cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In vitro and in vivo analysis of the control of dihydrofolate reductase gene transcription in serum-stimulated mouse fibroblasts

We have studied the rate of transcription of the gene for dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) in mouse 3T6 fibroblasts during serum-induced transitions between the resting (G0) and growing states. As a model system, we have used a methotrexate-resistant 3T6 cell line that overproduces DHFR and its mRNA about 300-fold, yet regulates the expression of the DHFR gene in the same manner as normal 3T6 cells. In previous studies, we showed that the rate of production of cytoplasmic DHFR mRNA relative to total mRNA is about 4 times lower in resting than in exponentially growing cells. The rate increases to the growing value by about 15 hr following serum stimulation of the resting cells. This increase appeared to be controlled by regulating the rate of synthesis of DHFR hnRNA. In this study, we analyze the transcription of the DHFR gene in more detail. We use a variety of labeling times and RNA extraction procedures to measure the rate of synthesis of DHFR hnRNA relative to total hnRNA in pulse-labeled cells or in nuclei isolated from cells at various times following serum stimulation. The amount of labeled DHFR RNA is determined by DNA-excess filter hybridization. In all cases, the relative rate of synthesis of DHFR hnRNA increases at the same time, and to the same extent, as the rate of production of DHFR mRNA, suggesting that the increase in DHFR mRNA production is due to a corresponding increase in the rate of transcription of the DHFR gene. The increase in DHFR gene transcription is not blocked by cytosine arabinoside, showing that the increase does not depend on gene duplication. In isolated nuclei, DHFR RNA synthesis is inhibited by alpha-amanitin (1 microgram/ml), indicating that the DHFR gene is transcribed by RNA polymerase II. Others have shown that when stationary phase cells are stimulated to proliferate, the increase in DHFR mRNA content is controlled primarily at the post-transcriptional level. Therefore, it appears that the rate of production of DHFR mRNA is controlled by different biochemical mechanisms when cells are in different physiological states.
Non-line-of-sight link performance study for indoor visible light communication systems

Fundamental characteristics of non-directed line-of-sight links for indoor wireless optical communication systems have been widely discussed. In this paper, we present experimental visible light channel characterization results, including impulse response and path loss, and further predict the fundamental communication system performance trade-offs among transmitted optical power, range, data rate and bit-error rate. These results provide guidelines to system design.
PROXIMATE CORRELATES OF BLACKS SUPPORT FOR CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to identify the factors influencing blacks’ support for the death penalty using data from the General Social Survey. The study found that support for the death penalty among blacks has risen from about forty percent in 1974 to 57 percent in 1994. In 1989 and 1991, blacks’ support for the death penalty reached almost sixty percent. Black proponents of the death penalty tend to have high incomes, are politically conservative, come from middle and upper class backgrounds, are married, urbanites, live in the south, and perceive that the courts do not punish offenders harshly enough. The best predictor of black favorable ness for the death penalty was their perception of the severity of sentences imposed by the courts. Subjective class membership, fear of crime, and the experience of police arrest were all found to be significant predictors. The number of homicide victims known to respondents, criminal victimization and attitudes toward gun control legislation were not sig...
Mechanical control of greenhead flies (Diptera: Tabanidae) in a marsh environment.

The effectiveness of New Jersey box traps for the control of adult greenhead flies, Tabanus nigrovittatus , Macquart, T. conterminus Walker, was assessed at Wallops Island, Va. Trap shape and placement were tested. Shallow (0.45 m high) traps caught significantly fewer flies than cubic (0.60 m high) traps. Traps located in the inner two of four layers of traps caught fewer flies than traps in the outer layers.
SEX-RATIO MANIPULATION IN COLOR-BANDED POPULATIONS OF ZEBRA FINCHES.

Significant correlations were found between attractiveness of leg-band color (determined by preference tests [Burley et al., 1982]) and sex ratio of offspring in two long-term breeding experiments involving zebra finches. In both experiments, birds with attractive band colors produced more same-sex offspring, while birds with unattractive band colors produced more opposite-sex offspring. The results of these experiments are consistent with those of a previous experiment (Burley, 1981). To explain the earlier results, I hypothesized that parents adjust their allocation to sons and daughters to produce offspring they "expect" to be most attractive. The purpose of such sex-ratio manipulation is to enhance fitness by the production of offspring with superior mate-getting opportunities. Two alternative hypotheses are presented here. One is that sex ratios change with parental age and/or experience. Evidence does not support this hypothesis. There were no temporal trends in sex ratio independent of band color. A second possibility is that sex ratios reflect differential parental ability to rear sons and daughters. This hypothesis cannot be conclusively tested on the basis of present evidence, but available evidence does not support it. Within color classes, weights of sons and daughters did not differ. Evidence indicates that parents effect secondary sex-ratio manipulation through the selective rejection of young, usually within six days of hatching. There is no evidence of manipulation prior to egg-laying. The costs associated with brood reduction probably set limits on the extent to which secondary manipulation can be profitably employed.
Economics of solar heating with homeowner-type financing

