cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Focal Luce Model

We develop a random choice model in which a decision maker divides the alternatives she faces into two groups, where one group is focal and thus she is more likely to choose alternatives in that group relative to alternatives in the non-focal group: The Focal Luce Model (FLM). The FLM generalizes Luce’s model and naturally captures bounded rationality models while behaviorally distinguishing between what is focal and the magnitude of the bias due to focality. We show how to identify utilities, focal sets, and bias terms from choice frequencies and behaviorally found the FLM with two weakenings of independence from irrelevant alternatives (IIA) which account for the decision maker’s revealed focus. We introduce a new condition on focal sets, Conditionally Decreasing, which captures an increasing difficulty of focusing on multiple alternative and encompasses several models of limited consideration. We apply our model to experimental data, illustrate the importance of accounting for focus in demand estimation, and propose a simple method to identify focal sets.
Revisiting kd-tree for Nearest Neighbor Search

\kdtree \citefriedman1976algorithm has long been deemed unsuitable for exact nearest-neighbor search in high dimensional data. The theoretical guarantees and the empirical performance of \kdtree do not show significant improvements over brute-force nearest-neighbor search in moderate to high dimensions. \kdtree has been used relatively more successfully for approximate search \citemuja2009flann but lack theoretical guarantees. In the article, we build upon randomized-partition trees \citedasgupta2013randomized to propose \kdtree based approximate search schemes with $O(d log d + log n)$ query time for data sets with n points in d dimensions and rigorous theoretical guarantees on the search accuracy. We empirically validate the search accuracy and the query time guarantees of our proposed schemes, demonstrating the significantly improved scaling for same level of accuracy.
Analytical bond-order potential for silver, palladium, ruthenium and iodine bulk diffusion in silicon carbide

The analytical bond-order potential has been developed for simulating fission product (Ag, Pd, Ru, and I) behavior in SiC, especially for their diffusion. We have proposed adding experimentally available elastic constants and physical properties of the elements as well as important defect formation energies calculated from density functional theory simulation to the list of typical properties as the extensive fitting database. The results from molecular dynamics simulations are in a reasonable agreement with defect properties and energy barriers of their experimental/computational counterparts. The successful validation of the new potential has established a good reliability and transferability of the potentials, which enables the ability of simulation in extended scale. The kinetic behavior such as diffusion of different interstitials is then realized by applying the new interatomic potentials. The bulk diffusion is less likely to dominate the transport of the four fission products under pure thermal condition, when we refer to their extremely small values of the effective diffusion coefficients. The interstitial mechanism is hard for Pd, Ru, and I to access due to the high formation energy and high migration energy. However, it is found that the migration energy of silver is relatively low, which indicates Ag diffusion via an interstitial mechanism being feasible, especially under irradiation condition, where massive interstitials can be formed in high-temperature nuclear reactors.
Discursive Constructions of Motherhood: A Feminist Analysis of Social Media Discourses about Motherhood, Religion, and 19 Kids & Counting

ABSTRACTThis essay is a feminist analysis of social media discourses about motherhood, religion, and the reality television show 19 Kids & Counting. Social media discourses about the Duggar family ...
The Subtle Nature of Presidential Debate Influence

This essay argues that the influence of televised, general election, presidential debates on prospective voters' perceptions of participating candidates may be larger than previous research suggest...
Wetlands of the Mariana Islands

Abstract This article represents an assessment of Mariana Island Wetlands that includes the current status, stressors, and future viability. Wetlands in the Mariana Islands are comprised of the following categories: estuarine wetlands, forest wetland/swamps, freshwater marshes, lakes, and artificial wetlands. Wetlands have been significantly impacted by human habitation in the islands, with many degraded, fragmented, or lost due to development, invasive species, fire, erosion, altered hydrology, agriculture, and pollution. Hydrophytic vegetation is primarily composed of species of grasses, reeds, ferns, and trees. Wetlands provide habitat for some species listed as endangered, while a couple of species reliant on wetlands have been extirpated. Variables considered in analyzing current condition and future scenarios include stressors as well as conservation efforts. Considering the vulnerability of the wetlands and limited representation across the islands, as well as climate-related changes, it is anticipated that these habitats will continue to degrade in the absence of intensive or consistent management into the future.
Teaching TAs To Teach: Strategies for TA Training

"The only thing that scales with undergrads is undergrads". As Computer Science course enrollments have grown, there has been a necessary increase in the number of undergraduate and graduate teaching assistants (TAs, and UTAs). TA duties often extend far beyond grading, including designing and leading lab or recitation sections, holding office hours and creating assignments. Though advanced students, TAs need proper pedagogical training to be the most effective in their roles. Training strategies have widely varied from no training at all, to semester-long prep courses. We will explore the challenges of TA training across both large and small departments. While much of the effort has focused on teams of undergraduates, most presenters have used the same tools and strategies with their graduate students. Training for TAs should not just include the mechanics of managing a classroom, but culturally relevant pedagogy. The panel will focus on the challenges of providing "just in time", and how we manage both intra-course training and department or campus led courses.
Modeling and Characterization of Time-varying Clutter in ISAR Imaging

