cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DiscoverSL: an R package for multi-omic data driven prediction of synthetic lethality in cancers.

Summary Synthetic lethality is a state when simultaneous loss of two genes is lethal to a cancer cell, while the loss of the individual genes is not. We developed an R package DiscoverSL to predict and visualize synthetic lethality in cancers using multi-omic cancer data. Mutation, copy number alteration and gene expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas project were combined to develop a multi-parametric Random Forest classifier. The effects of selectively targeting the predicted synthetic lethal genes is tested in silico using shRNA and drug screening data from cancer cell line databases. The clinical outcome in patients with mutation in primary gene and over/under-expression in the synthetic lethal gene is evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. The method helps to identify new therapeutic approaches by exploiting the concept of synthetic lethality. Availability and implementation DiscoverSL package with user manual and sample workflow is available for download from github url: https://github.com/shaoli86/DiscoverSL/releases/tag/V1.0 under GNU GPL-3. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Association between sleep apnea and perioperative outcomes among patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy

Sleep apnea is a recognized risk factor for adverse perioperative outcomes in total joint arthroplasty. Nevertheless, little is known about its impact on shoulder arthroscopy, which is a commonly performed ambulatory procedure. Our primary objective was to determine whether sleep apnea was associated with increases in complications and healthcare utilization in this setting. We analyzed administrative data collected from 583 U.S. hospitals between 2010-2015 and identified a cohort of 128,932 patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopy. Using a cross-sectional study design, we examined the relationship between sleep apnea and perioperative outcomes including mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction, and pulmonary complications. We also examined a variety of health utilization outcomes. Among patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopy, approximately 6% (7,761 of 128,932) had the diagnosis of sleep apnea. The overall complication rate in these patients was 1.39% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33 to 1.45). In a crude analysis, sleep apnea was associated with increases in the majority of systemic complications. In adjusted analyses, sleep apnea was associated with a 4.95 (95% CI, 1.81 to 13.5) times greater odds of acute myocardial infarction and a 4.92 (95% CI, 2.72 to 8.9) times greater odds of pulmonary complications. Sleep apnea was also associated with increased odds of requiring postoperative ventilation, hospital admission, and intensive care unit admission. Sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of complications and resource utilization in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy.
Efficient Laplace Approximation for Bayesian Registration Uncertainty Quantification.

This paper presents a novel approach to modeling the posterior distribution in image registration that is computationally efficient for large deformation diffeomorphic metric mapping (LDDMM). We develop a Laplace approximation of Bayesian registration models entirely in a bandlimited space that fully describes the properties of diffeomorphic transformations. In contrast to current methods, we compute the inverse Hessian at the mode of the posterior distribution of diffeomorphisms directly in the low dimensional frequency domain. This dramatically reduces the computational complexity of approximating posterior marginals in the high dimensional imaging space. Experimental results show that our method is significantly faster than the state-of-the-art diffeomorphic image registration uncertainty quantification algorithms, while producing comparable results. The efficiency of our method strengthens the feasibility in prospective clinical applications, e.g., real-time image-guided navigation for brain surgery.
Cornered at a Bar: How Victim Clothing, Alcohol Intake, and Relationship With Bystander Impact Intention to Help.

While a negative relationship between rape myth acceptance (RMA) and bystander behavior is established, the specific myths associated with bystander behavior are not well understood. In Study 1, we...
Inhibition of sea urchin egg cleavage by ribonuclease. I. Lytechinus variegatus--Arbacia punctulata.

La ribonuclease exerce une action inhibitrice sur le clivage des œufs d'oursins. La source commerciale de l'enzyme, la concentration utilisee et l'etat des œufs determinent les effets obtenus. Ceux-ci varient entre une inhibition totale immediate et un ralentissement des divisions cellulaires, suivi d'un developpement anormal eventuellement abortif. En outre, la ribonuclease a une action complexe sur la membrane de fertilisation, la couche hyaline et la membrane cellulaire. Cette derniere action pourrait etre liee aux effets antimitotiques observes.
Reduced ethanol self-administration in rats produced by the introduction of a high value non-drug alternative reinforcer.

Abstract Previous studies have shown that providing rats with a non-drug alternative in a choice situation can reduce ethanol taking in rats. There is also evidence that brief experience with non-drug reinforcers can reduce the reinforcing effects of drugs like cocaine, even when those non-drug alternatives are not pitted against the drug in a choice procedure. The goal of the present experiment was to determine whether experience with sucrose – a high value non-drug reinforcer in rats – in a non-choice situation would reduce ethanol's reinforcing effects, as measured within a behavioral economic framework. In a first phase, separate groups of rats worked on fixed-ratio schedules for ethanol, sucrose, or ethanol plus sucrose (during separate components within a session). In a second phase, all rats worked for ethanol and sucrose during alternating components. The introduction of sucrose components in the second phase to the group that previously only had experience with ethanol caused a significant decrease in ethanol self-administration. There was also a significant interaction whereby the effect of phase on the elasticity of demand for ethanol differed between the group that only had ethanol and the group that had ethanol plus sucrose in the first phase. These results indicate that a high value non-drug alternative reinforcer can reduce ethanol's reinforcing effects even when that alternative is not available at the time when ethanol is available. These findings suggest that treatments aiming to increase exposure to non-alcohol sources of reinforcement might be beneficial in reducing alcohol drinking.
Sindicalismo, propaganda y participación electoral: el Partido Obrero Socialista en Viña del Mar. 1913-1922

