuminate the nature of egalitarianism. More particularly, I aim to show what certain egalitarians are committed to, and to suggest that equality, as these egalitarians understand it, is an important normative ideal that cannot simply be ignored in moral deliberations. In doing this, I distinguish between equality as universality, equality as impartiality, and equality as comparability, and also between instrumental and non-instrumental egalitarianism. I then characterise the version of egalitarianism with which I am concerned, which I call equality as comparative fairness. I discuss the relations between equality, fairness, luck, and responsibility, and defend egalitarianism against rival views that focus on subsistence, sufficiency, or compassion. I also defend egalitarianism against the Levelling Down and Raising Up Objections, and present several key examples to illustrate egalitarianism's distinct appeal, in contrast to prioritarianism's. I conclude by considering two common questions about my view: first, whether my ultimate concern is really with comparative fairness, rather than equality, so that my view is not, in fact, a substantive, non-instrumental version of egalitarianism, and second, whether my view ultimately reduces to a theory about desert.
Building expert networks that really fly: computational issues

Expert networks have been proposed as a paradigm for combining rule-based expert systems with connectionist training algorithms. The rule-base furnishes the knowledge system with a coarse framework of logically dependent concepts; the training algorithm refines the knowledge by learning the strength of the interdependencies from data. Two learning algorithms, expert network backpropagation (ENBP) and goal-directed Monte Carlo search (GDMC), are considered. Issues which greatly impact the effectiveness of expert networks solutions to application problems include training sample generation, validation/generalization issues, introduction of fault tolerance via alternate path generation, and scaling up to real-sized networks. This paper addresses these computational issues with an eye to identifying the key elements which determine whether an expert network for a particular application will or will not work as expected. >
New Hydrophilic, Composite Membranes for Air Removal from Water Coolant Systems

Liquid coolants are commonly used as thermal transport media to increase efficiency and flexibility in aerospace vehicle design. The introduction of gas bubbles into the coolant can have negative consequences, including: loss of centrifugal pump prime, irregular sensor readings, and blockage of coolant flow to remote systems. One solution to mitigate these problems is the development of a passive gas removal device, or gas trap, installed in the flight cooling system. In this study, a new hydrophilic, composite membrane has been developed for passage of the coolant fluid and retention of gas bubbles. The trapped bubbles are subsequently vented from the system by a thin, hydrophobic, microporous membrane. The original design for this work employed a homogeneous membrane that was susceptible to fouling and pore plugging. Spare gas traps of this variety have degraded during storage, and recreation of the membranes has been complicated due to problems with polymer duplication and property variations in the final membranes. In this work, replacements have been developed based on deposition of a hydrophilic polymer on the bore-side of a porous polyethylene (PE) tube. The tube provides excellent chemical and mechanical stability, and the hydrophilic layer provides retention of gas bubbles. Preliminary results have shown that intimate contact is required between the deposited layer and the substrate to overcome material differences. This has been accomplished by presoaking the membrane tube in the solvent to raise its surface energy. Polymer solutions of various concentrations have been used to promote penetration of the polymer layer into the porous substrate and to control separation layer thickness. The resulting composite membranes have shown repeatable decrease in nitrogen permeability, which is indicative of a decrease in membrane pore size. Studies with water permeation have yielded similar results. We have observed some swelling of the added polymer layer, which causes a slight decrease in membrane pore size, and should result in improved bubble retention. Preliminary studies have also been performed on gas retention in flowing systems. Initial results have been promising, with negligible gas permeation for the coated membranes compared to 100% gas permeation in the uncoated tube.
Qualitative analysis by isoelectric focusing of the protein content of Pharbitis nil apices and cotyledons during floral induction

Protein metabolism may play an important role in both the perception and expression of the flowering response. This has been shown both by inhibitor studies (2) and analysis of protein content (2, 4). Oota and Umemura, (4) reported the appearance of a new protein immediately after induction when the protein content of induced and non-induced cotyledons are compared by electrophoresis. The appearance of a new species of protein during induction has also been reported in the short-day plant Xanthium (3). In apices, proteins specific to flowers or flower parts have been demonstrated in Pharbitis (2) and in Xanthium (3), though qualitative differences have only been observed at times well into the morphogenic phase. We have investigated the protein content in cotyledon and apex tissue after floral induction by isoelectric focusing. This technique gives much greater resolution than any of the electrophoresis systems previously used.
An experimental map of the internal structure of a vortex breakdown

