cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the Agency of the Non-Human World: A View from Latin America

Do non-human entities have agency in politics? Can they be part of the political? In recent years, scholars such as Jane Bennett and Bruno Latour have challenged traditional binaries between nature-culture, subject-object to articulate the complex relations between humans and the non-human world, granting in turn the agency of the later. In this paper, we reconsider the relationship between human and non-human entities and their respective and interrelated agencies by interrogating the agency of the non-human to engage with the above questions. We situate our interrogation within two recent cases surrounding the agency of the non-human in the context of Latin American politics. The first case surrounds anti-feminicide protests emerging Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua, Mexico. The second case concerns recent protests against petroleum extraction in one of the most biologically sensitive areas in the world: Yasuni Biosphere Reserve in Ecuador. In the first case, mothering organizations led by the mothers of feminicide victims in these cities deployed a unique repertoire of protests, wherein objects become not simply vehicles for the protests but contained an agency which exceeded the human one that originally brought it into being, transforming the landscape of the city through a potent funeralization that challenged state inaction and the impunity of perpetrators. In the second case, protests by indigenous activists and their allies sought to challenge the state’s abandoning of a moratorium on petroleum extraction in this Amazonian reserve by not only taking to the streets, but also continuing to advance the rights of Nature, or Pachamama, as not only a subject but an agent of rights. Bringing to bear the insights of Bennett and Latour, into conversation with those of Marisol de la Cadena, Judith Butler, and Isabelle Stengers, we argue for the rethinking the agency of the non-human not simply as externalities to the human, or in their thingness or as use objects, but as beings in themselves, existing according to non-instrumental logics that exceed human agency and can indeed contain it to constitute politics and new political forms.
Mechanical analysis of Harrington rod correction of idiopathic scoliosis.

Correction by Harrington instrumentation of six idiopathic scoliotic spines was studied through computer simulation. As the limit to lateral correction is approached, large force increases are needed to increase correction, beyond those likely to be achieved by improvements in hook fixation, for example. Significant derotation should not be expected in a Harrington procedure, and is likely to be achieved within a short time only by reducing intervertebral motion segment stiffnesses. Correction of the lateral curve and correction of the rotation were not dependent on one another.
The Case for Different Preliminary Injunction Standards in Merger Challenges

Much is made of the different standards that the Federal Trade Commission and the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice must meet when seeking a preliminary injunctions against a merger on antitrust grounds. The differing standards that apply reflect the different natures of the agencies, and were designed for the same reasons that the agencies were designed as concurrent enforcers. Why, then, do the agencies divide pre-merger reviews under the Hart-Scott-Rodino across industry lines? This system subjects the merging companies to different standards because of their industry affiliations. If, as critics maintain, the standards are indeed different, industries will consistently be subjected to more or less stringent merger review based upon which side of the line they fall.This article argues that the problem isn't that the agencies are different and make use of different preliminary injunction standards, but instead it is that the division of merger review between the agencies by industry inappropriately splits the merger review market, and undermines the purpose of decentralizing antitrust enforcement generally between the DOJ and FTC.
Dispersion Hardened Platinum and Gold Alloys for Electrical Applications

Dispersion hardened alloys of Pt and Au containing ThO2 and Al2O2 were made and tested. These alloys were made by precipitating the elements from a solution containing a suspension of the oxide phase. The precipitate deposited on the oxide particles, and produced dispersions of good homogeneity. Alloys containing less than 2 vol. % oxide phase had sufficient ductility to permit fabrication of the wire. Mechanical properties and electrical resistivities were measured as a function of temperature up to 1000°C. The dispersion strengthening caused only a few percent increase in the resistivity of the alloy compared to the resistivity of the metal.
Video as a Professional Development Tool to Support Novice Teachers as They Learn to Teach English Language Learners.

ABSTRACTThis two-year study investigated how an innovative video tool enhanced novice-teacher noticing abilities and instructional practice in relation to teaching mathematics to English language learners in third grade classrooms. Specifically, teachers viewed videos of their mathematics lessons that were filmed by Latino English language learners who wore head-mounted video cameras. Viewing and discussing these video clips through a collaborative partnership with a university teacher educator facilitated growth in who, what, and how teachers noticed and ultimately improved their teaching. We present an adapted framework from research on teacher noticing introduced by van Es (2011) and van Es and Sherin (2008) that focuses on English language learners.
A note on value sets of quartic polynomials

Let v be the number of distinct values of the polynomial f ( x ) = x 4 + a x 2 + b x , where a and b are elements of the finite field of size q, where q is odd. When b is 0, an exact formula for v can be given. When b is not 0, v = ( 5 / 8 ) q + O ( q ) , where the error term comes from the Riemann hypothesis. In this note we establish for the case that b is not 0, the inequality v ? ( q + 1 ) / 2 , without relying on the Riemann hypothesis.
Pediatric zolpidem ingestion demonstrating zero-order kinetics treated with flumazenil.