espanolResumen: El siguiente articulo tiene por objetivo analizar el proceso que llevo el Partido Obrero Socialista a hegemonizar el movimiento obrero en la ciudad de Vina del Mar, convirtiendose en uno de los actores politicos mas relevante de aquella localidad. Para esto, nos centraremos en tres elementos relevantes del actuar politico de los socialistas: la accion propagandistica, las huelgas y las elecciones municipales. Lo anterior a traves del analisis de fuentes periodisticas, en especial una poco tratada por la historiografia, como es el periodico La Comuna, proponemos matizar tanto las miradas que han centrado en el norte salitrero el espacio excepcional de la organizacion obrera, asi como la influencia del anarquismo en la zona central del pais. EnglishAbstract: The following article aims to analyze the process that led the Socialist Workers Party to hegemonize the labor movement in the city of Vina del Mar, becoming one of the most relevant political actors of that town. For this, we will focus on three relevant elements of the socialist political action: the propaganda action, the syndical action of the POS and the municipal elections. The foregoing through the analysis of journalistic sources, especially a little treated by historiography, such as the newspaper La Comuna, we propose to qualify both the views that have focused on the nitrate north the exceptional space of the workers' organization, as well as the influence of anarchism in the central zone of the country.
Discovery and Characterization of Native Deinococcus radiodurans Promoters for Tunable Gene Expression.

The potential utilization of extremophiles as robust chassis for metabolic engineering applications has prompted interest in the use of Deinococcus radiodurans for bioremediation efforts, but current applications are limited by the lack of availability of genetic tools, such as promoters. In this study, we used a combined computational and experimental approach to identify and screen 30 predicted promoters for expression in D. radiodurans using a fluorescent reporter assay. The top eight candidates were further characterized, compared to currently available promoters, and optimized for engineering through minimization for use in D. radiodurans. Of these top eight, two promoter regions, DR_1261 and rpmB, were stronger and more consistent than the most widely used promoter sequence in D. radiodurans, PgroES. Furthermore, half of the top eight promoters could be minimized by at least 20% (to obtain final sequences that are approximately 24-177 bp) and several of the putative promoters either showed activity in E. coli, or were D. radiodurans-specific, broadening the use of the promoters for various applications. Overall, this work introduces a suite of novel, well-characterized promoters for protein production and metabolic engineering in D. radiodurans. Importance The tolerance of the extremophile, Deinococcus radiodurans, to numerous oxidative stresses makes it ideal for bioremediation applications, but many of the tools necessary for metabolic engineering are lacking in this organism compared to model bacteria. Although native and engineered promoters have been used to drive gene expression for protein production in D. radiodurans, very few have been well-characterized. Informed by bioinformatics, this study expands the repertoire of well-characterized promoters for D. radiodurans via thorough characterization of eight putative promoters with varying strengths. These results will help facilitate tunable gene expression, as these promoters demonstrate strong and consistent performance compared to the current standard, PgroES. This study also provides a methodology for high-throughput promoter identification and characterization using fluorescence in D. radiodurans. The promoters identified in this study will facilitate metabolic engineering of D. radiodurans and enable its use in biotechnological applications ranging from bioremediation to synthesis of commodity chemicals.
Stochastic-based noise exposure assessment in modular and off-site construction

Abstract In recent years, modular construction has had remarkable growth in the construction industry resulting in many construction tasks being transferred from on-site to the indoor workplaces. Although modular construction has the advantage of improving productivity, the reduced noise on construction sites has just been transferred to the indoor workplaces along with the associated health risks. Studies have shown that exposure to excessive noise on construction sites can impact the health of workers. Hence, to control and mitigate the occupational noise risk, it is necessary to implement a noise risk assessment. This study proposes a framework to predict the noise levels with the support of probability-based modelling and simulating the acoustic conditions of the workplaces. The output of the model can provide the possibility of calculation of the workers’ noise exposure during working hours. As demonstrated in a case study, the proposed framework is implemented in practice to identify the workers’ noise exposure levels and determine the noise risk zones in a modular construction factory.
A Wish List for Drug Development in Pediatrics

