cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Probing the Role of Conformational Entropy in Protein-Inhibitor Binding

In silico drug discovery has long held the promise to revolutionize the way drugs are designed, but has largely failed to deliver. Historically inhibitors were designed based mainly on static structures that emphasized interaction energetics but ignored potential contributions from conformational entropy. This issue has been difficult to address experimentally. Recently, we have developed an NMR-based approach that employs measures of motion as a proxy for the conformational entropy. Using an empirical calibration, we have shown that the resulting “entropy meter” is both robust and general. We hypothesize that conformational entropy represents a critical “missing piece” in rational drug design. Using the “entropy meter,” we examine the effect of conformational entropy on protein-inhibitor interactions using the drug target and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38α as a model system. Given the relatively large size of this protein, all studies were performed in a perdeuterated background. Using standard methods, we have obtained nearly complete ILV methyl assignments of this protein. 15N and 13C NMR spin relaxation experiments were used to determine the sub-ns dynamics of the protein both in the apo state and bound to either a competitive and a non-competitive (allosteric) inhibitor. In both cases, we observe the a large unfavorable entropic effect of binding. We find that the conformational entropy change upon binding represents a significant contribution to the overall binding free energy. These results promote further studies to understand how classes of inhibitors may modulate the dynamics and corresponding internal entropy of protein targets, and how this information can be used to design better lead compounds.This work was supported by NIH Grant GM100910
Universal Density of States for Carbon Nanotubes

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy experiments have been recently reported for individual single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) [1,2], confirming the strongly one-dimensional nature expected for the electron states in these materials [3,4]. The STM experiments give a direct experimental probe of the electron density of states (DOS) near the Fermi level. We have recently shown that semiconducting SWNTs with similar diameters will have similar DOS near the Fermi level, and established an analogous correspondence for metallic nanotubes [5]. We also gave expressions for the positions of the peaks near the Fermi level. Here we derive a universal relationship for the DOS in the vicinity of the Fermi level for SWNTs. This relationship, based on the graphene sheet model, scales out the dependence on the nanotube diameter and otherwise only depends on whether the SWNT belongs to the semiconducting or metallic groups of nanotubes. We compare the predictions of this relationship with the DOS results calculated using first-principles band structure results for SWNTs
Projections of US GHG reductions from nuclear power new capacity based on historic levels of investment

Historical rates of capital investment in nuclear plant construction were used as a guide to estimate the potential rate of future capacity introduction. The total linear rate of capital expenditure over the entire period of historical construction from 1964 to 1990 was determined to equal $11.5 billion/yr, and that for the period of peak construction from 1973 to 1985 was computed as $17.9 billion/yr, all in 2004$. These values were used with a variety of current capital cost estimates for nuclear construction to obtain several scenarios for possible future nuclear capacity additions. These values were used to obtain the effect of projected nuclear generating capacity on GHG emissions assuming nuclear would directly replace coal-fired generation. It was concluded that actual reductions in emissions would not be experienced until 2038, yet growth in emissions from electrical production would be slowed through that period. Due to the significant time to introduce large-scale changes in the utility sector, nuclear energy cannot have a dramatic short-term effect on emissions. Nuclear power, however, can have a major positive longer term impact, particularly under more favorable cost and investment conditions.
High-temperature 29Si MAS NMR spectroscopy of anorthite (CaAl2Si2O8) and its P\(\bar 1\)-I\(\bar 1\)structural phase transition

We present 29Si MAS NMR data for a well-ordered natural anorthite, obtained in situ at temperatures of from 25 to 500° C, which follow the changes in the aluminosilicate framework through the P\(\bar 1\)-I\(\bar 1\) structural phase transition. Pairs of peaks due to sites offset by approximately 1/2 [111] converge through the P\(\bar 1\) phase and only four peaks are present above about 241° C. The variation of the peak positions with temperature and correlations based on structural data for the P\(\bar 1\) and I\(\bar 1\) phases allow assignment of all the MAS-NMR peaks to crystallographic sites. A Landau-type analysis gives an expression that relates the separation of pairs of con verging peaks to the local order parameter for the P\(\bar 1\)-I\(\bar 1\) transition, from which we determine its temperature dependence. Data for the best-constrained set of peak positions give for the order parameter critical exponent β = 0.27±0.04, consistent with previous results indicating that the P\(\bar 1\)-I\(\bar 1\) transition in pure anorthite is tricritical. No significant change in the 29Si spin-lattice relaxation rate occurs across the P\(\bar 1\)-I\(\bar 1\) transition.
RFLP mapping using near-isogenic lines in the soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]

