cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Localization of Dirigent Protein Involved in Lignan Biosynthesis: Implications for Lignification at the Tissue and Subcellular Level

Lignans and lignins are both derived from the phenylpropanoid pathway and are formed through phenolic oxidative coupling processes.1 However, the metabolic fates of both classes of natural products are quite distinct, since they have different physiological roles during plant growth and development. Lignins have several functions in their role as integral cell wall components. These include mechanical support, as well as imparting properties to tracheary elements enabling them to be suitable for long-distance water conduction. Roles have been also proposed in plant defense via formation of “impenetrable” barriers, these being generated following attack, for example, by encroaching pathogens and herbivores.
Estrogen-Related Abnormalities in Glomerulosclerosis-Prone Mice : Reduced Mesangial Cell Estrogen Receptor Expression and Prosclerotic Response to Estrogens

The development and progression of glomerulosclerosis (GS) is determined by the genetic background. The incidence of end-stage renal disease is increased in postmenopausal women, suggesting that estrogen deficiency may play a role in the accumulation of extracellular matrix by mesangial cells (MCs), which are primarily responsible for the synthesis and degradation of this matrix. Using mouse models that are prone or resistant to the development of GS, we compared the expression of estrogen receptor (ER)-α and ER-β subtypes in GS-prone and GS-resistant glomeruli and isolated MCs, and examined the effects of estrogens on ER, collagen, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression in MCs. Glomeruli and MCs from GS-prone mice had decreased expression of ER-α and ER-β subtypes and ER transcriptional activity was also decreased in their MCs. Importantly, although 17β-estradiol treatment resulted in decreased collagen accumulation and increased MMP-9 expression and activity in MCs from GS-resistant mice, there was, paradoxically, no effect on collagen accumulation and decreased MMP-9 expression and activity in MCs from GS-prone mice. Thus, GS susceptibility is associated with diminished ER expression in MCs. The renal protective effects of estrogens, including decreased collagen accumulation and increased MMP-9 expression, seem to be blunted in GS-prone MCs.
Female reproductive physiology and endocrinology of cattle

Maximizing reproductive efficiency is of major economic importance to dairy and beef producers. The development of new and improved methods of increasing reproductive performance depends on our understanding of the physiologic and endocrinologic mechanisms controlling the reproductive process. This article reviews the mechanisms associated with puberty, estrous cycles, pregnancy, parturition, and postpartum return to estrus.
Pressure-driven flow of a vesicle through a square microchannel

The relative velocity and extra pressure drop of a single vesicle flowing through a square microchannel are quantified via boundary element simulations, lubrication theory and microfluidic experiments. The vesicle is modelled as a fluid sac enclosed by an inextensible, fluidic membrane with a negligible bending stiffness. All results are parametrized in terms of the vesicle sphericity (i.e. the reduced volume) and flow confinement (i.e. the ratio of the vesicle radius to the channel hydraulic radius). Direct comparison is made to previous studies of vesicle flow through circular tubes, revealing several distinct features of the square-channel geometry. Firstly, fluid in the suspending medium bypasses the vesicle through the corners of the channel, which in turn reduces the dissipation created by the vesicle. Secondly, the absence of rotational symmetry about the channel axis permits surface circulation in the membrane (tank treading), which in turn reduces the vesicle’s speed. At very high confinement, both theory and experiment indicate that the vesicle’s speed can be reduced below the mean speed of the suspending fluid through this mechanism. Finally, the contact area for lubrication is greatly reduced in the square-duct geometry, which in turn weakens the stress singularity predicted by lubrication theory. This fact directly leads to a breakdown of the lubrication approximation at low flow confinement, as verified by comparison to boundary element simulations. Since the only distinct property assumed of the membrane is its ability to preserve surface area locally, it is expected that the results of this study are applicable to other types of soft particles with immobilized surfaces (e.g. Pickering droplets, gel beads and biological cells).
Heuristics from Modeling of Spectral Overlap in Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET).

Among the photophysical parameters that underpin Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET), perhaps the least explored is the spectral overlap term (J). While by definition J increases linearly with acceptor molar absorption coefficient (e(A) in M–1 cm–1), is proportional to wavelength (λ4), and depends on the degree of overlap of the donor fluorescence and acceptor absorption spectra, the question arose as to the value of J for the case of perfect spectral overlap versus that for representative fluorophores with incomplete spectral overlap. Here, Gaussian distributions of absorption and fluorescent spectra have been modeled that encompass varying degrees of overlap, full-width-at-half-maximum (fwhm), and Stokes shift. For e(A) = 105 M–1 cm–1 and perfect overlap, the J value (in M–1 cm–1 nm4) ranges from 1.15 × 1014 (200 nm) to 7.07 × 1016 (1000 nm), is almost linear with λ4 (average of λabs and λflu), and is nearly independent of fwhm. For visible-region fluorophores with perfectly overlapped Gaussian spe...
Vagus nerve stimulation reverses the extinction impairments in a model of PTSD with prolonged and repeated trauma.