The flow field of an 'axisymmetric' vortex breakdown has been mapped using a laser-Doppler anemometer. The interior of the recirculation zone is dominated by energetic, non-axisymmetric, low frequency periodic fluctuations. Spectra for a number of points inside this zone, as well as time-averaged swirl and axial velocity profiles both inside and outside the recirculation zone, have been obtained. The time-averaged streamlines in the interior show an unexpected two-celled structure attributed to the action of the fluctuations. Although the present experiment deals with one particular breakdown, flow-visualization studies indicate that the case examined is typical of the 'axisymmetric' form of breakdown over a range of flow conditions.
Localization of denitrification activity in macropores of a riparian wetland

Abstract Soil structure heterogeneity in the form of macropores and preferential flow channels can complicate efforts to quantify the physical and biological characteristics of wetland systems. We collected soil cores from two riparian wetlands to determine whether soil associated with macropores had elevated denitrification potentials compared to bulk soil from the same core. Cores were inspected for obvious macropores, which were distinguished as visible holes in the core, sometimes with decaying root matter, or as highly unconsolidated layers that appeared to have a substantially lower bulk density than the surrounding soil. Denitrification potentials were significantly higher in pores (P
Safety and Efficacy of Prasugrel Use in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Anticoagulated With Bivalirudin

The randomized TRial to Assess Improvement in Therapeutic Outcomes by Optimizing Platelet InhibitioN with Prasugrel–Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TRITON-TIMI) 38 trial compared prasugrel and clopidogrel in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients treated with prasugrel had fewer ischemic events but more procedure-related bleeding. In the present study, we aimed to determine the effect of bivalirudin on bleeding in patients treated with prasugrel. A total of 692 patients with consecutive acute coronary syndrome underwent PCI with stent implantation and were anticoagulated with bivalirudin. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the antiplatelet regimen (clopidogrel or prasugrel) chosen during or just after PCI. The bleeding complications during hospitalization were tabulated. Ischemic events were analyzed during hospitalization and at 30 days. Prasugrel was used in 96 patients (13.9%) and clopidogrel in 596 (86.1%). The clinical and procedural characteristics were similar, although the clopidogrel patients more often reported systemic hypertension (p = 0.01), previous PCI (p
Laser doppler spectroscopic studies of the electrokinetic properties of human blood cells in dilute salt solutions

Abstract The electrophoretic mobility distributions of human erythrocytes and leukocytes, in an electric field, suspended in media of low ionic strength made isoosmotic with sucrose, can be studied quickly, accurately, and conveniently by recording the spectra of the scattered light. At low ionic strength, mobility differences among cells are enhanced, and the Doppler-shifted peaks associated with individual types of cells may be resolved. We have thus observed characteristic single peaks for erythrocytes, granulocytes, monocytes, and T-cell (nylon column purified) lymphocytes. Lymphocytes isolated via the conventional Ficoll-Hypaque gradient technique show the presence of two major peaks.
Metal deposits associated with bacteria: implications for Fe and Mn marine biogeochemistry

Abstract The distribution and vertical flux of capsuled bacteria and associated metal deposits were studied at a station in the eastern subtropical North Pacific. The pattern in which Fe and Mn deposits were associated with capsules is consistent with Fe and Mn redox chemistry and labile particulate Fe and Mn profiles. Manganese deposits were absent on capsules from the suboxic zone (100 to 700 m) but their occurrence significantly increased with depth below 700 m. Iron deposits were always associated with capsules though deposit intensity was significantly greater for mid-depth and deep-water capsules than for those from the suboxic zone. Ratios of capsuled to noncapsuled bacteria increased with depth in both the suspended particles and large sinking particles (from sediment traps). The ratios within suspended particles ranged from undetectable in the surface 125 m (where no capsuled bacteria were observed) to 0.16 in the deep waters, while sediment trap materials had ratios of 0.05 in the surface 500 m to 0.75 at 2000 m. Sediment ratios were very high (2 to 19). Simple box model calculations indicate similar residence times, relative to large particle removal from the suboxic zone, for capsules (with associated metal deposits) and suspended particulate labile Fe. Vertical recruitment via fragmenting large particles appears to contribute to deeper zone (700 to 2000 m) suspended capsule concentrations. Capsule residence times in this depth zone are estimated to be 15 years or less. Considering the capsule abundance and the magnitude and organic nature of the surface area represented by the capsule polymers, the capsuled bacteria present a potentially important agent for the selective scavenging of trace elements.
The Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein Is a Pro-Survival Receptor in Schwann Cells: Possible Implications in Peripheral Nerve Injury

