cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuropsychological Dysfunction in Children with Borderline Personality Disorder Features: A Preliminary Investigation

Abstract Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is often linked to neuropsychological deficits, yet few studies have examined BPD or its features and concomitant neuropsychological dysfunction in childhood. This study examined children with borderline features (n = 21) using the Coolidge Personality and Neuropsychological Inventory for Children and compared them to controls (n = 21) with features of at least one personality disorder, but not BPD. As hypothesized, the BPD group scored significantly higher than the control group on the Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Executive Functions Deficits, Mild Neurocognitive Disorder, Conduct Disorder, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder scales. It appears that behavioral disturbances associated with BPD are linked strongly with neuropsychological dysfunction. Because none of the children with BPD features in the present sample had a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI), it appears likely that TBI in the histories of adult BPD patients may not be the cause of BPD, but traits such as anger and impulsivity in BPD may cause TBI. Clinical implications and future research directions are discussed.
Dispersal, effective population size, and the genetic structure of the contemporary United States.

I estimate effective population size (Ne ) and the inbreeding coefficient (FST ) for contemporary United States using Wright's isolation by distance model (Wright: Genetics 28:114-138, 1943) and parent-offspring dispersal distances obtained from individuals surveyed as part of a study of modern dispersal patterns. Ne is estimated to be minimally 3.61 × 107 and more likely closer to 8.05 × 107 ; based on these values, FST is between 1.59 × 10-7 and 9.28 × 10-9 , depending on whether it is measured relative to the United States population or the world at large. Not all the assumptions of the isolation by distance model are met by modern populations, and thus the results must be interpreted with caution. They suggest, however, that both mobility within and immigration into contemporary United States are great enough to make the probability of inbreeding and random genetic drift negligible factors in producing future evolutionary change. In contrast, gene flow, acting as both a constraint against geographic differentiation within the United States and by introducing new genes via international immigration, is likely to be a dominant evolutionary force in this population.
In Defense of Self-Control

In the 10 years since its publication in A General Theory of Crime, the authors' self-control theory has been the focus of considerable research and critical assessment. This article responds to questions about the theory that have attracted the most thoughtful attention in the serious literature of the field.
Smoking Cessation and Recidivism in the Women’s Interagency Human Immunodeficiency Virus Study

Background Smoking increases the risk of morbidity and mortality and is particularly harmful to HIV-infected people. Purpose To explore smoking trends and longitudinal factors associated with smoking cessation and recidivism among participants in the Women's Interagency HIV Study. Methods From 1994 through 2011, a total of 2,961 HIV-infected and 981 HIV-uninfected women were enrolled and underwent semi-annual interviews and specimen collection. Smoking prevalence was evaluated annually and risk factors associated with time to smoking cessation and recidivism were analyzed in 2013 using survival models. Results The annual cigarette smoking prevalence declined from 57% in 1995 to 39% in 2011 ( p -trend 10-year smoking duration, self-reported poor health rating, and having hypertension. Pregnancy in the past 6 months was associated with a shorter time to cessation. Among HIV-infected women, additional risk factors for longer time to cessation included lower household income, use of crack/cocaine/heroin, CD4 cell count ≤200, and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) use. Predictors of smoking recidivism included marijuana use, enrollment in 1994–1996, and not living in one's own place. Among HIV-infected women, enrollment in 2001–2002 and crack/cocaine/heroin use were associated with a shorter time to recidivism, whereas older age and HAART use were associated with a longer time to recidivism. Conclusions Despite declining rates of cigarette smoking, integrated interventions are needed to help women with and at risk for HIV infection to quit smoking and sustain cessation.
ANALYSIS OF ITEM RESPONSE PATTERNS. QUESTIONABLE TEST DATA AND DISSIMILAR CURRICULUM PRACTICES

It has been common practice to simply use a single total score although some attempts have been made to use wrong response patterns diagnostically. This is partially attributable to the fact that there are limited amounts of data available for particular response patterns, and because there is both low reliability of individual items and a tendency to attribute a large fraction of the common variance of the items to a single dimension. Recently, however, several approaches have been suggested which are intended to identify unusual response patterns. There are a wide variety of factors that could lead to an unusual response pattern. While a question may be very easy for most students, unique background experiences may make that same item very difficult for others. For example, the child who has never gone camping may find a reading passage about a camping experience more difficult than children who have had the experience. Other individual differences in motivational disposition, for instance, test anxiety, may make a normally simple item very difficult for some people. Students' exposure to different subject matter, and the way in which that subject matter has been stressed, will influence how they perform on tests. This may result in some measurable variation in scores from class to class. Items which are generally difficult for most students may be relatively easy for students who have been in classes where that particular content was emphasized. Such variation from the norm may lead to the systematic over- or under-estimation of an individual's or group's level of achievement, distorting the measurement results. Indices measuring the degree to which the response pattern for an individual is unusual could be used in a variety of ways. They could identify individuals for whom the standard interpretation of the test score is misleading, or identify groups with atypical instructional and/or experiential histories that alter the relative difficulty ordering of the items. In addition, the items that contribute most to high values on an index for particular subgroups could be identified and judgments made regarding the appropriateness of the item content for those subgroups. There are two major types of indices of the degree to which an individual's pattern of responses is unusual. First, there are the "appropriateness" indices which are based upon
Genetic variation in resistance and tolerance to insect herbivory in Salix cordata