This commentary illustrates and summarizes some of the many issues with dosage forms and drug delivery that arise in everyday practice for clinicians caring for pediatric patients. While advances in drug development for children and expansion of labeling information in this age group have made great strides in improving care, there is much to be desired in the area of dosage forms. From liquids that are unpalatable to the need for extemporaneous compounding of parenteral doses in syringes that are meant for immediate use but used to store medications for hours to weeks, the list of challenges is long. Many of these problems exist for drugs which have long been generic, but some problems have arisen from new drugs as well. Pediatric clinicians and dosage form developers should work together to create solutions.
Taxes and Adoptions from Foster Care Evidence from the Federal Adoption Tax Credit

I use administrative data on the universe of public adoptions to investigate whether the federal Adoption Tax Credit influences adoptions from foster care. Using a bunching analysis, I exploit a two-year change in 2010 and 2011 that made the credit refundable. I estimate there were about 2,400 more foster care adoptions, a 44 percent increase, nationwide in December 2011 than had the refundable credit not expired. Of this increase, I estimate an upper bound on the number of new adoptions of 1,790. Assuming all of the increase reflects retiming, I estimate a pull-forward window of up to six months.
Toll-like receptor 7 contributes to neuropathic pain by activating NF-κB in primary sensory neurons

Toll like receptor 7 (TLR7) is expressed in neurons of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), but whether it contributes to neuropathic pain is elusive. We found that peripheral nerve injury caused by ligation of the fourth lumbar (L4) spinal nerve (SNL) or chronic constriction injury of sciatic nerve led to a significant increase in the expression of TLR7 at mRNA and protein levels in mouse injured DRG. Blocking this increase through microinjection of the adeno-associated virus (AAV) 5 expressing TLR7 shRNA into the ipsilateral L4 DRG alleviated the SNL-induced mechanical, thermal and cold pain hypersensitivities in both male and female mice. This microinjection also attenuated the SNL-induced increases in the levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase ½ (p-ERK1/2) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in L4 dorsal horn on the ipsilateral side during both development and maintenance periods. Conversely, mimicking this increase through microinjection of AAV5 expressing full-length TLR7 into unilateral L3/4 DRGs led to elevations in the amounts of p-ERK1/2 and GFAP in the dorsal horn, augmented responses to mechanical, thermal and cold stimuli, and induced the spontaneous pain on the ipsilateral side in the absence of SNL. Mechanistically, the increased TLR7 activated the NF-κB signaling pathway through promoting the translocation of p65 into the nucleus and phosphorylation of p65 in the nucleus from the injured DRG neurons. Our findings suggest that DRG TLR7 contributes to neuropathic pain by activating NF-κB in primary sensory neurons. TLR7 may be a potential target for therapeutic treatment of this disorder.
Semiquantitative Methods for GFP Immunohistochemistry and In Situ Hybridization to Evaluate AAV Transduction of Mouse Retinal Cells Following Subretinal Injection

The goal of this study was to develop methods for the evaluation of green fluorescent protein (GFP) and GFP transcript biodistribution in paraformaldehyde-fixed paraffin-embedded (PFPE) eye sections to assess the effectiveness of Adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene delivery in an experimental ocular toxicity study. Female C57BL/6NTac mice were administered AAV2-enhancedGFP vector once via subretinal injection. One group also received anti-inflammatory therapy (meloxicam). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and RNA in situ hybridization (ISH) for GFP were performed on PFPE serial eye sections and evaluated using semiquantitative methods. On day 43, GFP labeling in both IHC and ISH sections was greatest in the retinal pigment epithelium, compared with other retinal layers in which expression was negative to moderate. Despite the presence of IHC GFP labeling in the photoreceptor layer (PRL) in some animals, only low numbers of transduced cells were detected by ISH in the PRL. Simultaneous analysis of IHC and ISH may be needed for comprehensive assessment of gene transduction and protein biodistribution. This study demonstrates approaches for semiquantitative evaluation of IHC and ISH that allow interpretation and reporting of GFP expression in toxicity studies.
How to Govern a City on the Hill: Puritan Contributions to American Constitutional Law, Liberty, and Church-State Relations

While they maintained firm and sometimes brutal religious establishments, the New England Puritans also helped cultivate a number of striking constitutional ideas that would prove influential for the United States after the American Revolution. Among the most novel were their ideas of social, political, and ecclesiastical covenants, rooted in biblical covenant thinking but prescient of later secular social and government contract theories. Also influential were their ideas of natural rights and liberties and their necessary protection by church and state authorities alike. But the Puritans’ most prescient and enduring contribution lay in their theory of sin and the need to create constitutional safeguards against tyranny. This led them to develop early doctrines of separation of church and state, separation of powers within church and state, checks and balances amongst these powers, federalist layers of authority, codification of laws and limitations on equity, democratic election of religious and political officials, and the practice of congregational and town meetings between elections to render officials accountable to their constituents. The themes and contents of this early Article were greatly expanded and revised in the author’s later book: The Reformation of Rights: Law, Religion, and Human Rights in Early Modern Calvinism (Cambridge University Press, 2007). .
A pilot study of non-nutritive suck measures immediately pre- and post-frenotomy in full term infants with problematic feeding