Abstract A feasibility study of the present-day economics of solar space and hot water heating is presented for a region with Tennessee's climate and geographic latitude. The economics of solar systems are considered for typical cities across the state representing different weather conditions. Financing is considered for conditions likely to be encountered by a homeowner. These costs are compared to current fossil fuels and electric power systems, with graphs presented to aid in economic decisions.
Measuring fifteen endogenous estrogens simultaneously in human urine by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

A sensitive, specific, accurate, and precise high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry method for measuring the absolute quantities of 15 endogenous estrogens and their metabolites in human urine has been developed and validated. The method requires a single hydrolysis/extraction/derivatization step and only 0.5 mL of urine, yet is capable of simultaneously quantifying estrone and its 2-, 4-methoxy and 2-, 4-, and 16α-hydroxy derivatives, and 2-hydroxyestrone-3-methyl ether; estradiol and its 2-, 4-methoxy and 2-, 16α-hydroxy derivatives, 16-epiestriol, 17-epiestriol, and 16-ketoestradiol in pre- and postmenopausal women as well as men. Standard curves are linear over a 103-fold concentration range with the standard error of the estimate (SEE) and the relative standard error of the estimate (RSEE) for the linear regression line ranging from 0.0131 to 0.1760 and 1.2 to 7.3%, respectively. The lower limit of quantitation for each estrogen is 0.02 ng/0.5 mL urine...
Infrequency of p53 gene mutations in ependymomas

Ependymomas, which comprise 5% of central nervous system tumors, have not been extensively characterized genetically. The p53 tumor suppressor gene is frequently mutated in human cancer, and is important in the pathogenesis of other central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Chromosomal DNA corresponding to the p53 tumor suppressor gene was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from 31 archival ependymoma specimens. DNA was screened for the presence of p53 mutations by single strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis; samples with altered mobility were further tested for the presence of mutation by direct DNA sequence analysis. Of the 31 ependymomas tested, one contained a detectable DNA sequence change in the p53 gene. Sequencing revealed a silent mutation in exon 6, at codon 213, which represents a known p53 sequence polymorphism. These findings suggest that in contrast to many other human cancers, p53 mutation is not important in the pathogenesis or progression of ependymomas.
Dimensional anchors: a graphic primitive for multidimensional multivariate information visualizations

We introduce a graphic primitive, called a dimensional anchor (DA), which facilitates the creation of new visualizations and provides insight into the analysis of information visualizations. The DA represents an attempt to provide a unified framework or model for a variety of visualizations, including Parallel Coordinates, scatter plot matrices, Radviz, Survey Plots and Circle Segments A dimensional anchor is constructed by assigning values to parameters associated with various geometric graphic elements that encode the basics of the above visualizations. We define a visualization vector space in which all of the above visualizations and many new ones are represented by vectors. These encodings make it possible to perform a Grand Tour traveling from Parallel Coordinates to Survey Plot, and visiting many other visualizations in between
Multiplicity distributions in high energy hadronic collisions

Multiplicity distributions of hadrons produced in high energy collisions show the qualitative behavior characteristic of short-range correlation (SRC) modes. In addition, several phenomenological studies have inferred the presence of a relatively small diffractive component. This diffractive component can be interpreted in terms of Pomeron exchange. If the Pomeron singularity is assumed to be predominantly a factorizable Regge pole, specific predictions result for the multiplicity distribution.
A “Compressed-Spring” Analogy for Residual Stress Effects on the Extension of Indenter Flaws

The residual driving force of plastic zones associated with indenter flaws was modeled as that of a compressed spring. The limiting case of a zero-stiffness spring converges to the constant-force model and predicts maximum stable crack extension before instability and corresponding maximum strength degradation. An infinitely stiff spring, i.e. a rigid wedge, causes no stable crack growth or strength degradation. Comparison with stable-crack-growth data suggests that an appropriate-stiffness spring model gives a better fit than the constant-force model.
A new direction in ASIC high-performance clock methodology

This paper describes an effective clock methodology for growing and inserting clock trees on high-performance, low-power ASIC chips. Key attributes of the method are that it does not add unnecessary wire, avoids the noise and power-supply drop associated with localized high-current-density clock circuits, and accounts for high-frequency effects such as inductance. A sophisticated automated balanced router and a special clock buffer circuit allow the methodology to work on a large variety of chip sizes, package types, latch counts, and operating frequencies. The methodology enabled automated creation of entire clock networks, including verification, in less than one day, with less than 100 ps of design system skew on complex ASIC chips.
Variations in Lead-Isotopic Compositions in Mesozoic Granitic Rocks of California: A Preliminary Investigation