A molecular marker analysis of a near-isogenic line (NIL), its donor parent (DP), and its recurrent parent (RP) can provide information about linkages between molecular markers and a conventional marker introgressed into the NIL. If the DP and RP possess different alleles for a given molecular marker, and if the NIL possesses the same allele as the DP, then it is reasonable to presume a linkage between that molecular marker and the introgressed marker. In this study, we examined the utility of RFLPs as molecular markers for the NIL genemapping approach. The allelic status of fifteen RFLP loci was determined in 116 soybean RP/NIL/DP line sets; 66 of the ‘Clark’ RP type and 50 of the ‘Harosoy’ RP type. Of the 1740 possible allelic comparisons (116 NILs x 15 RFLP loci), 1638 were tested and 462 (33.9%) of those were informative (i.e., the RP and DP had different RFLP alleles). In 15 (3.2%) of these 462 cases the NIL possessed the DP-derived RFLP allele, leading to a presumption of linkage between the RFLP locus and the introgressed conventional marker locus. Two presumptive linkages, pK-3 — and pK-472 — Lfi, were subsequently confirmed by cosegregation linkage analysis. Although not yet confirmed, two other associations, pk-7 ab and pK-229 — y9 seemed to be plausible linkages, primarily because the pk-7 — ab association was detected in two independently derived NILs and both markers of the pK-229 — y9 association were known to be linked to Pb. The data obtained in this investigation indicated that RFLP loci were useful molecular markers for the NIL gene-mapping technique.
Environmental variables differentially affect ethanol-stimulated activity in selectively bred mouse lines

Low doses of ethanol (EtOH) stimulate activity in an open field in many strains of laboratory mice. We are selectively breeding two lines of mice to exhibit a large (FAST) response on this test, and two other lines to exhibit a small (SLOW) response (Crabbe et al. 1987). The lines initially diverged in response to EtOH, but despite continued selection pressure, the difference between each pair of FAST and SLOW lines has not increased over generations as much as expected. Our practice has been to test animals on the 1st day after saline injection, and repeat the test after EtOH injection 24 h later. Lister (1987) recently demonstrated that the order in which an animal was exposed to EtOH and saline influenced the magnitude of the response to EtOH, with animals tested initially after EtOH having greater stimulation. Middaugh et al. (1987) recently demonstrated that the magnitude of EtOH stimulation was greater under conditions of relatively bright light than under dim light. Using non-selected Swiss mice, the current experiments essentially confirmed Lister's findings. Using FAST and SLOW mice, the predictions of both groups were tested. Both hypotheses were confirmed. Additionally, these experiments demonstrated that the magnitude of the difference between FAST and SLOW mice was greater under bright light than under dim light. The line difference was also greater when tested in the EtOH-Saline order. In experiments with Swiss mice, the possible role of peritoneal irritation in the EtOH effect was eliminated, and the optimal dose and time for demonstrating the effect was determined. These experiments confirm the importance of lighting condition, order of testing, dose, and route of administration in eliciting EtOH-stimulated open field activity in mice. They demonstrate a genotype-environment interaction, since the magnitude of difference between genetically selected lines varied as a function of the testing parameters chosen. Finally, they indicate that the differences between FAST and SLOW lines in sensitivity to EtOH generalizes to several environmental conditions. We interpret this to mean that the various EtOH-induced activation traits represented by these different environmental and testing conditions are genetically correlated.
Evil geniuses: inferences derived from evidence and preferences

Readers rely on descriptions of characters to generate expectations for future story events. However, readers also have preferences for how they want those events to unfold. Often, what texts imply about how characters will behave and what readers want characters to do converge on similar story events and narrative descriptions. But what are the processing consequences when expectations and preferences suggest competing possibilities? In three experiments, we explored this question utilizing short narrative texts. Each text included information designed to establish positive, negative, or neutral preferences toward characters, as well as behavioral descriptions that supported particular positive or negative character traits. In Experiments 1 and 2, when the valences of reader preferences and implied traits matched, participants overwhelmingly judged characters as likely to possess those traits. With mismatches, though, those judged likelihoods decreased in systematic ways. In Experiment 3, we observed that matches between preferences and implied traits also influenced reading times for story outcomes. These results outline how the inferences that guide narrative comprehension are influenced both by the descriptions that authors provide about characters and events, as well as by the emerging desires that readers develop for those characters and events.
Dynamic spreading of nanofluids on solids. Part I: experimental

Nanofluids have enhanced thermophysical properties compared to fluids without nanoparticles. Recent experiments have clearly shown that the presence of nanoparticles enhances the spreading of nanofluids. We report here the results of our experiments on the spreading of nanofluids comprising 5, 10, and 20 vol % silica suspensions of 19 nm particles displacing a sessile drop placed on a glass surface. The contact line position is observed from both the top and side views simultaneously using an advanced optical technique. It is found that the nanofluid spreads, forming a thin nanofluid film between the oil drop and the solid surface, which is seen as a bright inner contact line distinct from the conventional three-phase outer contact line. For the first time, the rate of the nanofluidic film spreading is experimentally observed as a function of the nanoparticle concentration and the oil drop volume. The speed of the inner contact line is seen to increase with an increase in the nanoparticle concentration and decrease with a decrease in the drop volume, that is, with an increase in the capillary pressure. Interestingly, the formation of the inner contact line is not seen in fluids without nanoparticles.
Antibodies that react with the capsular polysaccharide of Vibrio vulnificus are detectable in infected patients, and in persons without known exposure to the organism