AbstractZolpidem is a widely prescribed anti-insomnia agent. Although most pediatric zolpidem ingestions are benign, large ingestions can cause significant central nervous system (CNS) depression. Flumazenil has been reported to reverse the CNS effects of zolpidem. We describe a case of a large pedi
Electrochemical instability of phosphonate-derivatized, ruthenium(III) polypyridyl complexes on metal oxide surfaces

The oxidative stability of the molecular components of dye-sensitized photoelectrosynthesis cells for solar water splitting remains to be explored systematically. We report here the results of an electrochemical study on the oxidative stability of ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes surface-bound to fluorine-doped tin oxide electrodes in acidic solutions and, to a lesser extent, as a function of pH and solvent with electrochemical monitoring. Desorption occurs for the Ru(II) forms of the surface-bound complexes with oxidation to Ru(III) enhancing both desorption and decomposition. Based on the results of long-term potential hold experiments with cyclic voltammetry monitoring, electrochemical oxidation to Ru(III) results in slow decomposition of the complex by 2,2'-bipyridine ligand loss and aquation and/or anation. A similar pattern of ligand loss was also observed for a known chromophore-catalyst assembly for both electrochemical water oxidation and photoelectrochemical water splitting. Our results are significant in identifying the importance of enhancing chromophore stability, or at least transient stability, in oxidized forms in order to achieve stable performance in aqueous environments in photoelectrochemical devices.
Influence of diet, sex, and testosterone propionate on the toxicity of monocrotaline in rats.

SummaryMale rats fed a moderately low protein diet were more susceptible than females, or than both sexes on a normal diet, to monocrotaline, an alkaloid causing hemorrhagic hepatic damage and other lesions. Rats of both sexes on still more deficient diets were as resistant as normal rats. Testosterone propionate increased the toxicity of monocrotaline for both sexes on the more deficient diet. These experiments suggest that the greater susceptibility of male rats to monocrotaline may be due to the metabolic effects of male sex hormones.
Abstract 443: Red Blood Cell Microparticles Mediate Transfer of Functional miR-451 to Endothelial Cells in vitro

Microparticles (MPs) circulate in human blood and can transfer functional miRNA to recipient cells. Red blood cell derived MPs (RMPs) accumulate during storage of human erythrocyte transfusion units, but it is not known whether RMPs can deliver functional miRNAs to endothelial cells. We hypothesized that the RMPs could transfer functional miR-451 to human arterial endothelial cells (HAECs), and that RMP-mediated miRNA transfer could affect clinical outcomes after stored RBC transfusion. miR-451, an erythrocyte specific miRNA, was confirmed to be abundant in RMPs and absent in HAECs, making it a useful miRNA to assess for transfer. RMPs were isolated from a 42 day-old transfusion unit and confirmed by both flow cytometry and electron microscopy. HAECs were incubated for 2 hours with calcein-labeled RMPs derived from 2 ml of blood product. After incubation cells were washed with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and fixed for microscopy or harvested for RNA. Confocal microscopy confirmed the uptake of RMPs by treated cells. miRNA-451 levels increased ~900-fold in HAECs after treatment with RMPs (fold change = 927 ± 245, p
INFLUENCE OF LAVESPHASE AND Z-PHASE UPON CREEP OF P92 STEEL

Summing up the research achievements at home and abroad,the influence of Laves-phase and Z-phase upon creep performance of P92 steel has been expounded.During initial formation period of Laves-phase,it is advantageous to the creep rupture strength of P92 steel,after the Laves-phase reaches a certain size,however,it is disadvantageous to the creep rupture strength;precipitation of Z-phase not only will increase the probability of creep cavities' occurance,but also will lead to the reduction of MX-phase in the matrix,decreasing the MX dispersion strengthening function.The formation of Z-phase in P92 steel has remarkable disadvantage to its creep rupture strength.
Stem Cell Epigenetics in Medical Therapy

Abstract The goal of regenerative medicine is to replace lost or damaged cell tissues through stem cell therapy. Potentially this can be accomplished using pluripotent or adult stem cells directly from bodies or from engineered somatic cells via reprogramming or transdifferentiation. A profound knowledge of the molecular mechanisms, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, underlying embryonic and somatic stem cell function and a detailed characterization of the driving forces related to these cells, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) reprogramming, may enable us to design better strategies. These strategies will aim toward the generation of stem cells without tumorigenicity or immunogenicity, which will be suitable for clinical application. Here we review our current understanding of the role of epigenetics in stem cells related to medical therapy, which will pave the way toward exploitation of therapeutic approaches to prevent or cure diseases.
Battling the Aurora Borealis: The Transnational Coproduction of Ionospheric Research in Early Cold War Greenland

Henrik Knudsen discusses the importance of ionospheric research to reliable long distance radio communications. Since geomagnetic disturbances—the aurora borealis in the north polar region—may interrupt radio wave transmissions, ionospheric stations established in Greenland to monitor and forecast these disturbances became very important during World War II, and continued to boost their importance during the Cold War. Knudsen argues that the US military’s need for this information resulted in a collaborative effort between the US Bureau of Standards and Danish researchers. He concludes that unlike their interactions in other scientific and technological efforts that took place in Greenland, the Americans and Danes functioned as equal partners, coproducing knowledge that supported military efforts.
Communities Contaminated by Toxic Wastes and Industrial Disasters: Selected Cases