Six alkali feldspar and two whole-rock samples of granitic rocks from the Sierra Nevada batholith and adjacent Klamath Mountains were analyzed for their lead-isotope compositions. The samples represented each of three 87 Sr/ 86 Sr groupings ( 0.706) for granitic rocks north of the Garlock fault in California. The isotopic compositions of lead in the samples from the Sierra Nevada batholith range from 18.73 to 19.37 for 206 Pb/ 204 Pb, 15.61 to 15.71 for 207 Pb/ 204 Pb, and 38.44 to 39.10 for 208 Pb/ 204 Pb. A crude parallel correspondence was found between lead and strontium isotopes, in that the specimens with the most radiogenic strontium also tend to have the most radiogenic lead similar to the previously studied Boulder batholith of Montana. A parallel correspondence is thought to imply characteristics of the source rocks for the plutons rather than consequences of partial melting or natural contamination. Lead-isotopic compositions for the Sierra Nevada batholith and the Boulder batholith differ, average values of 206 Pb/ 204 Pb being at least 18.8 for the Sierra Nevada batholith and about 18 for the Boulder batholith. In the Late Cretaceous part of the Sierra Nevada batholith, the secondary isochron “age” for the lead data in these rocks is about 2,900 m.y., far older than known Precambrian in California. Sources are proposed for these plutons from the lower continental crust and upper continental mantle or dominantly recycled continental materials, probably of intermediate composition and possibly carried down to the zone of melting by subduction. This source material may have been formed in Pre-cambrian times but did not undergo a Precambrian metamorphism greater than upper amphibolite facies which would have reduced the values of 238 U/ 204 Pb in the source rocks and resulted in Mesozoic leads like those found in the Boulder batholith and elsewhere in the Rocky Mountain region. A trondhjemite from the Klamath Mountains has a lead-isotope composition ( 206 Pb/ 204 Pb, 18.57; 207 Pb/ 204 Pb, 15.50; 208 Pb/ 204 Pb, 38.08) similar to that of oceanic volcanic rocks, particularly like those of island volcanics on oceanic ridges. Derivation of this trondhjemite from an oceanic mantle or recycled mantle material is indicated by this observation and supports the conclusion of Kistler and Peterman (1973) based on its alkali abundances and 87 Sr/ 86 Sr value.
Corn- and Soy-Derived Materials: Properties and Potential Clinical Applications

This chapter focuses on the nature of biomaterials, particularly those used for implantation. It includes a discussion of the clinical applications of biomaterials for medical conditions such as cardiac disease, therapy after traumatic injury, diarrheal disease, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and stroke. The preparation of PLLA and soybean protein fiber, the two biomaterials that were tested for human tissue biocompatibility, is described.
Information theoretic measures of the income distribution in food demand

A new method to nest, estimate and test the rank and functional form of the income terms in an incomplete system of demand equations is developed. Information theory is employed to infer the U.S. income distribution from data on quintile and top five percentile income ranges and intra-quintile and top five percentile mean incomes. Maximum entropy income distributions are combined with data on the U.S. demand for 21 food items to estimate U.S. food demand over the period 1919–1995, excluding 1942–1946.
Antibiotic Prescribing at the Transition from Hospitalization to Discharge: A Target for Antibiotic Stewardship

Of 300 patients prescribed oral antibiotics at the time of hospital discharge, urinary tract infection, community-acquired pneumonia, and skin infections accounted for 181 of the treatment indications (60%). Half of the prescriptions were antibiotics with broad Gram-negative activity. Discharge prescriptions were inappropriate in 79 of 150 cases reviewed (53%).
Preseparable Extensions of Multidimensional Preferences

Throughout much of the literature in economics and political science, the notion of separability provides a mechanism for characterizing interdependence within individual preferences over multiple dimensions. In this paper, we show how preseparable extensions can be used to construct certain classes of separable and non-separable preferences. We prove several associated combinatorial results, and we note a correspondence between separable preference orders, Boolean term orders, and comparative probability relations. We also mention several open questions pertaining to preseparable extensions and separable preferences.
X-compact: an efficient response compaction technique

X-Compact is an X-tolerant test response compaction technique. It enables up to exponential reduction in the test response data volume and the number of pins required to collect test response from a chip. The compaction hardware requires negligible area, does not add any extra delay during normal operation, guarantees detection of defective chips even in the presence of unknown logic values (often referred to as X's), and preserves diagnosis capabilities for most practical scenarios. The technique has minimum impact on current design and test flows, and can be used to reduce test time, test-data volume, test-input/output pins and tester channels, and also to improve test quality.
Intraplantar-injected ceramide in rats induces hyperalgesia through an NF-κB- and p38 kinase-dependent cyclooxygenase 2/prostaglandin E2 pathway