Clutter is present in many ISAR imaging applications and can make a significant contribution to imaging error and artifacts. Accurate modeling and characterization of time-varying clutter facilitates clutter removal and forming a more accurate target image. ISAR backscatter measurements can be time consuming and many clutter mitigation tools, such as deep learning networks, require many spectral samples for training. Having the ability to generate a large valid training data set which is based on a small number of physical measurements will improve the efficiency and accuracy of these methods. Time-varying vegetation will be the focus of this paper. A second-order statistical model for time-varying clutter is proposed and a physical model based on oscillatory motion and physical characteristics of vegetation in the presence of wind is used to derive formulations describing the associated time-varying electromagnetic backscatter spectrum. An equivalent second-order time-varying spatial model is developed, having the same second-order statistics as the measured backscattered spectrum.
Seafood graded oral food challenge outcomes in a pediatric tertiary care center

Background There are sparse data regarding the predictors of positive oral food challenges and reaction severity for seafood in children. Objective Identify clinical characteristics in children with seafood allergy who were most likely to experience a negative oral food challenge (OFC). Methods A retrospective chart review was performed for children who had a graded OFC to seafood at a pediatric tertiary care center from 2008 through 2019. Results Sixty-three (60% male; average age 8 years; range 1-21 years) OFCs were performed, of which 21 were fish and 42 were shellfish. There were 10 (16%) positive OFCs and positive OFC rate was similar between fish (19%) and shellfish (14%). Forty-three children who underwent OFC had a reported history of IgE-mediated symptoms. Five of six children who had a history of anaphylaxis had a negative OFC. There was no difference in positive OFCs due to age, history of atopy, or initial allergic reaction history. The clinical characteristics of the positive OFCs were similar between fish and shellfish. A positive skin prick test to fish or shellfish did not increase the risk of a positive OFC. While the positive OFC rate did not differ for the shellfish food-specific IgE (FSIgE) level, there was a significant difference for fish (median <0.34 kUA/L vs. 1.63 kUA/L for pass and fail, respectively; P = 0.023). Conclusion A retrospective study of OFCs to seafood showed that the rate of a positive OFC was low. While seafood allergy is thought to be rarely outgrown, children who have a low FsIgE and/or skin testing can successfully tolerate seafood.
Combined Life Cycle Cost Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment of Road Pavements

Life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) are the main pillars of pavement sustainability. LCA addresses environmental impacts of a pavement structure, and LCCA addresses life cycle costs. While both techniques go hand in hand with transportation agencies’ decision making, they are usually used separately because there are no tools or methodologies that consider both under the same framework. This study introduces a LCCA add-on to a LCA tool developed by the Illinois Center for Transportation (ICT). The tool analyzes all pavement life stages, namely, construction and materials, maintenance, use and end of life. With the new add-on, the tool can calculate agency costs and user costs associated with both work zone and normal operating conditions as well as global warming potential and energy consumption. The developed tool makes the pay item framework easier to use for agencies and contractors. At the end, a case study is presented to illustrate the tool’s capabilities.
A Terrible Beauty Is Born: William Butler Yeats, Julia de Burgos, and Romantic Resurrection

This chapter compares William Butler Yeats with Julia de Burgos, the twentieth-century national poets of Ireland and Puerto Rico respectively: two islands that have long served as the colonial possessions of neighboring Anglo-centric, nominally democratic superpowers. It examines how their two earliest and most popular poems—1886’s “The Stolen Child” and 1935’s “Rio Grande de Loiza”—imagine untamed wilderness as a sanctuary for children from imperial jurisdiction. It then examines the resurrection motifs in Yeats’s “Easter 1916” and Burgos’s “23 of September,” two mid-period occasional poems observing violent revolutionary uprisings. These latter poems explore what happens when the dead not only speak but return to complete the stalled-out revolutionary projects they first began.
Hypofractionated Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy

Abstract Purpose To provide an overview of the major randomized trials that support the use of hypofractionated post-mastectomy radiation therapy for locally advanced breast cancer patients. Methods and Materials PubMed was systematically reviewed for publications reporting use of of hypofractionated radiation therapy in patients requiring post-mastectomy radiation. Results Standard fractionation, which is typically delivered over 5 to 7 weeks, is considered the standard of care in setting of post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT). Modern data has helped to establish hypofractionated whole breast irradiation, which consists of a 3- to 4-week regimen, as a new standard of care for early-stage breast cancer. Hypofractionated whole breast irradiation has also laid the groundwork for the exploration of a hypofractionated approach in the setting of hypofractionated post-mastectomy radiation therapy. Conclusions While standard fractionation remains the most commonly utilized regimen for PMRT, recently published trials support the safety and efficacy of a hypofractionated approach. Ongoing trials are further investigating the use of hypofractionated PMRT.
X-linked palindromic gene families 4930567H17Rik and Mageb5 are dispensable for male mouse fertility

