cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extractability of lysozyme from bovine nasal cartilage.

Lysozyme (mucopeptide N-acetylmuramylhydrolase, EC 3.2.1.17) is present in the extracellular matrix of bovine nasal cartilage at a concentration of about 0.03 to 0.08 mg per g wet tissue (3–8 mg/100 ml per g). It is extracted from the tissue in guanidinium chloride solutions between 0.3 and 0.8 M. These concentrations are much lower than those which effectively extract most of the proteoglycans from the tissue, 2.5–3.0 M. Lysozyme migrates to the top of CsCl density gradients which are used to purify aggregated or monomer proteoglycan preparations; this suggests that lysozyme is not involved in the aggregation of proteoglycans in vitro. Chondroitinase from Proteus vulgaris effectively removes chondroitin sulfate from cartilage slices without solubilizing lysozyme which indicates that this highly anionic polysaccharide does not immobilize lysozyme in the matrix. Trypsin (EC 3.4.4.4) releases most of the chondroitin sulfate as well as 75% of the lysozyme from the matrix.
Childhood Circumstances and the Intergenerational Transmission of Socioeconomic Status

A large literature has documented the intergenerational transmission of socioeconomic status (SES). However, the mechanisms by which SES transmits across generations are still little understood. This article investigates whether characteristics determined in childhood play an important role in the intergenerational transmission. Using data from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey, I document the extent to which childhood human capital accounts for the intergenerational SES correlation. My results imply that childhood health and nutrition, cognitive and noncognitive abilities, and early schooling account for between one-third and one-half of the relationship between parents’ SES and their offspring’s SES.
Antibody-mediated targeting of siRNA via the human insulin receptor using avidin-biotin technology.

Delivery of short interfering RNA (siRNA) to cells in culture, and in vivo, is possible with combined use of a receptor-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) and avidin−biotin technology. In the prese...
Combinatorics of Higher Derivatives of Inverses

(2002). Combinatorics of Higher Derivatives of Inverses. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 109, No. 3, pp. 273-277.
Laboratory hydraulic fracturing stress measurements in salt

This paper discusses the results of a laboratory testing program to determine the validity of hydraulic fracturing stress measurements in salt. Tests were performed on 15 cm diameter samples loaded under hydrostatic stress conditions to determine the influence of time, confining pressure, flow rate, borehole diameter, and packers on breakdown pressure. Tests were also performed in a polyaxial loading frame to determine whether or not hydraulic fracturing could be used to measure non-hydrostatic stresses. The test results indicate that the breakdown pressure is not affected by time delays of up to 64 hours between the application of load fracturing the rock. Breakdown pressures were found to fall short of predicted elastic values at higher confining pressures for the hydrostatic tests. The ratio of the horizontal stresses in non-hydrostatic tests had no effect on breakdown pressures. Flow rate and borehole diameter variations were found to have a marked effect on breakdown pressures. Shut-in pressure value, exceeded the applied minimum stresses by 10 to 60% depending on the method of determination used. The lack of a relationship between breakdown pressure and horizontal stress ratio may preclude hydraulic fracturing from being used in salt as it is conventionally applied in brittle rocks. 10more » references, 4 figures.« less
Steeples and Stacks: Religion and Steel Crisis in Youngstown, Ohio

Introduction 1. Steeltown 2. The industry 3. Shutdown 4. Coping with Crisis: Community Response to the Shutdown 5. Religion and Urban Economic Crisis 6. Launching a Movement 7. The Plan 8. Negotiations 9. Ending, Learning, Beginning Anew 10. Epilogue Notes References Index.
Interactive effects of ethanol and nicotine on learning, anxiety, and locomotion in C57BL/6 mice in the plus-maze discriminative avoidance task.

Introduction Alcohol and nicotine both alter learning, locomotion, and anxiety, yet no study has directly examined the interactive effects of these drugs across these behaviors within subjects. Such a comparison would determine if the drugs produce independent effects on each behavior. The plus-maze discriminative avoidance task (PMDAT) allows within-subject measurement of these behaviors.
Aerodynamic Characterization of the Ares Launch Vehicles

For the Ares project, the Ares aerodynamics panel served as the technical discipline focus to guide the strategy used in characterizing the aerodynamics of the Ares series of launch vehicles. A brief description of the three launch vehicles envisioned for the Ares project is presented. Examples of inadequate aerodynamic characterization of two legacy launch vehicles provide the backdrop to the Ares effort. In light of these legacy issues, strategies are given to optimize the roles of thewind tunnel and computational fluid dynamics and how they should complement each other. In addition, details of how the Ares project integrated its database and uncertainty subteams are included. Themost important general lesson learned was to constantly communicate with customers of the aerodynamics data to ensure that the data providedaddressed the requirements and that the customers understoodand correctly implemented the data provided.
Drug companies face the music

H ow do you get people to tune in to the tricks of pharmaceutical marketing? A US band, the country/bluegrass satirists the Austin Lounge Lizards, has decided that one approach is to write and record a song about it. The group has collaborated with US watchdog body Consumers Union—New York based publishers of the reputable Consumer Reports —to come …
Accurate and approximate calculations of Raman scattering in the atmosphere of Neptune