1. This study investigated whether sand-dune willow Salix cordata, exhibits genetic variation in resistance and tolerance to herbivory. 2. A field experiment using cuttings from nine willow clones demonstrated genetic variation in resistance to the specialist herbivore Altica subplicata, as measured by beetle densities. Willow clones differed significantly in both total biomass and leaf trichome densities, and herbivore densities were marginally correlated with both of these parameters. 3. Tolerance to herbivory was measured in a greenhouse experiment by comparing growth response of plants experiencing 50% artificial defoliation and plants experiencing no defoliation. Clones showed significant differences in tolerance to herbivory for some growth measures (changes in height and number of leaves), but not for other growth measures (stem diameter growth and final biomass). 4. Despite the significant genetic variation in both resistance and tolerance, no trade-off was found between resistance and tolerance to herbivory.
Experiment, simulation and analysis : an integrated instructional approach to the concept of force

This paper develops a theoretical framework for a modeling process that integrates computer simulations with first‐hand experiments and computer‐based analysis tools. This modelling approach is then linked to the extensive body of research on students’ conceptions about force; it is argued that model building holds great potential to facilitate conceptual change through enabling students to make explicit and test their own hypotheses. Using this modeling approach, a curriculum unit that presented four tasks for investigating the forces involved in accelerated motion down an inclined plane was developed and implemented in a secondary school classroom. The results of studying a group of three students as they progressed through this unit illuminate the tradeoffs among experiment, simulation and analysis, while demonstrating that students are likely to pursue alternative hypotheses and diverse representations as they build a more complete model over an extended period of time.
Indirect Path Detection Based on Wireless Propagation Measurements

An important prerequisite for precise localization, such as in radar systems, is to discern "direct paths" (DP), i.e., multipath components (MPCs) where the signal propagates directly between the target and the localization system nodes (transmitters or receivers), from indirect paths (IPs). This paper describes how to distinguish between DPs and IPs purely based on measurements of observable propagation parameters, namely the time of arrival (TOA), direction of departure (DOD), and direction of arrival (DOA). Any combination of two of those parameters allow the computation of a reflection point, and - in the absence of noise - the points computed from the different combinations are consistent in the case of a DP. In the presence of noise, the computed points deviate from each other, and we establish rules for how large this deviation might be to consider a path an IP. Several different decision rules are discussed and compared. The paper derives closed-form equations for these decision criteria and the resulting performance. The situations when the proposed decision rules do not work well are also studied. Simulation results show that under common localization scenarios employing ultrawideband signals, the proposed algorithms can effectively detect IPs and significantly improve localization accuracy.
Extinction during reconsolidation of threat memory diminishes prefrontal cortex involvement

Controlling learned defensive responses through extinction does not alter the threat memory itself, but rather regulates its expression via inhibitory influence of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) over amygdala. Individual differences in amygdala–PFC circuitry function have been linked to trait anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder. This finding suggests that exposure-based techniques may actually be least effective in those who suffer from anxiety disorders. A theoretical advantage of techniques influencing reconsolidation of threat memories is that the threat representation is altered, potentially diminishing reliance on this PFC circuitry, resulting in a more persistent reduction of defensive reactions. We hypothesized that timing extinction to coincide with threat memory reconsolidation would prevent the return of defensive reactions and diminish PFC involvement. Two conditioned stimuli (CS) were paired with shock and the third was not. A day later, one stimulus (reminded CS+) but not the other (nonreminded CS+) was presented 10 min before extinction to reactivate the threat memory, followed by extinction training for all CSs. The recovery of the threat memory was tested 24 h later. Extinction of the nonreminded CS+ (i.e., standard extinction) engaged the PFC, as previously shown, but extinction of the reminded CS+ (i.e., extinction during reconsolidation) did not. Moreover, only the nonreminded CS+ memory recovered on day 3. These results suggest that extinction during reconsolidation prevents the return of defensive reactions and diminishes PFC involvement. Reducing the necessity of the PFC–amygdala circuitry to control defensive reactions may help overcome a primary obstacle in the long-term efficacy of current treatments for anxiety disorders.
Melanin fluorescence spectra by step-wise three photon excitation