Mammalian sex chromosomes are enriched for large, nearly-identical, palindromic sequences harboring genes expressed predominately in testicular germ cells. Discerning if individual palindrome-associated gene families are essential for male reproduction is difficult due to challenges in disrupting all copies within a gene family. Here we generate precise, independent, deletions to assess the reproductive roles of two X-linked palindromic gene families with spermatid-predominant expression, 4930567H17Rik or Mageb5. Via sequence comparisons, we find mouse 4930567H17Rik and Mageb5 have human orthologs, 4930567H17Rik is rapidly diverging in rodents and primates, and 4930567H17Rik is harbored in a palindrome in humans and mice, while Mageb5 is not. Mice lacking either 4930567H17Rik or Mageb5 gene families do not have detectable defects in male fertility, fecundity, spermatogenesis, or in gene regulation, but do show differences in sperm head morphology, suggesting a potential role in sperm function. We conclude that while all palindrome-associated gene families are not essential for male fertility, large palindromes influence the evolution of their associated gene families. Summary sentenceMice lacking X-palindromic gene families display normal male fertility, fecundity, spermatogenesis, and gene expression but exhibit differences in sperm head morphology, suggesting a potential role for these gene families in sperm development.
Orthogonal polynomials for general measures-I

Associated with a unit Borel measure in the complex plane, α, whose support K(α) is compact and contains infinitely many points is a family of orthonormal polynomials {φn(z)}, n=0,1,… . The family of potentials ωn(z)=1 / n log|φn(z)| will be studied. Conditions have previously been found which insure that ωn(z) behaves like the Green's function of O(K(α)), the unbounded component of the complement of K(α). We study the behavior of ωn(z) when these conditions are not satisfied.
Glucose Uptake and Phosphorylation in Pseudomonas fluorescens

Abstract Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 13525 and a particulate glucose oxidase (d-glucose:oxygen oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.3.4) mutant of this organism, gox-7, were examined to determine if glucose oxidation via particulate glucose oxidase is a required first step for glucose uptake. Initial [14C]glucose-uptake rates in parent and gox-7 cells were qualitatively similar. Initial [14C]glucose-uptake product analysis revealed that glucose was accumulated via active transport and was rapidly metabolized to glucose-6-phosphate and gluconate-6-phosphate in both parent and gox-7 cells. Cell extracts contained soluble adenosine 5′-triphosphate specific kinase activity for phosphorylation of glucose. Glucose uptake was induced by glucose and not gluconate, thus, establishing independent regulation of glucose transport and glucose catabolism in p. fluorescens. The results prove that glucose oxidase was not an obligatory reaction for glucose carbon permeation in P. fluorescens. A general unifying scheme for glucose utilization in the aerobic fluorescent pseudomonads is suggested for the purpose of clarifying glucose uptake in these bacteria.
Label-free imaging of single neuron activities by stimulated Raman scattering

We report the observation of single neuron activities by spectral focusing stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy. Changes in SRS signal intensity in live neurons correlate to action potentials indicated by fluorescent calcium indicator.
Animal Models for Developing Clinical Lab Procedures

In this chapter we describe the role of animal models in the development and optimization of human assisted reproductive technologies (ART). The use of ART has doubled over the past decade and now accounts for over 1 % of infants born in the United States each year (www.cdc.gov/art). This growing field encompasses procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), embryo culture, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), and cryopreservation. Animal models play a pivotal role in the success and future of ART procedures, and for that reason it is also important to consider how and when certain species are well or ill suited as models for human ART. This becomes particularly important for research intended to translate into clinical practice. Thus, we discuss the major procedures and fields of interest in human ART, through the lens of the animal models used to develop them.
Membrane Lipoteichoic Acid Is Not a Precursor to Wall Teichoic Acid in Pneumococci

The distribution of a pulse of teichoic acid-specific radiolabel between wall and membrane teichoic acids in pneumococci was constant over a subsequent chase period, suggesting that wall and membrane teichoic acids are biosynthesized simultaneously and independently.
Complex Dimensions of Ordinary Fractal Strings

In this chapter, we recall some basic definitions pertaining to the notion of (ordinary) fractal string and introduce several new ones, the most important of which is the notion of complex dimension. We also give a brief overview of some of our results in this context by discussing the simple but illustrative example of the Cantor string. In the last section, we discuss the notion of fractal spray, which is a higher-dimensional analogue of that of fractal string.
Inventing a Gay Agenda: Students' Perceptions of Lesbian and Gay Professors

Students’ perceptions of lesbian and gay professors were examined in 2 studies (Ns = 622 and 545). An ethnically diverse sample of undergraduates read and responded to a syllabus for a proposed Psychology of Human Sexuality course. Syllabuses varied according to the political ideology, carefulness, sexual orientation, and gender of the professor. Students rated professors on dimensions such as political bias, professional competence, and warmth. Lesbian and gay professors were rated as having a political agenda, compared to heterosexual professors with the same syllabus. Student responses differed according to their homonegativity and modern homonegativity scores. The findings from these studies suggest that students may use different criteria to evaluate lesbian, gay, and heterosexual professors’ ability to approach courses objectively. jasp_757
Diffractive processes in pp interactions at 5.1 GeV/c