We have shown that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) enhances extinction of conditioned fear and reduces anxiety in rat models of PTSD using moderate stress. However, it is still unclear if VNS can be ...
The 2015 and 2016 U.S. homicide rate increases in context

The U.S. homicide rate increases of 2015-2016 occurred within a longer recorded history of trend variations. This article examines the place of the 2 years within this history and considers if they...
Characterization of underwater scattering layers based on variance components of LiDAR backscattering

Range-resolved detection of submerged scattering layers was investigated in the Gulf of Mexico based on vertical profiles made with a LiDAR (Light detection and range) system having a green laser (wavelength λ = 532 nm). The backscattering power (Sd) variability was decomposed in principal components (PCs) and related to non-polarized Sd, the Sd ratio between cross- and co-polarized waveforms, the chlorophyll-a fluorescence (Fchl), and the ratio between volume scattering angles of 150° and 100°. The variance of PCs was dominated by non-polarized Sd followed by Fchl. Correlation between PC1 scores and Fchl anomalies suggested that Sd was mainly originated from pigmented particulates.
The Marsupial Intervertebral Disc: An Anatomical Characterization

The intervertebral disc (IVD) functions in the support and movement of the vertebrate body. It is composed of the collagenous annulus fibrosis (AF), which surrounds the inner nucleus pulposus (NP)....
Transcriptome analysis of human monocytic cells infected with Burkholderia species and exploration of pentraxin-3 as part of the innate immune response against the organisms

Burkholderia mallei (Bm) is a facultative intracellular bacterial pathogen causing highly-fatal glanders in solipeds and humans. The ability of Bm to thrive intracellularly is thought to be related to exploitation of host immune response-related genes and pathways. Relatively little is known of the molecular strategies employed by this pathogen to modulate these pathways and evade intracellular killing. This manuscript seeks to fill gaps in the understanding of the interface between Bm and innate immunity by examining gene expression changes during infection of host monocytes. The transcriptome of Bm-infected human Mono Mac-6 (MM6) monocytes was profiled on Affymetrix Human Transcriptome GeneChips 2.0. Gene expression changes in Bm-infected monocytes were compared to those of Burkholderia thailandensis (Bt)-infected monocytes and to uninfected monocytes. The resulting dataset was normalized using Robust Multichip Average and subjected to statistical analyses employing a univariate F test with a random variance model. Differentially expressed genes significant at p < 0.001 were subjected to leave-one-out cross-validation studies and 1st and 3rd nearest neighbor prediction model. Significant probe sets were used to populate human pathways in Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, with statistical significance determined by Fisher’s exact test or z-score. The Pattern Recognition Receptor (PRR) pathway was represented among significantly enriched immune response-related human canonical pathways, with evidence of upregulation across both infections. Among members of this pathway, pentraxin-3 was significantly upregulated by Bm- or Bt-infected monocytes. Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) was demonstrated to bind to both Bt and Burkholderia pseudomallei (Bp), but not Bm. Subsequent assays did not identify a role for PTX3 in potentiating complement-mediated lysis of Bt or in enhancing phagocytosis or replication of Bt in human monocytes. We report on the novel binding of PTX3 to Bt and Bp, with lack of interaction with Bm, suggesting that a possible evasive mechanism by Bm warrants further exploration. We determined that (1) PTX3 may not play a role in activating the lytic pathway of complement in different bacterial species and that (2) the opsonophagocytic properties of PTX3 should be investigated in different primary or immortalized cell lines representing host phagocytes, given lack of binding of PTX3 to MM6 monocytes.
Physician Documentation of Access to Firearms in Suicidal Patients in the Emergency Department.

Author(s): Naganathan, Sonya; Mueller, Kristen L. | Abstract: Introduction: Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. An estimated 50% of these deaths are due to firearms. Suicidal ideation (SI) is a common complaint presenting to the emergency department (ED). Despite these facts, provider documentation on access to lethal means is lacking. Our primary aim was to quantify documentation of access to firearms in patients presenting to the ED with a chief complaint of SI.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of consecutive patients, nearly all of whom presented to an academic, urban ED with SI during July 2014. We collected data from all provider documentation in the electronic health record. Primary outcome assessed was whether the emergency physician (EP) team documented access to firearms. Secondary outcomes included demographic information, preexisting psychiatric diagnoses, and disposition.Results: We reviewed 100 patient charts. The median age of patients was 38 years. The majority of patients had a psychiatric condition. EPs documented access to firearms in only 3% of patient charts.Conclusion: EPs do not adequately document access to firearms in patients with SI. There is a clear need for educational initiatives regarding risk-factor assessment and counseling against lethal means in this patient cohort.
In-Hospital Outcomes with Transfemoral Versus Transapical Access for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease

Abstract Background There is a paucity of data regarding outcomes with transfemoral (TF) versus transapical (TA) access for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Methods We queried the national inpatient sample database (NIS) (2012−2013) to identify patients with PAD who underwent TAVR. We conducted a propensity matching analysis using 25 clinical variables to compare TF-TAVR versus TA-TAVR. The main outcome was in-hospital mortality. Results The analysis included 22,349 patients who underwent TAVR, among those 6692 (29.9%) had PAD. In the matched cohort, in-hospital mortality was similar between TF-TAVR and TA-TAVR groups (4.8% vs. 5.1%, OR 0.95; 95%CI 0.74–1.21). TF-TAVR was associated with lower rates of cardiogenic shock (OR 0.64; 95%CI 0.50–0.82), use of mechanical circulatory support (OR 0.56; 95%CI 0.42–0.75), acute kidney injury (OR 0.76; 95%CI 0.67–0.86), hemodialysis (OR 0.51; 95%CI 0.36–0.71), major bleeding (OR 0.72; 95%CI 0.64–0.80), blood transfusion (OR 0.65; 95%CI 0.58–0.73), discharge to a skilled nursing facility (OR 0.61; 95%CI 0.54–0.68) as well as shorter length of hospital stay (8.13 ± 6.76 vs. 10.11 ± 7.80 days) compared with TA-TAVR. However, TF-TAVR was associated with higher rate of vascular complications (11.7% vs. 3.7%, OR 3.40; 95%CI 2.63–4.38), complete heart block (OR 1.52; 95%CI 1.23–1.87), and pacemaker insertion (OR = 1.58; 95%CI: 1.28–1.94). There was no difference between both groups in the rate of cerebrovascular accidents (OR 1.26; 95%CI 0.93–1.72). Conclusion In this observational analysis from a large national database, there was no difference in in-hospital mortality between TF-TAVR and TA-TAVR among patients with PAD. Further studies are encouraged to identify the optimal access for TAVR in patients with PAD.
BZLF1 transcript variants in Epstein–Barr virus-positive epithelial cell lines

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a widely prevalent pathogen currently infecting over 90% of the human population and is associated with various lymphomas and carcinomas. Lytic replication of EBV is regulated by the expression of the immediate-early genes BZLF1 and BRLF1. In B lymphocytes, BZLF1 transcripts have been shown to be processed to a fully spliced form, as well as zDelta, a spliced variant containing only the first and third exons. While splice variants have been reported in nasopharyngeal carcinoma biopsies, alternative splicing of BZLF1 in EBV-positive epithelial cell lines has not yet been characterized. In this study, we identified the consistent expression of three distinct BZLF1 transcripts in the EBV-positive epithelial cell lines D98/HR1, AGS-BDneo, and AGS-BX1. These BZLF1 transcripts consisted of not only the normally spliced variant but also a completely unspliced and a spliced variant containing exons one and three only. In contrast, we detected only the normally spliced version of the BZLF1 transcript in B-cell lines (B95-8, IM-9, Raji and Daudi). Previous work has also demonstrated that inhibition of the mTOR pathway, via rapamycin, altered total levels of BZLF1 transcripts. We examined the production of specific transcript variants under rapamycin treatment and found that rapamycin alters the production of transcripts in a cell-type, as well as transcripts in variant-type, manners. The expression of these transcript variants may play a role in modulating the replication cycle of EBV within epithelial cells.
How is Vague Language Being Used in Retail Websites for Bamboo Viscose Products

In a press release dated August 11, 2009, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that “Bamboo-based Textiles, Actually Made of Rayon, Are Not Antimicrobial, Made in an Environmentally Friendly Manner, or Biodegradable”. This study surveyed 115 current worldwide retailers who advertised bamboo textile products to see if those claims are still part of their advertising strategy and if rayon was the fiber in the products. It was found that most of the retailers were in the USA (42.61%); many did not reveal the country of origin (46.30%); many claimed antibacterial properties (61. 18%); most did not give manufacturing process information (87.82%); a majority sold viscose (bamboo as the starting material) blended with other materials (84.35%); and none offered proof of natural bamboo fibers. This survey of retailers advertising “bamboo” fibers suggests that the product on the market is viscose with little evidence to support the property claims by the retailers.
Community attachment in rural Iowa: multilevel test of a theoretical model with intervening variables

Previous systemic models of commxinity attachment have not included individual participation in local community groups and attitudes toward the community as intervening variables to predict community attachment through individual sociodemographic characteristics. Social Identity Theory provides a perspective to justify their inclusion when community attachment is perceived as an outcome of individuals" social identification with their own communities. Based on social identity theory, a systemic model is proposed to test the notion that community attachment indicated by its psychological dimension is affected significantly by individual participation in local community groups and attitudes toward the community which are predicted by individual differences in age, length of residence, education, and income. Path analysis and Hierarchical Linear Modeling were used to examine the specified relationships among the variables both at the individual-level and at the community-level. The results confirm that individual participation in local communities and attitudes toward the
Earth's First Redox Revolution

The rise of molecular oxygen (O2) in the atmosphere and oceans was one of the most consequential changes in Earth's history. While most research focuses on the Great Oxidation Event (GOE) near the ...
The psychological effects of event cancellation in Olympic-level swimmers: preliminary findings and mental health screening recommendations.