Melanin is the characteristic chromophore of human skin with various potential biological functions. Kerimo discovered enhanced melanin fluorescence by stepwise three-photon excitation in 2011. In this article, step-wise three-photon excited fluorescence (STPEF) spectrum between 450 nm -700 nm of melanin is reported. The melanin STPEF spectrum exhibited an exponential increase with wavelength. However, there was a probability of about 33% that another kind of step-wise multi-photon excited fluorescence (SMPEF) that peaks at 525 nm, shown by previous research, could also be generated using the same process. Using an excitation source at 920 nm as opposed to 830 nm increased the potential for generating SMPEF peaks at 525 nm. The SMPEF spectrum peaks at 525 nm photo-bleached faster than STPEF spectrum.
HIV TAR: an RNA enhancer?

Deux proteines du viurs HIV participent a la regulation de l'expression des genes de ce virus. Certains genes sont actives en trans par la proteine Tat ceci par l'intermediaire de l'element TAR, element qui se distingue des sites de liaison des facteurs de transcription typiques. Les proprietes de cet element connues jusqu'ici sont decrites et deux mecanismes d'activation en trans par Tat sur le niveau de synthese d'ARNm viraux ont ete proposes
UML without pictures

This article reviews the concepts of repository-centered development with UML, explaining how notation, semantics, and model compilation relate. UML can be used in many formats, including presented as text, parsed into a standardized repository, and compiled to multiple programming languages. The example given uses the UML 2 repository.
High dielectric constant composites for high power antennas

The volume and weight of high power antennas can be a limiting factor for compact pulsed power transmitters. Options for antenna minimization are limited due to the relationship between an antenna's physical dimensions and the frequencies which can be transmitted. Thus, low frequency antennas often require dimensions on the order of meters. An effort undertaken at the University of Missouri addresses these fundamental constraints on antenna size by developing and integrating high dielectric constant composite materials that can reduce the physical size of high power antennas. Traditional high dielectric constant materials, including sintered perovskite ceramics, are not well suited for integration in high power antennas due to their low dielectric strength, poor mechanical properties, and limitations in forming complex shapes. Therefore, a composite material is necessary for improved dielectric strength and mechanical properties over sintered ceramics while maintaining a high dielectric constant. Previous research on high dielectric constant composite materials has primarily been focused on low power applications for embedded capacitors. The development of composites for high power systems presents additional challenges, including large thickness and high dielectric strength requirements for high voltage use and the capability to be formed or machined into complex geometries. Three distinct classes of high dielectric constant composites have been developed through this effort. The three classes of composites are characterized by the range of dielectric constant values measured at frequencies from 200 MHz to 4.5 GHz. The first composite class can be manufactured with a dielectric constant of 30–50 and exhibits the best machining properties of the three classes. The second composite class has a dielectric constant of 80-100, is easily machined, and has a loss tangent of less than 0.12 up through at least 4.5 GHz. The third composite class has the highest dielectric constant at between 350 and 550, is easily machined, and is well-suited for operation at frequencies of a few hundred MHz. Three crucial dielectric measurements for high dielectric constant composites for high power components are reported. First, the complex permittivity is given in the frequency range from 200 MHz to 4.5 GHz. Second, the pulsed dielectric strength is reported as the cumulative probability of breakdown measured from a set of samples of each composite class. Lastly, the electric field dependence of each composite's dielectric constant is reported through polarization measurements taken on a custom high voltage test stand.
Socio Emotional Wealth Preservation in the REIT Industry: An Exploratory Study

Our study uses the Socio Emotional Wealth Perspective (SEW) to test our contention that Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) founders are more inclined to satisfy first their non-economic goals rather than satisfying the economic goals of REIT shareholders. We test our hypotheses with an unbalanced panel dataset that includes an average of 66 publicly-traded equity REITs from 1999–2012 that produced 921 REIT-year observations. Our exploratory results provide evidence of SEW preservation as REITs led by founders’ successors tend to underperform; however, the family identification with the REIT affects performance positively. This is one of the first studies that merge the REIT and the family business streams of research. Future directions are suggested.
Effects of Electrical Stimulation on Edema Formation in Different Strains of Rats

Background and Purpose. Although electrical stimulation (ES) is commonly used to curb edema formation, efficacy has been demonstrated in only one species of frog and one strain of rat. The purpose of this study was to determine whether different strains of rats respond differently to ES. Subjects and Methods. Feet of Sprague-Dawley, Zucker-Lean, and Brown Norway rats were injured in a uniform manner. One foot served as a control, and the other foot received four 30-minute exposures to cathodal high-voltage pulsed current at amplitudes 10% less than those required to induce visible muscle activity. Each treatment period was followed by a 30-minute rest period. Limb volumes were measured before and after trauma and after each treatment and rest period. Changes from pretrauma volumes were analyzed by repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results. Edema formation was curbed in Zucker-Lean and Brown Norway rats but not in Sprague-Dawley rats. Conclusion and Discussion. The finding that two of the three strains of rats responded to ES suggests that some strains of rats may be suitable models for the study of edema. That frogs and rats respond to high-voltage pulsed current suggests that humans might respond similarly.
An IACUC perspective on songbirds and their use in neurobiological research.