Abstract Raman scattering by H 2 in Neptune's atmosphere has significant effects on its reflectivity for λ 0.5 μm , producing baseline decreases of ∼20% in a clear atmosphere and ∼10% in a hazy atmosphere. However, few accurate Raman calculations are carried out because of their complexity and computational costs. Here we present the first radiation transfer algorithm that includes both polarization and Raman scattering and facilitates computation of spatially resolved spectra. New calculations show that Cochran and Trafton's (1978, Astrophys. J. 219, 756–762) suggestion that light reflected in the deep CH 4 bands is mainly Raman scattered is not valid for current estimates of the CH 4 vertical distribution, which implies only a 4% Raman contribution. Comparisons with IUE, HST, and groundbased observations confirm that high altitude haze absorption is reducing Neptune's geometric albedo by ∼6% in the 0.22–0.26 μm range and by ∼13% in the 0.35–0.45 μm range. A sample haze model with 0.2 optical depths of 0.2-μm radius particles between 0.1 and 0.8 bars fits reasonably well, but is not a unique solution. We used accurate calculations to evaluate several approximations of Raman scattering. The Karkoschka (1994, Icarus 111, 174–192) method of applying Raman corrections to calculated spectra and removing Raman effects from observed spectra is shown to have limited applicability and to undercorrect the depths of weak CH 4 absorption bands. The relatively large Q -branch contribution observed by Karkoschka is shown to be consistent with current estimates of Raman cross-sections. The Wallace (1972, Astrophys. J. 176, 249–257) approximation, produces geometric albedo ∼5% low as originally proposed, but can be made much more accurate by including a scattering contribution from the vibrational transition. The original Pollack et al. (1986, Icarus 65, 442–466) approximation is inaccurate and unstable, but can be greatly improved by several simple modifications. A new approximation based on spectral tuning of the effective molecular single scattering albedo provides low errors for zenith angles below 70° in a clear atmosphere, although intermediate clouds present problems at longer wavelengths.
Excluded volume as a determinant of macromolecular structure and reactivity

The effect of excluded volume on the thermodynamic activity of globular macromolecules and macromolecular complexes in solution is studied in the hard-particle approximation. Activity coefficients are calculated as a function of the fraction of total volume occupied by macromolecules using relations obtained from scaled particle and lattice models. Significant and readily observable effects are predicted to occur as the fraction of volume occupied by globular macromolecules increases, including the following: (i) Compact quasi-spherical macromolecular conformations become increasingly energetically favored over extended anisometric conformations. (ii) Self- and heteroassociation processes are enhanced, particularly those leading to the formation of compact quasi-spherical aggregates. (iii) Depending upon the details of the reaction mechanism, the rate of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction may monotonically decrease, go through a maximum, or exhibit more complex behavior. A given degree of volume occupancy by larger macromolecules is predicted to have less effect on the structure and self-association of smaller macromolecules than the same degree of volume occupancy by smaller macromolecules has on the structure and self-association of larger macromolecules.
Evaluation of anemia, neutropenia and skin toxicities in standard or dose-dense doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide (AC)–paclitaxel or docetaxel adjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer

Abstract Background Results of CALGB 9741 demonstrated that administering standard doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide (AC)–paclitaxel therapy for adjuvant therapy of breast cancer in a dose-dense fashion with colony-stimulating factors increases efficacy, decreases severe neutropenia, but may increase the need for blood transfusions. A chart review was performed to evaluate the rates of anemia, neutropenia and skin toxicities with dose-dense and traditional AC–taxane chemotherapy. Patients and methods A total of 112 patients received one of four treatments: non-dose-dense AC–paclitaxel (NDD Pac), dose-dense AC–paclitaxel (DD Pac), non dose-dense AC–docetaxel (NDD Doc), or dose-dense AC–docetaxel (DD Doc). Results Transfusion rates were not increased in the dose-dense population; however, rates of grade 2–4 anemia (23% versus 0%, P = 0.029), as well as erythropoietin use (58% versus 0%, P Conclusions These results demonstrate that dose-dense AC–taxane therapy may increase rates of anemia and the need for erythropoietin, and decrease rates of neutropenia. The utility of DD Doc appears limited by skin toxicities and its use outside of a clinical study should not be recommended.
Current Directions in Mediation Analysis

Mediating variables continue to play an important role in psychological theory and research. A mediating variable transmits the effect of an antecedent variable on to a dependent variable, thereby providing more detailed understanding of relations among variables. Methods to assess mediation have been an active area of research for the last two decades. This paper describes the current state of methods to investigate mediating variables.
«Green» ideas in the wisdom tradition