In serious infections with Vibrio vulnificus, IgG antibodies to the capsular polysaccharide of the infecting strain were demonstrable in patient serum. It was not possible to show that persons with probable increased exposure to V. vulnificus (shellfish industry workers) had increased levels of antibodies to any one of three capsular types tested when compared with persons who would be expected to have had minimal exposure to the organism (Seventh Day Adventists). Antibodies that reacted with the capsular polysaccharides were demonstrable in persons without a history of V. vulnificus infection, suggesting that cross-reacting antibodies are present in the general population.
Methods for Formatting Text Produced with a Speech-Based Editor

The large number of typists and secretaries in the work force who type documents for others are evidence that a substantial segment of the population can not or will not produce their own documents. There are, however, significant pressures in the work place for shifting some or all of the responsibility for document production to the producer of the document content. Automatic speech recognition systems would make this possible if they were to provide a means for handling formatting operations as well as transcribing content accurately. This study investigated user reactions to six formatting methods (e.g., for creation of a list structure, for beginning a paragraph) in a simulated “document creation by voice” application. The results of this study indicate that subjects preferred the method in which a spoken command was used to produce formatting and immediate recognition feedback was received. The second highest ranked condition was one which required that, in addition, the spoken command be preceded b...
A Nonparametric Version of Wilks’ Lambda – Asymptotic Results and Small Sample Approximations

Abstract We propose a nonparametric version of Wilks’ lambda (the multivariate likelihood ratio test) and investigate its asymptotic properties under the two different scenarios of either large sample size or large number of samples. For unbalanced samples, a weighted and an unweighted variant are introduced. The unweighted variant of the proposed test appears to be novel also in the normal-theory context. The theoretical results are supplemented by a simulation study with parameter settings that are motivated by clinical and agricultural data, considering in particular the performance for small sample sizes, small number of samples, and varying dimensions. Inference methods based on the asymptotic sampling distribution and a small sample approximation are compared to permutation tests and to other parametric and nonparametric procedures. Application of the proposed method is illustrated by examples.
The Role of Social Influences in Using Accounting Performance Information to Evaluate Subordinates: A Causal Attribution Approach

One important role of accounting information is to provide objective information to assist decision makers in evaluating the performance of their subordinates. Yet whether decision makers use accounting data in an objective fashion, independent of interpersonal factors, is an open question. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether similarities in work style (innovator versus adaptor) between a manager and a subordinate influence the manager's causal attributions and subsequent performance evaluation for the subordinate, given accounting performance indicators. The study is conducted in an experimental setting and the research analysis used is developed within the framework of a structural equation model. The results of the study provide initial evidence that interpersonal factors such as work style similarity and personal liking moderate how supervisors use accounting information when they make performance evaluation decisions. The more similar work style between supervisor and subordinate, the...
X-linked idiopathic thrombocytopenia.

A family is described in which the incidence of thrombocytopenia suggested transmission by an X-linked gene. The condition carries a good prognosis. Comparison with previous similar reports suggests that the disorder is phenotypically distinct from the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.
DNA-based vaccines for the treatment of cancer – an experimental model

Antigenic differences between normal and malignant cells form the basis of clinical immunotherapy protocols. Because the antigenic phenotype varies widely among different cells within the same tumor mass, immunization with a vaccine that stimulates immunity to a broad array of tumor antigens expressed by the entire population of malignant cells is likely to be more efficacious than immunization with a vaccine for a single antigen. One strategy is to prepare a vaccine by transfer of DNA from the patient's tumor into a highly immunogenic cell line. Weak tumor antigens, characteristic of malignant cells, become strongly antigenic if they are expressed by immunogenic cells. In animal models of melanoma and breast cancer, immunization with a DNA-based vaccine is sufficient to deter tumor growth and to prolong the lives of tumor-bearing mice.
Ionic liquids as plasticizers/lubricants for polylactic acid

In this study, two ionic liquids (IL) with different anions (decanoate, tetrafluoroborate) but with the same phosphonium-based cation were evaluated as potential plasticizers and lubricants for polylactic acid (PLA). Both ILs at 5 wt% were well dispersible and partly miscible with PLA as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy, SEM, and glass transition temperature, Tg, characterization, as well as from solubility parameters calculations. However, phase separation in the PLA system containing the IL with tetrafluoroborate anions was observed 1 year after melt processing. The IL containing the tetrafluoroborate anion showed higher thermal stability compared with the IL containing decanoate as confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis. This was translated in corresponding behaviors of the PLA blends. The effects of the IL containing the tetrafluoroborate anion were more pronounced on lubrication as evidenced by lower values of coefficient of friction that could also be correlated with lower contact angle; this IL could then be considered as a more effective, overall, plasticizer than the IL containing the decanoate anion based on reduced flexural modulus and brittleness as well as Tg suppression results. The extent of plasticization, however, could also be related to the molecular weight reduction during melt processing that occurred in the presence of both ILs, but to different degrees. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Writing the Nation: Migration Literature and National Identity