Laboratory research using songbirds as a model system for investigating basic questions of neurobiological function has expanded rapidly and recently, with approximately 120 laboratories working with songbirds worldwide. In the United States alone, of the approximately 80 such laboratories nearly a third have been established in the past 10 years. Yet many animal facilities are not outfitted to manage these animals, and as a consequence laboratories often use alternative housing arrangements established by institutional animal care and use committees (IACUCs). These committees invariably differ in their expertise level with birds and thus guidelines also vary considerably from one institution to another. In this article I address a number of factors to consider for effective oversight of research involving songbirds.
The Humanity of Global Environmental Ethics

Over the past decade, scholars have begun to develop the discipline of global environmental ethics. In doing so, they have encountered two obstacles. First, much environmentalism cloaks itself in the discourse of prudence and security, and thus, ethical concerns are difficult to identify. Second, when scholars do recognize ethical issues, they explain them in terms of how people treat the nonhuman world and advance a biocentric or ecocentric moral sensibility. This is a problem to the degree that it neglects countless instances of environmental injustice that involve the way humans treat each other, using nature as a medium. This article illuminates the nonprudential dimensions of global environmental affairs and explains how a focus on the way humans mistreat each other can serve as a central ethical focus for understanding and addressing environmental injustice. Overall, it aims to provide a vocabulary for advancing an anthropocentric sensibility toward global environmental ethical concern.
Total variation for the removal of blocking effects in DCT based encoding

Quantization in block DCT based codecs can produce noticeable image artifacts. Anisotropic diffusion has been proposed as a remedy for removing such undesirable blocking effects. The main disadvantage of that approach is that artifacts near high-contrast image features are not adequately reduced. We propose an alternative non-linear method that reduces artifacts by minimizing the total variation of the reconstructed image in the vicinity of DCT block boundaries. This minimization is achieved via a level set formulation. Our experimental results indicate that the proposed method removes the blocking artifact effectively, producing an image with smooth level sets in the region interiors as well as near the true edges of the image.
Differential characteristics of purified hepatic triglyceride lipase and lipoprotein lipase from human postheparin plasma.

Evidence is presented that hepatic triglyceride lipase (H-TGL) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL), purified from human postheparin plasma, can each hydrolyze both glyc- eryl trioleate and palmitoyl-CoA. The average ratio of glyceryl trioleate/palmitoyl-CoA hydrolase activities, ob- tained with enzyme preparations from 15 human post- heparin plasma samples was 1.30 (1.18- 1.52) for H-TGL and 8.75 (7.45-10.25) for LPL. Albumin was identified as the serum cofactor required for the hydrolysis of palmitoyl- CoA by H-TGL. It protected this enzyme from inactiva- tion by this substrate. In contrast, palmitoyl-CoA activated and protected LPL from denaturation by dilution and in- cubation at 25°C. The effects of other detergents were investigated on glyceryl trioleate hydrolase activities of both enzymes. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (0.4 mM) and Tris- oleate (0.4 mM), which also effectively activated and pro- tected LPL against inactivation, had only moderate protec- tive effect on H-TGL. Sodium dodecyl sulfate at a higher concentration (1 mM) produced little or no inhibition of LPL, while completely inactivating H-TGL. Conversely, sodium taurodeoxycholate (0.4 mM) protected and activated H-TGL, but had only moderate protective effect on LPL. Triton X-100 (0.1-0.8 mM) and egg lysolecithin (0.05-2 mM) also protected H-TGL, but not LPL. The very dis- similar effects of detergents on preparations on H-TGL and LPL may form the basis for the direct assay of each enzyme in the presence of the other.
Skeletal and Cardiac Muscle Contractile Activation: Tropomyosin “Rocks and Rolls”

Changes in thin filament structure induced by Ca2+ binding to troponin and subsequent strong cross-bridge binding regulate additional strong cross-bridge attachment, force development, and dependen...
Prison, Fathers, and Identity: A Theory of How Incarceration Affects Men’s Paternal Identity