L'intention de l'A. est d'eclairer la comprehension des textes anciens et de stimuler le dialogue entre la Bible et un probleme contemporain important: l'ecologie. Les principes ecologiques modernes peuvent trouver un support dans la litterature sapientiale. Dieu le createur et le nourricier est au centre du probleme; il a une responsabilite au devant de la nature. Pour l'humanite, il ne s'agit pas de dominer cette creation mais de permettre au processus naturel de poursuivre. Dans un second temps, il apparait que la creation est une valeur en soi qui existe comme une fin. Par consequent, il est impossible de la subordonner a des interets humains
Locating Emergency Warning Sirens

In this paper, we report on the application of set covering and maximal covering location models to the problem of locating emergency warning sirens in a midwestern city. Two siren types are available, each having different costs and covering radii. Using a modified version of the set covering location model, we analyze the cost implications of several policy options being considered by the city's planners. Results of the study indicate that location covering models can be powerful and efficient tools in the design of such systems, and their use can lead to significant cost savings. In addition, such models provide decision makers the flexibility to examine the inherent costs associated with various policy options.
COMPLEXITY ISSUES IN GLOBAL OPTIMIZATION: A SURVEY

Complexity theory refers to the asymptotic analysis of problems and algorithms. How efficient is an algorithm for a particular optimization problem, as the number of variables gets large? Are there problems for which no efficient algorithm exists? These are the questions that complexity theory attempts to address. The theory originated in work by Hartmanis and Stearns (1965).
Dietary Fiber and Meal Feeding Influence on Broiler Growth and Crop Fermentation

Abstract A study was conducted to observe growth, feed efficiency, and crop fermentation in chickens fed a fiber supplemented diet. One hundred newly hatched broiler type chicks were placed in 20 pens and fed a modified New England Conference starter ration. At two weeks of age all birds were made meal eaters by allowing access to feed three times per day for a half hour each feeding. At three weeks of age half the birds were randomly placed on a modified New England College Conference grower ration and the other half were placed on the same ration with approximately 6% added cellulose. The chicks were raised to 7 weeks of age. The fiber supplemented birds showed significantly lower average weights (P
Aminoglycosides in Intermittent Hemodialysis: Pharmacokinetics with Individual Dosing

Background:Data are limited on aminoglycoside pharmacokinetic differences between acute renal failure (ARF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) or infection survival when maintaining peak and pre-hemodialysis serum concentrations between 7 and 10 and 3.5 and 5 mg/L, respectively.Objective:To report aminoglycoside pharmacokinetic observations in a consecutive series of patients receiving intermittent hemodialysis (IHD), including treatment impact of patient-specific dosing regimens.Methods:In this prospective study, all calculated pharmacokinetic parameters used concentrations drawn more than 12 hours after the initial dose and peak concentrations at least 2 hours after the dose. Analysis included pharmacokinetic parameters in stage 5 CKD, ARF, impact of the dialysis prescription, and treatment results of individualized dosing regimens lasting more than 4 days.Results:Consecutive patients with IHD (N = 167) receiving 216 courses of aminoglycosides were evaluated. The mean ± SD volume of distribution was 0.39 ...
3-Draw: a three dimensional computer aided design tool

3-Draw is a tool for computer-aided design targeted at the early concept-forming stages of design. 3-Draw is intended to preserve the benefits of paper and pencil while taking advantage of the computer to develop, manipulate, and display 3-D representations of objects interactively. Designers using 3-Draw sketch out their initial ideas directly in three dimensions, using the computer to display objects in perspective and undergoing real-time motion. The hardware consists of two six-degrees-of-freedom sensors and a Silicon Graphics IRIS-4D/70GT graphics workstation. One sensor is configured to control an object's position and orientation. The other sensor is a multiconfigurable 3-D drawing/editing tool. Since the sketching is done directly in 3-D, the computer can generate limitless perspective views of models and the designer does not need to perform the image projection mentally. >
Foraging behaviour and energetics of a nectar-feeding bat, Leptonycteris curasoae (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae)

We studied the foraging behaviour and energetics of the nectar-feeding bat, Leptonycteris curasoae (=L. sanborni), in the Sonoran Desert near Bahia Kino, Sonora, Mexico, using radio-telemetry, light-tagging, and focal plant observations to answer three questions: (1) How far do these bats fly in a night and at what energetic cost? (2) How do they harvest nectar and pollen from columnar cacti that offer large but temporally variable nectar rewards? (3) What are the implications of their foraging behaviour for gene flow within populations of their food plants?L. curasoae visited flowers of three species of columnar cacti in April through June. Many bats roosted on Isla Tiburon 20 km from the Mexican mainland and commuted about 30 km to the mainland to feed. Bats flew for about 5 h each night for a total distance of about 100 km. Individuals foraged alone or in small groups in overlapping areas of 1-3 km2; and visited the same feeding areas on successive nights. Within feeding areas, bats visited the flowers of many cactus plants, visited most flowers <5 times, and removed about 0.1 mL of nectar per visit. Although bats flew nearly continuously early in the evening, they did most of their feeding between 24:00 and 02:00. When visiting flowers of Pachycereus pringlei (cardon), bats apparently waited until flowers had accumulated 0.8 mL of nectar before feeding, which suggests that rates of nectar secretion influence the timing of feeding in these bats. We estimate that the daily energy budget of L. curasoae is at least 40 kJ and that bats make about 80-100 visits to cactus flowers to acquire this energy. Foraging areas typically contain thousands of cactus flowers, and thus food does not appear to be a limited resource for these bats during the spring. The cost-efficient flight of this bat makes it an excellent pollen vector for self-incompatible, widely spaced desert cacti.
Translation at the Single-Molecule Level

