cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dose-dependent cross-talk between the transforming growth factor-β and interleukin-1 signaling pathways

Some tumor cell lines secrete high concentrations of TGFβ or IL-1. Similarly high concentrations of each of these cytokines cross-activate the other pathway: TGFβ activates NFκB, and IL-1β activates Smads. The IL-1 signaling components IRAK, MyD88, TRAF6, and TAK1 are all required for cross-activation of NFκB by TGFβ. Knockdown experiments revealed that both TGFβ receptor subunits are required for IL-1β to activate Smads, and the IL-1 receptor is required for TGFβ to activate NFκB. Coimmunoprecipitations showed that either TGFβ or IL-1β stimulate ligand-dependent association of all three receptor subunits. Furthermore, cross-talk between the TGFβ and IL-1 signaling pathways leads to dose-dependent cross-control of gene expression. These interactions provide new insight into biological responses to IL-1 and TGFβ in the proximity of tumors that secrete high concentrations of these factors and probably also at sites of inflammation, where the local concentrations of these cytokines are likely to be high.
SU-E-J-207: Compensation of Target Distortion of Pancreatic Tumor in Free-Breathing CT Using 4D Contour Propagation.

Purpose: Due to lack of soft‐tissue contrast, target distortion for the upper‐abdomen targets such as pancreatic tumors is complicated and requiring sufficient remedy. By applying automatic contour propagation, the authors use the information obtained from 4D CT to test if the deformable image registration compensates the respiration‐induced distortion of pancreatic tumor in free breathing (FB) CTimages.Methods: Ten patients with unresected pancreatic cancer treated with either preoperative or definitive chemoradiation were studied. Pancreas GTVs were delineated on the FB CT. Using deformable image registration, the FB GTV contours were propagated to each phase of the 4D CTimages taken right after the FB CT, and were compared with the FB GTV to see difference in tumor volume and tumor size along individual dimensions. A one‐dimensional tumor motion in proportion to cos4(ωt) was simulated to calculate the probability distribution function for different magnitude of distortions during FB CT scans, and a binary classification test was conducted to analyze the observed results. Results: The probability distribution function predicted that four out of the ten cases would have substantial target distortion given the variation in target motion amplitudes. Three of these four cases show substantial difference in the superior‐inferior size of FB GTV compared to the average 4D GTV, taking into account the uncertainties caused by motions perpendicular to the scanning axis and resolution of the CT scanner. The binary classification test yielded a precision of 75% and an accuracy of 90%. Conclusions: Pancreatic GTV distorted due to respiration‐induced tumor motion is effectively compensated by contour propagation from free‐breathing CT to 4D CT using DIR. Union of GTVs of all breathing phases or IGTV can be genreated from 4D set of GTVs propagated from that of free breathing. This study is partially supported by NIH grant 1R01CA133539‐01A2. I do not have conflict of interest.
Detectors For The 1.1-1.6 µm Spectral Region

The current state of the art of photodetectors, both PIN and avalanche, for 1.1-1.6μm operation is reviewed. The devices are compared as components of optical receivers using several different types of amplifiers. GaInAsP/InP PIN and APD detectors are shown to be clearly superior to Ge devices with respect to dark current and potentially so with respect to other sources of noise. Receivers with performance within a few dB of the quantum limit appear to be possible with current technology.
Acculturative family distancing (AFD) and depression in Chinese American families.

Objective Knowledge of acculturative processes and their impact on immigrant families remains quite limited. Acculturative family distancing (AFD) is the distancing that occurs between immigrant parents and their children and is caused by breakdowns in communication and cultural value differences. It is a more proximal and problem-focused formulation of the acculturation gap and is hypothesized to increase depression via family conflict. Method Data were collected from 105 Chinese American high school students and their mothers. Rasch modeling was used to refine the AFD measure, and structural equation modeling was used to determine the effects of AFD on youth and maternal depression. Results Findings indicate that greater AFD was associated with higher depressive symptoms and risk for clinical depression. Family conflict partially mediated this relation for youths, whereas for mothers, AFD directly increased risk for depression. Greater mother-child heritage enculturation discrepancies were associated with greater mother and child AFD. Mainstream acculturation discrepancies and language gaps between mothers and youths were not significantly associated with any of the primary outcome variables. Conclusions Results highlight the need for better understanding of how AFD and other acculturation-gap phenomena affect immigrant mental health. They also underscore the need for prevention and intervention programs that target communication difficulties and intergenerational cultural value differences.
Surface roughness measurements of curved surfaces by light scatter