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this study was to describe symptoms of problematic feeding in infants with tongue-tie, evaluate changes in non-nutritive suck measures before and after frenotomy, and examine tongue-tie severity with changes in non-nutritive suck patterning. Method Parents completed the Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool about infant feeding before frenotomy. Non-nutritive suck data were collected for 5 min before and after frenotomy. We used paired t-tests to compare non-nutritive suck measures pre- and post-frenotomy and linear regression evaluated the effect of tongue-tie severity and infant behavioral state on change in non-nutritive suck mechanics. Results Twenty-one infants had scores that met criteria for problematic feeding. The infant's non-nutritive suck amplitude (cmH2O) (p = .02) and non-nutritive burst duration (sec) (p = .03) decreased post-frenotomy. Discussion This study supports the need for additional research to better understand feeding problems and changes in non-nutritive suck amplitude and duration in infants with tongue-tie.
Immune Mechanisms, the Role of Complement, and Related Therapies in Autoimmune Neuropathies

Introduction Autoimmune neuropathies have diverse presentations and underlying immune mechanisms. Demonstration of efficacy of therapeutic agents that inhibit the complement cascade would confirm the role of complement activation. D A review of the pathophysiology of the autoimmune neuropathies, to identify those that are likely to be complement mediated. Expert opinion Complement mediated mechanisms are implicated in the acute and chronic neuropathies associated with IgG or IgM antibodies that target the Myelin Associated Glycoprotein (MAG) or gangliosides in the peripheral nerves. Antibody and complement mechanisms are also suspected in the Guillain-Barre syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy, given the therapeutic response to plasmapheresis or intravenous immunoglobulins, even in the absence of an identifiable target antigen. Complement is unlikely to play a role in paraneoplastic sensory neuropathy associated with antibodies to HU/ANNA-1 given its intracellular localization. In chronic demyelinating neuropathy with anti-nodal/paranodal CNTN1, NFS-155, and CASPR1 antibodies, myotonia with anti-VGKC LGI1 or CASPR2 antibodies, or autoimmune autonomic neuropathy with anti-gAChR antibodies, the response to complement inhibitory agents would depend on the extent to which the antibodies exert their effects through complement dependent or independent mechanisms. Complement is also likely to play a role in Sjogren's, vasculitic, and cryoglobulinemic neuropathies.
Human Nature and the Best Consequentialist Moral System

In this article, we ask what system of moral rules would be best from a consequentialist perspective, given certain aspects of human nature. This question is of inherent conceptual interest and is important to explore in order better to understand the moral systems that we observe and to illuminate longstanding debates in moral theory. We make what seem to be plausible assumptions about aspects of human nature and the moral sentiments and then derive conclusions about the optimal consequentialist moral system - concerning which acts should be deemed right and wrong, and to what degree. We suggest that our results have some correspondence with observed moral systems and also help to clarify certain points of disagreement among moral theorists.
Purification and properties of an oxygen-evolving reaction center complex from photosystem II membranes : A simple procedure utilizing a non-ionic detergent and elevated ionic strength

A method is reported for the isolation of a highly resolved oxygen-evolving photosystem II reaction center preparation. This preparation can be separated from the more complex photosystem II membranes isolated by the procedure of Berthold et al. [(1981) FEBS Lett. 134, 231-234] by use of octylglucopyranoside at elevated ionic strengths; the oxygen-evolving material can be collected by centrifugation at relatively low g values (40000 × g) in yields estimated to be more than 80%. This new preparation lacks the 17 and 23 kDa extrinsic polypeptides; addition of calcium and chloride produces activities approaching 1000 μmol O2/h per mg chlorophyll. Although activity is maximal in the presence of 2,5-dichloro-β-benzoquinone, the response of activity to ferricyanide and 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea indicates that the reducing side of photosystem II has been modified in this new oxygen-evolving reaction center preparation.
Recent advances in high-temperature superconductor wire fabrication and applications development

In this paper, recent advances in fabrication of HTS wires are summarized, and detailed discussion is provided for developments in near- and intermediate-term applications. Near-term applications, using presently obtainable current densities, include: liquid-nitrogen depth sensors, cryostat current leads, and magnetic bearings. Intermediate-term applications, using current densities expected to be available in the near future include fault-current limiters and short transmission lines. 25 refs.
Connecting to congress: improving deliberation in the information age

What are the best methods for Members of the U.S. Congress to use their Web sites to engage constituents in the public policy process? How can Congress use the Internet to foster deliberation in an emerging digital democracy? To shed light on these questions, in the summer and fall of 2006 we conducted online deliberation field experiments that involve current members of Congress interacting with their constituents. We randomly assign constituents to different experimental designs as well as to control groups. To date 12 members have participated in 20 deliberation sessions. The sessions have produced a wealth of data on the effects of this sort of interaction on constituents' attitudes toward public policy, toward government, and toward the online sessions themselves. To analyze these data, we employ an innovative statistical method that we have developed to estimate the problem of endogenous treatment in multi-site field experiments.
Opportunities with light-responsive plasmonic nanomaterials and graphene in therapy and sensing