Decades of studies have established translation as a multistep, multicomponent process that requires intricate communication to achieve high levels of speed, accuracy, and regulation. A crucial next step in understanding translation is to reveal the functional significance of the large-scale motions implied by static ribosome structures. This requires determining the trajectories, timescales, forces, and biochemical signals that underlie these dynamic conformational changes. Single-molecule methods have emerged as important tools for the characterization of motion in complex systems, including translation. In this review, we chronicle the key discoveries in this nascent field, which have demonstrated the power and promise of single-molecule techniques in the study of translation.
Incorporating background frequency improves entropy-based residue conservation measures

Several entropy-based methods have been developed for scoring sequence conservation in protein multiple sequence alignments. High scoring amino acid positions may correlate with structurally or functionally important residues. However, amino acid background frequencies are usually not taken into account in these entropy-based scoring schemes. We demonstrate that using a relative entropy measure that incorporates amino acid background frequency results in improved performance in identifying functional sites from protein multiple sequence alignments. Our results suggest that the application of appropriate background frequency information may lead to more biologically relevant results in many areas of bioinformatics.
The operon that encodes the sigma subunit of RNA polymerase also encodes ribosomal protein S21 and DNA primase in E. coli K12

The sigma subunit of E. coli RNA polymerase is encoded by the rpoD gene. Within the sequence upstream from rpoD, we have identified the structural genes rpsU and dnaG, which encode the 30S ribosomal protein S21 and DNA primase, respectively. The three genes are in the order rpsU, dnaG rpoD, and are all encoded by the same DNA strand. Analysis of in vivo transcripts from this region shows that these genes are all within the same operon. By correlating the 5' and 3' ends of in vivo transcripts with our DNA sequence, we have identified several regulatory features of the operon. These features include tandem promoters upstream from rpsU, a terminator between rpsU and dnaG, an RNA processing site separating dnaG and rpoD, and the operon terminator just downstream from rpoD. Immediately upstream of the operon promoters is an active promoter for an unidentified gene. We discuss the regulatory significance of the operon features and the biological significance of an operon encoding proteins essential for translation, replication and transcription.
Patterns of usual care for schizophrenia: Initial results from the Schizophrenia Patient Outcomes Research Team (PORT) Client Survey.

To examine the conformance of current patterns of usual care for persons with schizophrenia to the Schizophrenia Patient Outcomes Research Team (PORT) Treatment Recommendations, the PORT surveyed a stratified random sample of 719 persons diagnosed with schizophrenia in two States. The types of treatment settings surveyed included acute inpatient programs and continuing outpatient programs in urban and rural locales. Using data from medical record reviews and patient interviews, the PORT assessed the conformance of current care with 12 of the Treatment Recommendations. The rates at which patients' treatment conformed to the recommendations were modest at best, generally below 50 percent. Conformance rates were higher for pharmacological than for psychosocial treatments and in rural areas than in urban ones. Rates of Treatment Recommendation conformance for minority patients were lower than those for Caucasians, and patterns of care varied between the two States. The findings indicate that current usual treatment practices likely fall substantially short of what would be recommended based on the best evidence on treatment efficacy. This disparity underscores the need for greater efforts to ensure that treatment research results are translated into practice.
Hypothesis: Folate-responsive neural tube defects and neurocristopathies

Background What accounts for the wide spectrum of folate-responsive dysmorphogeneses? Both embryonic and fetal cells are entirely dependent on maternal folate to support their requirement for precisely timed proliferative bursts during gestation. Folate receptors (FRs) mediate transport into cells and are central to transplacental maternal-to-fetal folate transport. FRs are also critical for neural tube and neural crest development because recent murine “knock-out” and “knock-down” of FRs results in a high percentage of folate-responsive neural tube defects (NTDs) and neurocristopathies. Hypothesis Central to our hypothesis is the fact that folate deficiency is accompanied by a reduction in the proliferative capacity of highly mitotic neural tube or neural crest cells. Therefore, depending on when in pregnancy various cohorts of highly proliferative cells are deprived of folate, and the origin of the affected cells will determine the type of developmental dysmorphogenesis. Thus, selective folate deficiency in early pregnancy of only highly proliferative neural tube or neural crest cells predisposes to NTDs or gross dysmorphogenesis, respectively. Folate deficiency that compromises placental development will predispose to small-for-date babies due to an overall nutrient deficiency, and the development of folate insufficiency later in pregnancy could predispose to more subtle midline birth defects involving atresia of neural crest cell-derived structures. Finally, a congenital folate transport defect would only be corrected by suprapharmacological doses of folate, which ensures passive diffusion. Conclusion This hypothesis can explain the results of several earlier and more recent clinical trials on folate supplementation in pregnancy, but it also raises the possibility that there may be several as yet undiscovered neurocristopathies that are folate responsive. Teratology 62:42–50, 2000. Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Sliding Alignment Windows for Real-Time Crowd Captioning