Inflammatory pain represents an important unmet clinical need with important socioeconomic implications. Ceramide, a potent proinflammatory sphingolipid, has been shown to elicit mechanical hyperalgesia, but the mechanisms remain largely unknown. We now demonstrate that, in addition to mechanical hyperalgesia, intraplantar injection of ceramide (10 μg) led to the development of thermal hyperalgesia that was dependent on induction of the inducible cyclooxygenase (COX-2) and subsequent increase of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)). The development of mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia and increased production of PGE(2) was blocked by NS-398 (15-150 ng), a selective COX-2 inhibitor. The importance of the COX-2 to PGE(2) pathway in ceramide signaling was underscored by the findings that intraplantar injection of a monoclonal PGE(2) antibody (4 μg) blocked the development of hyperalgesia. Our results further revealed that COX-2 induction is regulated by NF-κB and p38 kinase activation, since intraplantar injection of SC-514 (0.1-1 μg) or SB 203580 (1-10 μg), well-characterized inhibitors of NF-κB and p38 kinase activation, respectively, blocked COX-2 induction and increased formation of PGE(2) and thermal hyperalgesia in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, activation of NF-κB was dependent on upstream activation of p38 MAPK, since SB 203580 (10 μg) blocked p65 phosphorylation, whereas p38 kinase phosphorylation was unaffected by NF-κB inhibition by SC-514 (1 μg). Our findings not only provide mechanistic insight into the signaling pathways engaged by ceramide in the development of hyperalgesia, but also provide a potential pharmacological basis for developing inhibitors targeting the ceramide metabolic-to-COX-2 pathway as novel analgesics.
The syndrome of accident proneness (Unfallneigung): why psychiatrists did not adopt and medicalize it:

In the World War I period, psychologists in Britain and Germany independently and simultaneously originated the idea of accident proneness (Unfallneigung). This distinctive syndrome of suffering a series of accidents was logically attractive for psychiatrists and psychoanalysts, especially as a pattern of unconsciously motivated deviant and self-destructive behaviour. Yet except for some mid-twentieth-century interest by psychosomatics specialists, psychiatrists did not systematically embrace the syndrome except occasionally as a symptom of other psychiatric conditions, thus showing that there were limits to the extent to which twentieth-century psychiatrists would medicalize patterns of behaviour.
INFLUENCE OF ANURAN PREY ON THE CONDITION AND DISTRIBUTION OF RANA MUSCOSA IN THE SIERRA NEVADA

Mountain yellow-legged frogs (Rana muscosa) at high elevations of the Sierra Nevada must obtain enough food during summer to survive 7-9 winter months when their aquatic habitats are frozen and food is presumably unavailable. Adults of R. muscosa prey on a variety of organisms, including aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates and anuran larvae. To determine if anuran larvae influence the condition, distribution, and survival of adults of R. muscosa, we assessed body con- dition (variation from the expected mass for given length) and distribution of R. muscosa in relation to abundance and distribution of larval Hyla regilla, Bufo canorus, and Bufo boreas. Using three years of mark-recapture data, we found that abundance of larval H. regilla in a water body was positively correlated with the condition of R. muscosa. Moreover, R. muscosa had higher relative mass (W r) values in areas with other anuran larvae than in areas with no other amphibian species. High Wr values significantly increased the probability of recapturing frogs in following years. Using surveys of over 1700 lakes and ponds in the John Muir Wilderness and Kings Canyon National Park, we also found that the presence of larval H. regilla or Bufo in a water body was a significant indicator of the presence of adults of R. muscosa after accounting for significant habitat and isolation variables. These findings taken together suggest that some adults of R. muscosa actively seek out water bodies with other anuran species during the critical summer months and that the anuran larvae provide a nutritious food source that increases the body condition and, therefore, survival of the frogs.
Interhemispheric Plasticity following Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation in Chronic Poststroke Aphasia

The effects of noninvasive neurostimulation on brain structure and function in chronic poststroke aphasia are poorly understood. We investigated the effects of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) applied to residual language-responsive cortex in chronic patients using functional and anatomical MRI data acquired before and after iTBS. Lateralization index (LI) analyses, along with comparisons of inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) activation and connectivity during covert verb generation, were used to assess changes in cortical language function. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was used to assess effects on regional grey matter (GM). LI analyses revealed a leftward shift in IFG activity after treatment. While left IFG activation increased, right IFG activation decreased. Changes in right to left IFG connectivity during covert verb generation also decreased after iTBS. Behavioral correlations revealed a negative relationship between changes in right IFG activation and improvements in fluency. While anatomical analyses did not reveal statistically significant changes in grey matter volume, the fMRI results provide evidence for changes in right and left IFG function after iTBS. The negative relationship between post-iTBS changes in right IFG activity during covert verb generation and improvements in fluency suggests that iTBS applied to residual left-hemispheric language areas may reduce contralateral responses related to language production and facilitate recruitment of residual language areas after stroke.
A new scheme for grading the quality of scientific reports that evaluate imaging modalities for cerebrovascular diseases.