AbstractJust as the physical presence of migrants in Italy’s national space has prompted re-evaluations of how national identity is formulated, migration literature in Italy calls into question those overarching discourses that inform cultural constructs of nationality and national literature. This paper traces the ways in which the works of five migrant writers interrogate the intertwined and mutually reinforcing assumptions that have traditionally shaped the idea of national literature: first, that the construction of national identity and national literature require exclusion of otherness; second, that national identity and national literature style themselves as ahistorical; and third, that national identity depends of a social construction of space that binds identity to a single territory. This paper examines how the writings of Komla-Ebri, Khouma, Scego, Ali Farah, and Lakhous give visibility to the hidden racial exclusions, the obscured historical and colonial memory, and the invisible spatial ass...
A quantitative description of the morphological aspects of materials structures suitable for quantitative comparisons of 3D microstructures

While several laboratories can produce 3D models of microstructure from serial sectioning or tomography, the more widespread practice is to attempt to infer 3D shapes from 2D sections of different orientations. We have developed a forward modeling approach that, given a 3D particle shape, produces statistically representative 2D sections whose projections are characterized by 2D moment invariants (MI). Since the sectioning plane is random, each particle will produce a statistical distribution of 2D moments and an ensemble of particles in a microstructure will produce its own characteristic distribution of 2D moments and can be used as a representation of the microstructure. This distribution can be represented as a point in a metric space. We use the Hellinger distance as the measure for this space, which allows us to quantify the similarity of two microstructures. Example applications include: determination of a 3D shape by computing the Hellinger distance between MI density maps derived from random 2D section micrographs and the density map database; automated detection and quantification of rafting in cuboidal microstructures; and quantitative comparison of pairs of microstructures.
The Milgram Experiments, Learned Helplessness, and Character Traits

The Milgram and other situationist experiments support the real-life evidence that most of us are highly akratic and heteronomous, and that Aristototelian virtue is not global. Indeed, like global theoretical knowledge, global virtue is psychologically impossible because it requires too much of finite human beings with finite powers in a finite life; virtue can only be domain-specific. But unlike local, situation-specific virtues, domain-specific virtues entail some general understanding of what matters in life, and are connected conceptually and causally to our traits in other domains. The experiments also make us aware of how easily unobtrusive situational factors can tap our susceptibilities to obedience, conformity, irresponsibility, cruelty, or indifference to others’ welfare, thereby empowering us to change ourselves for the better. Thus, they advance the Socratic project of living the examined life. I note a remarkable parallel between the results of the baseline Milgram experiments and the results of the learned helplessness experiments by Martin Seligman et al. This provides fresh insight into the psychology and character of the obedient Milgram subjects, and I use this insight to argue that pusillanimity, as Aristotle conceives of it, is part of a complete explanation of the behavior of the obedient Milgram subjects.
Rapid biochemical detection and differentiation with magnetic force microscope cantilever arrays

We have tested a novel method of rapid bead-on-surface detection using a magnetic force microscope (MFM) with a ferromagnetic tip. This technique's reliance on mechanical sensors should allow for high speed, throughput and sensitivity. In this report, we demonstrate that the fundamental physics allows for the rapid detection of a single bead bound to a surface by magnetic force sensing.
Dermatology manpower needs.

Although it may seem arcane, the size and nature of the workforce that provides dermatologic services to patients is an issue that affects all dermatologists. It affects how well dermatologists discharge this obligation and, at a more personal level, what dermatologists do, how they do it, where they do it, and how much they get paid for doing it. The issues are multiple, their solutions far from clear and, for these reasons, controversial. This article presents one view of these issues, gathered by the author as Chair of the Workforce Study Group of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Program for Dermatology for the 21st Century and through discussions with colleagues throughout the United States. The problems and their solutions discussed in this article are personal opinions of the author and do not reflect the official position of the Committee or of the AAD. Dermatologists are not powerless in dealing with these issues. The specialty has one strong tool with which to affect the workforce—its influence over the size and quality of its major element, dermatologists.
Noise Exposure Estimates of Urban MP3 Player Users.