The use of light scatter to determine flat surface statistical information, such as a bandwidth limited section of the surface power spectral density (PSD) function and the associated rms roughness and slope numbers, is well documented in the literature. Systems which mea-sure scatter as a function of angular position often make use of the fact that the surface power spectral density function is essentially produced in the scatter pattern. Low spatial frequencies scatter close to the direc-tion of specular reflection and higher frequencies scatter further out. The technique relies on the one-to-one relationship between spatial frequen-cy and scatter position in the far field. This relationship is exact to within dimensions corresponding to the diffraction limit (i.e., dimensions much smaller than the usual detector aperture). For a curved surface, this one-to-one relationship is destroyed as scatter from a single spatial frequency can spread out to dimensions far exceeding those of a diffraction limited spot. As the spread approaches detector aperture dimensions, the ability to extract useful surface information is impaired. The amount of spread is determined by the illuminated spot radius r, the radius of curvature of the surface R, and the angle of incidence 01(r) and is plotted, for constant 01, as a function of r/R. Analytical data show that by reducing r to 0.5 mm, reasonable results are obtainable with workable scatter system geometries for curved surfaces with R _> 5 cm.
Higher-Alcohols Biorefinery

The concept of a biorefinery for higher-alcohol production is to integrate ethanol and methanol formation via fermentation and biomass gasification, respectively, with, conversion of these simple alcohol intermediates into higher alcohols via the Guerbet reaction. 1-Butanol results from the selfcondensation of ethanol in this multistep reaction occurring on a single catalytic bed. Combining methanol with ethanol gives a mixture of propanol, isobutanol, and 2-methyl-1-butanol. All of these higher alcohols are usefulas solvents, chemical intermediates, and fuel additives and, consequently, have higher market values than the simple alcohol intermediates. Several new catalysts for the condensation of ethanol and alcohol mixtures to higher alcohols were designed and tested under a variety of conditions. Reactions of methanol ethanol mixtures gave as high as 100% conversion of the ethanol to form high yields of isobutanol with smaller amounts of 1-propanol, the amounts in the mixture depending on the starting mixture. The most successful catalysts are multifunctional with basic and hydrogen transfer components.
The development of children's knowledge structures: events, slots, and taxonomies.

Seventeen preschool (age range 2;10–3;6), 26 kindergarten (age range 5;5–6;7), and 26 fourth-grade (age range 9;5–10;5) children's knowledge structures were examined with a word association task and a match-to-sample picture task to determine whether or not children used slot-filler categories as a mediating structure between event-based and taxonomic knowledge structures, as proposed by Nelson (1985, 1986). In general, preschool children were able to provide event-based, but not slot-filler or taxonomic, relations; kindergarten children were able to provide event-based or slot-filler relations, but very few taxonomic relations; and fourth-grade children were able to provide all three relations. These findings support Nelson's hypothesis that taxonomic knowledge structures are derived from event-based knowledge structures with the aid of slot-filler categories.
The Pacific Subtropical Cloud Transition: A MAGIC Assessment of AIRS and ECMWF Thermodynamic Structure

We use radiosonde data from the ship-based Marine ARM GPCI Investigation of Clouds (MAGIC) campaign in the northeast Pacific to validate temperature and moisture profiles from the satellite-based Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) instrument and from European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ERA-Interim reanalysis data. We find that AIRS and ECMWF rms errors and biases are largest near the boundary layer inversion. In the mean vertical profile over the entire MAGIC track, the largest AIRS biases for $T$ and $q$ are 0.4 K and −0.6 g kg−1 at 516 hPa and 866 hPa, respectively. We also find that AIRS and ECMWF slightly underestimate the boundary layer height in the region.
Endothelial Cell Hypoxic Stress Proteins

The vascular endothelium is an important mediator of vascular tone, inflammatory-immune reactions, vascular permeability, angiogenesis, and hemostasis. Endothelial functions may be altered by changes in the local cellular environment, particularly changes in oxygen tension. The mechanisms by which endothelial cells (ECs) respond and adapt to hypoxia are unknown; however, the EC is one of the more hypoxia-tolerant mammalian cell types. Cultured ECs exposed to hypoxia up-regulate a set of stress proteins, termed hypoxia-associated proteins (HAPs), that are distinct from the classically described stress proteins induced by heat shock (heat-shock proteins, HSPs) or glucose deprivation (glucose-regulated proteins, GRPs). Two of these proteins have been identified as the glycolytic enzymes glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and non-neuronal enolase (NNE). GAPDH expression during hypoxia is regulated primarily at the level of transcription, while the mechanism of NNE mRNA accumulation remains unclear. GAPDH, NNE, and the other HAPs are up-regulated by transitional metals and deferoxamine; however, unlike the situation with other hypoxia-regulated proteins such as erythropoietin, the up-regulation of GAPDH, NNE, and the other HAPs by hypoxia is not inhibited by carbon monoxide. Subcellular fractionation of hypoxic EC has shown that GAPDH and NNE are up-regulated in the cytoplasmic fraction as would be expected for a glycolytic enzyme; however, a protein corresponding to GAPDH is also up-regulated in the nuclear fraction. This suggests that GAPDH and perhaps NNE have functions aside from their catalytic function in glycolysis. It is unknown whether the up-regulation of GAPDH, NNE, and the other HAPs in ECs is related to the relative ability of ECs to adapt to hypoxia; however, other more-hypoxia-sensitive cells do not up-regulate HAPs. (J Lab Clin Med 1998; 132:456-63)
Measurement of functional metabolic activity as a sensitive parameter of cytotoxicity in cultured hepatocytes