Plasmonic nanoparticles and graphene can be used for generating photothermal effects and for amplifying optical signals. These characteristics are being exploited for a variety of applications in biophotonics. Here we discuss some light-activated materials based on plasmonic nanoparticles and graphene that we have recently developed as viable solutions to critical issues in therapy and sensing.
Carbon supported Pt-Y electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction

Abstract Carbon supported Pt 3 Y (Pt 3 Y/C) and PtY (PtY/C) were investigated as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts. After synthesis via reduction by NaBH 4 , the alloy catalysts exhibited 10–20% higher mass activity (mA mg Pt −1 ) than comparably synthesized Pt/C catalyst. The specific activity (μA cm Pt −2 ) was 23 and 65% higher for the Pt 3 Y/C and PtY/C catalysts, respectively, compared to Pt/C. After annealing at 900 °C under a reducing atmosphere, Pt 3 Y/C-900 and PtY/C-900 catalysts showed improved ORR activity; the Pt/C and Pt/C-900 (Pt/C catalyst annealed at 900 °C) catalysts exhibited specific activities of 334 and 393 μA cm Pt −2 , respectively, while those of the Pt 3 Y/C-900 and PtY/C-900 catalysts were 492 and 1050 μA cm Pt −2 , respectively. X-ray diffraction results revealed that both the Pt 3 Y/C and PtY/C catalysts have a fcc Pt structure with slight Y doping. After annealing, XRD showed that more Y was incorporated into the Pt structure in the Pt 3 Y/C-900 catalyst, while the PtY/C-900 catalyst remained unchanged. Although these results suggested that the high ORR activity of the PtY/C-900 catalyst did not originate from Pt–Y alloy formation, it is clear that the Pt–Y system is a promising ORR catalyst which merits further investigation.
Bleomycin, vincristine, lomustine, and DTIC chemotherapy for metastatic melanoma

Forty-six consecutive, evaluable patients with a diagnosis of metastatic melanoma without prior chemotherapy were treated with bleomycin, vincristine, lomustine, and DTIC (BOLD). Treatment was repeated every 28 days for two cycles. Complete restaging then was performed, and response to treatment was determined. Of the 46 patients, five (11%) achieved a complete response, five (11%) achieved a partial response, nine (19%) obtained disease stabilization, and 27 (59%) had progressive disease. If four patients who died of rapidly progressive disease are included, the response rate drops to 20%. Overall median survival was 6 months. These results are inferior to the 40% and 46% response rates reported by other investigators. The modest response rate toxicity and expense of the regimen do not support its use in metastatic melanoma except, perhaps, in selected patients with soft tissue and/or lung metastasis.
A learning-based approach to artificial sensory feedback leads to optimal integration

Proprioception-the sense of the body's position in space-is important to natural movement planning and execution and will likewise be necessary for successful motor prostheses and brain-machine interfaces (BMIs). Here we demonstrate that monkeys were able to learn to use an initially unfamiliar multichannel intracortical microstimulation signal, which provided continuous information about hand position relative to an unseen target, to complete accurate reaches. Furthermore, monkeys combined this artificial signal with vision to form an optimal, minimum-variance estimate of relative hand position. These results demonstrate that a learning-based approach can be used to provide a rich artificial sensory feedback signal, suggesting a new strategy for restoring proprioception to patients using BMIs, as well as a powerful new tool for studying the adaptive mechanisms of sensory integration.
Acres of Rhinestones: Temple Betrays Its Heritage

Liberal education has been disappearing, and what remains is diminished and compromised. At Temple University, the largest department in the college of liberal arts is criminal justice. The second largest is counseling psychology, and the humanities disciplines have become left-veering sociology. While islands of traditional learning survive, the one reliable outpost at Temple had been the “Intellectual Heritage Program,” established in 1986, which was comprised of required courses in the Great Books. In fall 2008, Temple replaced this celebrated program with “Mosaic,” a dramatically different approach to the classics. This essay traces the continuing erosion of liberal education at one university and the justifications for these corrosive innovations. Acad. Quest. (2009) 22:272–283 DOI 10.1007/s12129-009-9118-6
Aggression and Welfare in a Common Aquarium Fish, the Midas Cichlid

Many species of fishes are aggressive when placed in small aquaria. Aggression can negatively affect the welfare of those individuals toward whom it is directed. Animals may behave aggressively in order to defend resources such as food, shelter, mates, and offspring. The decision to defend depends on the distribution of resources and on ecological factors such as number of competitors, amount of available space, and amount of habitat complexity. This study tested the effects of these factors on aggression in a common aquarium fish, the Midas cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus). The study found that time spent behaving aggressively was not associated with small-scale differences in group size or available space. Aggression was significantly lower in a large aquarium with a complex habitat. Aquaria of sizes typically used in the companion animal (pet) hobby did not provide optimal welfare for cichlids housed with aggressive conspecifics. The public should be aware that this and similar species require larger aquaria with complex habitat, which elicit more natural behavior.
Estimating the Supply Elasticity of California Wine Grapes Using Regional Systems of Equations