Background Mental health screening of elite athletes is not routinely practiced following the cancellation of an athletic event. Though sporting event cancellation has negative career and training impacts on elite athletes, little is known about its psychological impact. To determine the extent to which sporting event cancellation might warrant psychological screening practices in elite athletics, this study evaluated elite-level swimmers' response to the cancellation of the 2020 Olympic Games through psychological assessment and qualitative interviewing. Methods A cross-sectional study design was implemented. Online psychological assessment included self-report scales to measure anxiety, burnout, psychological strain, and optimism/pessimism. Follow-up semi-structured telehealth interviews were conducted to assess appraisals of and coping responses to the cancellation. Results Of the 14 participants assessed for mental health symptoms, 12 were available for interview procedures. Results (mean ± SD) indicated 'very high' psychological strain (22.71 ± 4.83) and 'mild' anxiety (6.29 ± 4.87). All swimmers exhibited levels of psychological strain that warranted clinical evaluation per established cut-off scores. Thematic content analysis of interviews generated four themes: pre-cancellation evaluations, primary appraisals, coping responses, and coping outcomes. Most swimmers exhibited maladaptive coping (75%); however, adaptative coping was as prevalent (92%), particularly through use of support networks. Most swimmers achieved positive coping outcomes (75%) and maintained strong 2021 Olympicqualifying confidence (93%). In contrast, swimmers with poor coping outcomes (25%) employed more frequent maladaptive coping strategies and exhibited higher psychological distress. Conclusions Findings urge sports medicine clinicians to implement psychological screening protocols in elite athletes following the cancellation of a major sporting event to attend to symptoms of psychological distress and to direct appropriate psychological intervention.
Fast Foveating Cameras for Dense Adaptive Resolution

Traditional cameras field of view (FOV) and resolution predetermine computer vision algorithm performance. These trade-offs decide the range and performance in computer vision algorithms. We present a novel foveating camera whose viewpoint is dynamically modulated by a programmable micro-electromechanical (MEMS) mirror, resulting in a natively high-angular resolution wide-FOV camera capable of densely and simultaneously imaging multiple regions of interest in a scene. We present calibrations, novel MEMS control algorithms, a real-time prototype, and comparisons in remote eye-tracking performance against a traditional smartphone, where high-angular resolution and wide-FOV are necessary, but traditionally unavailable.
Labour market uncertainty and the economic foundations of marriage in South Korea

Using data from the Korean Labor and Income Panel Study (1998–2014), this study examines how various indicators of socioeconomic status (SES) (i.e. education, employment status, occupation, and ear...
The Living Icon in Byzantium and Italy: The Vita Image, Eleventh to Thirteenth Centuries

Introduction: the metaphor of the 'living icon' 1. The saint in the text 2. The saint in the image 3. 'Wrought by the finger of God' 4. Depicting Francis' secret Epilogue: Francis in Constantinople.
Isolation of rubella virus from products of conception

Abstract The products of conception from 50 therapeutic abortions for maternal rubella in either the first or second trimester were studied using virus isolation procedures. Rubella virus was isolated from 32 (64 per cent) of the specimens. Within the limits of the study it could be demonstrated that the rubella virus was capable of infecting the products of conception, and that once infection was established the virus persisted within the products of conception as late as the seventy-seventh day following the onset of rash. For 8 infected fetuses it was possible to study individual organs. The placenta was involved in all 8 cases. In addition, isolations were achieved from brain, eye, inner ear, heart, thymus, lung, kidney, adrenal glands, gonads, spleen and the gastrointestinal tract in 2 cases, and from the heart in 1 case. This study suggests that the establishment of infection by the rubella virus within the placenta may be a very frequent phenomenon with maternal rubella in the first 4 months of gestation. The possible critical role of the placenta in determining whether infection of other fetal tissues occurs is discussed.
UV photodetectors based on AlxGa1-xN grown by MOCVD

Metalorganic chemical vapor deposition was used to deposit AlxGa1-xN active layers with varying aluminum compositions on basal plane sapphire substrate. AlxGa1-xN (x < 0.5) ultraviolet photodetectors have been fabricated and characterized with cut-off wavelengths as short as 260 nm. Carrier lifetimes on the order of 10 milliseconds were estimated from frequency dependent measurements of the responsivity.
A Large Throughput High Resolution Fourier Transform Spectrometer for Submillimeter Applications

We have designed and constructed a Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) for the study of submillimeter-wave mixers and optical components. The FTS has a large aperture (up to 25.4 cm) and small focal ratio (as fast as f/2.5) to achieve a large throughput. It operates in the 100-3750 GHz (3.3-125 cm^(−1)) frequency range with a resolution of up to 75 MHz (0.0025 cm^(−1)). Here we discuss the design goals and provide a detailed description of the construction of the FTS. In addition, we highlight the variety of studies which have been conducted with this instrument, which include characterizing SIS mixers through both direct and heterodyne detection and measuring the properties of optical materials.
Brooke Kroeger, Undercover Reporting: The Truth About Deception