Although standard in vitro toxicity parameters, such as cell viability and enzyme leakage, are useful, it is also important to develop sensitive indices of toxicity which evaluate cell injury other than by measuring changes in membrane integrity. We describe two early, sensitive indices of cytotoxicity involving differentiated liver function: maintenance of cellular urea levels and lactate to pyruvate ratio.
Genomic Copy Number Variation in Disorders of Cognitive Development

Objective To highlight recent discoveries in the area of genomic copy number variation in neuropsychiatric disorders including intellectual disability, autism, and schizophrenia. To emphasize new principles emerging from this area, involving the genetic architecture of disease, pathophysiology, and diagnosis. Method Review of studies published in PubMed including classic studies of genomic disorders and microarray and copy number studies in normal controls, intellectual disability, autism, and schizophrenia. Results The advent of novel microarray technology has led to a revolution in the discovery of classic and novel copy number variants (CNVs) in various disorders affecting cognitive development. Across autism and schizophrenia, global CNV burden and de novo CNV burden are associated with disease. Also, specific recurrent CNVs may be associated with several DSM conditions. Each condition is also associated with heterogeneous and individually rare CNVs. Conclusions CNVs play an important role in the genetic architecture of the childhood neuropsychiatric disorders discussed. This discovery appears to suggest an important role for the strict regulation of gene dosage in the neurodevelopmental roots of these conditions. Microarrays have emerged as high-yield tests in the diagnosis and molecular subtyping of the childhood-onset disorders involving cognitive development. In summary, CNV studies in disorders of cognitive development have revealed interesting and important new insights and have opened an avenue of investigation that holds great promise for neuropsychiatric disease.
Pharmacogenomics and -genetics in colorectal cancer.

Abstract Despite recent progress in our knowledge about the development and therapy of colorectal cancer (CRC), it still remains one of the major cancer related deaths throughout the world. With the introduction of new cytotoxic and targeting agents a significant improvement in progression-free and overall survival has been achieved. However, a significant percentage (40–50%) of patients do not experience beneficial effects and suffer from severe toxicities. It will be critical to identify molecular markers, which may help to assess therapeutic response and outcome in CRC. Validation of predictive and prognostic molecular markers will enable oncologists to tailor patient specific treatment strategies for the individual patient according to the molecular profile of both the patient and their tumor. Individualized therapy will help to improve therapeutic efficacy and to minimize toxicities and therapeutic expenses.
A Holography Technique For Diagnosing The High-Speed Microparticle Field

The microparticle field of products on detonation front was measured by the holography technique described in this paper. The results show that the velocity of product microparticles is about 5000 m/s. microparticle velocity permitted by holography and other related parameters are again calculated. The features and applicable extent for in-line and off-axis holography and the way using the space filtering technique to get a high resolution hologram image are discussed.
Does lung allocation score maximize survival benefit from lung transplantation

Objective The lung allocation score was initiated in May 2005 to allocate lungs on the basis of medical urgency and posttransplant survival. However, the relationship between lung allocation score and candidate outcomes remains poorly characterized. The purpose of this study was (1) to describe outcomes by lung allocation score at the time of listing and (2) to estimate the net survival benefit of transplantation by lung allocation score. Methods The United Network for Organ Sharing provided de-identified patient-level data. Analysis included lung transplant candidates aged 12 years or more and listed between May 4, 2005, and May 4, 2009 (n = 6082). Candidates were stratified according to lung allocation score at listing into 7 groups: lung allocation score less than 40, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, 70 to 79, 80 to 89, and 90 or more. Outcomes of interest included the risk of death on the waiting list and likelihood of transplantation. The net survival benefit of transplantation was defined as actuarial median posttransplant graft survival minus actuarial median waiting list survival, where the outcome of interest was death on the waiting list or posttransplant; candidates were censored at the time of transplant or last follow-up. Results In the lowest-priority strata (eg, Conclusions The mid-priority groups (eg, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79) seem to achieve the greatest survival benefit from transplantation. Although low-priority candidates comprise the majority of transplant recipients, survival benefit in this group seems to be less than in other groups given the low risk of death on the waiting list. As expected, both the time to transplant and survival on the waitlist are lower in the higher-priority strata (eg, 80–89 and 90+). However, their net survival benefit was likewise relatively low as a result of their poor posttransplant survival.
SUXAMETHONIUM-NEOSTIGMINE INTERACTION IN PATIENTS WITH NORMAL OR ATYPICAL CHOLINESTERASE

The effect of neostigmine 0.05 mg/kg on the neuromuscular block produced by suxamethonium was investigated in 10 normal patients and in five patients with atypical plasma cholinesterase activity, by recording the twitch response to ulnar nerve stimulation. In the normal patients, neostigmine potentiated the block produced by suxamethonium whether it was of the depolarizing or descensitizing type. On the other hand, in patients with atypical plasma cholinesterase activity, neostigmine potentiated the depolarizing phase of suxamethonium block, while antagonizing the desensitizing phase. The degree of antagonism was not related to the magnitude of neuromuscular block, but was proportional to the degree of desensitization at the time of antagonism.
The Polls: Gender and Attitudes Toward Violence