This article is the first of its kind to estimate econometrically the supply elasticity of California wine grapes. Wine grapes constitute the single largest crop in the state of California in terms of total receipts. Allowing for the dynamic adjustments of quasi-fixed inputs, we estimate simultaneous systems of equations for California's four major wine grape growing regions and eight of the most widely grown varieties. We find that California wine grape production is, on the whole, inelastic with respect to prices received. The variety showing the most price responsiveness is Chardonnay. There appears to be no significant difference in price responsiveness between the coastal and inland growing regions, or between red and white grape varieties. (JEL Classification: Qll, Q13, R14)
Gap Analysis of Conserved Genetic Resources for Forest Trees

We developed a gap analysis approach to evaluate whether the genetic resources conserved in situ in protected areas are adequate for conifers in western Oregon and Washington (U.S.A.). We developed geographic information system layers that detail the location of protected areas and the distribution and abundance of each tree species (noble fir (Abies procera Rehd.) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menzeisii Mirb.)). Distribution and abundance were inferred from available spatial data showing modeled potential and actual vegetation. We stratified the distribution of each species into units for genetic analysis using seed and breeding zones and ecoregions. Most strata contained at least 5000 reproductive-age individuals in protected areas, indicating that genetic resources were well protected in situ throughout most of the study region. Strict in situ protection was limited, however, for noble fir in the Willapa Hills of southwestern Washington. An in situ genetic resource gap arguably occurred for Douglas-fir in the southern Puget lowlands, but this gap was filled by extensive ex situ genetic resources from the same region. The gap analysis method was an effective tool for evaluating the genetic resources of forest trees across a large region.
Why Look East? Zimbabwean Foreign Policy and China

As part of its "Look East" foreign policy strategy, Zimbabwe has sought to strengthen its ties with China—a move that has alarmed many Western states. While not necessarily denying the pragmatism behind such a strategy, I examine how this policy represents an attempt by the Zimbabwean government and its leader, Robert Mugabe, to redirect the public imagination toward a different identity at the domestic and international levels. The government seeks to draw on its image as a freedom fighter and liberator to shore up its domestic legitimacy, while simultaneously reasserting its role as an important international actor. The rhetorical strategy used by Mugabe and his government has had material benefits, but its success in redefining Zimbabwe's identity has been decidedly mixed.
Drillstring fatigue performance

The life-prediction technique of a whole-life fatigue model was applied to drillstring components. Good agreement existed between the life predictions and the experimental data of drill collars. These life predictions were then used to study the effects of material properties and commonly used thread profiles on the fatigue life of drillstring components. Results of the study indicate that the newly developed microalloying technology and thermomechanical-processing technology in steel metallurgy can significantly benefit the fatigue life of drillstring components. The sensitivity studies on the effect of thread profile on fatigue performance of drillstring components indicate that fatigue life could be enhanced by an improved thread-profile design.
Protein complexes and proteolytic activation of the cell wall hydrolase RipA regulate septal resolution in mycobacteria.

Peptidoglycan hydrolases are a double-edged sword. They are required for normal cell division, but when dysregulated can become autolysins lethal to bacteria. How bacteria ensure that peptidoglycan hydrolases function only in the correct spatial and temporal context remains largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that dysregulation converts the essential mycobacterial peptidoglycan hydrolase RipA to an autolysin that compromises cellular structural integrity. We find that mycobacteria control RipA activity through two interconnected levels of regulation in vivo—protein interactions coordinate PG hydrolysis, while proteolysis is necessary for RipA enzymatic activity. Dysregulation of RipA protein complexes by treatment with a peptidoglycan synthase inhibitor leads to excessive RipA activity and impairment of correct morphology. Furthermore, expression of a RipA dominant negative mutant or of differentially processed RipA homologues reveals that RipA is produced as a zymogen, requiring proteolytic processing for activity. The amount of RipA processing differs between fast-growing and slow-growing mycobacteria and correlates with the requirement for peptidoglycan hydrolase activity in these species. Together, the complex picture of RipA regulation is a part of a growing paradigm for careful control of cell wall hydrolysis by bacteria during growth, and may represent a novel target for chemotherapy development.
Electron Transmission Spectroscopy: Rare Gases

A transmission experiment is used to observe structure in the total electron-impact cross section for He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe below the respective ionization potentials, and also in the region of autoionizing states. The positions of the resonances are tabulated and compared with the results of other investigators. In both neon and argon, relatively large isolated resonances exist near the edge of the Rydberg series involving inner-shell autoionizing states, i.e., near 47.5 and 29 eV, respectively.
Careerism vs. Professionalism In the Military