Industrial disasters, reckless disposal of toxic wastes by firms, and misguided housing developments in risky landscapes are inextricably associated with increased incidence of community contamination by toxic or hazardous substances in recent decades.1 According to the 2007 World Disaster Report, the total number of both technological and natural disasters has increased markedly from the 1990s to 2006 (International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, 2007). Edelstein (1988) has described “toxic exposure” of communities as a modern plague with enduring consequences. He coined the term “contaminated community,” defined as any residential area or human settlement located within or in proximity to the designated boundaries of a known environmental hazard exposure.
Cell-mediated immune kinetics in experimental bronchiectasis

In a recently developed rat model of bronchiectasis (BX) generated by partial bronchial ligation and injection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa), the composition and distribution of immunocompetent cells were analysed at progressive timeintervals by immunohistochemical methods. Four groups of 25 animals were prepared: 1) Partial ligation and injection of Pa (Pa+LIG); 2) Injection of Pa without bronchial ligation (Pa+NOLIG); 3) Sham operated (S); 4) Age-matched normal controls (N). Bronchiectasis developed in 22/25 animals of the Pa+LIG group but in none of the 75 controls of the other 3 groups. This bronchial dilation began within 2 weeks and was accompanied by a T- lymphocyte proliferation beginning in the bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT). Up to week 4 this was composed mainly of CD4+ve cells. Large de novo lymphoid aggregates appeared in the lung parenchyma, with an initial (2–4 wks.) predominance of CD4+ cells. From week 8 onwards, a predominance of CD8+ cells was noted in both areas. The bronchial lamina propria of rats from the Pa+LIG group was infiltrated by significantly larger numbers of T-lymphocytes (mainly of CD8+ phenotype) and macrophages when compared with the other 3 groups, at all time points. The bronchial epithelium of 17/22 animals showing bronchial dilation in the Pa+LIG group expressed Ia antigen but that of the 75 animals in the other groups did not. These findings support the hypothesis that chronic inflammation in bronchiectasis is associated with a cell-mediated immune response developing as a consequence of bacterial infection in an airway where the clearance mechanisms have been impaired.
Aerodynamic Stability and Control Derivatives

This chapter is devoted to the discussion of aerodynamic stability and control derivatives. As is usual in aerodynamic analysis, to obtain simple expressions for the stability and control derivatives a wind axis reference system is assumed throughout. The choice of wind axes is convenient since it reduces the derivatives to their simplest possible description by retaining only the essential contributions. Hence, it maximizes the visibility of the physical phenomena involved. If the derivatives thus obtained are required for use in equations of motion referred to an alternative axis system then the appropriate axis transformation must be applied to the derivatives. It has already been established that simple analytical expressions for the derivatives rarely give accurate estimates. Their usefulness is significantly more important as a means for explaining their physical origins, thereby providing the essential link between aircraft dynamics and airframe aerodynamics. Some useful transformations are given in the Appendices section. In all cases analytical expressions are obtained for the derivatives assuming subsonic flight conditions, it is then relatively straight forward to develop the expressions further to allow for the effects of Mach number.
The First Case of Severe Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Associated with 5-Fluorouracil in a Patient with Abnormalities of Both Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase (DPYD) and Thymidylate Synthase (TYMS) Genes

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is the backbone of the chemotherapy regimens approved for treatment of many malignancies, especially colorectal cancer (CRC). The incidence of cardiotoxicity associated with 5-FU ranges between 1.5% to 18% and is most commonly manifested as anginal symptoms. Cardiomyopathy is very rarely reported with 5-FU and capecitabine. A 35-year-old Caucasian male with T3, N1, M0 rectal cancer after the initial neoadjuvant chemoradiation with 5FU/LV followed by surgical abdominoperineal resection (APR), began mFOLFOX6 in the adjuvant setting. Following the first treatment, he developed severe cardiomyopathy, with a drop in ejection fraction (EF) to 19% from normal. The cardiac workup showed no ischemic or other etiologies to explain this cardiac event. He was a nonsmoker and only occasionally drank alcohol. He had no previous or family history of heart disease and had normal cholesterol level. He was treated for severe congestive heart failure (CHF). When the patient presented to us for second opinion, we decided to examine him for dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency and thymidylate synthase (TYMS) polymorphism. The patient was found to be heterozygous for the c.85T>C mutation, resulting in reduced DPYD enzymatic activity and homozygous for TYMS 5'TSER genotype 2R/2R *f. Our group first identified and reported P453L (1358C>T) type DPYD germline mutation in a patient who developed 5-FU induced cardiotoxicity. In this paper, we describe the first case of cardiomyopathy related to DPD deficiency and homozygous polymorphism of TYMS in a patient with colon cancer following 5-FU containing regimen. Fluorouracil-related cardiomyopathy has to be anticipated and treated to prevent the serious consequence of cardiac dysfunction. The prospective testing for DPD deficiency in patients might prevent DPD-deficient patients from severe toxicity or even death, and therefore the development of a unified screening method is warranted.
Los Usos Actuales y Futuros de la Biotecnología en la Agricultura Pecuaria