CONSIDERABLE attention in the media and social science community has been focused on the gender gap in President Reagan's popularity. In large part this gap may come from underlying differences between men and women toward violence and the use of force. Women and men differ both in their use of violence and in their approval of violence across a wide range of social conditions including foreign affairs, social control and law enforcement, and interpersonal relations, and the difference is reasonably stable across time. Looking at 285 data points we found that men were more supportive of the violent or forceful option in over 87 percent of the readings. 1 The results were ambiguous in 7 percent of the cases, with men more in favor of both the most and least forceful response and women leaning toward a middle alternative. Finally, in only just over 5 percent of the cases did women favor the forceful response more than men. The tendency of men to back violent options is moderately strong, averaging over 9 percentage points and ranging up to over 30 percentage points. The difference is largest on topics that are closely linked to major differences in socialization, including gun ownership, hunting, gun control attitudes, and attitudes toward boxing. Differences averaging about 10 percentage points are found on most questions dealing with law enforcement and criminal punishments-such as questions on the approval of the death penalty, television violence, and on a wide range of questions asking about the use of the military in international relations and support for America's involvement in wars. Differences tend to be somewhat smaller when dealing indirectly with
Job satisfaction of advanced practice nurses in the Veterans Health Administration.

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the level of job satisfaction and barriers to practice for advanced practice nurses (APNs) employed by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Data sources: The Misener Nurse Practitioner Job Satisfaction Survey (MNPJSS) and an investigator-developed questionnaire were completed by a self-selected, convenience sample of 1,983 APNs who responded to an internal VHA email invitation (61% response rate) to participate in an anonymous on-line survey. Conclusions: Respondents reported being minimally satisfied with their job overall, most satisfied with their benefits and least satisfied with professional growth and intrapractice collegiality. They scored lower than their private sector peers for total job satisfaction and all subscales except benefits, as compared to samples of three smaller studies. Clinical nurse specialists reported greater job satisfaction then NPs. The most frequently cited barriers to practice were: too many non-APN tasks, lack of administrative support, and inadequate time to do research. Implications for practice: Strategies for improving professional growth and intra-practice collegiality are needed. APNs' job satisfaction may be improved in these areas by mentoring of new APN graduates and administrative approval for participating in research. Additional administrative support is needed to decrease the amount of non-APN tasks and clerical duties.
Soil calcium and plant disease in serpentine ecosystems: a test of the pathogen refuge hypothesis

Ecologists have long sought mechanistic explanations for the patterns of plant distribution and endemism associated with serpentine soils. We conducted the first empirical test of the serpentine pathogen refuge hypothesis, which posits that the low levels of calcium found in serpentine soils provide associated plants with a refuge from attack by pathogens. We measured the range of soil calcium concentrations experienced by 16 wild population of California dwarf flax (Hesperolinon californicum) and experimentally recreated part of this range in the greenhouse by soaking serpentine soils in calcium chloride solutions of varying molarity. When flax plants grown in these soils were inoculated with spores of the rust fungus Melampsora lini we found a significant negative relationship between infection rates and soil calcium concentrations. This result refutes the pathogen refuge hypothesis and suggests that serpentine plants, by virtue of their association with low calcium soils, may be highly vulnerable to attack by pathogens. This interaction between plant nutrition and disease may in part explain demographic patterns associated with serpentine plant populations and suggests scenarios for the evolution of life history traits and the distribution of genetic resistance to infection in serpentine plant communities.
Animal models in research on retinal degenerations: past progress and future hope

The retinal degenerations (RDs) are a family of inherited retinal degenerative diseases (dystrophies) that lead to vision loss. Although phenotypically very different, the RDs have several characteristics in common. They all are caused by gene mutations or at least have a genetic component in the etiology. They all lead to photoreceptor dysfunction, many leading to the death of both rod and cone photoreceptors. The mechanism of cell death in most of the RDs seems to be through the process of apoptosis. It is estimated that more than fifteen million people around the world have vision loss due to an inherited RD. Many of these are patients with the dry form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) who retain partial functional vision. However, some have other degenerative conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa, Leber congenital amaurosis or wet AMD and can suffer from severe vision loss or total blindness.
The cost-effectiveness of reclassification sampling for prevalence estimation.