The primary way of providing real-time speech to text captioning for hard of hearing people is to employ expensive professional stenographers who can type as fast as natural speaking rates. Recent work has shown that a feasible alternative is to combine the partial captions of ordinary typists, each of whom is able to type only part of what they hear. In this paper, we extend the state of the art fixed-window alignment algorithm (Naim et al., 2013) for combining the individual captions into a final output sequence. Our method performs alignment on a sliding window of the input sequences, drastically reducing both the number of errors and the latency of the system to the end user over the previously published approaches.
The case of the crooked cry.

An otherwise healthy 7-month-old girl was evaluated at the pediatric neurology clinic for left-side facial nerve weakness. Secondary to breech presentation, the child was born via planned cesarean delivery, the mother indicated that soon after her daughter’s birth, she noticed that the infant’s cry was ‘‘crooked.’’ The mother did not think much of this because the child seemed otherwise happy and was growing as expected. Except for lower lip asymmetry (Figure, right panel), the patient’s physical examination was unremarkable. Hypoplasia or absence of the depressor anguli oris muscle (HDAOM), also known as asymmetric crying facies, is an uncommon congenital malformation with an incidence of 0.6%. 1,2 The anomaly is characterized by asymmetry of the lower lip, which is evident only during crying. The depressor anguli oris (triangularis menti) is a triangular muscle that originates from the external oblique line of the mandible and inserts at the angle of the mouth; it is innervated by the mandibular branch of the facial nerve. 3 Upon contraction
Black Brant Harvest, Density Dependence, and Survival: A Record of Population Dynamics

Abstract We analyzed 53 years of banding and band recovery data along with estimates of harvest and population size to assess the role of harvest and density dependence in survival patterns and population dynamics of black brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) over the period 1950–2003. The black brant population has declined steadily since complete annual surveys began in 1960, so the role of harvest in the dynamics of this population is of considerable interest. We used Brownie models implemented in Program MARK to analyze banding data. In some models, we incorporated estimated sport harvest to test hypotheses about the role of harvest in survival. We also examined the hypothesis of density-dependent regulation of mortality by incorporating estimates of population size as a covariate into models of survival. For a shorter period (1985–2003), we also assessed hypotheses about the role of subsistence harvest and predation as sources of mortality. The best supported model of variation in survival and band reco...
Democracy and the Criminal Justice System

There seem to be a number of core arguments driving this fascinating and compelling account of the history and current state of play of the US criminal justice system. It is an important contributi...
Microfluidic Air—Liquid Cavity Acoustic Transducers for On-Chip Integration of Sample Preparation and Sample Detection

A simple low-cost yet versatile microtechnology platform is demonstrated as capable of performing a variety of microfluidic actuation functions including on-chip pumping, mixing, cell/particle sort...
Knockdown of TNF-α by DNAzyme gold nanoparticles as an anti-inflammatory therapy for myocardial infarction

In this study, we used deoxyribozyme (DNAzyme) functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to catalytically silence tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in vivo as a potential therapeutic for myocardial infarction (MI). Using primary macrophages as a model, we demonstrated 50% knockdown of TNF-α, which was not attainable using Lipofectamine-based approaches. Local injection of DNAzyme conjugated to gold particles (AuNPs) in the rat myocardium yielded TNF-α knockdown efficiencies of 50%, which resulted in significant anti-inflammatory effects and improvement in acute cardiac function following MI. Our results represent the first example showing the use of DNAzyme AuNP conjugates in vivo for viable delivery and gene regulation. This is significant as TNF-α is a multibillion dollar drug target implicated in many inflammatory-mediated disorders, thus underscoring the potential impact of DNAzyme-conjugated AuNPs.
The President's Glands: Somatic Interiority and the Referents of Biographical Fction in American Adulterer

In the biographical novel American Adulterer, physician Jed Mercurio recounts President Kennedy's life as the story of a sick body. This experiment and its reception expose biofiction's conventiona...
Abstract 402: Plasminogen Inhibits Sdf-1-induced Cxcr4 Internalization In Bone Marrow-derived Mononuclear Cells

In multiple pathological settings including stokes and myocardial infarction (MI), stem cells are mobilized from the bone marrow to injury site to promote tissue repair. However, naturally recruited stem cells are not sufficient for heart function recovery. How to enhance stem cell mobilization remains challenge but may lead to develop novel strategy for stem cell therapies. Our previous studies have shown that Plasminogen (Plg) enhances stem cell mobilization and contributes to cardiac repair after MI. Mechanism studies reveal that Plg regulates CXCR4 expression, the receptor of SDF-1, a major chemoattractant for stem cells, during stem cell mobilization. Using bone marrow mononuclear cells, our data show that Plg is able to increase CXCR4 expression in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, Plg decreases CXCR4 internalization induced by SDF-1. SDF-1 (50nM) induces a rapid internalization of CXCR4 on BMNC indicated as much lower CXCR4 expression compared with control (0.9 ± 0.5% vs 10.5 ± 2.6%) in cell surfa...
Intermediate Kinematics Produce Inferior Feeding Performance in a Classic Case of Natural Hybridization