With incarceration and recidivism rates escalating and the failure of many former prisoners to reconnect with family post release, the cost to society and to children of incarcerated parents is quickly rising. While intervention on the family level is thought to have great promise in reducing recidivism, in order to effectively guide research and intervention, current theory must be evaluated for its sensitivity to the context of incarceration and additional theoretical work is needed to conceptualize how incarceration affects paternal identity. This paper proposes using identity theory to conceptualize how incarceration influences how fathers think of themselves. Using Burke’s 1991 Identity Theory conceptualization, this paper explores how the unique context of prison interrupts the paternal identity confirmation process, which subsequently affects familial relationships and reconnection.
Proactive Energy Optimization Algorithms for Wavelet-Based Video Codecs on Power-Aware Processors

We propose a systematic technique for characterizing the workload of a video decoder at a given time and transforming the shape of the workload to optimize the utilization of a critical resource without compromising the distortion incurred in the process. We call our approach proactive resource management. We will illustrate our techniques by addressing the problem of minimizing the energy consumption during decoding a video sequence on a programmable processor that supports multiple voltages and frequencies. We evaluate two different heuristics for the underlying optimization problem that result in 50% to 92% improvements in energy savings compared to techniques that do not use dynamic adaptation
Temperature Effect on Structure-Opacity Relationships of Nonfat Mozzarella Cheese

Our objective was to determine the effect of heating on the structure of nonfat Mozzarella cheese and then to relate changes in structure to changes in cheese opacity. Cheese was made according to a direct-acid, stirred-curd procedure. Cheese samples, at 4 degrees C, were taken on d 1 and placed into glass bottles, which were sealed and heated. Once the cheese reached 10 degrees C or 50 degrees C, the bottles were placed on a scanner and color values measured. Samples were also taken on d 1 for chemical, micro, and ultrastructural analyses. Applying heat increased cheese opacity. At 50 degrees C the cheese was more opaque than at 10 degrees C. The increase in temperature induced changes in cheese structure. Larger high-density protein aggregates and increased protein concentration in the protein matrix were observed in cheese at 50 degrees C. Applied heat would favor hydrophobic interactions, and possibly, re-association of beta-casein and calcium with the protein matrix, promoting protein-to-protein interactions. Thus, the protein matrix contracts, occupying less cheese matrix area, and microphase separation occurs, causing serum pockets to grow in size, and microstructural heterogeneity to increase. It is proposed that the increased size of aggregates and heterogeneity of the cheese at 50 degrees C promote light reflection, thus increasing cheese opacity. We concluded that applying heat alters protein interactions in the cheese matrix, manifested as changes in cheese structure. Such changes in structure help provide an understanding of changes in cheese opacity.
Marketing library services through Facebook groups

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discover whether Facebook Groups are conducive for library marketing.Design/methodology/approach – Facebook Groups at two major research universities in the USA, along with two global Groups, were analyzed for their activity and membership to examine their performance of effectively promoting library visibility.Findings – It finds that the success of Facebook Groups can be controlled by the active organization of librarians and by using more general topics to keep discussions alive. It also finds that Facebook Groups should target not only students but also faculty and staff in support of their research and teaching.Research limitations/implications – By effectively organizing Facebook Groups as useful social networking, libraries can extend their services to more users. The findings of this paper provide insight into a new means of library marketing.Originality/value – Previous studies on this topic did not analyze the actual activity of specific Facebook Groups....
Evaluation of the Accuracy of a Ship-Mounted, Bottom-Tracking ADCP in a Near-Shore Coastal Flow

Abstract The accuracy of an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) used with an internal bottom-tracking system is considered. The boat speed measured using bottom tracking is extremely accurate, comparable to the speeds measured by a high-resolution, real-time kinematic global positioning system (KGPS). The accuracy in the direction of boat motion reported by the bottom tracking is limited to the accuracy of the internal compass of the ADCP. Directional differences (after correcting for local magnetic declination) are about 3° between the ADCP bottom tracking and KGPS. An error of this magnitude is shown to result in a maximal measurement error in water velocity of less than 6%. Nonetheless, an unexplained water velocity error is observed that is significantly larger than can be explained by a simple compass error. Repeated transects in opposing directions show a bias in measured water velocities in the direction of boat motion. The bias cannot be explained by an error in the compass or the bottom-trac...
Climate change as a migration driver from rural and urban Mexico