Background Typically, a two-phase (double) sampling strategy is employed when classifications are subject to error and there is a gold standard (perfect) classifier available. Two-phase sampling involves classifying the entire sample with an imperfect classifier, and a subset of the sample with the gold-standard. Methodology/Principal Findings In this paper we consider an alternative strategy termed reclassification sampling, which involves classifying individuals using the imperfect classifier more than one time. Estimates of sensitivity, specificity and prevalence are provided for reclassification sampling, when either one or two binary classifications of each individual using the imperfect classifier are available. Robustness of estimates and design decisions to model assumptions are considered. Software is provided to compute estimates and provide advice on the optimal sampling strategy. Conclusions/Significance Reclassification sampling is shown to be cost-effective (lower standard error of estimates for the same cost) for estimating prevalence as compared to two-phase sampling in many practical situations.
Selective absorber coatings based on tellurium pigments

Abstract Selective absorber surfaces with extremely high absorptivity/emissivity ratios combined with very high (97%) absorptivities can be produced using textured tellurium coatings over polished metal surfaces. Such coatings have many of the mechanical properties of soot, however, and their practical application in this form is therefore difficult. A study has now been made in which these textured tellurium coatings have themselves been sprayed with a silicone binder to produce adherent paint-like coatings on polished copper substrates. Such coatings can have absorptivity/emissivity ratios from 6/1 to more than 20/1 depending upon the mass of binder applied per unit area. However, adherence is significantly compromised for binder levels less than 50 μg/cm2.
Delaying Justice(s): A Duration Analysis of Supreme Court Confirmations

Presidents traditionally have had great success when nominating justices to the Supreme Court, with confirmation being the norm and rejection being the rare exception. While the confirmation process usually ends with the nominee taking a seat on the Court, however, there is a great deal of variance in the amount of time it takes the Senate to act. To derive a theoretical explanation of this underlying dynamic in the confirmation process, we draw on a spatial model of presidential nominations to the Court. We then employ a hazard model to test this explanation, using data on all Supreme Court nominations and confirmations since the end of the Civil War. Our primary finding is that the duration of the confirmation process increases as the ideological distance between the president and the Senate increases. We also find evidence that suggests that the duration increases for critical nominees and chief justices and decreases for older nominees, current and previous senators, and nominees with prior experience on state and federal district courts.
Tamoxifen for salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma: report of two cases

Purpose Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary gland (ACC-SG) is a slow-growing tumor that is refractory to most chemotherapeutic agents. Estrogen receptor (ER) antagonists provide a novel approach for recurrent disease.
Career Assessment for Couples

Most clients are in committed relationships in which both partners are engaged in paid employment, yet counselors have not readily shifted to “couples-oriented” career assessment. This article is devoted to addressing this problem and (a) reviews general approaches to career assessment focused on the individual and provides recommendations for revising these assessment strategies to better fit couples, (b) examines the limited literature on couples-oriented career assessment including strategies to analyze the impact of workplace and social policies on families, and (c) outlines implications for practice, theory, training, and research.
Signal characteristics of visual cortex and lateral geniculate during contralateral and ipsilateral photic stimulation

Abstract 1.1. Frequency-specific outputs from the visual cortex and lateral geniculate of unanesthetized rats were recorded and measured by means of matched narrow bandpass filters under conditions of no stimulation and bandpass-tuned flicker stimulation at the contralateral and ipsilateral eye. 2.2. In the visual cortex, output was significantly higher under stimulation than during the resting condition, and output under contralateral stimulation was significantly higher than under ipsilateral stimulation. 3.3. Signal-to-noise levels in the visual cortex were computed for both contralateral and ipsilateral stimulation. It was found that a S/N advantage of 4.38:1 favored contralateral stimulation over ipsilateral stimulation, whereas contralateral stimulation was approximately 13 times as effective as ipsilateralv with respect to the signal-to-noise power ratio. 4.4. Stimulation resulted in a significant increase in the duration of modulation periods at the visual cortex. The observed shift in modulation periods from rest to stimulation was significantly greater for contralateral stimulation compared to ipsilateral stimulation. 5.5. In the lateral geniculate, output was significantly higher under stimulation than during the resting condition, and as with the visual cortex, output under contralateral stimulation was significantly higher than under ipsilateral stimulation. 6.6. Signal-to-noise levels in the lateral geniculate showed as S/N advantage of 4.15:1 for contralateral over ipsilateral stimulation, whereas contralateral stimulation was approximately 10 times as effective as ipsilateral with respect to the signal-to-noise power ratio. 7.7. At the lateral genicualte, contralateral stimulation resulted in a significant increase in modulation period, whereas ipsilateral stimulation yielded practically no increase. 8.8. As the photo-evoked signal passed from lateral geniculate to visual cortex, S/N improved by a factor of approximately four, and the signal-to-noise power ratio by a factor of approximately ten. 9.9. The endogenous modulation period was significantly longer in the visual cortex than in the lateral geniculate. This was true under either contralateral or ipsilateral stimulation. 10.10. The known ratio of decussating optic nerve fibers in the rat was quantitatively reflected in corresponding relative signal-to-noise power ratios for contralateral and ipsilateral stimulation. This was true at both the occipital cortex and the lateral geniculate. 11.11. Modulation-period distributions in the visual cortex and lateral geniculate corresponded very well with theoretically predicted distributions derived from a proposed mathematical model.
Study of anticancer activities of muscadine grape phenolics in vitro