Abstract We have investigated the interaction p p → p p π + π − at 5.1 GeV/ c using the prism plot method. In addition to the Δ ++ Δ −− final state, we isolate the three particle diffractive dissociation of the proton and antiproton into (p π + π − ) and ( p π + π − ) respectively. We estimate this process accounts for 30% of the final state.
Peptide α-Amidation Activity in Mouse Anterior Pituitary AtT-20 Cell Granules: Properties and Secretion*

Mouse anterior pituitary corticotropic tumor cells (AtT-20/D-16v) were homogenized and subjected to subcellular fractionation. A secretory granule associated enzyme activity was detected which could convert d-Tyr-Val-Gly into d-Tyr-Val-NH2. The enzyme activity was dependent on the presence of molecular oxygen, copper ions, and reduced ascorbate. Potent endogenous inhibitors of the enzyme obscured the activity unless appropriate levels of copper ions were added. The production of radiolabeled d-Tyr-Val-NH2 from labeled D-Tyr-Val-Gly was inhibited by a wide variety of peptides possessing COOH-terminal glycine residues but not by a number of other peptides, suggesting that many peptides with COOH-terminal glycine residues can function as substrates in the a-amidation reaction. Kinetic studies with varied concentrations of d-Tyr-Val-Gly demonstrated Michaelis-Menten kinetics; both the Km for d-Tyr-Val-Gly and maximum velocity (Vmax) increased upon addition of ascorbate to the reaction. Under optimized assay c...
Bioconversion of silybin to phase I and II microbial metabolites with retained antioxidant activity.

Abstract Microbial transformation of silybin ( 1 ), the major flavonolignan of milk thistle ( Silybum marianum , Asteraceae), resulted in the isolation of four metabolites. The structures of the isolated metabolites were determined by spectroscopic methods. One phase I metabolite was produced by Beauveria bassiana and was characterized as 8-hydroxysilybin ( 2 ). Three phase II metabolites were produced by two Cunninghamella species and were identified as 2,3-dehydrosilybin-3- O -β- d -glucoside ( 3 ), obtained from Cunninghamella species; and silybin-7-sulfate ( 4 ) and 2,3-dehydrosilybin-7-sulfate ( 5 ), obtained from Cunninghamella blakesleana . Compared to 1 (IC 50 284 μg/mL), the generated metabolites displayed varying levels of antioxidant activities in the DPPH free-radical scavenging assay.
Internal Validity Analysis: A Method for Adjusting Capture-Recapture Estimates of Prevalence

The authors propose a method for adjusting results of log-linear multi-source capture-recapture estimates of total population. The method compares the totals in some subpopulations of known size with estimates derived from various capture-recapture approaches to these subpopulations. The authors term such an approach an "internal validity analysis". Trends in the ratios of the estimates to the known true values of these subpopulations provide a plausible indicator of the bias of some types of estimates of the total population especially when underlying assumptions of the methods used have not been met in analysis of the total population. The authors apply this method to published data on an open population of injection drug users that had been previously analyzed with a standard capture-recapture analysis as if it were a closed population. Internal validity analysis suggests that the size of this population is about 15% greater than that previously estimated.
Phase Behavior of Multicomponent Phospholipid Mixtures with Cholesterol

Previous work has shown that mixtures of multiple phospholipids with cholesterol exhibit phase behavior which may be approximately modeled by a hypothetical binary mixture of cholesterol and an “average”-phospholipid.1 This study presents a detailed thermodynamic model of such multicomponent mixtures based on regular-solution theory. When the individual phospholipids are treated independently, calculated phase behavior shows systematic deviations from the average-phospholipid model. These deviations may be expressed concisely in terms of the distribution of binary critical parameters of the individual phospholipids, and the deviations are small for mixtures in which the individual phospholipids exhibit similar phase behavior in binary mixtures with cholesterol.
The Successful Use of Parenteral Methadone in a Patient with a Prolonged QTc Interval

Recent case reports have raised concerns about the potential for methadone to prolong the QTc interval (QT corrected for heart rate) and predispose patients to torsade de pointes (TdP), a life-threatening arrhythmia. We present a case report that describes the successful use of parenteral and oral methadone in a patient with uncontrolled cancer pain and a history of QTc prolongation. We describe an approach to the use of methadone in this patient and review both case reports and recent prospective studies that have evaluated the risk of TdP and the long-term outcome with respect to the development of TdP in patients receiving methadone for chronic pain or addiction.
A cryogenically-cooled, balloon-borne far infrared survey telescope