In 1989, the Hartford Courant assigned a team of black and white reporters to pose as prospective homebuyers; they were instructed to alter their names and to effectively lie in order to disguise their identity as journalists to area realtors. The resulting investigation exposed widespread discriminatory real estate practices in the Connecticut capital, practices that frequently subjected black clients to racial steering and “tactics that effectively barred them from even seeing the inside of a house” (p. 125). The extensive evidence gathered by the newspaper led the governor to enact a statewide investigation into racial discrimination by real estate agencies.
A 50-Year-Old Man Presenting With Cough and an Endobronchial Lesion After Initiation of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

Author(s): McCullough, Matthew A; Aoyama, Chisa; Kamangar, Nader | Abstract: A 50-year-old black man with newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS, genital herpes, and latent syphilis presented with a nonproductive cough. The patient received a diagnosis of HIV and started highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) with emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, darunavir, and ritonavir 2 months prior to presentation. CD4+ count was 1/μL and viral load was 538,884 copies/mL prior to initiation of HAART. The patient endorsed compliance with all medications since diagnosis. The patient had a persistent, dry cough at time of HIV diagnosis that had acutely worsened during the 2 weeks leading to admission. He denied fevers, chills, hemoptysis, or dyspnea but did endorse drenching night sweats.
Taking the science of leadership (and followership) seriously

Introduction: Periodically, the journal will devote an entire issue's book review section to a single work when it addresses important topics with relevance for many subfields in the study of politics. Mark van Vugt and Anjana Ahuja's Naturally Selected: The Evolutionary Science of Leadership is such a work. Naturally Selected addresses topics relevant to American politics, political psychology, political theory, comparative politics, and international relations. The following three reviews approach the work from different perspectives and demonstrate the valuable contribution to consilient knowledge made by van Vugt and Ahuja. —Bradley A. Thayer, Book Review Editor
EVIDENCE OF AN ‘END OF HISTORY ILLUSION’ IN THE WORK MOTIVATIONS OF PUBLIC SERVICE PROFESSIONALS

The ‘end of history illusion’ refers to the tendency of people to underestimate change in their future values and preferences. Could this cognitive bias apply to the work motivations of those in public service? To examine this question, a sample of public service professionals was asked about their current work motivations and then randomized to be ‘reporters’, who recalled their work motivations 10 years ago, and ‘predictors’, who forecast their work motivations 10 years from now. Predictors expected much less change in their work motivations over time than reporters actually experienced. Specifically, predictors underestimated the importance of helping others and of working independently, and they overestimated the importance of income. Thus, public service professionals, who are often assumed to have unique prosocial motivations, seem to be subject to an ‘end of history illusion’ when making decisions about what job characteristics will matter to them over the course of their careers.
Evidence of a functional α7-neuronal nicotinic receptor subtype located on motoneurons of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus

In vitro autoradiography using 125I-α-bungarotoxin (α-BGTx) and anti-α7 immunohistochemistry were performed on the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) of sham and chronically vagotomized rats to determine whether the α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is located postsynaptically on DMV neurons whose axons contribute to the vagus nerve. Intense bilateral125I-α-BGTx binding and anti-α7 immunostaining were observed in coronal brain sections containing the DMV of sham-vagotomized animals. Unilateral cervical vagotomy resulted in ipsilateral losses of 125I-α-BGTx binding and anti-α7 immunostaining from the DMV. Simultaneous staining of rat brainstem sections with anti-α7 and anti-choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) antibodies (to identify cholinergic DMV neurons that project into the vagus nerve) revealed that every DMV neuron that was stained for ChAT showed α7-staining as well. In vagotomized animals, no ChAT-positive neurons expressing α7-nAChRs remained in the ipsilateral DMV. We conclude that the α7-nAChR subtype is located postsynaptically on DMV neurons. To test whether the α7-nAChR is similar to the α7-homomeric nAChR, experiments were performed in anesthetized rats, and compounds were microinjected into the DMV while monitoring intragastric pressure (IGP). α-BGTx and strychnine antagonized nicotine-induced increases in IGP; no antagonism was observed with methyllycaconitine, a compound known to block the homomeric α7-nAChR subtype. Recovery from α-BGTx-induced antagonism of the nicotine response was observed. We conclude that there is a nAChR containing the α7-subunit in the DMV that is different from the homomeric α7-nAChR subtype.
Anthrax lethal and edema toxins in anthrax pathogenesis

The pathophysiological effects resulting from many bacterial diseases are caused by exotoxins released by the bacteria. Bacillus anthracis, a spore-forming bacterium, is such a pathogen, causing anthrax through a combination of bacterial infection and toxemia. B. anthracis causes natural infection in humans and animals and has been a top bioterrorism concern since the 2001 anthrax attacks in the USA. The exotoxins secreted by B. anthracis use capillary morphogenesis protein 2 (CMG2) as the major toxin receptor and play essential roles in pathogenesis during the entire course of the disease. This review focuses on the activities of anthrax toxins and their roles in initial and late stages of anthrax infection.
A behavioral theory of oligopoly