Muscadine grapes have unique aroma and flavor characteristics. Although a few studies reported high polyphenols content of muscadine grapes, little research has been conducted to evaluate the phenolic compounds bioactivities in any muscadine grape cultivar. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of phenolic compounds in muscadine grapes on cancer cell viability and apoptosis. Four cultivars of muscadine (Carlos, Ison, Noble, and Supreme) were assessed in this study. Phenolic compounds were extracted from muscadine skins and further separated into phenolic acids, tannins, flavonols, and anthocyanins using HLB cartridge and LH20 column. Some individual phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified by HPLC. Anthocyanin fractions were more than 90% pure. The effect of different fractions on the viability and apoptosis of two colon cancer cell lines (HT-29 and Caco-2) was evaluated. A 50% inhibition of cancer cell population growth for the two cell lines was observed at concentrations of 1-7 mg/mL for crude extracts. The phenolic acid fractions showed a 50% inhibition at the level of 0.5-3 mg/mL. The greatest inhibitory activity was found in the anthocyanin fraction, with a 50% inhibition at concentrations of approximately 200 microg/mL in HT-29 and 100-300 microg/mL in Caco-2. Anthocyanin fractions also resulted in 2-4 times increase in DNA fragmentation, indicating the induction of apoptosis. These findings suggest that polyphenols from muscadine grapes may have anticancer properties.
An Ultrasonographic Study of Early Buckle Height after Sponge Explants

A series of ten consecutive patients operated on with episcleral sponge explants underwent serial B-scan ultrasonographic examinations between three days and 12 months postoperatively. The amount of indentation of the globe was surprisingly high, with a 5-mm sponge often producing 4 to 4.5 mm of indentation. The amount of indentation ranged from 3.25 to 4.5 mm (median, 4 mm). This indentation decreased only slowly during the postoperative period, and three to 12 months postoperatively most patients still maintained 75% or more of their initial buckle height.
Divalent metal pyromellitate coordination polymers containing bis(4-pyridylformyl)piperazine: Selection between simple chain and rare fsc network topologies

Abstract Hydrothermal synthesis has yielded four divalent metal coordination polymers containing both bis(4-pyridylformyl)piperazine (4-bpfp) and pyromellitate (pyro, 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylate) ligands, which were structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Various topologies were obtained depending on specific metal used and level of base in the reaction mixture. {[Cd(pyroH2)(4-bpfp)]·2H2O}n (1) displays an uncommon 3-D binodal fsc network, while {[Zn2(pyro)(4-bpfp)(H2O)8]·4H2O}n (2) and {[Co2(pyro)(4-bpfp)(H2O)8]·4H2O}n (3) manifest aggregated 1-D coordination polymer chains. A decrease in amount of added base from that used in the preparation of 3 resulted in the generation of {[Co(pyroH2)(4-bpfp)]·2H2O}n (4), which has the same 3-D fsc topology as 1. The closed shell complexes 1 and 2 emit blue-violet and blue light, respectively, upon ultraviolet irradiation. Dehydration and decomposition behavior of these four new materials is also presented.
The picoeconomic approach to addictions: Analyzing the conflict of successive motivational states

The branch of behavioral economics called “picoeconomics” (Ainslie ) models behavior as the competition between successive motivational states within the individual. This approach is particularly well suited for investigating addiction and recovery from addiction. We begin by outlining behavioral findings that provide the foundation for picoeconomics. Next we discuss strategies of self-control available to the individual guarding against her own anticipated preference reversals, and also consider negative side effects of these self-control strategies. These generally overlooked side effects include the tendency for lapses to lead to binges – the “abstinence violation effect”. Finally, we describe the relative effectiveness of contingency management and 12-step treatments for substance dependence from the perspective of picoeconomics, and discuss other implications of picoeconomics for the field of addiction.
SHORT-TERM GROUP PSYCHOTHERAPY IN A PSYCHIATRIC WALK-IN CLINIC

In the community mental health center, newer approaches must be used to provide for the ever-increasing treatment needs of the community. Is short-term group psychotherapy effective with patients of lower socioeconomic status? Two case studies illustrating the advantages of this modality and the significance of the patient who terminates treatment prematurely are discussed.
Signal recognition particle components in the nucleolus

The signal recognition particle (SRP) is a ribonucleoprotein composed of an Alu domain and an S domain. The S domain contains unique sequence SRP RNA and four SRP proteins: SRP19, SRP54, SRP68, and SRP72. SRP interacts with ribosomes to bring translating membrane and secreted proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) for proper processing. Additionally, SRP RNA is a member of a family of small nonribosomal RNAs found recently in the nucleolus, suggesting that the nucleolus is more plurifunctional than previously realized. It was therefore of interest to determine whether other SRP components localize to this intranuclear site. In transfected rat fibroblasts, green fluorescent protein fusions of SRP19, SRP68, and SRP72 localized to the nucleolus, as well as to the cytoplasm, as expected. SRP68 also accumulated in the ER, consistent with its affinity for the ER-bound SRP receptor. SRP54 was detected in the cytoplasm as a green fluorescent protein fusion and in immunofluorescence studies, but was not detected in the nucleolus. In situ hybridization experiments also revealed endogenous SRP RNA in the nucleolus. These results demonstrate that SRP RNA and three SRP proteins visit the nucleolus, suggesting that partial SRP assembly, or another unidentified activity of the SRP components, occurs at the nucleolus. SRP54 apparently interacts with nascent SRP beyond the nucleolus, consistent with in vitro reconstitution experiments showing that SRP19 must bind to SRP RNA before SRP54 binds. Our findings support the notion that the nucleolus is the site of assembly and/or interaction between the family of ribonucleoproteins involved in protein synthesis, in addition to ribosomes themselves.
Caloric restriction for longevity: I. Paradigm, protocols and physiological findings in animal research