Schwann cells undergo phenotypic modulation in peripheral nerve injury. In the adult rodent, Schwann cells are resistant to death-promoting challenges. The responsible receptors and signaling pathways are incompletely understood. In this study, we demonstrate that low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1) is expressed in adult sciatic nerve. After crush injury, LRP-1 is lost from the axoplasm and substantially upregulated in Schwann cells. Increased LRP-1 mRNA expression was observed locally at the injury site in multiple forms of sciatic nerve injury, including crush injury, chronic constriction injury, and axotomy. Endogenously produced tumor necrosis factor-α ( TNF -α) was mostly responsible for the increase in LRP-1 expression; this activity was reproduced by direct injection of TNF-α into injured nerves in the TNF -α gene knock-out mouse. TNF receptor II was primarily involved. TNF-α also increased LRP-1 mRNA in Schwann cells in primary culture. Silencing of Schwann cell LRP-1 with siRNA decreased phosphorylated Akt and increased activated caspase-3. Equivalent changes in cell signaling were observed in LRP-1-deficient murine embryonic fibroblasts. Schwann cell death was induced in vitro by serum withdrawal or TNF-α, to a greater extent when LRP-1 was silenced. Schwann cell death was induced in vivo by injecting the LRP-1 antagonist, receptor-associated protein, into axotomy sites in adult rats. These results support a model in which LRP-1 functions as a pro-survival receptor in Schwann cells.
Effects of Applied Plant Nutrients on Sclerotinia Blight Incidence in Peanuts

Abstract Field experiments were conducted in Southampton County, Virginia in 1978 and 1979 on Altavista loamy fine sand (Aquic Hapludult) to determine whether applied nutrients affect the severity of Sclerotinia blight in peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) caused by Sclerotinia minor. Soil or foliar applications of N, K, Ca, Mg, P, Mn, Zn, Fe, B, S, and Cl were evaluated alone and/or in various combinations and formulations. Multiple Zn or Cu sprays applied on the foliage suppressed Sclerotinia blight symptoms most during fruit development. Yields in plots sprayed with four 1.12-kg/ha applications of Zn were 1,965 kg/ha greater than in untreated plots in 1978. Four 2.24 kg/ha sprays of Zn increased yields 810 kg/ha in 1979. In 1978, CuSO4 sprayed in a manner similar to ZnSO4 was the second most effective treatment among the simple nutrient materials. Zinc and Cu (sulfates) applied in a multi-nutrient commercial material which also contains Mn, Ca, and P suppressed Sclerotinia blight symptoms nearly as effectiv...
Key Proteolytic Cleavage Site and Full-length Form of DSPP

It is known that dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) is processed into NH2- and COOH-terminal fragments, but its key cleavage site has not been identified, nor has its full-length form been discovered. The objectives of this study were to identify the key cleavage site during DSPP processing and to search for full-length DSPP in vivo. We generated a construct encoding DSPP, in which Asp452, a cleavage site residue, was replaced by Ala452. The pulp-odontoblast complex and dentin were extracted, chromatographically separated, and assessed by Stains-All staining, Western immunoblotting, and mass spectrometry. These studies showed that the substitution of Asp452 by Ala452 completely blocks the cleavage of mouse DSPP in the transfected cells, indicating that the NH2-terminal peptide bond of Asp452 is essential for the initiation of DSPP proteolytic processing. The results of this study revealed the presence of full-length DSPP and its processed fragments in extracts from the pulp/odontoblast and dentin.
Activated surface diffusion in a simple colloid system.