Imaging of head and neck vasculature continues to improve with the application of new technology. To judge the value of new technologies reported in the literature, it is imperative to develop objective standards optimized against bias and favoring statistical power and clinical relevance. A review of the existing literature identified the following items as lending scientific value to a report on imaging technology: prospective design, comparison with an accepted modality, unbiased patient selection, standardized image acquisition, blinded interpretation, and measurement of reliability. These were incorporated into a new grading scheme. Two physicians tested the new scheme and an established scheme to grade reports published in the medical literature. Inter-observer reliability for both methods was calculated using the kappa coefficient. A total of 22 reports evalualiiig imaging modalities for cervical internal carotid artery stenosis were identified from a literature search and graded by both schemes. Agreement between the two physicians in grading the level of scientific evidence using the new scheme was excellent (kappa coefficient: 0.93, p<0.0001). Agreement using the established scheme was less rigorous (kappa coefficient: 0.39, p<0.0001). The weighted kappa coefficients were 0.95 and 0.38 for the new and established schemes, respectively. Overall agreement was higher for the newer scheme (95% versus (61%). The new grading scheme can be used reliably to categorize the strength of scientific knowledge provided by individual studies of vascular imaging. The new method could assist clinicians and researchers in determining appropriate clinical applications of newly reported technical advances.
Racial differences in coagulation studies in stroke.

Racial differences in stroke are known to exist with persons in the black race having a higher morbidity, mortality and incidence of stroke compared to whites. We evaluated coagulation factors in b...
Lung SBRT through Radiobiology

Purpose: Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has emerged as a standard treatment modality for medically inoperable early-stage lung cancer patients. The aim of this paper is to calculate radiobiological parameters for a sample of 39 patients who underwent lung SBRT. Materials and Methods: For SBRT, a typical regimen of 50 Gy in 4 - 5 fractions results in local tumor control rates around 99.9%. We calculate dose volume histograms (DVHs) of targeted tumors and organs at risk for 39 patients. All patients received 4D imaging, and their internal treatment volumes (ITVs) were created by phase-based sorting of multiple CT datasets. Planning target volume (PTV) diameters ranged from 2.0 to 5.7 cm. The DVHs for the PTV and organs at risk were analyzed using a Biosuite algorithm to calculate the equivalent uniform dose (EUD), tumor control probability (TCP) via a Poisson model, and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) via an LKB model. The radiobiological effects were analyzed by correlating EUD and TCP with PTV volumes. Results: The mean PTV volume was 31.60 ± 25.55 cc. The mean EUDs were 5.19 ± 2.84, 5.66 ± 4.95, 61.45 ± 29.18, 3.31 ± 5.92, 6.45 ± 5.18, and 12.22 ± 5.94 Gy for lungs, spinal cord, chest/ribs, heart, esophagus, and skin, respectively. On average, the heart had the lowest EUD and the chest/ribs had the highest (61.45 ± 29.18 Gy). The mean NTCPs were estimated at 3.75% ± 2.61%, 36.25% ± 36.42%, and 0.59% ± 1.48%, for the lungs, chest and esophagus, respectively. The NTCPs of spinal cord, heart, and skin were 0.00%. The mean TCP value was 99.72% ± 0.44%. The mean BED value for our study was 109.49 Gy. Conclusions: We have calculated radiobiological predictors based on DVHs for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer via SBRT. Our calculated predictors are compatible with previously published SBRT reports.
Maximal boasting

We introduce the boasting problem, wherein useful trends in historical ordinal data (rankings) are discovered. Claims of the form "our object was ranked r or better in x of the last t time units," are formalized, and maximal claims (boasts) of this form are defined under two natural partial orders. For the first partial order, we give an efficient and optimal algorithm for finding all such maximal claims. For the second, we apply a classical result from computational geometry to achieve an algorithm whose running time is significantly more efficient than that of a naive one. Finally, we connect this boasting problem to a novel variation of the problem of finding optimized confidence association rules as originally posed by Fukuda, et al. [2], and give an efficient algorithm for solving a simplification of the new problem.
Caspase-3 mediated cleavage of BRCA1 during UV-induced apoptosis.

The breast cancer suppressor protein, BRCA1 plays an important role in mediating cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and DNA responses to DNA damage signals. In this study, we show that BRCA1 level is downregulated during UV-induced apoptosis by caspase-3 mediated cleavage. Cleavage of BRCA1 by caspase-3 produced a fragment that contained the C-terminal of the molecule. Accordingly, treatment of cells with caspase-3 inhibitor or mutation of a specific caspase-3 cleavage site (DLLD) at amino acid 1151–1154 of BRCA1 abolished cleavage and consequential accumulation of the BRCA1 C-terminal fragment. Whereas expression of the non-cleavable BRCA1 (D/A 1154) mutant conferred the resistance phenotype to UV-induced cell death, expression of the cleaved BRCA1 C-terminus induced cell death in the absence of UV. Examination of the mechanism of C-terminus-induced cell death revealed that the cleaved fragment triggers the apoptotic response through activation of BRCA1 downstream effectors, GADD45 and JNK. Altogether, results of our study demonstrate a functional role for caspase-3 mediated cleavage of BRCA1 during UV-induced apoptosis.
The Need for Inter-Organizational-Trust in Web-Enabled Supply Chain Management