Biotechnologies have been an integral part of improvements in animal genetics, nutrition and health over the past century. Many biotechnologies have become fundamental components of efficient livestock production systems. The genetic improvements that have been enabled by biotechnologies have dramatically decreased the environmental footprint of animal protein production in many parts of the world, and continued innovation is required to address the projected increase in demand for animal products in the future. Breeding programs increasingly utilize a combination of advanced reproductive technologies and genomic tools to accelerate the rate of genetic gain by manipulating components of the breeder’s equation. The use of these biotechnologies and breeding methods has met with little public opposition. In contrast, the use of modern biotechnologies, defined as those that employ the use of in vitro nucleic acid techniques, have been highly controversial, especially those involving the use of genetic engineering. This modern biotechnology distinction is somewhat arbitrary as there are a number of biotechnologies that involve the use of in vitro processes, and many result in genetic modifications that are indistinguishable from the naturally-occurring variation that is the driver of both traditional breeding programs and evolution. A number of useful traits including disease resistance and animal welfare traits have been successfully introduced into various livestock species using both genetic engineering and gene editing techniques. Ultimately these techniques complement the genetic improvement that can be accomplished using traditional selection techniques and, if judged acceptable, offer an opportunity to synergistically accelerate genetic improvement in food animal species.
Motivating the Study of International Trade: A Classroom Activity.

ABSTRACTIn this article, the author describes a classroom activity for use in introductory economics courses to motivate the study of international trade. The learning activity highlights the importance of international trade in students' everyday lives by having students inventory their on-hand belongings and identify where the items were manufactured. Students find that even among the relatively few possessions they have with them in the classroom, dozens of countries are represented. Further, the activity can be used to prompt discussions on the benefits of trade, trade patterns, comparative advantage, specialization, and trade regulations, as well as welfare effects of those regulations.
Influence of systematic coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) variations on Sn whiskering

Large variations in the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) between Sn and growth substrates provide a highly reliable and fast method to grow whiskers. The CTE effect can be enhanced by thermal cycling during whisker incubation, which is able to reverse reductions in whiskering due to small amounts of dopant atoms in the Sn (e.g., Pb). Investigated substrates with CTE close in value to Sn (0 75% resulted in drastically higher whisker densities (when cycled) compared with those with %ΔCTE < 75%. There appears to be a critical activation (or nucleation) threshold CTE mismatch which “turns on” fast whisker growth when using semiconductors as substrates.
Elemene, a novel anticancer drug, triggers cell death and enhances cisplatin sensitivity via induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in human non-small cell lung cancer cells

2981 Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among the men and women in the United States. Therefore, there is a need to develop compounds that can effectively treat this disease. Elemene, an extract from the ginger plant, is a new antitumor drug, which was approved for the treatment of cervical cancer and carcinoma of the lung, liver, and brain in China, and is now in application for clinical studies in the United States. However, the mechanism underlying the effect of Elemene in lung cancer remains unknown. This study investigated the ability of Elemene to induce cell cycle arrest, to trigger apoptosis, and to sensitize cancer cells to cisplatin in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. We showed that Elemene has an effect on cell-killing in the human NSCLC cell lines H460 and A549, as determined by the MTT assay. Elemene was also found to increase cisplatin cytotoxicity and enhance cisplatin sensitivity in these cells. Moreover, we demonstrated, by using FACS analysis, Cell Death Detection ELISA Kit, and the TUNEL assay, that Elemene or cisplatin independently induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in a time- and dose-dependent manner in these systems and that a synergistic effect in this regard was seen when cells were treated with both agents. Further study showed that Elemene decreased the phosphorylation of cdk1 and cdk2, but increased the activity of caspases, including caspase-9, caspase-3, caspase-7, caspase-8, and caspase-10. Finally, we demonstrated that Elemene reduced the expression of cyclin A and cyclin B1, but increased the level of p27 protein in NSCLC cells, indicating that Elemene modulates the activity of the regulatory proteins in cell cycle and apoptosis in these cells. These findings suggest that Elemene may trigger cell death and reverse drug resistance to cisplatin in human NSCLC via the regulation of cell cycle control and apoptotic signals. This study was supported by NIH/NCRR grant P20 RR16440.
History of the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)

This article describes the development of the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, commonly referred to as NamUs. The NamUs database is the outcome of a pilot project called the Uniden...
PARP3 is a promoter of chromosomal rearrangements and limits G4 DNA