The military career has most often been compared with "traditional" professions, such as law, medicine, and the clergy; but it is perhaps more appropriate to compare it with corporate executive dev...
Evidence for NOS-containing renal neuronal somata transiently expressing a catecholaminergic phenotype during development in the rat

Transiently catecholaminergic cells (TC-cells) expressing tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) have been shown in a variety of tissues during embryonic life. To investigate the possible relationship of nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-containing renal neuronal somata (RNS) and the TC-cells, we examined serial 100 μm slices of whole kidneys for TH-immunofluorescence and NADPH-d histochemistry during prenatal and postnatal development. The number of TH-cells increased during the prenatal period, peaked at birth and were very rare by PD21. A subpopulation of TH-immunoreactive RNS displayed NADPH-d activity. By PD21 the TH-positive RNS had practically disappeared while the number of NADPH-d positive RNS was markedly increased. These results suggest that kidneys possess transient catecholaminergic cells which display NOS-activity and that NOS expression may be the end-point in the differentiation of the RNS.
Biological studies of Typhlodromips sessor (Acarina: Phytoseiidae).

Typhlodromips sessor DeLeon, reared upon Tetranychus urticae Koch at 25 °C and 90% RH, showed an average duration of 61.5, 53.0, 42.0, 25.5, and 56.0 h for the egg, larval, protonymphal, deutonymphal and preoviposition stages, respectively. Higher temperatures produced more rapid development; at 90% RH the temperature variables of 20°, 25°, and 30°C led to average egg-to-adult developmental times of 146, 184, and 272 h, respectively. The mites were susceptible to desiccation and none developed to maturity at 64% RH and very few at 75% RH. T. sessor was able to utilize a variety of foods of plant and animal sources. Reproductive rates of mites fed T. urticae, Aculus schlechtendali Nalepa, Thrips tabaci Lindeman, Haplothrips subtilissimus Haliday, pollen from Cirsium vulgare , or a tarsonemid mite averaged 0.79, 0.70, 0.51, 0.23, 0.15 and 0.13 eggs/female/day, respectively. In comparison with most other phytoseiids studied, the developmental time of this species was longer and the reproductive rate lower. However, such differences might be rendered less important by its adaptation of parthenogenicity.
GLI1 Is a Direct Transcriptional Target of EWS-FLI1 Oncoprotein

Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT) is an undifferentiated neoplasm of the bone and soft tissue. ESFT is characterized by a specific chromosomal translocation occurring between chromosome 22 and (in most cases) chromosome 11, which generates an aberrant transcription factor, EWS-FLI1. The function of EWS-FLI1 is essential for the maintenance of ESFT cell survival and tumorigenesis. The Hedgehog pathway is activated in several cancers. Oncogenic potential of the Hedgehog pathway is mediated by increasing the activity of the GLI family of transcription factors. Recent evidence suggests that EWS-FLI1 increases expression of GLI1 by an unknown mechanism. Our data from chromatin immunoprecipitation and promoter reporter studies indicated GLI1 as a direct transcriptional target of EWS-FLI1. Expression of EWS-FLI1 in non-ESFT cells increased GLI1 expression and GLI-dependent transcription. We also detected high levels of GLI1 protein in ESFT cell lines. Pharmacological inhibition of GLI1 protein function decreased proliferation and soft agar colony formation of ESFT cells. Our results establish GLI1 as a direct transcriptional target of EWS-FLI1 and suggest a potential role for GLI1 in ESFT tumorigenesis.
Long-term continuum of care for people living with HIV/AIDS.

The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), has created new options for those infected and affected by human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Most HIV-infected persons no longer die within months of diagnosis. There is now a long-term continuum of care that can end in misery or relative comfort. The introduction of palliative care in concert with curative therapies throughout the disease trajectory should be the standard of care for all persons. At the very least, the introduction of palliative care and hospice at the end of life is important to the holistic care of persons living with HIV/AIDS.
Testing for serial correlation in multivariate regression models

Abstract This paper considers the problem of detecting serial correlation in the disturbances of a multivariate regression model, when these are known to be correlated up to a known finite lag Q⩾0 and are possibly conditionally heteroskedastic. We extend the results of Cumby and Huizinga (1992) to the case of a linear dynamic system of equations, and derive the asymptotic distribution of a vector of sample autocovariances of the regression residuals. This distribution is used to construct a test for serial correlation at lags greater than Q. A comparative Monte Carlo study of the small-sample behavior of various tests in the case of purely autoregressive series reveals that the proposed test performs satisfactorily, while tests that are commonly used in the literature are found to lead to serious size distortions under conditional heteroskedasticity.
Predictors of chronic disability in injured workers: A systematic literature synthesis