Selection on naturally occurring hybrid individuals is a key component of speciation theory, but few studies examine the functional basis of hybrid performance. We examine the functional consequences of hybridization in nature, using the freshwater sunfishes (Centrarchidae), where natural hybrids have been studied for more than a century and a half. We examined bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus), and their naturally occurring hybrid, using prey-capture kinematics and morphology to parameterize suction-feeding simulations on divergent parental resources. Hybrid individuals exhibited kinematics intermediate between those of the two parental species. However, performance assays indicated that hybrids display performance most similar to the worse-performing species for a given parental resource. Our results show that intermediate hybrid phenotypes can be impaired by a less-than-intermediate performance and hence suffer a larger loss in fitness than could be inferred from morphology alone.
Single photon emission computed tomography in cerebrovascular disease

Every year, nearly half a million people in the United States have a stroke. Cerebrovascular disease is the third leading cause of death in the country, and it costs the economy approximately $25 billion annually. SPECT perfusion imaging is a sensitive indicator of stroke. Abnormal patterns of blood flow are recognized either as areas of hypoactivity (focal or diffused) or hyperactivity (hyperemia or luxury perfusion). Lesions are demonstrated earlier by SPECT than by CT or MRI, and the physiologic information from flow imaging is not available from such anatomic studies. Given the significance of stroke and the early sensitivity of SPECT, why do most neurologists not include SPECT in the evaluation of their patients? The authors feel that the answer is that most neurologists do not view SPECT flow imaging as providing additional information beyond the standard clinical and radiologic work-up. This article therefore concentrates on ways in which SPECT imaging can be useful in stroke, identifying the major concerns of clinicians, and demonstrating how some of these concerns can be addressed by SPECT. The goal is to expand the perspective of the nuclear-medicine physician and encourage investigations on urgent clinical problems in the diagnosis and management of patients withmore » cerebrovascular diseases. Additional information may be obtained from several excellent reviews of SPECT imaging in stroke. 73 refs.« less
Targeted Therapy in Biliary Tract Cancers

A paradigm shift towards molecular-based, personalized cancer therapeutics has occurred in recent years and a number of targeted drugs have emerged. Various targeted therapies like erlotinib, trastuzumab, and cetuximab have been approved in lung, breast, and colon cancers, respectively. Numerous clinical trials involving targeted drugs in biliary tract cancers are currently in progress, though none have been approved for this disease. Biliary tract cancers are divided into separate entities both anatomically and in terms of pathogenesis but are grouped together in most trials given their rarity. Combination chemotherapy involving cisplatin and gemcitabine is the current standard of care in the metastatic setting. In this review, we will discuss the various molecular pathways implicated in biliary tract cancers and potential therapeutic targets.
(Re)locating the gay Filipino: resistance, postcolonialism, and identity.

This paper attempts to critically analyze issues of postcolonial displacement, immigration, and homosexuality by examining the works of two Filipino gay immigrant writers, John Silva and Ralph Pena. Using postcolonial and critical theories, anthropological studies, and ethnographic fieldwork in New York City, this paper focuses on the role of language, memory, the body, race/ethnicity, and social class in the narrative strategies of the two writers. This paper argues that gay postcolonial writers such as these two relocate and reconfigure homosexual/gay identity in the face of new and oppressive hierarchies, identities, and practices.
Drug Views: Does Race Matter?

Substance abuse is a significant social problem and political issue. Students at a Midwestern university were surveyed on their drug views. The findings suggest that race is a statistically signifi...
Analysis of measured and calculated Raman spectra of indole, 3-methylindole, and tryptophan on the basis of observed and predicted isotope shifts.

The aromatic amino acid tryptophan plays an important role in protein electron-transfer and in enzyme catalysis. Tryptophan is also used as a probe of its local protein environment and of dynamic changes in this environment. Raman spectroscopy of tryptophan has been an important tool to monitor tryptophan, its radicals, and its protein environment. The proper interpretation of the Raman spectra requires not only the correct assignment of Raman bands to vibrational normal modes but also the correct identification of the Raman bands in the spectrum. A significant amount of experimental and computational work has been devoted to this problem, but inconsistencies still persist. In this work, the Raman spectra of indole, 3-methylindole (3MI), tryptophan, and several of their isotopomers have been measured to determine the isotope shifts of the Raman bands. Density functional theory calculations with the B3LYP functional and the 6-311+G(d,p) basis set have been performed on indole, 3MI, 3-ethylindole (3EI), and...
Customer Satisfaction and Long-Term Stock Returns.