Studies investigating migration as a response to climate variability have largely focused on rural locations to the exclusion of urban areas. This lack of urban focus is unfortunate given the sheer numbers of urban residents and continuing high levels of urbanization. To begin filling this empirical gap, this study investigates climate change impacts on US-bound migration from rural and urban Mexico, 1986–1999. We employ geostatistical interpolation methods to construct two climate change indices, capturing warm and wet spell duration, based on daily temperature and precipitation readings for 214 weather stations across Mexico. In combination with detailed migration histories obtained from the Mexican Migration Project, we model the influence of climate change on household-level migration from 68 rural and 49 urban municipalities. Results from multilevel event-history models reveal that a temperature warming and excessive precipitation significantly increased international migration during the study period. However, climate change impacts on international migration is only observed for rural areas. Interactions reveal a causal pathway in which temperature (but not precipitation) influences migration patterns through employment in the agricultural sector. As such, climate-related international migration may decline with continued urbanization and the resulting reductions in direct dependence of households on rural agriculture.
Development of a surveying engineering technology program: From certificate to BS degree

The College of Technology at the University of Houston together with Lone Star College proposes to develop a programs in Land Surveying Engineering Technology. The proposed program will address two goals 1) a certificate program to enhance the skill set of the associate degree graduates and 2) ultimately will lead to a BS degree in organizational Leadership and Supervision (OLS). The certificate program consists of five courses. Theses five courses will be developed as college level courses that could be either used as a minor in Construction Management program or in Civil Engineering Technology program. In addition, the courses can be transferred into a BS program for those who seek to obtain a BS degree in OLS. The highlights of this program are the acceleration of skill enhancement of those land surveying field crew and office technicians and their re-development in Land Surveying based on the new technology and provide the opportunity for those who are choosing the Land Surveying profession as career....
Adenosine A2A receptor plays an important role in radiation-induced dermal injury

Ionizing radiation is a common therapeutic modality and following irradiation dermal changes, including fibrosis and atrophy, may lead to permanent changes. We have previously demonstrated that occupancy of A2A receptor (A2AR) stimulates collagen production, so we determined whether blockade or deletion of A2AR could prevent radiation-induced fibrosis. After targeted irradiation (40 Gy) of the skin of wild-type (WT) or A2AR knockout (A2ARKO) mice, the A2AR antagonist ZM241385 was applied daily for 28 d. In irradiated WT mice treated with the A2AR antagonist, there was a marked reduction in collagen content and skin thickness, and ZM241385 treatment reduced the number of myofibroblasts and angiogenesis. After irradiation, there is an increase in loosely packed collagen fibrils, which is significantly diminished by ZM241385. Irradiation also induced an increase in epidermal thickness, prevented by ZM241385, by increasing the number of proliferating keratinocytes. Similarly, in A2ARKO mice, the changes in collagen alignment, skin thickness, myofibroblast content, angiogenesis, and epidermal hyperplasia were markedly reduced following irradiation. Radiation-induced changes in the dermis and epidermis were accompanied by an infiltrate of T cells, which was prevented in both ZM241385-treated and A2ARKO mice. Radiation therapy is administered to a significant number of patients with cancer, and radiation reactions may limit this therapeutic modality. Our findings suggest that topical application of an A2AR antagonist prevents radiation dermatitis and may be useful in the prevention or amelioration of radiation changes in the skin.
Presence of survivin-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) in pancreatic cancer patients, and specific killing of human pancreatic carcinoma cells in vitro by survivin-specific CTLs

3070 Background: The apoptosis inhibitor protein Survivin is an attractive target for a cancer vaccine because of its differential overexpression by most human tumors, its importance for tumor surv...
Brooding rumination and heart rate variability in women at high and low risk for depression: group differences and moderation by COMT genotype.

There is growing evidence that rumination, perhaps specifically brooding rumination, is a core feature of depression and that it contributes to the development and maintenance of the disorder. A separate line of research has highlighted the role played by heart rate variability (HRV). Both brooding rumination and HRV appear to be driven by disruption in the same neural circuit, heightened amygdala reactivity combined with decreased prefrontal control, and both are highlighted in different units of analysis as reflecting the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) construct of Loss. However, little is known about the relation among these variables. In the current study, we predicted that higher levels of brooding rumination would be associated with lower levels of HRV and that women at high risk for future depression (i.e., those with a history of past major depressive disorder [MDD]) would exhibit higher levels of brooding and lower levels of HRV. We also examined genetic influences on the variables in this model. We predicted that COMT Val158Met genotype, which has been linked to heightened amygdala reactivity and deficits in prefrontal functioning, would be associated with brooding rumination and HRV, particularly among women with a history of past MDD. The results largely supported our hypotheses, providing additional support for relations among the different units of analysis for the Loss construct.
Investigation of Benefits and Impacts of Aircraft Design Cruise Speed Reductions on Airlines Operations and Economics