The Internet has changed the way in which supply chains are managed, planned and controlled. The information, decisions, and processes that form supply chain management are moving towards the web, and are breaking old paradigms of inter-organizational boundaries. While it is true this is not the whole story without proper integration of technology and people, much time and capital can be wasted. Businesses that want to succeed in this new e-commerce environment need to enhance communications and build trust among their channel partners. The aim of this paper is to explore insights on the importance of trust among channel partners in web-enabled supply chain management activities. Trust dimensions were examined in four organizations using an in-depth case study approach in the data communications and telecommunications industry. The findings indicate that the type and complexity of e-commerce applications (I OS) and channel partner relationships can affect trust. Overall, the findings contribute to the importance of channel partner trust in web-enabled supply chain management.
A Quick Method for Sex Determination of Codling Moth Pupae

In preparing for studies on the sex pheromone of female codling moths, Carpocapsa pomonella (L.), a quick and accurate method for sexing codling inoth pupae was discovered. It was found that on the ventral surface of the pupae the number of segments which have dark bands across their caudal margins was 1 greater in males than in females. Starting at the tip of the wing pads and counting caudally, males have 4 dark segmental bands and females have only 3.
Democracy in Central Asia. Competing perspectives and alternative strategies, by Mariya Y. Omelicheva

In her empirically rich study, Mariya Omelicheva attempts to answer why Western democracy promotion has been so ineffective in the post-Soviet successor states of Central Asia. Her answer does not ...
The need for microstructure informatics in process-structure-property relations

Spatial hierarchy of microstructure is a defining characteristic of many practical materials systems. Elements of this hierarchy are often realized through nonequilibrium synthesis and process routes, leading to metastable structures that confer specific functionality and enhanced performance. The key to accelerating understanding and developing new and improved materials lies in quantifying microstructure in an unambiguous digital format, employing both physical models and data science methods to explore cause-and-effect relations between structure and properties and relations between composition-dependent process path history and hierarchical microstructure. Given the current state of predictive multiscale modeling, the uncertainties are simply too high to provide necessary decision support in isolation from experiments. Hence, combining experiments and computational modeling with materials data science and informatics provides the only practical path forward in replacing the historical paradigm of empirical materials development. The articles in this issue focus on microstructure informatics, which is relatively less well explored than the use of first-principles combinatorial methods applied to search the space of stable compounds, small molecules, and interface structures.
Voicing of Aspirations by Persons of African Descent

Crown representatives to Brazil and informed commentators on the social scene such as Vilhena noted the lack of common purpose, of shared experiences, and of homogeneity among persons of African descent. Some of the differences were attributable to African antecedents such as differences of nationality, geographic origins, religions, or languages. Others were more the result of differing rates of acculturation to the New World, differences of occupation, and the distinctions resulting from a slavocratic society of which the most apparent was that between freedmen and slaves. Much has been made of the fact that such tensions and factionalism prevented persons of African descent from speaking with a common voice. There were numerous instances when the failure to agree on a leader or a plan of operation was critical, resulting in the failure of an uprising or revolt. Recognition of this divisiveness was exploited by whites to defuse potential trouble, and Vilhena was but one of several observers to note that conflict stimulation among persons of African descent contributed to the maintaining of a balance between the numerically superior coloured population and whites in Portuguese America. Reference has already been made (pp. 50–1) to the inquietude among persons of African descent.
A secreted bacterial peptidoglycan hydrolase enhances tolerance to enteric pathogens

The intestinal microbiome modulates host susceptibility to enteric pathogens, but the specific protective factors and mechanisms of individual bacterial species are not fully characterized. We show that secreted antigen A (SagA) from Enterococcus faecium is sufficient to protect Caenorhabditis elegans against Salmonella pathogenesis by promoting pathogen tolerance. The NlpC/p60 peptidoglycan hydrolase activity of SagA is required and generates muramyl-peptide fragments that are sufficient to protect C. elegans against Salmonella pathogenesis in a tol-1–dependent manner. SagA can also be heterologously expressed and secreted to improve the protective activity of probiotics against Salmonella pathogenesis in C. elegans and mice. Our study highlights how protective intestinal bacteria can modify microbial-associated molecular patterns to enhance pathogen tolerance.
Gestational weight gain in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective The objective of this study was to estimate the proportion of pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus meeting Institute of Medicine guidelines for gestational weight gain and determine correlates of adherence to guidelines. Methods Singleton, live births in the Hopkins Lupus Pregnancy Cohort 1987-2015 were included. Pre-pregnancy weight was the weight recorded 12 months prior to pregnancy/first trimester. Final weight was the last weight recorded in the third trimester. Adherence to Institute of Medicine guidelines (inadequate, adequate, or excessive) was based on pre-pregnancy body mass index. Fisher's exact test and analysis of variance determined factors associated with not meeting guidelines. Stepwise selection estimated predictors of gestational weight gain. Results Of the 211 pregnancies, 34%, 24% and 42% had inadequate, adequate and excessive gestational weight gain, respectively. In exploratory analyses, differences in Institute of Medicine adherence were observed by pre-pregnancy body mass index, race, elevated creatinine during pregnancy and pre-pregnancy blood pressure. Odds of inadequate and excessive gestational weight gain increased 12% with each 1 kg/m2 increase in pre-pregnancy body mass index. Lower maternal education was associated with increased odds of inadequate and excessive gestational weight gain. Conclusions As in the general population, most women with systemic lupus erythematosus did not meet Institute of Medicine guidelines. Our results identified predictors of gestational weight gain to aid in targeted interventions to improve guideline adherence in this population.
Sepsis: what is old is new!