AbstractThe authors reexamine the relation between customer satisfaction (measured by the American Customer Satisfaction Index) and long-term stock returns using statistical tests that are well specified in the presence of industry clustering. Their results are consistent with those of Fornell, Morgeson, and Hult (2016), who find positive abnormal stock returns for companies with high levels of customer satisfaction. However, the authors also identify three caveats that could affect the robustness of this conclusion. First, the results critically depend on the manner in which industry is defined. Second, because Fornell, Morgeson, and Hult use a proprietary trading strategy that has not been disclosed to the general public, the authors are unable to discern what fraction of their reported performance is due to customer satisfaction as opposed to other characteristics of the trading strategy. Finally, because the authors also find positive abnormal returns for the entire American Customer Satisfaction Inde...
The Impact of Dominant Ventricle Morphology on Palliation Outcomes of Single Ventricle Anomalies

Background Differences in right ventricle and tricuspid valve structure compared with left ventricle and mitral valve structure make them less equipped to support the systemic circulation long term, with subsequent systemic right ventricle failure. We examined the effect of dominant ventricle morphology on single ventricle palliation outcomes. Methods We grouped 530 neonates who underwent first-stage palliation into two groups based on dominant ventricle morphology: right dominant ventricle (RV group; n = 302, 57%) and left dominant ventricle or functional single ventricle with two well-formed ventricles (LV group; n = 228, 43%). Comparisons of hospital outcomes, interstage mortality, progression to subsequent palliation stages, and late survival was performed, and factors affecting outcomes were examined. Results After first-stage palliation, the RV group and LV group, respectively, had comparable extracorporeal membrane oxygenation requirements (12% versus 11%, p = 0.648), unplanned reoperation (12% versus 13%, p = 0.586), and hospital death (16% versus 13%, p = 0.437). Among hospital survivors, interstage mortality (11% versus 9%, p = 0.509) and progression to Glenn operation (89% versus 84%, p = 0.182) were comparable; however, death after Glenn was higher in the RV group (10%, versus LV group 4%, p = 0.020) with a trend for lower 8-year survival (66% versus 73%, p = 0.081). On multivariable analysis, dominant RV was not associated with mortality (hazard ratio 0.75, 95% confidence interval: 0.6 to 1.0, p = 0.081), whereas factors such as genetic syndromes, weight 2.5 kg or less, underlying cardiac anomaly, and first-stage palliation type affected survival. Conclusions At midterm follow-up, underlying cardiac anomaly and patient characteristics affect single ventricle palliation outcomes more than dominant ventricular morphology. As right ventricle and associated tricuspid valve failure might occur at late stages, the impact of dominant ventricular morphology on long-term outcomes requires further assessment.
Islamic Education in the United States and Canada: Conception and Practice of the Islamic Belief System

Copyright 1991, Oxford University Press. This is a pre-copyedited version of an article accepted for publication in the edited book The Muslims of America following peer review. The definitive publisher-authenticated version is available through Oxford University Press: http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/ReligionTheology/Islam/?view=usa&ci=9780195085594. See also: http://www.eself-learning-arabic.cornell.edu/publications.htm#4
Leveraging Hybrid Simulation for Vibration-Based Damage Detection Studies

Approaches for structural health monitoring of civil infrastructure using vibration-based damage detection methods have progressed significantly over the past decade as a result of extensive experimentation on both full-scale and laboratory-scale structures. However, the field instrumentation of in-service structures involving well-characterized damage scenarios is a complex, costly, and high-risk investment. In contrast, the use of numerical simulations to generate synthetic data for structural health monitoring research is restricted by challenges associated with modeling experimental uncertainties associated with measurement devices and ambient disturbances. In both cases, the faithful representation of meaningful damage progression is often a technical limitation. Recently, hybrid simulation has been explored as a novel alternative for experimental structural health monitoring research that alleviates the expense and logistics associated with full structural testing, yet retains the empirical nature of experimentation by combining an experimental substructure with an analytical model. In this paper, the use of pseudo-dynamic hybrid simulation for exploration of vibration-based structural health monitoring techniques is demonstrated using a truss structure where a single member and bolted gusset plate connection are incorporated in the experimental model. Hybrid simulations are performed in the baseline state and following introduction of localized damage developed at a limit state of the bolted connection. The results correlate strongly with predictions obtained from a fully analytical model and support the further exploration of hybrid simulation as a tool for vibration-based structural health monitoring research.
Polarimetric measurements and analysis of different metal-coated mirrors

We study the induced polarization by different metal-coated mirrors of an azimuth-over-elevation beam scanner. We devised and tested a method to eliminate these effects for all scan directions by means of altering the incident polarization.
Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder in Adult Lung Transplant Recipients: A Report on Twenty-Seven Patients.