Chromosomal rearrangements are essential events in the pathogenesis of both malignant and nonmalignant disorders, yet the factors affecting their formation are incompletely understood. Here we develop a zinc-finger nuclease translocation reporter and screen for factors that modulate rearrangements in human cells. We identify UBC9 and RAD50 as suppressors and 53BP1, DDB1 and poly(ADP)ribose polymerase 3 (PARP3) as promoters of chromosomal rearrangements across human cell types. We focus on PARP3 as it is dispensable for murine viability and has druggable catalytic activity. We find that PARP3 regulates G quadruplex (G4) DNA in response to DNA damage, which suppresses repair by nonhomologous end-joining and homologous recombination. Chemical stabilization of G4 DNA in PARP3-/- cells leads to widespread DNA double-strand breaks and synthetic lethality. We propose a model in which PARP3 suppresses G4 DNA and facilitates DNA repair by multiple pathways.
Results and Implications of Routine HIV Testing in the Inpatient Setting: A Descriptive Analysis

Abstract Policy changes and scientific advances have guided new methods of diagnosing and managing HIV that reduce mortality, morbidity, and transmission. In a high HIV prevalence urban setting, a hospital initiative was implemented to routinely perform HIV testing and provide linkage to care for those with positive results and for individuals with a prior diagnosis of HIV. Maryland's unique all-payer model presents an opportunity to implement population health initiatives in health systems. The rationale, methodology, results and lessons learned from this approach will be discussed. Providers and nurses offered routine HIV screening and activated a Linkage to Care Navigator (LCN) for all HIV positive patients. The LCN provided referrals to HIV care and supportive services. In 22 months, 28 persons were newly diagnosed with HIV. Eighty-two percent (n = 23) were linked to outpatient care; 28.6% (8) were readmitted within 30 days for an inpatient stay. Of 517 patients previously diagnosed with HIV, 27.7% (n...
Comprehensive Analysis of the Unfolded Protein Response in Breast Cancer Subtypes

PurposeTriple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are associated with a worse prognosis and patients with TNBC have fewer therapeutic options than patients with non-TNBC. Recently, the IRE1α-XBP1 branch of the unfolded protein response (UPR) was implicated in TNBC prognosis on the basis of a relatively small patient population, suggesting the diagnostic and therapeutic value of this pathway in TNBCs. In addition, the IRE1α-XBP1 and hypoxia-induced factor 1 α (HIF1α) pathways have been identified as interacting partners in TNBC, suggesting a novel mechanism of regulation. To comprehensively evaluate and validate these findings, we investigated the relative activities and relevance to patient survival of the UPR and HIF1α pathways in different breast cancer subtypes in large populations of patients.Materials and MethodsWe performed a comprehensive analysis of gene expression and survival data from large cohorts of patients with breast cancer. The patients were stratified based on the average expression of the U...
On "T'U" and "Yang": Westernization and De-Westernization in China

Shortly before Peking's entrance into the United Nations in 1971, there appeared in the New York Times a letter to the editor in which the writer strenuously objected to the restoration of China's seat in the world assembly and gave, among other reasons, the argument that the Chinese communists are t'u pao-tzu, or, as he put it, "native dumplings." While the ineptness of this translation rendered the expression utterly meaningless to the English readers, to those whose "hearth language" is Chinese the letter writer's sneering contempt for, and patronizing condescension toward the so-called "native dumplings" are vividly clear. The expression t'u pao-tzu can best be translated as "country bumpkin" or simply "hick."
The contribution of pain in determining the health status of cancer patients with bone metastases: A secondary analysis of data from three Phase III registration trials.

Background We aimed to provide a simple, descriptive health-status profile for cancer patients with bone metastases, based on the EuroQol EQ-5D, a tool commonly used to measure health utility scores, and to evaluate its association with the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), a legacy pain-assessment tool. Although pain is one of five health-status dimensions measured by the EQ-5D, our understanding of how pain relates to the other EQ-5D dimensions is limited. Methods We derived data from 5500 patients with bone metastases who completed the EQ-5D and BPI. Regression analyses examined how BPI severity and interference scores correlated with EQ-5D utility scores and how BPI items associated with EQ-5D items, for the entire sample and by disease-type subgroup. Results Regardless of cancer site, the percentage of patients reporting moderate/severe problems in each of the five EQ-5D dimensions were pain/discomfort, 78%; usual activities, 58%; mobility, 55%; anxiety/depression, 57%; and self-care, 26%. BPI pain interference explained more of the variability in the EQ-5D utility scores than did pain severity (R2 = 41% vs. 34%). BPI worst pain, average pain, pain now, interference with general activity, and interference with work significantly predicted EQ-5D pain/discomfort, with odds ratio estimates <1. Conclusions Pain/discomfort was the worst-rated dimension of the EQ-5D in this population, but the relationship of this item to BPI pain severity was modest, suggesting that the single pain item of the EQ-5D may be of limited utility in studies for which pain is an endpoint. Significance Health-status dimensions include more than pain. We examine the contribution of pain severity and pain-related functional interference in determining the health status of cancer patients with bone metastases. The pain dimension from a health-status measure may be an inadequate metric in clinical trials/clinical practice when pain is an important outcome.
The Parables of Jesus: A Social Psychological Approach:

This article examines certain parables of Jesus as psychosocial documents, describing the reactions of various individuals to social situations. The justification for such an approach lies in Jesus...
Do preclinical studies suggest that CD99 is a potential therapeutic target in acute myeloid leukemia and the myelodysplastic syndromes