Future reductions in fuel burn and greenhouse gas emissions from commercial aviation will be in part achieved through aircraft technology and potentially through the design and use of aircraft with alternative mission specifications/capabilities (e.g., lower design cruise speed, different payload-range characteristics). These alternative mission specifications generally result in trades between operating benefits (e.g., fuel savings) and operating costs (e.g., labor, maintenance, and depreciation/rental/lease). This paper evaluates the benefits and impacts of reducing design cruise speed, not only at the aircraft level, but also at the airline and passenger levels. Flight time increases from cruise speed reduction and their associated costs are thus evaluated against fuel burn savings. In addition, the effects of reduced cruise speed on airlines’ schedules are mitigated through schedule re-optimization. This paper also includes an assessment of the cost of cruise speed reduction on passengers, as well as potential ways to mitigate the impacts to airline schedules through changes to aircraft configuration. Overall, operating cost savings are found to be achievable from design cruise speed reduction, but trade-offs among cost savings, risks of delay, and impact to passengers need to be evaluated in determining acceptable levels of cruise speed reduction for future aircraft designs.
Secretory Vesicle Swelling by Atomic Force Microscopy

The swelling of secretory vesicles has been implicated in exocytosis, but the underlying mechanism of vesicle swelling remained unknown. Earlier studies from our laboratory demonstrated the association of the alpha-subunit of heterotrimeric GTP-binding protein G(alphai3) with zymogen granule membrane and implicated its involvement in vesicle swelling. Mas7, an active mastoparan analog known to stimulate Gi proteins, was found to stimulate the GTPase activity of isolated zymogen granules and cause swelling. Increase in vesicle size in the presence of GTP, NaF, and Mas7 were irreversible and found to be KCl sensitive. However, Ca2+ had no effect on zymogen granule size. Taken together, these results indicated that zymogen granules, the membrane-bound secretory vesicles in exocrine pancreas, swell in response to GTP mediated by a G(alphai3) protein. Subsequently, our studies demonstrated that the water channel aquaporin-1 (AQP1) is also present at the zymogen granule membrane and participates in rapid GTP-induced and G(alphai3)-mediated vesicular water gating and swelling. Isolated zymogen granules exhibit low basal water permeability. However, exposure of granules to GTP results in a marked potentiation of water entry. Treatment of zymogen granules with the known water channel inhibitor Hg2+ is accompanied by a reversible loss in both the basal and GTP-stimulable water entry and vesicle swelling. Introduction of AQP1-specific antibody raised against the carboxy-terminal domain of AQP1 blocked GTP-stimulable swelling of vesicles. Our results demonstrate that AQPI associated at the zymogen granule membrane is involved in basal GTP-induced and G(alphai3)-mediated rapid gating of water into zymogen granules of the exocrine pancreas.
Improved turbidimetric assay of tylosin in premix and animal feeds not containing urea.

L'etude porte sur l'elimination des interferences au cours du dosage dans les aliments pour animaux et la concentration, par chromatographie en phase inversee, des echantillons contenant de faibles quantites d'antibiotique
High-Throughput Bioconjugation for Enhanced 193 nm Photodissociation via Droplet Phase Initiated Ion/Ion Chemistry Using a Front-End Dual Spray Reactor

Fast online chemical derivatization of peptides with an aromatic label for enhanced 193 nm ultraviolet photodissociation (UVPD) is demonstrated using a dual electrospray reactor implemented on the front-end of a linear ion trap (LIT) mass spectrometer. The reactor facilitates the intersection of protonated peptides with a second population of chromogenic 4-formyl-1,3-benzenedisulfonic acid (FBDSA) anions to promote real-time formation of ion/ion complexes at atmospheric pressure. Subsequent collisional activation of the ion/ion intermediate results in Schiff base formation generated via reaction between a primary amine in the peptide cation and the aldehyde moiety of the FBDSA anion. Utilizing 193 nm UVPD as the subsequent activation step in the MS3 workflow results in acquisition of greater primary sequence information relative to conventional collision induced dissociation (CID). Furthermore, Schiff-base-modified peptides exhibit on average a 20% increase in UVPD efficiency compared to their unmodified ...
Substaging of stage III Hodgkin's disease.

Patients with stage III Hodgkin’s disease require a staging laparotomy to accurately define two main subgroups of patients, III1 and III2. Selection of treatment modality for each group is very important. The majority of patients with pathological stage III Hodgkin’s disease are treated with combined modality therapy; however, a subset of patients can be effectively treated with radiation therapy alone.
Ecdysis in Flexicalymene meeki (Trilobita)