The typical oligopolistic industry is profitable, but not outrageously so. It is moderately concentrated. It is vulnerable to entry. Excess capacity is endemic, and price cutting is intermittent. These features of oligopoly as a whole have evaded theorizing that has a strong individual-rationality orientation.’ A rationality-based theory of imperfect competition faces a fundamental information problem: Some of the information required for rational individual decisions is not revealed in terms of prices. In duopoly, for example, how firm A will react to an output change by firm B is firm A’s private information. Arrow (1986) explained the nature of the difficulty faced by rationality-based theories of imperfect competition as follows:
Consonant production patterns of young severely language-delayed children with autism

Abstract While much attention has been given to documenting the language skills of verbal children with autism, the basic speech sound development patterns of severely language-impaired children with autism are unknown. Previous research has shown that certain consonants are generally produced earlier in development than other consonants, both in typically developing children and in children with language-learning impairments. While several large studies indicate that children with autism who have strong verbal skills have intact phonological development, there is some evidence that children with autism who are more severely language impaired may have abnormal phonological production. This study documents the speech sound development of non-verbal and minimally verbal children with autism. Prompts were administered for each individual speech sound while spontaneous and imitated sounds were recorded and scored. Results indicate that children with autism show the same general speech sound production patterns as typically developing and language-learning impaired children. Learning outcomes: Individuals who read this manuscript will obtain information regarding: (1) normal phonological development, (2) a comparison of speech sound production of a group of 14 children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder with the production of a group of 10 typically developing children, and (3) comparisons of imitated and spontaneous sound production of the children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
A computer-based information system for managing patients on long-term oral anticoagulants.

Abstract Since 1969 the Massachusetts General Hospital has operated a centralized clinic to monitor outpatients taking oral anticoagulant drugs. The clinic was converted from handwritten records to an on-line computer system early in 1972, and has since been able to serve a steadily increasing group of patients with less personnel time and at a lower cost. The computer system has demographic data on each patient and a record of test results and prescribed therapy for each clinic visit. Free-text notes can also be entered. After blood test results are entered by the clinic secretary the computer prints a tabular summary of all patients seen that day, with previous test results and drug schedules and the latest test result. For 85% of the patients, a dose of the anticoagulant drug and an appointment for the next clinic visit are suggested by the computer, based on data from the three previous clinic visits. A physician reviews the tables and enters any changes he feels are indicated. The computer then prints addressed postcards advising patients how to take their medication and when to return. Studies comparing the clinic operation before and after the introduction of the computer system showed that the computer produced a significant cost saving due to marked reduction in need for hospital patient records and lower personnel costs, and that patients' recall of their prescribed drug schedule significantly improved.
Parallel EPI artifact correction (PEAC) for N/2 ghost suppression in neuroimaging applications

Echo Planar Imaging (EPI) is a neuroimaging tool for clinical practice and research investigation. Due to odd-even echo phase inconsistencies, however, EPI suffers from Nyquist N/2 ghost artifacts. In standard neuroimaging protocols, EPI artifacts are suppressed using phase correction techniques that require reference data collected from a reference scan. Because reference-scan based techniques are sensitive to subject motion, EPI performance is sub-optimal in neuroimaging applications. In this technical note, we present a novel EPI data processing technique which we call Parallel EPI Artifact Correction (PEAC). By introducing an implicit data constraint associated with multi-coil sensitivity in parallel imaging, PEAC converts phase correction into a constrained problem that can be resolved using an iterative algorithm. This enables "reference-less" EPI that can improve neuroimaging performance. In the presented work, PEAC is investigated using a standard functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) protocol with multi-slice 2D EPI. It is demonstrated that PEAC can suppress ghost artifacts as effectively as the standard reference-scan based phase correction technique used on a clinical MRI system. We also found that PEAC can achieve dynamic phase correction when motion occurs.
Supervision Styles and Topics Discussed in Supervision

The purpose of the study was to determine level of agreement between supervisors and supervisees about the most important topics they discussed and about styles of supervision used. Chi-square analyses of data collected on 86 doctoral student supervisors and 161 master's degree supervisees over a 10-week period showed that supervisors and supervisees agreed to a significant degree about the most important topics discussed and the style used by the supervisor. Actual amounts of agreement are not high despite statistical significance, thus raising questions about clinical significance.
Basis for evaluating breeding plans.

Abstract The paper was prepared as background material for a symposium discussion of breeding plans for aquaculture production. Although there is an extensive literature on the theory of breeding plans and their application to livestock and plant production, the question has received little attention among aquacultural geneticists. The paper summarizes the basic theory underlying the development of breeding plans, discusses the genetic basis for evaluating selection response, considers the selection response expected for a limited set of alternative breeding plans, and briefly examines the relative effects of each type of plan on rates of inbreeding.
Components of Negative Affectivity and Marital Satisfaction: The Importance of Actor and Partner Anger