We investigate, from single-particle tracking of jumps, the cluster configurations that allow hopping over a geometric activation barrier in surface diffusion. Spherical colloidal particles, their dimers, and their isomeric planar trimers are compared on hexagonal surface lattices commensurate with the elemental size of one particle. The experiments reveal that translational and rotational mobility depend on the shape of these clusters, not only on their mass, because the jump process favors a restricted family of cluster configurations. The resulting strong decoupling between rotation and translation demonstrates the limitations of a naive Arrhenius picture, even for a simple gravitational potential.
Mitochondrial DNA variation within and among populations of the mosquito Aedes albopictus.

A survey of restriction fragment polymorphism in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of 17 populations of the mosquito Aedes albopictus was undertaken. The mtDNA size was estimated to be about 17.5 kbp. The level of polymorphism was low, with over 99% of the fragments being shared in common among the 17 populations. Three populations, Mauritius, Singapore, and Hong Kong, contained individuals with both the ancestral and novel mtDNA haplotypes. We conclude that the low level of mtDNA polymorphism in A. albopictus is a result of recent range expansion and that the mixture of haplotypes is a likely result of human-aided gene flow among populations.Key words: mitochondrial DNA, genetic variation, genetic structure, Aedes albopictus.
IMPLICATIONS OF INTERPERSONAL NEUROBIOLOGY FOR A SPIRITUALITY OF COMPASSION

Interpersonal neurobiology (IPNB) is a burgeoning interdisciplinary field that focuses on ways in which relationships shape and transform the architecture and functioning of the human brain. IPNB points to four specific conditions that appear to encourage the emergence of empathy. Further, these conditions, when gathered together, may constitute the core components of a spirituality of compassion. Following definitions and a discussion of interdisciplinary method, this essay delineates IPNB's main tenets and demonstrates ways in which IPNB sheds light on important aspects of human empathy and compassion. Drawing on this analysis, it introduces the four conditions that encourage the emergence of empathy in individuals and groups and shows why they may be central elements of a spirituality of compassion. A case study, in which the Native American Ojibwe practice of the talking circle is described and assessed through the lens of the IPNB-derived spirituality of compassion, demonstrates the evaluative usefulness of this set of conditions.
Abstract 2116: The Cables1 protein complex couples survival signaling to cell death machinery

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Cables1 is a candidate tumor suppressor and functions as a negative regulator of cell growth through inhibition of Cdks. Indeed, loss of Cables1 expression has been observed with high frequency in many cancers. However, little is known about how Cables1 itself is regulated. Here we report that Cables1 is regulated by a phosphorylation-dependent, 14-3-3-mediated mechanism. Further studies through mutational analysis have led to the identification of two residues of Cables1 that are critical for 14-3-3 binding. These residues of Cables1 serve as a substrate of serine/threonine kinase Akt. Akt could directly bind to and phosphorylate Cables1, recruiting 14-3-3 to the complex. Moreover, Cables1 overepxression induces cell apoptosis and inhibits cell growth in part through stabilizing p21 and decreasing Cdk2 kinase activity. Activated Akt is able to prevent cell apoptosis induced by Cables1. Importantly, the level of phosphorylated Cables1 has been correlated with that of pAkt in human lung cancer patient tissues, supporting a potentially significant event in lung cancer tumorigenesis. Together, our results suggest a dynamic regulatory system by which activated Akt phosphorylates Cables1 and recruits 14-3-3 to neutralize a potent tumor suppressor function. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2116. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2116
Interplay between Cyclic AMP-Cyclic AMP Receptor Protein and Cyclic di-GMP Signaling in Vibrio cholerae Biofilm Formation