The initial article in this series reviews basic findings in the field of caloric restriction for longevity (CRL). To eating disorder specialists, the data are disconcerting. The chronic dieting and subnormal weight we endeavour to prevent and treat in humans appear highly beneficial when imposed on animals. In the laboratory, organisms from nematodes to monkeys thrive when forced to undereat, as long as they receive sufficient micronutrients. The most remarkable results are obtained through the most extreme measures: mice, for example, do best if limited to a third of expected caloric intake, beginning soon after weaning and continuing throughout adulthood. Deprivation can be achieved through an ‘anorexic’ protocol of steady underconsumption or a ‘bulimic’ pattern in which periods of fasting alternate with bouts of binge eating. The benefits of such regimens include delayed senescence, postponement and/or attenuation of age-related disease and dramatic increases in average and maximum lifespan. Although some biological functions are impaired (including growth, reproduction and perhaps resistance to certain stressors), the cost/benefit ratio clearly favours CRL when calculated on the basis of physical outcomes in late age. Advocacy of comparable regimens for people, however, is ill-considered. Enthusiasm for CRL can be sustained only by detaching deprivation from the context of daily life, ignoring psychological effects, and dismissing data on human semi-starvation and eating disorders. The experiences of participants in Biosphere 2 and individuals with anorexia nervosa suggest that the price of CRL is unacceptably high when a wider range of outcome variables is examined. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Exact dielectric tensor for relativistic magnetized plasma with loss-cone and field-aligned drift

An exact form of the dielectric tensor for a wide variety of relativistic magnetized plasmas is derived from the fully relativistic linearized Vlasov-Maxwell equations. The equilibrium function chosen incorporates a loss-cone in perpendicular momentum space, and a net drift along the external field-line. This choice of distribution function is fully relativistic, and the resulting form of the dielectric tensor is valid for arbitrary value of temperature, arbitrary degrees of loss-cone, and arbitrary drift velocity along the field-line. The exact result is simplified in several limiting cases relevant to various physical applications.
GaAs FET RF switches

The device parameter dependences of GaAs FET switch performance have been determined analytically and by two-dimension simulation. FET switch design would maximize the value of the switch quality factor while retaining the power handling capacity. Expressions for both the quality factor and power handling capacity are derived in terms of device parameters, and would enable such optimization to be performed.
On the mechanism of pyridoxal phosphate-related convulsions as implicated in enhanced transport of GABA

Abstract The intracisternal injection of pyridoxine or pyridoxal phosphate has been shown to result in status epilepticus , which is preventable or reversible by GABA. Since pyridoxal phosphate and pyridoxamine phosphate serve as coenzymes for glutamic acid decarboxylase and γ-aminobutyric acid α-ketoglutarate transaminase respectively, and since alteration in GABA level produces convulsions, the effect of Vitamin B 6 on the uptake of GABA in synaptosomes was investigated. It was found that the B 6 vitamers, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine, pyridoxal phosphate or pyridoxamine phosphate; the vitamin B 6 antimetabolite such as deoxypyridoxine; and the vitamin B 6 depletors namely, cycloserine or isoniazid failed to alter the uptake of GABA into synaptosomes isolated from either the cerebral cortex or the hippocampus. On the other hand, pyridoxal or pyridoxal phosphate in a concentration of 1 mM enhanced GABA uptake in nuclear free crude homogenates of the cerebral cortex. These results do not support the direct involvement of B 6 derivatives in the transport of GABA. The effect of pyridoxal phosphate on the specific binding of GABA may clarify further the mechanism of pyridoxal phosphate-related convulsions
Phase Capacity Characteristics for Signalized Interchange and Intersection Approaches

Described in this paper are the development, calibration, and application of models that collectively can be used to predict the saturation flow rate and start-up lost time of through movements at signalized interchange ramp terminals and other closely spaced intersections. These models were calibrated with data collected at 12 interchanges. It is concluded that saturation flow rate decreases as the distance to the downstream queue decreases. This queue is formed by the signal at a downstream intersection. Saturation flow rate increases with traffic pressure, as quantified by traffic volume per cycle per lane. It is recommended that an ideal saturation flow rate of 2,000 passenger-car units per hour of green per lane be used for signalized ramp terminals and other high-volume intersections in urban areas. The data collected for this research indicate that start-up lost time increases with saturation flow rate.
Models, methods, and goals