Marital satisfaction is inversely associated with neuroticism in oneself (actor effects) and one’s spouse (partner effects). However, different facets of neuroticism, particularly angry hostility in comparison to depression or anxiety, may have differential effects on relationship quality. The present study examined actor and partner effects of anxiety, angry hostility, and depression facets of neuroticism on marital satisfaction in 301 couples. All path analyses demonstrated that depression and angry hostility had equivalent, significantly negative actor effects on marital satisfaction, but only angry hostility had a significant negative partner effect. Hence, in examining marital adjustment, the distinction between the various facets of neuroticism may be important. Further, anger may be an important but understudied consideration in research on marital discord.
N9- and N7-(Chloromethyl Phenymethyl)Chloropurine Derivatives from α, α'-Dichloroxylenes: Synthesis and Anticancer Activity

A series of ortho- meta- and para-N9-[(chloromethylphenyl)methyl]chloropurines 4-12 and N7-[(chloromethylphenyl)methyl]chloropurines 13-21 were obtained by the reaction of various substituted chloropurines with α,α'-dichloroxylenes. Compounds 4-21 were evaluated for cytotoxic activity against a panel NCI-H460 (lung), MCF7 (breast) and SF-268 (CNS) cancer cell lines. The ‘active’ compounds, which reduced growth of cancer cells to ca. 32% or less, have been evaluated in a full panel of 60 human cancer cell lines over a 5-log dose range at the National Cancer Institute. Several compounds have demonstrated growth inhibitory effects (GI50) in a wide range of cancer cell lines. The 2,6-dichloropurines in this series (5, 8, 11, 14, 17 and 20) exhibited significant antineoplastic activity.
Environmental Policy and GATT Negotiations: Discussion

The continuing saga of the Uruguay Round of GATT negotiations is an interesting topic and the two papers by Abler and Shortle and by Just and Rausser offer some new insights about the players and what may be stake. However, a brief historical perspective on how agricultural policy reached its present status suggests that reforms such as those considered in these two papers may be difficult to achieve and of limited success.
Thermal distribution in high power optical devices with power-law thermal conductivity

We introduce a power-law approximation to model non-linear ranges of the thermal conductivity, and under this approximation derive a simple analytical expression for calculating the temperature profile in high power quantum cascade lasers and light emitting diodes. The thermal conductivity of a type II InAs/GaSb superlattice (T2SL) is used as an example, having negative or positive power-law exponents depending on the thermal range of interest. The result is an increase or decrease in the temperature, respectively, relative to the uniform thermal conductivity assumption.
The Timing of Neural Stem Cell-Based Virotherapy Is Critical for Optimal Therapeutic Efficacy When Applied With Radiation and Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains fatal despite intensive surgical, radiotherapeutic, and chemotherapeutic interventions. Neural stem cells (NSCs) have been used as cellular vehicles for the transportation of oncolytic virus (OV) to therapeutically resistant and infiltrative tumor burdens throughout the brain. The HB1.F3-CD human NSC line has demonstrated efficacy as a cell carrier for the delivery of a glioma tropic OV CRAd-Survivin-pk7 (CRAd-S-pk7) in vitro and in animal models of glioma. At this juncture, no study has investigated the effectiveness of OV-loaded NSCs when applied in conjunction with the standard of care for GBM treatment, and therefore this study was designed to fill this void. Here, we show that CRAd-S-pk7-loaded HB1.F3-CD cells retain their tumor-tropic properties and capacity to function as in situ viral manufacturers in the presence of ionizing radiation (XRT) and temozolomide (TMZ). Furthermore, for the first time, we establish a logical experimental model that aims to recapitulate the complex clinical scenario for the treatment of GBM and tests the compatibility of NSCs loaded with OV. We report that applying OV-loaded NSCs together with XRT and TMZ can increase the median survival of glioma bearing mice by approximately 46%. Most importantly, the timing and order of therapeutic implementation impact therapeutic outcome. When OV-loaded NSCs are delivered prior to rather than after XRT and TMZ treatment, the median survival of mice bearing patient-derived GBM43 glioma xenografts is extended by 30%. Together, data from this report support the testing of CRAd-S-pk7-loaded HB1.F3-CD cells in the clinical setting and argue in favor of a multimodality approach for the treatment of patients with GBM.
Two-dimensional optimization of material composition of functionally graded materials using meshless analyses and a genetic algorithm

Abstract We propose a methodology for the two-dimensional simulation and optimization of material distribution of functionally graded materials for thermomechanical processes. The proposed approach focuses on metal/ceramic functionally graded materials, which offer great promise in applications where the operating conditions are severe. The two-dimensional quasi-static heat conduction and thermoelasticity problems are analyzed using the element-free Galerkin method. The spatial distribution of ceramic volume fraction is obtained by piecewise bicubic interpolation of volume fractions defined at a finite number of grid points. The effective material properties at a point in the domain are estimated from the local volume fractions of the material constituents using the Mori–Tanaka and self-consistent homogenization schemes. The volume fraction distribution is optimized using a real-coded genetic algorithm. The element-free Galerkin code is validated by comparing the results with an exact thermoelasticity solution for a simply supported plate. Subsequently, we use the genetic algorithm and element-free Galerkin analyses to optimize the material composition for two model problems. In the first problem, we minimize the peak residual stress when the functionally graded component is cooled from a high fabrication temperature. The goal of the second model problem is to minimize the mass of a graded component with constraints on the peak effective stress and maximum temperature experienced by the metal.
PS1-44: Time to Surgery for Melanoma