Purpose To examine the sound level and duration of use of personal listening devices (PLDs) by 189 college students, ages 18–53 years, as they entered a New York City college campus, to determine w...
Miscible blends containing a liquid crystalline polymer via optimized hydrogen bonding: Correlation to theory

Blending a liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) with an amorphous polymer to create a molecular composite offers a method to use the desirable properties of an LCP at a more modest cost. However, very few such blends are miscible. Our earlier findings (Viswanathan, S.; Dadmun, M. D. Macromol Rapid Commun 2001, 22, 779–782; Macromolecules 2001, 35, 5049–5060; Macromolecules 2003, 36, 3196–3205) demonstrate that it is possible to create a true molecular composite by inducing miscibility in a blend containing an LCP and an amorphous polymer by slightly modifying the structure of the polymer constituents to promote hydrogen bonding between the two polymers. This result is interpreted to indicate that separation of the hydroxyl groups along the amorphous polymer chain enhances the accessibility of the OH to intermolecularly hydrogen bond to CO groups and increases the miscibility of the blends. In this report, the phase diagrams for these blends are correlated to the theoretical phase diagrams that are determined using Coleman and Painter's association model, indicating excellent agreement between theory and experiment. This correlation also provides quantification of the functional group accessibility (via K) as a function of copolymer composition, which agrees very well with the previous phase behavior results and interpretation. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 1010–1022, 2004
Tryptophan Residues in the Portal Protein of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Critical to the Interaction with Scaffold Proteins and Incorporation of the Portal into Capsids

Incorporation of the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) portal vertex into the capsid requires interaction with a 12-amino-acid hydrophobic domain within capsid scaffold proteins. The goal of this work was to identify domains and residues in the U L 6-encoded portal protein pU L 6 critical to the interaction with scaffold proteins. We show that whereas the wild-type portal and scaffold proteins readily coimmunoprecipitated with one another in the absence of other viral proteins, truncation beyond the first 18 or last 36 amino acids of the portal protein precluded this coimmunoprecipitation. The coimmunoprecipitation was also precluded by mutation of conserved tryptophan (W) residues to alanine (A) at positions 27, 90, 127, 163, 241, 262, 532, and 596 of U L 6. All of these W-to-A mutations precluded the rescue of a viral deletion mutant lacking U L 6, except W163A, which supported replication poorly, and W596A, which fully rescued replication. A recombinant virus bearing the W596A mutation replicated and packaged DNA normally, and scaffold proteins readily coimmunoprecipitated with portal protein from lysates of infected cells. Thus, viral functions compensated for the W596A mutation9s detrimental effects on the portal-scaffold interaction seen during transient expression of portal and scaffold proteins. In contrast, the W27A mutation precluded portal-scaffold interactions in infected cell lysates, reduced the solubility of pU L 6, decreased incorporation of the portal into capsids, and abrogated viral-DNA cleavage and packaging.
Biomechanical Characteristics of an Implant Used to Secure Semitendinosus–Gracilis Tendon Grafts in a Canine Model of Extra-Articular Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Objective— To compare initial femoral fixation properties of a new implant, Graftgrab (GG), with 2 established methods of extra-articular femoral graft fixation, spiked washers (SW) and bone staples (ST). Study Design— Experimental in vitro cohort study. Methods— Canine semitendinosus–gracilis tendon grafts were passed through bone tunnels and fixed to the lateral surface of femoral condyles with spiked washers, bone staples, or new implant prototypes. The fixations were tested to failure with a single-cycle load at a rate of 50 mm/min. Failure and yield strength, stiffness, energy, and elongation were determined from load–displacement curves and failure modes were recorded. Results— The graft failed midsubstance in 4 SW, 4 ST, and 1 GG fixations. In 3 SW, 3 ST, and 1 GG specimens, the graft slipped from the fixation. The graft ruptured at the clip (3) and the intra-articular (2) surface of the bone tunnel in the remaining GG specimens. There were no significant differences between fixation groups in femoral tunnel length, femoral width, or the mechanical properties evaluated. Conclusions— The initial in vitro mechanical properties of the new fixation implant are comparable with those of spiked washers and bone staples. Clinical Relevance— The initial mechanical performance of the new implant tested in this study was similar to those of comparable, established implants. The new implant is novel and may be useful for human anterior and veterinary cranial cruciate ligament graft reconstruction fixation.
Methodology of Comparison in Evolutionary Archaeology

Evolutionary archaeology needs methods for recognizing how selective retention of cultural variation shaped the archaeological record. One approach that has not yet been exploited fully is to derive adaptive hypotheses from evolutionary design arguments, then to test the hypotheses' predictions by comparing two or more segments of the archaeological record. In order to encourage further development of comparative methods, we discuss aspects of their application within evolutionary archaeology. We also present an example in which comparative observations are used to test a hypothesis about the evolution of local productive specialization and circulation of materials through space.
Outcome study of surgical alignment before six months of age for congenital esotropia.