To receive this award is itself a delightful honor. To share it in the company of Peter Armitage and David Sackett increases the honor and the pleasure. The joy is further heightened by the presence of Jacques Genest, as chairman of the ceremony, and by the distinguished guests who have come as colleagues and commentators. I am grateful to the Robarts Research Institute and the other sponsors for making it all possible, and to the selection committee for this tangible public demonstration of admiration and approval. The recipients of the Taylor Prize this year have been chosen because of contributions in methodology. All three of us have helped develop or improve methods that can be used for the diverse challenges of evaluation that occur in modern medicine. Instead of recapitulating those accomplishments, however, I should like to contemplate the future rather than review the past. I want to speak to our younger colleagues who may be asking, “Have those old guys done it all? Is there still some good stuff left for us? Are the fundamental concepts and paradigms all permanently established, so that our work will consist mainly of filling in the gaps-or do important basic challenges still exist?” To reassure those younger colleagues, I want to point out some outstanding, exciting, basic methodologic challenges that are still available for imaginative thought, creative research, cogent concepts, and new paradigms. As in many other fields of science, the new problems arise because of what was revealed or produced by the successful solution of old problems. As the development of excellent methodologic
Multiscale Evaluation of the Improvements in Surface Snow Simulation through Terrain Adjustments to Radiation

AbstractThe downwelling shortwave radiation on the earth’s land surface is affected by the terrain characteristics of slope and aspect. These adjustments, in turn, impact the evolution of snow over such terrain. This article presents a multiscale evaluation of the impact of terrain-based adjustments to incident shortwave radiation on snow simulations over two midlatitude regions using two versions of the Noah land surface model (LSM). The evaluation is performed by comparing the snow cover simulations against the 500-m Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) snow cover product. The model simulations are evaluated using categorical measures, such as the probability of detection of “yes” events (PODy), which measure the fraction of snow cover presence that was correctly simulated, and false alarm ratio (FAR), which measures the fraction of no-snow events that was incorrectly simulated. The results indicate that the terrain-based correction of radiation leads to systematic improvements in the s...
Energy Subsidies in Latin America and the Caribbean: Stocktaking and Policy Challenges

The oil price decline creates an opportunity to dismantle energy subsidies, which escalated with high oil prices. This paper assesses energy subsidies in Latin America and the Caribbean—about 1.8 percent of GDP in 2011–13 (approximately evenly split between fuel and electricity), and about 3.8 percent of GDP including negative externalities. Countries with poorer institutions subsidize more. Energy-rich countries subsidize fuel more, but low-income countries are more likely to subsidize electricity, as are Central America and the Caribbean. Energy subsidies impose fiscal costs, hurting SOEs, competitiveness, and distribution. The paper overviews country experience with subsidy reform, drawing lessons.
Current experience with liquid ventilation.

The concept of liquid ventilation has been investigated for almost 40 years. Kylstra,1 in 1962, demonstrated the ability to sustain gas exchange in dogs spontaneously breathing saline oxygenated at 6 atmospheres. Clark2 subsequently demonstrated that spontaneously breathing mice could survive when submerged in perfluorocarbon under normobaric conditions. Perfluorocarbons are structurally similar to hydrocarbons with the hydrogen replaced by fluorine. The carbon chains vary in length and an additional moiety often is attached to the molecule which, together, give unique properties to each perfluorocarbon. In general, perfluorocarbons have excellent oxygen and carbon dioxide carrying capacity (50mlO2/dl and 160−210mlCO2/dl, respectively).3 They are clear, odorless, inert fluids which are immiscible in aqueous and most other solutions. They are relatively dense (1.7−1.9 gm/mL), have a low surface tension (15−19 dynes/cm), and are relatively volatile with vapor pressures ranging from 11 to 85 torr at 37oC. The vapor pressure of the individual perfluorocarbon governs the rapidity with which it evaporates from the lungs after intratracheal administration. Liquid ventilation has been performed by two methods.3 The first is total liquid ventilation (TLV) in which the lungs are filled with perfluorocarbon to a volume equivalent to functional residual capacity (FRC) upon which a device is utilised to ventilate the perfluorocarbon-filled lung with perfluorocarbon.4 The second technique of liquid ventilation involves administration of intratracheal perfluorocarbon to a volume equivalent to functional residual capacity followed by standard gas mechanical ventilation of the perfluorocarbon-filled lung,
Perception and Control of Fabric Streaks Part I: Theory

A highly simplified theoretical mathematical model was developed from the laws of physics and psychology to predict streak and barre intensity in fabrics from yarn properties varying individually or collectively. The model predicts that bulk and luster streaks are most visible in white fabrics, dye streaks are most visible in dark shades at a reflectance of R = 0.16, simultaneous increases or decreases in yarn dye and buUc properties tend to cancel each other and cause streaks from large variations to be much less severe, and the intensity of a streak increases in proportion to the square root of its width and becomes nearly constant above ~3.0 mm.