The design and performance of the Arizona cryogenically-cooled, balloon-borne, multiband far infrared survey telescope are described. The 40 cm Cassegrain telescope is completely contained in a liquid helium dewar. The focal plane array consists of Fabry optics and four detectors which each have a 12 arc minute field of view. Both photoconductive and bolometer detectors are utilized at effective wavelengths of 20, 80, 100 and 150 microns. In 1977 the telescope was used to make multicolor large scale maps of 70 square degrees in the Cygnus X region and the W3 region.
Procedure to Validate Direct Numerical Simulations of Wall- Bounded Turbulence Including Finite-Rate Reactions

procedure to test the validity of the simulations by dividing the whole problem into differentcomponents andtesting each component separately. Namely, comparisons against similarity solutions and other established hypersonic boundary-layer solutions are used to test the validity of laminar mean flow with and without gas-phase chemical reactions; comparisons against the analytic solution for the one-dimensional diffusion equation are used to test the validity of the surface catalysis boundary condition; and comparisons against empirical predictions, detailed experimental data and linear stability theory are used to test the validity of turbulent boundary-layer solutions.
Scratch resistant low friction/low surface energy coating for silicon substrate

A smooth, ultrathin film of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) on a silicon substrate has been prepared by spin-coating. This film gives a 0.06 dynamic coefficient of friction against paper, the lowest value ever reported for polymer–paper sliding pairs. The value is only about one-third of the coefficient of friction (0.21) between polytetrafluoroethylene and paper. The coating is not scratchable by sliding a stainless steel stylus over the surface with a pressure greater than 3.6 × 1010 dyn/cm2. The film displays a surface tension of 20.5 dyn/cm. It is stable in water and propylene glycol. The film is an effective and durable solid lubricant. The surface characteristics of a spray-coated PDMS and a plasma-copolymerized thin film of perfluoropropane and 3,3,3-trifluoropropylmethyldimethoxysilane have also been investigated. Both films show much lower scratch resistance, weaker adhesion to the silicon substrate, and higher friction. The plasma film yields the same surface tension as the spin-coated PDMS. Its surface energy, however, increases after soaking in water or propylene glycol. The exceptionally low friction and the unusually high scratch resistance of the ultrathin film of PDMS are attributed to the absence of deformation and tearing components and a low adhesion components in the sliding friction mechanism.
Proteomics of dense core secretory vesicles reveal distinct protein categories for secretion of neuroeffectors for cell-cell communication

Regulated secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohumoral factors from dense core secretory vesicles provides essential neuroeffectors for cell-cell communication in the nervous and endocrine systems. This study provides comprehensive proteomic characterization of the categories of proteins in chromaffin dense core secretory vesicles that participate in cell-cell communication from the adrenal medulla. Proteomic studies were conducted by nano-HPLC Chip MS/MS tandem mass spectrometry. Results demonstrate that these secretory vesicles contain proteins of distinct functional categories consisting of neuropeptides and neurohumoral factors, protease systems, neurotransmitter enzymes and transporters, receptors, enzymes for biochemical processes, reduction/oxidation regulation, ATPases, protein folding, lipid biochemistry, signal transduction, exocytosis, calcium regulation, as well as structural and cell adhesion proteins. The secretory vesicle proteomic data identified 371 proteins in the soluble fraction and 384 membrane proteins, for a total of 686 distinct secretory vesicle proteins. Notably, these proteomic analyses illustrate the presence of several neurological disease-related proteins in these secretory vesicles, including huntingtin interacting protein, cystatin C, ataxin 7, and prion protein. Overall, these findings demonstrate that multiple protein categories participate in dense core secretory vesicles for production, storage, and secretion of bioactive neuroeffectors for cell-cell communication in health and disease.
A dc non-thermal atmospheric-pressure plasma microjet

A direct current (dc), non-thermal, atmospheric-pressure plasma microjet is generated with helium/oxygen gas mixture as working gas. The electrical property is characterized as a function of the oxygen concentration and show distinctive regions of operation. Side-on images of the jet were taken to analyze the mode of operation as well as the jet length. A self-pulsed mode is observed before the transition of the discharge to normal glow mode. Optical emission spectroscopy is employed from both end-on and side-on along the jet to analyze the reactive species generated in the plasma. Line emissions from atomic oxygen (at 777.4 nm) and helium (at 706.5 nm) were studied with respect to the oxygen volume percentage in the working gas, flow rate and discharge current. Optical emission intensities of Cu and OH are found to depend heavily on the oxygen concentration in the working gas. Ozone concentration measured in a semi-confined zone in front of the plasma jet is found to be from tens to ~120 ppm. The results presented here demonstrate potential pathways for the adjustment and tuning of various plasma parameters such as reactive species selectivity and quantities or even ultraviolet emission intensities manipulation in an atmospheric-pressure non-thermal plasma source. The possibilities of fine tuning these plasma species allows for enhanced applications in health and medical related areas.
Cell volume distribution dynamics of Chlorella vulgaris Beij. in batch cultures under continuous light

Cell volume distribution in Chlorella vulgaris cultures coming out of senescence was measured by flow cytometry every 6 h for 114 h in a full-factorial experiment with initial nitrate (420–4200 μg NO3-N l−1), phosphate (9–186 μg PO4-P l−1), and continuous light (50–330 μE m−2 s−1) as treatments. The maxima in median and median absolute deviation (MAD) of cell volume were achieved within 6 h of each other and their timing was not affected by any treatment. Population specific growth rate during the first 66 h calculated from volume distribution changes was significantly affected by light treatment only (p=0.002).
Deconstruction-reconstruction strategy for accessing valuable polyketides. Preparation of the C15-C24 stereopentad of discodermolide.