Abstract Sepsis remains an important cause of death in paediatrics. The recognition of sepsis is mainly clinical although lactate measurement has become important in evaluating organ dysfunction. The management of sepsis is directed by early use of antibiotics, fluids and inotropes. Commencing early mechanical ventilation protects the airways and augments cardiac output and perfusion. Despite improved technology, survival in sepsis is still very much dependent on initial recognition and management.
Executive Experience of Guiding Investors

This qualitative study explores executive experience with issuing earnings guidance, a voluntary disclosure used to manage investor expectations. Advocates argue that guidance reduces investor uncertainty; critics counter that guidance invites dysfunctional behaviors as guiding executives scramble to achieve previously announced financial targets. This paper contributes to the discussion by interviewing people who provide and use guidance information. The paper distinguishes low- and high-stakes guidance states and suggest that an escalation of commitment effect prods executives to the latter condition, inviting earnings management. Next, the paper provides results of interviews of financial executives at 31 publicly traded U.S. firms plus eight users of accounting information about their experiences with earnings guidance. Primary findings are that guidance is ubiquitous, executives fear credibility loss from reporting financial results that vary from guided estimates, and certain forms of guidance are associated with elevated anxiety. The paper closes with a nascent theory of earnings guidance and offer implications for future research.
Paired-End Genomic Signature Tags: A Method for the Functional Analysis of Genomes and Epigenomes

Because paired-end genomic signature tags are sequenced-based, they have the potential to become an alternate tool to tiled microarray hybridization as a method for genome-wide localization of transcription factors and other sequence-specific DNA binding proteins. As outlined here the method also can be used for global analysis of DNA methylation. One advantage of this approach is the ability to easily switch between different genome types without having to fabricate a new microarray for each and every DNA type. However, the method does have some disadvantages. Among the most rate-limiting steps of our PE-GST protocol are the need to concatemerize the diTAGs, size fractionate them and then clone them prior to sequencing. This is usually followed by additional steps to amplify and size select for long (> or = 500) concatemer inserts prior to sequencing. These time-consuming steps are important for standard DNA sequencing as they increase efficiency approximately 20-30-fold since each amplified concatemer can now provide information on multiple tags; the limitation on data acqui- sition is read length during sequencing. However, the development of new sequencing methods such as Life Sciences' 454 new nanotechnology-based sequencing instrument (41) could increase tag sequencing efficiency by several orders of magnitude (> or = 100,000 diTAG reads/run), which is sufficient to provide in-depth global analysis of all ChIP PE-GSTs in a single run. This is because the lengths of our paired-end diTAGs (approximately 60 bp) fall well within the region of high accuracy for read lengths on this instrument. In principle, sequence analysis of diTAGs could begin as soon as they are generated, thereby completely bypassing the need for the concatemerization, sizing, downstream cloning steps and sequencing template purification. In addition, our protocol places any one of several unique four-base long nucleotide sequences, such as GATC, between each and every diTAG pair, which could be used to help the instrument's software keep base register and also provide a well-located peak height indicator in the middle of every sequence run. This additional feature could permit multiplexing of the data by simultaneous sequencing of several pooled libraries if each used a different linker sequence during diTAG formation (Figure 4).
Abstract 385: D-2-hydroxyglutaric acid Acutely Impairs Oxidative Decarboxylation in the Heart

Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1, IDH2) have been described in low-grade glioma and in acute myeloid leukemia. Accumulation of the oncometabolite D-2-hydroxyglutaric acid (2HG) and its release into the blood is associated with dilated cardiomyopathy. The mechanisms leading to changes in cardiac metabolism and contractile function are unknown. We studied in the isolated working rat heart preparation metabolic consequences of increased 2HG supply and its impact on cardiac energy provision. In combination with physiological levels of glucose (5mM) and lactate (0.5mM), hearts were perfused at different concentrations with 2HG (0.5mM, 1.0mM). We confirmed the uptake and enrichment of 2HG in the tissue through liquid chromatography followed by mass spectrometry (LC/MS). 2HG markedly decreased cardiac power and cardiac efficiency in a concentration dependent manner. At the same time glucose oxidation increased significantly (1.4±0.1 μmol/min/g dry wt, p<0.05) at higher workloads. The alpha-Ket...
Cognitive Aspects of Positive Emotions: A Broader View for Well-Being