The ecdysial style of Flexicalymene meeki (Foerste) from the Upper Ordovician of the Cincinnati arch (Ohio) is best characterized by a spectrum of configurations. Recurring patterns of displaced tergites and points of disarticulation indicate differential susceptibility of the exoskeleton to disarticulation during ecdysis. Specimens identified as exuviae are characterized by one or more of the following: thoracic segments displaced (unevenly spaced, disarticulated or telescoped); pygidia and/or cephala rotated away from the sagittal line; cephalon sharply bent ventrally at first thoracic segment; librigenae separated or folded ventrally along facial sutures; “extra” tergites (exuvia) superposed on the new exoskeleton; and missing elements, especially librigenae and hypostomae. The range of exuvial configurations suggests a variety of ecdysial behavior in this trilobite.
Empathy, Altruism and Normative Ethics

Empathy contributes to our knowledge of others, but empirical research on empathy also suggests that it tends to cause or motivate altruistic action. The empirical evidence suggests that when individuals empa- thetically take up the perspectives of others and feel others’ emotions, they put the concerns and needs of those others ahead of their own. Such studies do not nullify the idea that empathy has epistemic functions, for it is entirely possible that certain types of empathy have epis- temic functions and motivate altruism. This chapter will examine this possibility and investigate the relationship between the epistemic functions of empathy and the consequences of empathy. My suggestion is that the empirical research is important for understanding the psychological and moral effects of perspective-taking empathy in clinical settings, but it does not tell us about when people actually empathize in real life situations, when they ought to empathize, or how empathy relates to our moral duties and obligations to others. Moreover, while empirical research reveals the likely effects of empathy, it also shows that people tend to empathize with those who are most similar to themselves. Empathy appears to be biased in favor of those with whom one is most similar.
Mobile Photovoltaic Systems for Disaster Relief and Remote Areas

This chapter deals with mobile PV systems for use after disasters and in remote areas. It starts by introducing the need for mobility in PV systems and different type of trailers that can be used for PV mobile systems. The chapter lists the features of trailers and their applications in different kinds of mobile PV systems. These applications include community-based mobile systems, solar-powered mobile systems for communication systems, water purification systems as well as solar-powered medical clinics, solar-powered mobile systems for small shelters and hand-driven solar generating carts. The chapter concludes with a case study dealing with solar-powered cars and planes by discussing their historical background, principles, and recent developments.
Multinational firms in India: Conducting ethical business

This paper seeks to understand the current business environment in India as it relates to multinational companies completing their goals in an ethical manner. The purpose of the paper is to provide these firms with an insight into the cultural mindset behind a corruption riddled economy, how this mindset pervades the current business environment in India, and a framework through which they can create effective anti-corruption measures. Acknowledgements I would like to thank my professors in the Economics and Supply Chain departments of the Walton College for their teaching and the University of Arkansas for the opportunity to apply what I have learned through the completion of the thesis project. A big thanks goes to Bronson and Evelyn Stilwell for our conversations about ethics and for time you took in reading my drafts. Thanks to Jane Marlow at Walmart for connecting me with the Walmart India team. Thanks to my mother for being my translator and interpreter for the many phone interviews to India. And finally a special thanks to my advisor Jason Arentz, for your willingness to take on this project as well as your guidance and encouragement throughout the experience. Table of
CFD Simulations of transport of magnetic nanoparticles in BioMEMS

M devices employing magnetic nanoparticles can serve as a useful platform for understanding and developing diagnostic and therapeutic instruments and techniques for medical applications. Magnetic particles based sensors have many advantages over the standard laboratory based diagnostic protocols. The focus of this paper is to study the transport of magnetic particles in microfluidic devices by numerical simulations. Numerical simulations of transport of magnetic particles and their interaction with the fluid in the presence of a magnetic field are conducted in microfluidic devices by solving the governing equations of fluid dynamics and electrodynamics. These studies are of relevance in development of bioMEMS for Magnetic Drug Targeting (MDT) applications.
Obesity in IBD: epidemiology, pathogenesis, disease course and treatment outcomes

Incidence of IBD is rising in parallel with overweight and obesity. Contrary to conventional belief, about 15-40% of patients with IBD are obese, which might contribute to the development of IBD. Findings from cross-sectional and retrospective cohort studies are conflicting on the effect of obesity on natural history and course of IBD. Most studies are limited by small sample size, low event rates, non-validated assessment of disease activity and lack robust longitudinal follow-up and have incomplete adjustment for confounding factors. The effect of obesity on the efficacy of IBD-related therapy remains to be studied, though data from other autoimmune diseases suggests that obesity results in suboptimal response to therapy, potentially by promoting rapid clearance of biologic agents leading to low trough concentrations. These data provide a rationale for using weight loss interventions as adjunctive therapy in patients with IBD who are obese. Obesity also makes colorectal surgery technically challenging and might increase the risk of perioperative complications. In this Review, we highlight the existing literature on the epidemiology of obesity in IBD, discuss its plausible role in disease pathogenesis and effect on disease course and treatment response, and identify high-priority areas of future research.