An advanced, known intermediate for discodermolide synthesis was prepared by an efficient sequence from the readily available fermentation product oleandomycin. The scheme makes use of a new method for the direct cleavage of aminoglycosides, a critical double-bond isomerization, and a selective protection of two of three hydroxyl groups in a modified oleandolide. This synthesis illustrates a new strategy, “deconstruction−reconstruction”, for accessing stereochemically complex polyketide building blocks.
Investigation of Factors Contributing to Fatal and Nonfatal Roofer Fall Accidents

Roofers continue to suffer frequent fall-related injuries and fatalities. The objectives of this research were (a) identifying the factors affecting roofer fall accidents; (b) investigating the frequency distributions of these factors; (c) examining the relationships between the factors; and (d) developing a statistical model for fatal and nonfatal fall outcomes. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) accident data was analyzed using categorical variables. After establishing data demographics, cross-tabulation analysis was performed to determine factor relationships, and logistic regression modeling was done to predict accident outcomes using degree of injury as a dependent variable and the significant factors from cross-tabulation as independent variables. It was found that roofers most frequently experienced falls while working in smaller alteration/rehabilitation projects and at heights below 20 feet. Unguarded/improperly secured platforms, walkways, openings, edges and ladders, misjudgment...
LSD Analogs II. N-[2-(3-Pyridyl)ethyl]-β-alanine Derivatives

As a continuation of the study of structure-activity relationships in LSD analogs, the ethyl esters and N,N-diethylamides of N-[2-(3-pyridyl)ethyl]-β-alanine and N-methyl-N-[2-(3-pyridyl)ethyl]-β-alanine were prepared and evaluated for antiserotonin activity in the isolated rat fundus. All four compounds and one of the intermediates were found to be devoid of activity. SAR implications are discussed.
Outcomes of unrelated umbilical cord blood transplantation for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy.

Abstract Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is an X-linked disorder caused by a defect in the metabolism of long chain fatty acids leading to demyelination, neurodegeneration, and death. The disease typically presents in young boys and adolescent boys. Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation has been used to halt progression of the disease. However, many patients lack suitable HLA- matched related donors and must rely on unmatched donors for a source of stem cells. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of unrelated donor umbilical cord blood transplantation after chemotherapy-based myeloablative conditioning and retrospectively determine if baseline studies correlate and help predict outcome. Between November 22, 1996, and November 3, 2005, 12 boys with X-linked ALD who lacked HL- matched related donors were referred to Duke University Medical Center for transplantation. These children were conditioned with myeloablative therapy including busulfan, cyclophosphamide, and antithymocyte globulin before receiving umbilical cord-blood transplants from unrelated donors. Baseline studies of neurophysiologic, neuroimaging, and neurodevelopmental status were performed and patients were subsequently evaluated for survival, engraftment, graft-versus-host disease, and neurodevelopmental outcomes. A substudy evaluated whether baseline neuroimaging and neurophysiologic studies correlated with cognitive and motor function and if these studies were predictive of posttransplantation outcomes. The umbilical cord blood grafts had normal levels of very long chain fatty acids. They delivered a median of 6.98 × 107 nucleated cells per kilogram of recipient body weight and were discordant for up to 4 of 6 HLA markers. Neutrophil engraftment occurred at a median of 22.9 days after transplantation. Three patients had grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease; 2 had extensive chronic graft-versus-host disease. Cumulative incidence of overall survival of the group at 6 months is 66.7% (95% confidence interval 39.9-93.3%). Median follow-up was 3.3 years (range 12 days to 6.3 years). As previously reported with bone marrow transplantation, symptomatic patients faired poorly with lower survival and rapid deterioration of neurologic function. This study included 3 patients transplanted at a very young age (2.6-3.5 years) before the onset of clinical symptoms who continue to develop at a normal rate for 3-5 years posttransplant. Although baseline Loes scores correlated with cognitive and motor outcome, neurophysiologic studies failed to show statistically significant differences. Transplantation of boys with X-linked ALD using partial HLA-matched umbilical cord blood yields similar results to those previously reported after bone marrow transplantation. Superior outcomes were seen in neurologically asymptomatic boys less than 3.5 years of age at the time of transplantation. Baseline Loes scores were a strong predictor of cognitive and motor outcome.
A Ser678Pro Substitution in Fks1p Confers Resistance to Echinocandin Drugs in Aspergillus fumigatus

An S678P substitution in Fks1p, the major subunit of glucan synthase, was sufficient to confer echinocandin resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus. The equivalent mutation in Candida spp. has been implicated in echinocandin resistance. This work demonstrates that modification of Fks1p is a conserved mechanism for echinocandin resistance in pathogenic fungi.
Subclavian-to-carotid transposition for coronary-subclavian steal syndrome: A case report