Abstract Background: Recently, several ophthalmic surgeons have reported surgical alignment with congenital esotropia in patients younger than 6 months of age to improve the quality of the binocular result. Methods: The author performed a multicenter independent study of the motor and sensory results obtained in a group of patients younger than 6 months of age. These patients underwent surgical alignment by other investigators to within 10 prism diopters for a minimum of 6 months. The patients had been followed for a minimum of 4 years and were required to have sufficient maturity and normal neurologic status to reliably respond to tests for fusion and stereopsis. The patients were examined and analyzed by the author before any knowledge of the clinical record. Results: Sixteen patients underwent surgical alignment at an average age of 4.2 months. Follow-up examination took place at an average age of 7.1 years. Motor and sensory tests showed 11 patients to have a small or negligible motor misalignment at near point with both binocular fusion and gross stereopsis ability. One patient, aligned by 3 months of age, demonstrated reproducible refined stereoacuity on sensory testing. The author observed, however, that alignment by 4 or 5 months of age did not result in better quality of binocularity than a previously studied group of patients who underwent alignment at 6 months of age. Conclusion: Binocularity that includes refined stereoacuity remains an elusive target and rare outcome for the ophthalmologist treating congenital esotropia, despite the use of very early surgical alignment.
The "Sense" of "Sight": Heidegger and Merleau-Ponty on the Meaning of Bodily and Existential Sight

Etude de la triple signification de la vue chez Heidegger et Merleau-Ponty: 1) la signification sensible de la vision corporelle; 2) la vue comme metaphore de la comprehension de l'existence; 3) le sens comme direction vers laquelle la metaphore fait sens. Distinguant l'ontologie phenomenologique et hermeneutique de «Etre et temps» de la phenomenologie existentielle de la «Phenomenologie de la perception», l'A. montre que la question du sens de la vue permet d'expliquer l'echec du projet de Marbourg pour Heidegger et le souci d'une distanciation de Heidegger pour Merleau-Ponty
Photoswitching behavior of a novel single molecular tip for noncontact atomic force microscopy designed for chemical identification

A tripod molecule with an azobenzene arm was designed as a single molecular tip for noncontact atomic force microscopy (NC-AFM). The azobenzene moiety showed photoisomerization that enabled measurements of the same position of the sample by different tip apexes with different interactions. Photoswitching behavior of the molecule synthesized and adsorbed on Au surfaces was examined and reversible switching between the trans- and cis forms was successfully confirmed by NC-AFM measurements.
TRPC5 is a regulator of hippocampal neurite length and growth cone morphology

Growth cone motility is regulated by both fast voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and by unknown receptor-operated Ca2+ entry mechanisms. Transient receptor potential (TRP) homomeric TRPC5 ion channels are receptor-operated, Ca2+-permeable channels predominantly expressed in the brain. Here we show that TRPC5 is expressed in growth cones of young rat hippocampal neurons. Our results indicate that TRPC5 channel subunits interact with the growth cone-enriched protein stathmin 2, are packaged into vesicles and are carried to newly forming growth cones and synapses. Once in the growth cone, TRPC5 channels regulate neurite extension and growth-cone morphology. Dominant-negative TRPC5 expression allowed significantly longer neurites and filopodia to form. We conclude that TRPC5 channels are important components of the mechanism controlling neurite extension and growth cone morphology.
The Role of Laser in Infertility Surgery

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5915/22-2-13559 In the last two decades, developments in gynecologic endoscopy have had an impact on our specialty that is equaled only by the introduction of sophisticated radioimmunoassays. With the exception of dilation and curetage (D&C), laparoscopy has become the most frequently performed gynecologic procedure by obstetricians and gynecologists. Although originally introduced as a diagnostic procedure, not surprisingly and within a short time it became an operative procedure. As time went by, more sophistication in operative laparoscopy was obtained because of the development of modern optics and better operative instruments. The latest tool introduced to operative laparoscopy was the laser. This article will discuss all laser laparoscopic procedures that should be done in the field of reproductive surgery.
Millimeter-wave power amplifiers in 45nm CMOS SOI technology

A fully-integrated mm-wave power amplifier (PA) with 50Ω input and output matching is designed in IBM 45nm SOI technology. The circuit utilizes electrically isolated CMOS SOI transistors in a stack to enhance the overall breakdown voltages and output impedance. The power amplifier demonstrates a power gain of 14.4 dB with a 3dB bandwidth of 27 GHz to 39 GHz and achieves a saturated output power of 22.4dBm and with a peak power-added efficiency (PAE) of 33%. This work demonstrates the proposed PA topology designed in deep scaled CMOS SOI technology is capable of delivering high-power at mm-wave frequencies.
Sloppy Python: using dynamic analysis to automatically add error tolerance to ad-hoc data processing scripts

Programmers and data analysts get frustrated when their long-running data processing scripts crash without producing results, due to either bugs in their code or inconsistencies in data sources. To alleviate this frustration, we developed a dynamic analysis technique that guarantees scripts will never crash: It converts all uncaught exceptions into special NA (Not Available) objects and continues executing rather than crashing. Thus, imperfect scripts will run to completion and produce partial results and an error log, which is more informative than simply crashing with no results. We implemented our technique as a "Sloppy" Python interpreter that automatically adds error tolerance to existing scripts without any programmer effort or run-time slowdown.
Differential roles of Aβ processing in hypoxia-induced axonal damage