Background/Aims Cutaneous melanoma is among the most rapidly increasing malignancies in the United States, afflicting approximately 77,000 persons and causing over 9,000 deaths annually. Over half of incident melanoma and melanoma-related deaths occurs in patients older than age 65. Barriers to accessing dermatologic care may impede timely surgical therapy for patients with melanoma, potentially resulting in psychological or physical harm. Accordingly, given the disproportionate burden of melanoma borne by the elderly and limited availability of dermatologic care, we sought to determine timeliness of surgical resection of melanoma and identify factors associated with time to surgery in the Medicare population.
Determinants of Coronary Artery and Aortic Calcification in the Old Order Amish

Background— Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease; little is known, however, about thoracic aortic calcification (AC). Our goal was to characterize risk factors for CAC and AC and to estimate the genetic contribution to their variation. Methods and Results— The presence and quantity of CAC and AC were measured with electron beam computed tomography and fasting blood tests and cardiovascular risk factors were obtained in 614 asymptomatic Amish subjects. CAC prevalence was higher in men than women (55% versus 41%; P<0.0001), although there was no sex difference in AC prevalence (51% and 56% in men and women, respectively; P=0.95). Age was more strongly associated with AC presence (odds ratio [OR], 2.7 for 5 years) than CAC presence (OR, 1.9 for 5 years) (homogeneity P=0.001). Subjects with AC had a 3.3-fold higher odds of having CAC. Heritabilities of CAC and AC presence were 0.27±0.17 (P=0.04) and 0.55±0.18 (P=0.0008), respectively, whereas the h...
Valuation of mergers and acquisitions in the telecommunications industry: a study on diversification and firm size

Abstract Since the 1996 Telecommunications Act, numerous mergers and alliances (M&A) have been consummated within the telecommunications industry. These M&A involve both large and small firms in a variety of different and similar industry segments. In this industry, replete with technological uncertainty, it is useful to evaluate the impact of these activities on the market valuation of the firms involved. This study uses event analysis to examine 44 M&A events involving 89 partners in the telecommunications industry. Drawing on prior literature on diversification and firm size, the study formulates and tests hypotheses relating the impact of near and far diversification, and the size of the firm, on market valuation. The results are mostly consistent with prior work and suggest that while overall these events weight positively on market value, M&A involving near-diversification and larger firms tend to experience greater valuation effects.
Further Characterization of Growth Hormone-Dependent Somatomedin-Binding Proteins in Rat Serum and Demonstration of Somatomedin-Binding Proteins Produced by Rat Liver Cells in Culture*

The somatomedin-like peptide multiplication-stimulating activity (MSA) binds specifically to rat serum. The pattern of MSA binding is GH dependent. Specific binding of [125I]iodo-MSA in normal rat serum is primarily in the gamma-globulin region (peak II) on Sephadex G-200, while MSA binding in hypophysectomized (hypox) rat serum is near the albumin region (peak III). This study further characterizes the peak II and peak III somatomedin-binding proteins produced by rat liver cells in culture. [125I]Iodo-MSA binding to normal rat serum is abolished by trypsin pretreatment of rat serum, suggesting that MSA binds to protein components of serum. The only detectable somatomedin activity (measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation into chick embryo fibroblast DNA) in fractions of normal rat serum chromatographed on Sephadex G-200 coincides with peak II binding of [125I]iodo-MSA. In hypox rat serum, the majority of detectable somatomedin activity is in the peak III region. There is complete displacement of the human somatomedins [125I]iodoinsulin-like growth factor I and II and [125I]iodosomatomedin A from the rat serum-binding sites by unlabeled MSA, suggesting that the human somatomedins bind to the same sites as MSA. Treatment of normal rat serum with 1 M acetic acid dissociates somatomedin activity from its binding proteins and converts somatomedin-binding proteins from peak II to peak III. Scatchard analysis of competitive binding data using [125I]iodo-MSA yields a binding affinity that is not appreciably different for either normal or hypox rat sera. The binding capacity of normal or acid-treated normal rat serum for MSA is significantly greater than that for comparably treated hypox rat sera. Although the site of synthesis of somatomedin-binding proteins in vivo is unknown, specific somatomedin-binding proteins are synthesized by two rat liver cell lines in culture. These rat liver cell somatomedin-binding proteins have the same molecular size and the same binding affinity for MSA as the peak III somatomedin-binding protein(s) in rat serum.
Alkali isomarization of methyl 9, 12, 15-octadecatrienoate geometrical isomers

Geometrical isomers of methyl 9,12,15-octadecatrienoate were subjected to alkali isomerization according to the official AOCS method. Thec,t,t andt,t,c isomers gave higher specific extinction coefficients at 268 mμ than the all-cis isomer. The all-trans isomer was not completely conjugated. These results are in conformity with previous predictions based on theoretical and experimental evidence.