The recurrence of myocardial ischemia has been well described to occur when a proximal subclavian artery stenosis develops in patients who have had coronary revascularization based on an internal m...
Reducing indoor air formaldehyde concentrations

Urea-formaldehyde resin bonded partlcleboard, medium density fiberboard and plywood paneling are used as flooring, wall paneling, for cabinet work and in furniture, and are present In almost every office, home and public building. If large quantities of these products are used In poorly ventilated spaces, high manufacturing quality control is necessary to avoid problems of latent formaldehyde release. Indoor air formaldehyde concentrations depend on the nature of the product, the product surface to air volume (loading) factor, temperature, humidity, age and product emission rates. Standard test methods are now available for measuring product emission rates that make It possible to predict the performance of UF-bonded pressed wood materials If use conditions and environmental parameters are known. Recent modifications In adhesive and board manufacturing parameters have made It possible to reduce formaldehyde emission significantly, and UF-bonded wood products are now capable of meeting indoor air quality s...
Fractionation by sucrose density gradient centrifugation of membrane fragments derived by sonic disruption of beef heart mitochondria

Abstract 1. 1. Fractionation of beef heart submitochondrial membrane fragments derived by sonic disruption was achieved by linear sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Three distinct membrane fractions were obtained: a pellet (P), a middle (X) and an upper (Y) zone. 2. 2. Electron micrographs revealed that the pellet contained large single pieces and aggregates of membrane fragments. The X zone contained rough membrane fragments with protruding subunits (F1) and the Y zone contained relatively small fragments without subunits. 3. 3. In comparison with the Y zone, the X zone exhibited higher activities of NADH oxidase and ATPase, higher oligomycin-induced respiratory control and cytochrome content, but lower activities of NADH:cytochrome c reductase (rote-none-sensitive) and cytochrome oxidase with externally-added cytochrome c as the substrate. Lubrol greatly enhanced the cytochrome oxidase activity in the X zone but not in the Y zone. NADH oxidase was greatly stimulated by externally added cytochrome c in the Y zone but not in the X zone. In general, the pellet exhibited varying activities falling between those of the X zone and the Y zone. 4. 4. The relationship between these membrane fractions and the conventional EDTA particle preparation is discussed.
Planar and non-planar Wilson loops in QCD☆

A general QCD sum rule calculation of vacuum expectation values of Wilson loops is presented and particularized to several specific planar and non-planar contours. The string tension obtained is √σ = 0.50(5) GeV. Within the errors of the approach, this result is shape-independent. We comment on the possibility that corrections to the area and perimeter laws could be parametrized by a geodesic curvature term.
Regeneration and tolerance factor is expressed during T-lymphocyte activation and plays a role in apoptosis.

Abstract Regeneration and tolerance factor (RTF) is a protein cloned from the thymus and expressed on B lymphocytes in normal pregnancy, B lymphocytic leukemia lines, and T and B lymphocytes in individuals with HIV infection. Findings, using the Jurkat T-cell model, revealed that RTF is upregulated after activation and anti-RTF antibody-induced apoptosis. In this article anti-RTF antibody-induced apoptosis of both unstimulated and activated T lymphocytes. RTF expression was examined in human PBMC or purified T lymphocytes after their in vitro activation. Kinetic studies indicated maximal RTF cell surface expression on activated T lymphocytes occurred between expression of the early activation antigen CD69 and the IL-2α receptor (CD25) by multiparameter flow cytometry. RTF receptor expression correlated with Fas (CD95) and CD25 receptor expression (r 2 = 0.6 and 0.5, respectively). RTF surface expression was dependent on the stimuli used to activate T lymphocytes. T lymphocytes obtained maximal RTF expression when activated through the TCR signal complex using anti-CD3e antibody alone when compared with T lymphocytes activated with costimulation provided by anti-CD28 antibody alone or with anti-CD28 and anti-CD3e antibody. RTF is expressed under conditions of both activation and anergy. The RTFs increased concentration on the surface of anergic T cells may protect these cells from apoptosis because increased RTF concentrations inhibited anti-RTF induced apoptosis. These data further characterize the expression of RTF on activated T lymphocytes and the role of anti-RTF antibody in T-lymphocyte apoptosis.
Persistent pain in adolescents following traumatic brain injury.

Abstract Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of pediatric disability. Although persistent pain has been recognized as a significant postinjury complication, there is a paucity of data concerning the postinjury pain experience of youth. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of persistent pain in adolescents after TBI, identify risk factors for pain, and evaluate the impact of pain on adolescent health-related quality of life. Participants included 144 adolescents with mild to severe TBI who were followed over 36 months after injury. At 3-, 12-, 24-, and 36-month assessments, measures of pain intensity, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and health-related quality of life were completed by adolescents. Findings demonstrated that 24.3% of adolescents reported persistent pain (defined as usual pain intensity ≥3/10) at all assessment points after TBI. Female sex (odds ratio = 2.73, 95% confidence interval=1.12–6.63) and higher levels of depressive symptoms at 3 months after injury (odds ratio = 1.26, 95% confidence interval=1.12–1.43) were predictors of persistent pain at 36 months. Furthermore, mixed linear models indicated that early pain experience at 3 months following TBI was associated with a significantly poorer long-term health-related quality of life. Perspective This is the first study to examine the prevalence of persistent pain over long-term follow-up in adolescents after TBI and its impact on health-related quality of life. These findings indicate that adolescents with TBI may benefit from timely evaluation and intervention to minimize the development and impact of pain.
Digestibility and Effects of Whole Cottonseed Fed to Lactating Cows