Vibrio cholerae is a facultative human pathogen. The ability of V. cholerae to form biofilms is crucial for its survival in aquatic habitats between epidemics and is advantageous for host-to-host transmission during epidemics. Formation of mature biofilms requires the production of extracellular matrix components, including Vibrio polysaccharide (VPS) and matrix proteins. Biofilm formation is positively controlled by the transcriptional regulators VpsR and VpsT and is negatively regulated by the quorum-sensing transcriptional regulator HapR, as well as the cyclic AMP (cAMP)-cAMP receptor protein (CRP) regulatory complex. Transcriptome analysis of cyaA (encoding adenylate cyclase) and crp (encoding cAMP receptor protein) deletion mutants revealed that cAMP-CRP negatively regulates transcription of both VPS biosynthesis genes and genes encoding biofilm matrix proteins. Further mutational and expression analysis revealed that cAMP-CRP negatively regulates transcription of vps genes indirectly through its action on vpsR transcription. However, negative regulation of the genes encoding biofilm matrix proteins by cAMP-CRP can also occur independent of VpsR. Transcriptome analysis also revealed that cAMP-CRP regulates the expression of a set of genes encoding diguanylate cyclases (DGCs) and phosphodiesterases. Mutational and phenotypic analysis of the differentially regulated DGCs revealed that a DGC, CdgA, is responsible for the increase in biofilm formation in the Δcrp mutant, showing the connection between of cyclic di-GMP and cAMP signaling in V. cholerae.
On the taxation of nonreplenishable natural resources

Abstract A resource constraint alters the profit maximizing decision rule for a natural resource producer. Stich a producer also responds differently to common policy instruments. For a zero rate of discount, it is shown that a franchise (lump sum), severance (ad valorem or unit), or profit tax result, respectively, is increased, unchanged, and unchanged output. These results are generalized to the case when the rate of discount is nonzero and tax rates vary over time. A tax-subsidy scheme for guaranteeing the equality of optimal social and private rates of depletion is presented for a case where these rates diverge.
Mechanism of potassium-catalyzed carbon/CO2 reaction

The mechanism of potassium-catalyzed C/CO2 reaction is studied by a temperature and concentration programmed reaction (TCPR) technique. The proposed redox mechanism contains three surface complexes: –CO2K, –COK, and –CK. The oxide groups are the intermediates during C/CO2 gasification. The completely reduced form, –CK, is the end product of catalyst reduction and is the precursor for K loss. The stoichiometries of these surface groups are confirmed by oxygen and potassium balances.
Proximity effects in eutectic alloys transition temperature and specific heat

Abstract The Ginzburg-Landau equation and Zaitsev's boundary conditions are used to compute the superconductive transition temperature and the specific heat jump of eutectic alloys. Good agreement with experiments is obtained.
Deformation kinetics of ageing materials

A constitutive equation of time-dependent, chemically stable materials, which stems from the basic ideas of the irreversible thermodynamics of an internal variable and Eyring's absolute reaction rate theory, has been extended to chemically unstable materials. This formulation is quite general and, in principle, can be applied to many types of materials. In this paper, the ageing behaviour of time-dependent network polymers undergoing chain scission is considered. In the network scission process, we postulate that the energy barrier is affected by a changing of the chemical crosslink density. An explicit equation to account for the energy barrier change, which influences the relaxation process, is formulated. For the purpose of illustration, the effect of different chemical crosslink density, ν, on the relaxation rate has been considered, from which the following theoretical expression of relaxation modulus ΔE(t) is obtained: ΔE = ΔE[t exp (γv/kT)] It can be seen that a change in v leads to an effective change in the time scale, usually denoted by ax. Here the analytical expression ax = exp(γνkT) correlates quite well with the experimental data.
Examining the Quality of Synthetic Origin-Destination Trip Table Estimated by Path Flow Estimator

Path flow estimator (PFE) is a one-stage network observer proposed in the transportation literature to estimate path flows and path travel times from traffic counts in a transportation network. The estimated path flows can further be aggregated to obtain the origin-destination (O-D) flows, which are usually required in many transportation applications. In this paper, we examine the capability of PFE in capturing the total demand of the study network as well as individual O-D demands. Numerical examples are provided to show the effects of the number and locations of traffic counts on the quality of O-D estimates. The results indicate that PFE has the potential to correctly estimate the total demand when proper observations, in terms of the number and their locations, are provided. In general, the spatial distribution of O-D demands is difficult to estimate even when traffic counts are available on all network links.
The clinical significance of cytoplasmic inclusions(CPI) in synovial fluid examination