Positive emotions can do more than feel good in the moment. In this chapter, we first explain why positive emotions are not easily separable from cognition. We present the broaden-and-build theory and related evidence, which suggests that at least some positive emotions foster broadened, flexible mindsets. We then review evidence that repeated positive emotions, and their accompanying broadened mindsets, over time allow individuals to accrue more enduring personal and social resources for future well-being. We additionally explain the benefits of positive emotions in the face of life’s difficulties, potential reciprocal relations between positive emotions and characteristics of broader well-being, and nuances involved in experiencing daily positive emotions. Altogether, much evidence indicates that the mindsets of positive emotions, though fleeting, offer valuable contributions toward lasting well-being.
Characterization of crystalline muconic acid polymorphs

Muconic acid is known to exhibit three isomeric forms, but the cis-trans isomer is largely uncharacterized. Using a combination of X-ray diffraction, solid-state density functional theory, and terahertz spectroscopy, a detailed solid-state structural investigation was performed for cis-trans muconic acid. Two crystalline polymorphs were discovered during this study through their distinct terahertz spectra. Terahertz data also revealed a muconic acid hydrate species present in the bulk samples that is related to the relative stabilities of the two polymorphs. Overall, the measurements and simulations provide new knowledge concerning the isomerization mechanisms of muconic acid.
Synthetic Xylosides: Probing the Glycosaminoglycan Biosynthetic Machinery for Biomedical Applications.

ConspectusGlycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are polysaccharides ubiquitously found on cell surfaces and in the extracellular matrix (ECM). They regulate numerous cellular signaling events involved in many developmental and pathophysiological processes. GAGs are composed of complex sequences of repeating disaccharide units, each of which can carry many different modifications. The tremendous structural variations account for their ability to bind many proteins and thus, for their numerous functions. Although the sequence of GAG biosynthetic events and the enzymes involved mostly were deduced a decade ago, the emergence of tissue or cell specific GAGs from a nontemplate driven process remains an enigma. Current knowledge favors the hypothesis that macromolecular assemblies of GAG biosynthetic enzymes termed “GAGOSOMEs” coordinate polymerization and fine structural modifications in the Golgi apparatus. Distinct GAG structures arise from the differential channeling of substrates through the Golgi apparatus to various...
Studies on “Liver-Specific” Antigens: II. Detection of Serum Antibodies to Liver and Kidney Cell Membrane Antigens in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease

Sera of patients with chronic liver disease were tested for antibodies against the soluble liver cell membrane antigens "LSP" and "LP-2" as well as particulate liver cell membrane proteins, and against KSP, the kidney equivalent of "LSP" In a technique for antibody-dependent, cellular cytotoxicity, 3 H-proline-labeled, antigen-coated marine mastocytoma target cells were incubated with the patient's serum in the presence of human, Fc-receptor-bearing, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, acting as effector cells. As compared to normal control sera, the serum of a significant number of patients with chronic hepatitis contained antibodies against one or more of the four antigens tested, including the kidney antigen, KSP. Lysis of antigen-coated target cells could be inhibited by the test antigen and by other antigens against which the patient's serum contained antibodies. However, cross-inhibition by KSP could not always be recorded, which suggested that liver antigens contain an organ-specific component. Substitution of test sera by anti-"LSP," -KSP, or -"LP-2" sera, resulted in Lysis of all test antigen-coated target cells but had no effect on uncoated, human serum albumin-, and bovine serum albumin-coated mastocytoma cells. These results indicate that, in most cases, sensitization in chronic liver disease is not an organ-specific phenomenon and that liver cell membrane components contain common antigenic determinants that are also shared by the kidney antigen, KSP. The pathogenetic role of "LSP" and other liver antigens in chronic hepatitis must, therefore, be evaluated with caution. However, differential immunity to specific antigens of the liver and other organs may be of diagnostic and prognostic significance.
Sustained Activation of Rho GTPases Promotes a Synthetic Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotype in Neprilysin Null Mice

Objective—Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) from neprilysin (NEP) null mice exhibit a synthetic phenotype and increased activation of Rho GTPases compared with their wild-type counterpa...
Associations Between Comorbid Health Conditions and Quit Outcomes Among Smokers Enrolled in a State Quitline, Arizona, 2011-2016.

Objective:Smokers with comorbid health conditions have a disproportionate burden of tobacco-related death and disease. A better understanding of differences in quit rates among smokers with comorbi...