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clonal hematopoietic neoplasms that arise from leukemia stem cells (LSCs) and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), respectively. Standard chemotherapy can efficiently eliminate the bulk of neoplastic cells, however, LSCs and MDS HSCs are relatively resistant to these therapies and can reinitiate and maintain disease. CD99 is a 32-kDa transmembrane polypeptide that is highly expressed on disease stem cells in the vast majority of AML and MDS.Areas covered: In this editorial, we focus on the current literature surrounding the identification of CD99 as a marker of MDS and AML stem cells and preclinical studies revealing the therapeutic efficacy of targeting CD99 in these diseases.Expert opinion/commentary: Cytotoxic CD99 monoclonal antibodies represent promising stem cell-directed therapies that have the potential to markedly improve clinical outcomes for these difficult-to-treat hematologic malignancies.
Silencing Genocide: The Jesuit Ministry in Colonial Cartagena de Indias and its Legacy:

Cartagena de Indias was one of the most important ports in the European trade in enslaved Africans in the 16th and 17th centuries. During this time, the Jesuits carried out a ministry to the enslav...
Not All Insurance Is Equal: Differential Treatment and Health Outcomes by Insurance Coverage Among Nonelderly Adult Patients With Heart Attack

Background The Affordable Care Act has provided health insurance to a large portion of the uninsured in the United States. However, different types of health insurance provide varying amounts of reimbursements to providers, which may lead to different types of treatment, potentially worsening health outcomes in patients covered by low‐reimbursement insurance plans, such as Medicaid. The objective was to determine differences in access, treatment, and health outcomes by insurance type, using hospital fixed effects. Methods and Results We conducted a multivariate regression analysis using patient‐level data for nonelderly adult patients with acute myocardial infarction in California from January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2014, as well as hospital‐level information to control for differences between hospitals. The probability of Medicaid‐insured and uninsured patients having access to catheterization laboratory was higher by 4.50 and 3.75 percentage points, respectively, relative to privately insured patients. When controlling for access to percutaneous coronary intervention facilities, however, Medicaid‐insured and uninsured patients had a 4.24– and 0.85–percentage point lower probability, respectively, in receiving percutaneous coronary intervention treatment compared with privately insured patients. They also had higher mortality and readmission rates relative to privately insured patients. Conclusions Although Medicaid‐insured and uninsured patients with acute myocardial infarction had better access to catheterization laboratories, they had significantly lower probabilities of receiving percutaneous coronary intervention treatment and a higher likelihood of death and readmission compared with privately insured patients. This provides empirical evidence that treatment received and health outcomes strongly vary between Medicaid‐insured, uninsured, and privately insured patients, with Medicaid‐insured patients most disproportionately affected, despite having better access to cardiac technology.
Ricin binding and protein synthesis inhibition in human hematopoietic cell lines

Previous studies showed that human blood cells exhibited varying sensitivities to ricin. To investigate the basis for these differences, ricin binding to human hematopoietic cell lines was assessed and correlated with in vitro ricin sensitivities. Resistant mutants were also isolated and characterized. Ricin binding to CEM cells was rapid, time-dependent, and blocked by unlabeled ricin, but not albumin; ricin binding approached saturation at 3 mumol/L. Scatchard analyses showed multiple classes of binding sites, with maximum and minimum Kd values estimated at 1.5 x 10(-8) mol/L and 2.5 x 10(-7) mol/L. At 4 degrees C, membrane-bound ricin dissociated slowly from the cell surface in the presence of unlabeled ricin, but greater than 95% of the surface-bound ricin was removed with 0.1 mol/L lactose. At 37 degrees C, ricin dissociated from the cell surface with biphasic kinetics. Ricin uptake at 37 degrees C increased linearly for 15 to 30 minutes and plateaued at levels representing 12% to 29% of the amount of ricin bound at 4 degrees C, depending on the cell line. Ricin binding at 4 degrees C varied two- to fivefold among hematopoietic cell lines and was reduced approximately tenfold by incubation with lactose. When compared with parent CEM cells, ricin-resistant CEM variants showed a greater than 95% reduction in ricin binding and showed no detectable binding with lactose added. However, these cells were as sensitive as parent CEM cells to an anti-T-cell ricin immunoconjugate. For all cells examined, there was a close correlation (r = +.9) between ricin bound per cell and in vitro ricin sensitivity. Human hematopoietic cells show widely varying ricin binding, indicating major differences in the carbohydrate content or structure of surface glycoproteins and glycolipids. These variations are probably the major determinant of nonspecific toxicity of ricin immunoconjugates.
Some Bilinear Stochastic Equations with a Fractional Brownian Motion

An explicit solution is given for a bilinear stochastic differential equation with a fractional Brownian motion that is described by noncommuting linear operators and that has the Hurst parameter H in the interval (1/2, 1). It is shown that the expression for this family of solutions for H in (1/2, 1) extends to the solution for a Brownian motion, H = 1/2. Some examples are given to contrast the solutions for commuting and noncommuting linear operators, in particular, the asymptotic behavior of the solutions can be significantly different for commuting and noncommuting operators. The methods to obtain the explicit solutions use a stochastic calculus for a fractional Brownian motion and some Lie theory.
Calcium and phosphorus loss from laying hen bones autoclaved for tissue removal.