Four lactating Holstein cows producing about 21 kg milk/day were fed complete rations containing 0, 5, 15, and 25% whole cottonseed in a 4 X 4 Latin square design. Diets were fed ad libitum. Periods were 21 days in length with total collections of feces and urine during the last 7 days of each period. Digestibilities o nitrogen, lipid, and energy increased with increasing cottonseed in the diet. There were no significant effects of cottonseed on digestibility or availability of fiber components, calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium. Cottonseed feeding did not affect dry matter intake or milk yield but did increase yields of milk fat and fat-corrected milk and decrease milk protein and solids-not-fat percentages. Synthesis of fatty acid in the mammary gland was depressed by about 50% on the 25% cottonseed diet, but transfer of dietary fat resulted in twofold increases in yields of stearic and oleic acids. Hydrogenation of cottonseed fatty acid in the rumen resulted in a fourfold increase in yield of trans oleic acid in milk fat. Samples from bulk milk tank and data collected from 55 commercial dairies showed similar changes in fatty acid composition of milk from cows fed whole cottonseed. There was no apparent effect of feeding up to 2.9 kg cottonseed dry matter per cow per day on calving interval or on incidence of displaced abomasum, ketosis, milk, fever, or retained placenta.
Comparison of ion transport mechanisms between vestibular dark cells and strial marginal cells.

Abstract Morphologic similarities between strial marginal cells and vestibular dark cells have long been recognized and it has long been accepted that both of these cell types are involved in the secretion of K + into endolymph. Functional similarities of these two epithelia, however, were considered unlikely as long as strial marginal cells were assumed to generate the endocochlear potential which has no equivalent in the vestibular labyrinth. The recently introduced concept that strial marginal cells transport K + but that the mechanism for the generation of the endocochlear potential is located in another cell type provided the basis to hypothesize that ion transport mechanisms and their regulation are similar in vestibular dark and strial marginal cells. The present review compiles evidence in support of this hypothesis.
Assessing the Impact of Institutional and Election Forces on Evaluations of Congressional Incumbents

Previous efforts to understand inter-house differences in the way congressional incumbents are evaluated have been confounded by their neglect of senators with nonexpiring terms. Comparisons of these officeholders with senators seeking reelection and House members, respectively, permit isolating the operation of Senate election and institutional forces. In our analysis of five elections since 1978, we find that senators' lower popularity and greater perceived ideological distance from constituents are institutional phenomena, which, contrary to most speculation, are not further aggravated by the onset of reelection campaigns. On the other hand, Senate election mechanisms determine how strongly attitudes concerning national conditions and respondent ideology are linked to incumbent approval, as well as the number of open-ended comments relating to issues and policy made about the incumbent. Finally, media exposure, while not affecting evaluations of senators regardless of their electoral status, seems pivo...
Sozialisationseffekte in Beruf und Studium

Zusammenfassung: Im Mittelpunkt der vorliegenden Arbeit steht die Frage nach den Auswirkungen beruflicher bzw. studentischer Sozialisation auf die Entwicklung der moralischen Urteilsstruktur sensu Lawrence Kohlberg. Es wurden vorliegende Befunde aufgegriffen, denen zufolge ethische Prinzipien und Werthaltungen bei Studierenden der Wirtschaftswissenschaften geringer ausgepragt sind als bei Studierenden in sozialwissenschaftlichen Studiengangen. In einer eigenen interkulturellen Vergleichsstudie wurde die Struktur des moralischen Urteils von Studierenden der Wirtschaftswissenschaften und Studierenden in sozialwissenschaftlichen Studiengangen in Deutschland und Italien mit Hilfe eines experimentellen Fragebogens, dem “Moralisches-Urteil-Test (MUT)” erhoben. Die Ergebnisse zeigen die erwarteten Unterschiede im Hinblick auf die Strukturstufe des moralischen Urteils: Sowohl bei den deutschen als auch bei den italienischen Befragten weisen Studierende der Wirtschaftswissenschaften signifikant haufiger als Studie...
(Non-)intervention in A-movement: Some cross-constructional and cross-linguistic considerations

This article explores ‘defective intervention’ effects in a range of A-movement constructions in English. Moving beyond an old observation that English lacks intervention in standard subject-to-subject raising constructions, I present new data showing that English does in fact display intervention in a variety of other NP-raising contexts. I explore the consequences of this expanded data set, and propose an account of intervention that aims to capture both the cross-linguistic variation between English and other languages, and the cross-constructional variation within English. Keywords: intervention; raising; tough-movement; raising-to-object; passivization; PP-reanalysis; parallel movement; reconstruction; A-movement