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a serious complication of organ transplantation. We report a case series on the diagnosis, treatment and outcome of PTLD in lung transplant recipients. From 1991 to 2006, 27 (5%) of the 502 lung transplant recipients at our institution developed PTLD. The median age at transplant was 51.5 years (range 21–65 years) and the median time from transplant to PTLD diagnosis was 33.7 months (range 1–174 months). Most cases had an elevated LDH (86%) and were EBV-positive (85%). Of the cases tested (n=14), 64% were monoclonal. PTLD was most commonly diagnosed in the lung (56%) and gastrointestinal tract (26%). Three patients were diagnosed at autopsy, while the remaining 24 received therapy. Eight patients were initially treated with reduced immunosuppression (RI) alone, but only 3 (38%) obtained a complete response (CR). Rituxan (R) was used alone (n=3) or in combination with RI (n=3) as initial therapy in six patients, four of whom obtained a CR. Five patients utilized RI +/− surgical resection as a primary treatment modality, all of whom achieved a CR. However, all of them relapsed and required further treatment. Of these five patients initially treated with RI +/− surgical resection, a CR was reestablished in 3 using rituxan alone (1/3), combined rituxan and reduced immunosuppression (1/3) and radiation treatment alone (1/3). The remaining five patients from the 24 patients receiving induction therapy for PTLD were given other treatments. With an average follow-up of 28 months (range 1-130 months), 81% of patients have died. However, only 18% of deaths were directly related to progressive PTLD. The remaining 17 deaths were due to: infection unrelated to PTLD treatment (15%), multi-organ failure (7%), graft failure not due to RI (30%), stroke (4%), and renal failure (4%). Most deaths can be attributed to disease specific and posttransplant complications rather than PTLD. Although an unfortunate diagnosis, PTLD is responsive to therapy, particularly reduced immunosuppression and rituximab.
Sweetening the deal: dating for compensation in the digital age

This paper explores the online ‘sugar dating’ phenomenon, the proliferation of websites that connect ‘sugar daddies’ and ‘sugar mamas’ with ‘sugar babies,’ in order to better understand the kinds o...
Four lessons from risk assessment (and other forensic assessment) meta-analyses.

ABSTRACTI read the Williams, Wormith, Bonta, and Sitarenios (2017) critique of the Singh, Grann, and Fazel (2011) meta-analysis as someone who has struggled with conceptual and methodological issues when conducting risk assessment meta-analyses. I offer four lessons for risk assessment meta-analysts, based on my experiences as a risk assessment meta-analyst and consumer of risk assessment research. Lesson 1: We should accept the Dodo bird verdict in risk assessment instrument research and then move forward. Lesson 2: If you must compare, compare within samples. Lesson 3: Meta-analyses are often more useful for showing how much we don't know than how much we do know. Lesson 4: There are not enough risk assessment instrument studies examining the predictive validity of commonly used score interpretations.
Unforgiven and Alone: Brenda Spencer and Secret Shame

On the morning of January 29, 1979, 16-year-old Brenda Spencer fired at the elementary school across the street, killing the principal and the janitor, and wounding eight children on their way to school. The case is of special interest because it was among the first school rampage shootings, and because the assailant was a girl. Ms. Spencer’s notorious comment, “I did it for the fun of it—I hate Mondays…,” became the refrain of a song that was frequently played on the radio. The author considers the case as an example of how secret shame (that cannot be confessed or “discharged”) turns into violence. He argues that Ms. Spencer accumulated shame as a victim of undiagnosed epilepsy, parental divorce, and repeated physical abuse and sexual molestation by her father beginning at the age of 11. Her skill as a markswoman, her experiences hunting with her father, and the positive presentation of violent females in the media during this decade (e.g. Patty Hearst, Charlie Manson’s female accomplices) played a part in Ms. Spencer forging a criminal identity for herself, which in turn led to her externalizing her expressions of violence in the form of a rampage killing.
Dynamic Capabilities and the Multinational Enterprise

Contemporary theories of the MNE have made limited progress in explaining interfirm heterogeneity. A fuller explanation should account for the uncertainties that firms face about market demand and about the costs of competing organizational alternatives. One approach is to allow a role for entrepreneurial managers who assess uncertainties on an ongoing basis and make non-routine decisions that create unique paths for the organizations they lead. This paper presents the dynamic capabilities framework, a multidisciplinary approach to analyzing the characteristics of individual firms and the sources of firm-level competitive advantage. Dynamic capabilities encompass the non-routine actions of entrepreneurial managers and the creative output of a firm’s expert talent. These capabilities are also embedded in “signature” organizational routines and processes rooted in an organization’s unique history. A dynamic capabilities approach supports a richer understanding of the distinctive characteristics of MNEs. A case study is presented that shows how the exploration division of a large multinational oil firm introduced capability awareness into the management of its global staff of geophysicists.
Extraction of Process-Structure Evolution Linkages from X-ray Scattering Measurements Using Dimensionality Reduction and Time Series Analysis

The rapid development of robust, reliable, and reduced-order process-structure evolution linkages that take into account hierarchical structure are essential to expedite the development and manufacturing of new materials. Towards this end, this paper lays a theoretical framework that injects the established time series analysis into the recently developed materials knowledge systems (MKS) framework. This new framework is first presented and then demonstrated on an ensemble dataset obtained using small-angle X-ray scattering on semi-crystalline linear low density polyethylene films from a synchrotron X-ray scattering experiment.