ABSTRACT Standard procedure for most conventional bone assays rely on bones being free of attached muscle or integumentary tissue. Use of an autoclave for bone cleaning is advantageous, as parts may be cleaned afterward by peeling the muscle away as opposed to tediously scrapping muscle tissue from the bone by hand. However, autoclave use for tissue removal has not been validated and published studies typically do not specify the cleaning method. One concern is that autoclave usage could cause mineral leaching out of the bone. The objective was to determine any change in bone mineral content as a result of autoclaving bone samples to remove muscle tissue. Ten pairs of frozen chicken legs were randomly selected and thawed from 72-wk-old W36 hens. Right legs were autoclaved at 121°C for 25 min in individual trays. Left legs were thawed and cleaned by hand. The tibia, meat, and exudate were collected from each leg. Cleaned bones were placed in a soxhlet to extract the fat for 30 h and ashed at 600°C for 8 h. Bone and muscle samples underwent microwave digestion in 10 mL of 70% nitric acid. Digested samples were analyzed for calcium using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Phosphorus was determined by a colorimetric assay measuring phosphate ion complexes. Statistical analysis was completed by paired t-tests. We found no significant calcium (P = 0.6319) or phosphorus (P = 0.1698) loss from bones autoclaved as compared with bones that were hand cleaned. This study provides evidence that affirms that the use of the autoclave on bones is a suitable method for tissue removal from the leg bones of adult laying hens.
Audializing migrant bodies: Sound and security at the border

Sound represents a salient yet rarely examined counterpoint to visuality and materiality in security, international bordering, and mobility literature. Using the context of sub-Saharan African migr...
Sequences encoding C2H2 zinc fingers inhibit polyadenylation and mRNA export in human cells

The large C2H2-Zinc Finger (C2H2-ZNF) gene family has rapidly expanded in primates through gene duplication. There is consequently considerable sequence homology between family members at both the nucleotide and amino acid level, allowing for coordinated regulation and shared functions. Here we show that multiple C2H2-ZNF mRNAs experience differential polyadenylation resulting in populations with short and long poly(A) tails. Furthermore, a significant proportion of C2H2-ZNF mRNAs are retained in the nucleus. Intriguingly, both short poly(A) tails and nuclear retention can be specified by the repeated elements that encode zinc finger motifs. These Zinc finger Coding Regions (ZCRs) appear to restrict polyadenylation of nascent RNAs and at the same time impede their export. However, the polyadenylation process is not necessary for nuclear retention of ZNF mRNAs. We propose that inefficient polyadenylation and export may allow C2H2-ZNF mRNAs to moonlight as non-coding RNAs or to be stored for later use.
BIOSYNTHESIS AND PROCESSING OF RAUSCHER LEUKEMIA VIRAL PRECURSOR POLYPROTEINS

ABSTRACT. Rauscher murine leukemia viral structural proteins were shown to be synthesized in infected cells by way of high molecular weight precursor polyproteins identified as Prl a+b (∼ 200,000 daltons), Pr2 a+b (∼ 90,000 daltons), Pr3 (∼ 80,000 daltons), Pr4 (∼ 65,000 daltons), Pr5 (∼ 55,000 daltons) and Pr6 (∼ 45,000 daltons). Tryptic peptide mapping experiments have shown that p30 is contained in precursors Pr1 a+b and Pr3 through Pr6. Viral protein p15 peptide sequences are present in Pr3 through Pr5 whereas p10 is contained in Pr3 and Pr4. Both p10 and p15, like p30, then must originate from Pr1 a+b Tryptic peptides of viral gp69/71 and p12 are found in Pr2 a+b and not in Pr1 a+b. Preliminary experiments indicate that the viral reverse transcriptase polypeptide (∼ 72,000–75,000 daltons) is contained in Pr1 a+b . Treatment of infected cells with inhibitors of proteolytic enzymes, such as TPCK, caused a build-up of Pr1 a+b and prevented the formation of mature structural proteins. A model for the biosynthesis of Rauscher viral proteins is presented.
Twenty-four alleles at twelve quantitative trait loci act additively to control tiller angle in cultivated rice