The clinical significance of cytoplasmic inclusions(CPI) in synovial fluid(SF) examination was evaluated. We examined SF specimens collected from major rheumatology clinics in the Philadelphia area during the period of January to December 1995. Among 759 patients in the initial study group, 419 cases with established diagnoses and full synovial analyses were included. Their diagnoses and SF analysis results including leukocyte counts, differential counts and wet preparations were collected and analysed. Ninety seven of the 419 SF specimens were found to have CPI. CPI were found in SF from almost all rheumatic diseases. They were most likely to be found in inflammatory arthropathy including rheumatoid arthritis(RA, 46%), juvenile rheumatoid arthritis(JRA, 78%) and psoriatic arthritis(55%). On the contrary, CPI were least common in crystal-induced arthropathy among the inflammatory arthropathy. CPI were found 8 out of 98 gout cases(8%) and 2 among 53 calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate(CPPD) deposition disease(4%). In noninflammatory arthropathy, CPI were found in only 6 cases(6%) out of the 103 osteoarthritis(OA). In RA cases with non-inflammatory SF, 4 of the 20 SF(20%) had CPI while only 6% of OA SF had CPI. OA SF with CPI were all noninflammatory SF. In summary, CPI were a common finding on SF examination. CPI were more likely to be found in inflammatory arthropathy than noninflammatory. Among inflammatory arthropathy, CPI can favor non-crystal arthropathy than crystal arthropathy. Awareness of the presence of CPI is suggested as an addendum to routine SF analysis. Renewed investigation of the several types of CPI may add further to the understanding of joint disease.
“Mere” Exposure versus Familiarity, with Implications for Response Competition and Expectancy Arousal Hypotheses

Summary Zajonc, Harrison, and their colleagues have recently conducted a series of studies demonstrating a positive, monotonic relation between frequency of “mere” exposure and liking for stimuli. Other studies have found either the inverted-U relation or a decrease in liking. It was proposed that an emphasis upon mere exposure may be somewhat misleading, and that a concern with degree of stimulus familiarity might be more fruitful. Conflicting forms of the exposure-liking relation seem to be potentially reconcilable if consideration is given to factors that influence the rate at which stimuli become familiar, or capable of being anticipated and represented in memory. Two experiments using stimuli and procedures taken from Zajonc (23) yielded a positive, monotonic relation between frequency and liking. A third experiment, designed to produce greater attention to the stimuli and thus hasten familiarization, yielded an inverted-U relation. A fourth experiment used simpler verbal stimuli than the first three...
Resident Training in Microbiology

To meet the challenges of diagnosis and managment of infectious diseases, clinical pathology residents must receive comprehensive training in microbiology, learn to think critically, develop problem-solving skills, and take active roles as laboratory consultants. Residents well trained in clinical microbiology become capable laboratory professionals, developing cost-effective testing strategies, decreasing risk for medical errors, and improving patient care. Newer methods for diagnosing infectious disease, such as real-time polymerase chain reaction, microarrays for pathogen detection, and rapid assays for antigen or antibody detection, have become standard. Knowledge of infectious disease principles, drug therapeutic options, and drug resistance is also important. Suggestions for training and for assessing resident competency in clinical microbiology are presented.
G6PD Huntsville: a new glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase associated with chronic hemolytic anemia

We describe a previously unreported glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) variant. G6PD Huntsville was found in a Caucasian male, resident of Huntsville, Alabama who was investigated for otherwise unexplained chronic hemolytic anemia. An unusual feature of this unique, apparently hemolytic, G6PD mutant is that its red cell enzymatic activity has not been decreased. The mutant enzyme is unstable. Additionally, the enzyme variant is characterized by normal electrophoretic mobility, biphasic and slightly alkaline pH optimum, and abnormal kinetics for the natural substrates G6PD and NADP as well as the artificial substrates deamino NADP. Its activity for another artificial substrate 2-deoxy G6PD is normal. The inhibition constant for NADPH is normal. The subject has had no evidence of episodic jaundice.
Hierarchical visual data mining for large-scale data