Axonopathy is a common and early phase in neurodegenerative and traumatic CNS diseases. Recent work suggests that amyloid β (Aβ) produced from amyloid precursor protein (APP) may be a critical downstream mediator of CNS axonopathy in CNS diseases, particularly those associated with hypoxia. We critically tested this hypothesis in an adult retinal explant system that preserves the three-dimensional organization of the retina while permitting direct imaging of two cardinal features of early-stage axonopathy: axonal structural integrity and axonal transport capacity. Using this system, we found via pharmacological inhibition and genetic deletion of APP that production of Aβ is a necessary step in structural compromise of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons induced by the disease-relevant stressor hypoxia. However, identical blockade of Aβ production was not sufficient to protect axons from associated hypoxia-induced reduction in axonal transport. Thus, Aβ mediates distinct facets of hypoxia-induced axonopathy and may represent a functionally selective pharmacological target for therapies directed against early-stage axonopathy in CNS diseases.
2:1 atrioventricular block during atrioventricular node reentrant tachycardia.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and to clarify the mechanism of 2:1 atrioventricular (AV) block during AV node reentrant tachycardia induced in the electrophysiology laboratory. Background In patients with 2:1 AV block during AV node reentrant tachycardia, the absence of a His bundle potential in the blocked beats has been considered evidence of intranodal, lower common pathway block. Methods In consecutive patients with AV node reentrant tachycardia, the incidence of 2:1 AV block and the response to atropine and a single ventricular extrastimulus was observed. Results Persistent 2:1 AV block occurred in 13 of 139 patients with AV node reentrant tachycardia. A His bundle deflection was present in the blocked beats in eight patients and absent in five. Patients with 2:1 AV block had a shorter tachycardia cycle length than did patients without such block (mean ± SD 312 ± 32 vs. 353 ± 55 ms, p Conclusions The incidence of induced 2:1 AV block during AV node reentrant tachycardia is ~ 10%. The lack of a response to atropine and the consistent conversion of 2:1 block to 1:1 conduction by a ventricular extrastimulus indicate that, regardless of the presence or absence of a His bundle potential in blocked beats, 2:1 block during AV node reentrant tachycardia is due to functional infranodal block. (J Am Coll Cardiol 1996;28:1770–4)
Measuring Governors' Political Orientations Using Words as Data

This article introduces a parsimonious measure of the expressed political orientation of U.S. state governors that compares word choices in their “State of the State” speeches to the language of state and national party platforms. The technique used to generate this measure is Wordscores, a method that relies on the use of reference texts to generate a set of ideal points for gubernatorial rhetoric. I discuss the conventions and substantive content of governors' speeches and the choice of party platforms as reference texts before presenting the average “partisan signal” in speeches by 97 governors in all 50 states between 2000 and 2006.
Can CRM survive integrating franchisees with a corporate giant

Purpose – A paucity of literature considers a growing trend within the retail space whereby franchise companies and their franchisees market and sell products and services across multiple channels, including company‐owned retail stores. This case study aims to explore the processes used to support the customer experience, the control mechanisms that are in place, and the channels by which these customer‐company interactions occur.Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative approach employing an adaptation of the grounded theory method for data collection, coding, and analysis was used and this study specifically focused on an international van‐based service franchise during the integration of the franchise company's service into the retail brick‐and‐mortar locations of the parent company. Participants included retail employees of the parent company, franchise company support staff, franchisees, and third‐party call center agents working for the parent company.Findings – Findings suggest a relationship exi...
A method for the production of Clostridium haemolyticum spores on solid medium.

Clostridium haemolyticum spores were cultivated on liver-digest (LD) agar medium for use as a standardized challenge material in a U.S. Department of Agriculture potency assay of C. haemolyticum bacterins. Cultures were incubated in an anaerobic chamber. Spores were washed from the agar surface and suspended in an equal volume of glycerol. The spore suspension was dispensed into glass ampoules and stored at −60°C. The most probable number of viable spores (MPNVS), determined by the dilution tube technique, was 1·0 × 10 6 spores/0·5 ml. This preparation contained 6·2 × 10 5 guinea pig median lethal doses (LD 50 ) per 0·5 ml as determined by titration. Cultivation of C. haemolyticum spores on a relatively small quantity of solid medium was a convenient method of producing a uniformly virulent spore preparation.
Potential role for epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors in combined-modality therapy for non-small-cell lung cancer.