Tiller angle, controlled by quantitative trait loci (QTL), is crucial for achieving ideal plant architecture in rice, which affects its final yield values. It is important to understand the genetic mechanisms underlying tiller angle when breeding new plant-type varieties. To uncover the genetic regulation mechanisms in cultivated rice, we performed QTL analysis using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) mapping population consisting of 219 lines developed by crossing two rice cultivars, Lemont and Yangdao4. The angle between the side tiller (ST) and the horizontal ground was measured as a tiller angle-related trait in QTL analysis. Twenty-three QTLs responsible for ST-ground angle were detected using multiple interval mapping in four mapping environments. A major QTL, qTA9, was detected on chromosome 9, which explained 12.9, 39.8, 37.9, and 28.3% of the phenotypic variation in the four mapping environments, respectively. Another QTL, qTA8, with a relatively large effect, was detected on chromosome 8. The other 21 QTLs explained < 10% of the phenotypic variation individually. These 23 detected QTLs were localized in 12 loci that act additively to influence tiller angle as demonstrated by regression analysis: plants carrying more ST-ground angle-increasing alleles at the 12 loci had larger ST-ground angles than those carrying more angle-decreasing alleles. Multiple comparison tests indicated that if marker-assisted selection was used in breeding, selecting five loci randomly from the 12 loci was enough to guarantee a phenotype with a ST-ground angle of over 78°. These results reveal the sophisticated genetic mechanisms controlling tiller angle in cultivated rice.
Transversal and Cotransversal Matroids via their Representations

It is known that the duals of transversal matroids are precisely the strict gammoids. We show that, by representing these two families of matroids geometrically, one obtains a simple proof of their duality.
Do marine sponges host epizoic tardigrades

Just over 200 species of marine tardigrades have been described, and most of these have been collected in sand and other sediments. However, several species are known to associate with other invertebrates such as barnacles, bryozoans, and holothurians. It is possible that many epizoic tardigrade species remain to be discovered, since surveys of tardigrades on other potential animal hosts are very rare. Sponges, with extensive cavities, constant water flow, and protective secondary compounds, are known to harbour a highly diverse epizoic community, but there are no published studies indicating that marine tardigrades are among this community, and there is only one published record of tardigrades from freshwater sponges. We collected 30 samples of marine sponges, consisting of 12 species, from the central Bahamas. We processed these for tardigrades and other meiofauna using the freshwater shock technique. One unusual non-tardigrade in our samples was Loxosomella sp., an entoproct which is a known commensal on sponges. Here we also provide the first record of marine tardigrades associated with marine sponges. However, we found only one species, Archechiniscus bahamensis, which is the most common species occurring free-living in Bahamian subtidal sand. Therefore, we conclude that marine sponges, at least in the Bahamas, do host epizoic marine tardigrades, but they may not be a unique or important host for marine tardigrades.
The Use of Near-Infrared Fluorescence in Sleeve Gastrectomy

Obesity is the most prevalent chronic disease in the United States and bariatric surgery stands as the best treatment. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most common bariatric operation performed in the United States. Leaks after LSG are rare but represent the most serious complication. The majority of leaks occur in the proximal third of the stomach near the angle of His, and ischemia is the most likely etiology. Indocyanine green (ICG) is an ideal compound to assess tissue perfusion intraoperatively, and ICG fluorescence angiography during LSG can be used to identify blood supply patterns. Confirming adequate perfusion of the remnant sleeve stomach minimizes perfusion compromise and prevents potential serious postoperative complications including leaks and strictures. ICG can also be used in anastomotic operations such as gastric bypass and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch with many potential future applications.
A Case Ill Suited for Judgment: Constructing 'A Sovereign Access to the Sea' in the Atacama Desert

In 2015, the International Court of Justice ruled that Bolivia’s claim against Chile could proceed to the merit stage, setting up this Article’s discussion of perhaps the most intractable border dispute in South American history – Bolivia’s attempt to reclaim from Chile a ‘sovereign access to the Pacific Ocean’. This Article investigates the international law and deeply commingled regional history pertaining to the Atacama Desert region, the hyperarid yet resource-rich region through which Bolivia seeks to secure its long-lost access to the sea. Investigating the factual circumstances (effectivites), the post-colonial international legal principle of uti possidetis, territorial temptations arising from resource discoveries, and the duty to negotiate based on a pactum de contrahendo, a pactum de negotiando, or unilateral declarations, this Article concludes this case is less suited for adjudicative settlement than resolution by the principal three parties involved in the region – Bolivia, Chile, and Peru – primarily because the parties have, over the course of this protracted dispute, constructed intersubjective modalities for a shared sovereignty arrangement facilitated by sub-regional economic growth relations. A regional reconstruction of sovereignty in the northern Atacama region presents the better prospect for resolution than is possible through the limited outcomes presented by formal third party dispute settlement.
Economics Of Total Quality Management

This paper presents two models of the economics of total quality management. In the first, the concept of quality management is viewed as a technological innovation that requires investment. To reduce cost and increase quality, firms must make investments that are largely sunk. The effect of market competition on quality-related technology investments is studied. Several results follow. With new quality technologies, price falls, quality rises and average cost declines. Firms must anticipate rivals' technology choices and the market prices when justifying quality technology investments. When all firms quickly adopt quality technology, returns of such investments are normal, that is, have a zero net present value. However, firms that do not invest in quality-related technology are forced from the market. A firm that is faced by competitors that are slow to adopt quality-related technology, can earn positive returns by early adoption. The firm invests more in quality-related technology, and produces higher quality products, charges a higher price and earns higher profits than competitors. The firm's quality, price and profit advantages persist over time. In the second model, I show that firm value increases when customer satisfaction is used as an objective by aligning incentives. This explains the common use of customer satisfaction measures in TQM programs.