An increasingly important problem in exploratory data analysis and visualization is that of scale; more and more data sets are much too large to analyze using traditional techniques, either in terms of the number of variables or the number of records. One approach to addressing this problem is the development and use of multiresolution strategies, where we represent the data at different levels of abstraction or detail through aggregation and summarization. In this paper we present an overview of our recent and current activities in the development of a multiresolution exploratory visualization environment for large-scale multivariate data. We have developed visualization, interaction, and data management techniques for effectively dealing with data sets that contain millions of records and/or hundreds of dimensions, and propose methods for applying similar approaches to extend the system to handle nominal as well as ordinal data.
Hurricane Events, Population Displacement, and Sheltering Provision in the United States

AbstractDisplacement has traditionally been conceptualized as a phenomenon that results from conflict or other disruptions in developing or unstable countries. Hurricane Katrina shattered this notion and highlighted the various dilemmas of population displacement in the United States. This paper focuses on the dilemma of postdisaster sheltering and housing as experienced after Hurricanes Andrew, Katrina, and Ike. Methodology and data sources include a review of scholarly empirical research, a Lexis-Nexis search of major laws and regulations passed after the hurricanes, congressional investigations and testimonies, and newspaper articles. Evidence is found of flexible but ad hoc policy response and programmatic changes during the housing recovery process. Given the problems experienced during the recovery process and the lack of attention paid to displacement issues, recommendations are made toward integrating a process approach into current practices to: (1) recognize disaster-induced displaced persons ...
Identification of neurons contributing to presynaptic inhibition in Aplysia californica

Electrical stimulation of the connectives presynaptically inhibits the PSP from cell L10 to the left upper quadrant cells (LUQC). The present report describes the properties of some of the individual neurons contributing to this response. Action potentials produced in a cluster of cells in the abdominal ganglion reduce the amplitude of the L10-LUQC PSP for periods greater than 30 sec. At least some of their inhibitory action is mediated by a slow hyperpolarization of L10 which results in a decreased transmitter release. In other cases, however, the inhibition is produced with no significant alteration of L10 membrane potential, indicating that additional mechanisms may also be present. The neurons producing these effects are approximately 75 microns in diameter and are located on the left ventral surface of the ganglion. They have axons in the connectives and are thus activated by stimuli previously utilized to produce presynaptic inhibition. They appear to be some of the same cells that produce a slow inhibition of ink motoneuron L14; one of these has been identified as L32. The identification of these cells allows for the further biochemical, biophysical and morphological analysis of the events underlying presynaptic inhibition.
A modified color display for computed tomography

An algorithm for color assignment of computed tomography (CT) scans is presented. The intention is to produce color images similar to illustrations in anatomy atlases. There are three major advantages to the use of this color assignment algorithm. A single color image may replace the multiple monochrome density range pictures now used for portraying CT information. Perception of low spatial frequencies is improved, which may improve detection of soft tissue tumors. Finally, there are economic advantages for using color displays and printed color copies.
Operational chemical storage cycles for utilization of solar energy to produce heat or electric power

Abstract A self-sufficient chemical cycle is required which will take solar energy on an intermittent basis and continuously convert it into heat and/or electric power. This paper presents engineering criteria for selection of suitable chemical reactions, and considers in detail two systems, (a) methanol cycle and (b) ammonium hydrogen sulfate (AHS) cycle. The latter appears very attractive as an operational cycle, has liquid storage on both sides of the cycle, essentially meets all criteria, and has high ΔH (reaction), heat and work efficiencies. Preliminary reactor configurations for the AHS cycle are discussed.
Centres of speciation and ecological differentiation in the Galapagos land bird fauna

The Hamilton-Rubinoff model of evolution in the avifauna of the Galapagos Islands suggests that speciation occurs on small outlying islands, and that new species invade the central island region, where ecological differentiation takes place. I present an alternative model in which both speciation and ecological differentiation leading to origin of actively colonizing taxa occur on the large islands, with colonization of small and outlying islands being primarily one way. Although forms on outlying islands may differentiate to the level of new species, their fate is postulated to be extinction rather than re-invasion of central islands. Data on species with expanding, differentiating, fragmenting, and relict distributions support this second model. Polytypy and incompleteness of distributions on the large islands indicate that isolation is adequate for differentiation to occur. Distributions of expanding taxa centre on the large islands, and their distributions show sequences leading from large islands to smaller and more outlying islands. Curves of occupancy of large islands versus total islands also agree with the prediction that expansions begin in the large islands.