Abstract There has been a surge of interest in the translation of discoveries in molecular biology into clinically relevant therapies in the field of hematology/oncology. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been a molecular target of significant interest and investigation, and preclinical and clinical studies support a role for targeted therapy in a variety of cancers, including non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) via compounds that specifically inhibit EGFR. ZD1839, IMC-C225, and OSI-774 are the most clinically developed of these compounds. Interestingly, preclinical studies have demonstrated that EGFR inhibitors may have radiation-sensitizing properties, as well as increased cytotoxic activity in combination with chemotherapeutic agents, suggesting a potential role for EGFR inhibitors as an adjunct to the current combined-modality approach for therapy of Stage III NSCLC. Therefore, clinical trials have been proposed and initiated to address the issue of determining the impact of the addition of EGFR inhibitors to the standard combined-modality regimen (chemotherapy/radiation therapy ± surgery) for Stage III NSCLC. This article reviews preclinical and clinical data supporting the role for EGFR inhibitors alone or in combination with chemotherapy/radiation therapy for locally advanced NSCLC. Also, it will provide an overview of ongoing and proposed clinical studies investigating the potential role for EGFR inhibitors in Stage III NSCLC.
The magnetic structure of Mn2Sb

Abstract Neutron diffraction investigations on single crystals and powdered samples of Mn 2 Sb have determined the magnetic structure of this compound. The ferrimagnetic structure predicted by G uillaud was confirmed except for the exact values of the individual atomic moments of the manganese atoms. Values of +2.13 ±0.20 μ B and −3.87±0.40 μ B were obtained for the magnetic moments of the Mn atoms on the two sublattices from single crystal investigations, and these experimental values satisfactorily explain the scattering from powdered samples at temperatures from 78°K to about 800°K. Results from previous macroscopic magnetic experiments are also consistent with these values of the atomic magnetic moments.
Axiomatization of Polynomial Substitution Algebras

The axiomatization of algebras of functions or partial functions under various operations has been studied by several authors. Menger [2] deals with the problem of axiomatizing the algebraic properties of 1-ary functions from the reals to the reals. He considers algebras with one of three binary operations corresponding to addition, multiplication or composition. This study is furthered by Schweizer and Sklar in [3]–[6]. In addition to the operations mentioned above they also introduce a partial ordering which corresponds to restriction of functions. In the second of these papers they give a set of axioms such that any system satisfying these axioms is order isomorphic to a concrete system of partial functions under composition and ordered by restriction. In [7] Schweizer and Sklar extend their work to the algebra of multiplace vector-valued functions. In [8] Whitlock studies abstract multiplaced function systems given by super-associative laws and shows that these systems are isomorphically embeddable in a concrete system of multiplaced functions where the operation on the functions is substitution of an m -ary function in an n -ary function. In this paper we consider the set of functions from U α , the set of α-sequences, to U where a is an infinite ordinal. As opposed to the composition operations studied in the above works, we consider the composition operations * κ , for κ A , * κ , V κ › κ where V κ are the projection (selector) functions on the κth place. In particular, the polynomials over an algebra form such an algebra called a polynomial substitution algebra. In §6 we show that a first-order axiom system and a condition of local finiteness, given by Pinter in a talk at Berkeley in 1972 to characterize term substitution abgebras, also characterize these polynomial substitution algebras.
Identification of Hearing Loss in Pediatric Patients with Down Syndrome

Objective. To determine the type of hearing loss, incidence of the lost to follow-up rate, and the time to diagnose sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in children with Down syndrome (DS) identified from a statewide database.Study Design. Case series with chart review.Setting. Pediatric referral center.Subjects and Methods. Three hundred forty-four patients with DS born in Utah between January 2002 and December 2006 were identified using the Utah Department of Health’s Newborn Hearing Screening database and birth defects registry.Results. Three hundred thirty-two patients were included in the study. Eighty-seven infants (26.2%) did not pass their newborn hearing screening (NBS). Thirty-three of these children (37.9%) had a conductive hearing loss attributed to serous otitis media. Five infants had SNHL; 3 children were diagnosed with a mixed hearing loss (MHL). The average time to diagnose a sensorineural hearing loss was 485 ± 601 days. One child who passed his NBS was subsequently found to have an SNHL. M...
RGD-modified apoferritin nanoparticles for efficient drug delivery to tumors

Ferritin (FRT) is a major iron storage protein found in humans and most living organisms. Each ferritin is composed of 24 subunits, which self-assemble to form a cage-like nanostructure. FRT nanocages can be genetically modified to present a peptide sequence on the surface. Recently, we demonstrated that Cys-Asp-Cys-Arg-Gly-Asp-Cys-Phe-Cys (RGD4C)-modified ferritin can efficiently home to tumors through RGD–integrin αvβ3 interaction. Though promising, studies on evaluating surface modified ferritin nanocages as drug delivery vehicles have seldom been reported. Herein, we showed that after being precomplexed with Cu(II), doxorubicin can be loaded onto RGD modified apoferritin nanocages with high efficiency (up to 73.49 wt %). When studied on U87MG subcutaneous tumor models, these doxorubicin-loaded ferritin nanocages showed a longer circulation half-life, higher tumor uptake, better tumor growth inhibition, and less cardiotoxicity than free doxorubicin. Such a technology might be extended to load a broad r...