Background Loss of productive life among injured workers potentially could be prevented by clearer knowledge of disability risk factors. Despite the number of studies that have examined predictors of disability, there have been no systematic literature reviews integrating multiple risk factor domains. Such a synthesis could help to define important gaps in knowledge, inform future study designs most likely to successfully address these gaps, and highlight the importance of secondary (disability) prevention to public health policy. A systematic synthesis of the literature on risk factors for chronic or recurrent disability in injured workers was performed to meet this need. Methods Articles were identified through a MEDLINE search, personal file searches, and requests to experts. Information concerning study methods and results was abstracted from 20 articles that met the inclusion criteria (population-based or prospective cohort studies). Results The most frequently identified predictors of prolonged disability were older age and greater baseline pain and functional disability. Lumbar symptoms, smaller company size, and construction work were significant predictors in several, but not all, studies. Risk factors did not appear to differ for back versus mixed injuries. Conclusions Several risk factors for prolonged disability were identified. Research is needed to develop and test multivariate models of worker, workplace, health care, and administrative risk factors for prolonged and recurrent disability in order to refine and target interventions. Am. J. Ind. Med. 38:707–722, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Residual structure, backbone dynamics, and interactions within the synuclein family.

The human synuclein family includes the protein α-synuclein, which has been linked to both familial and sporadic Parkinson’s disease, as well as the highly homologous proteins β- and γ-synuclein. Mutations in α-synuclein cause autosomal dominant early onset Parkinson’s, and the protein is found deposited in a fibrillar form in both hereditary and idiopathic forms of the disease. No genetic links between β- and γ-synuclein and any neurodegenerative diseases have been established, and it is generally considered that these two family members are not highly pathogenic. In addition, both β- and γ-synuclein are reported to aggregate less readily than α-synuclein in vitro. Indeed, β-synuclein has been reported to protect against α-synuclein aggregation in vitro, as well as α-synuclein mediated toxicity in vivo. We have previously compared the structural properties of the highly helical states adopted by all three synucleins in association with detergent micelles in an attempt to delineate the basis for functional differences between the three proteins. Here we report a comparison of the structural and dynamic properties of the free states of all three proteins in order to shed light on differences that may help to explain their different propensities to aggregate, which in turn may underlie their differing contributions to the etiology of Parkinson’s disease. We find that γ-synuclein closely resembles α-synuclein in its free state residual secondary structure, consistent with the more similar propensities of the two proteins to aggregate in vitro. β-synuclein, however, differs significantly from α-synuclein, exhibiting a lower predisposition towards helical structure in the second half of its lipid-binding domain, and a higher preference for extended structures in its C-terminal tail. Both β- and γ-synuclein also show less extensive transient long-range structure than that observed in α-synuclein. These results raise questions regarding the role of secondary structure propensities and transient long-range contacts in directing synuclein aggregation reactions.
Operative intervention for recurrent adrenocortical cancer.

Introduction Adrenocortical cancer (ACC) recurs despite apparent complete resection. We examined the survival and palliative benefit of resection for recurrent ACC. Methods A review of all patients undergoing operation for ACC between 1980 and 2010 at our institution was performed in which we compared resection with nonoperative therapy. Results Overall, 164 patients underwent operation for ACC, 125 of whom underwent a complete resection (R0). Recurrence occurred in 93 R0 patients (median, 15 months; range, 1.5−150 months). Symptoms at recurrence were present in 71% (66/93), including pain (34%) and hormone excess (43%). There were 67 patients who underwent reoperation for recurrence. Forty-eight of 67 patients underwent R0 resection for recurrence. Operative patients had a greater overall operative versus nonoperative management or no therapy (65 months vs 6 months, P 6 months (P Conclusion Patients with recurrent ACC can benefit from operative intervention with improvement in survival and symptoms. Patients with a disease-free interval >6 months and complete resection are likely to benefit from resection of the recurrence, but the near universal improvement in symptoms may expand the criteria for operation in recurrent ACC.
The dynamics of aquatic fungi parasitic in a stream population of the midge, Chironomus attenuatus

Abstract The dynamics of a midge community in which egg masses of Chironomous attenuatus were dominant and hosts to various fungal parasites were studied during three seasons at Mechumps Creek in Hanover County, Virginia. Catenaria spinosa, Couchia circumplexa, Atkinsiella entomophaga, a Plasmodiophora-like organism, and a number of water molds produced overall rates of infection in the egg masses ranging from 44.6 to 76.9%, and mortality in the eggs ranging from 28.8 to 41.4% during the 3-year period. C. spinosa and C. circumplexa were responsible for the largest amount of infection during each year of the study, and appeared and disappeared in response to changing water temperatures. Combined rainfall data over the 3-year period showed significant negative correlations with population densities and prevalence of disease. Studies also revealed significant negative correlations between infection and mortality levels and numbers of C. attenautus larvae collected 3–6 weeks later. The fungi were highly specific in their parasitism of C. attenuatus egg masses, even though egg masses of at least 10 other midge species were present at the study area. It is speculated that the host-parasite relationships and dynamics at Mechumps Creek are of frequent occurrence in many Virginia streams, where they constitute a natural control mechanism for C. attenuatus.