cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Building Educational Opportunity

Equal access to educational opportunity is the philosophical cornerstone of the U.S. public education system. Although significant advances toward realizing this goal have been made over recent decades, educational quality still varies widely across social strata. The agents of this inequity are familiar to most in disadvantaged educational environments: educator stress, low academic expectations, and impaired relations with students; ecological instability; and a culture that discourages academic achievement and healthy behavior—as well as a host of other circumstances that demand the attention of students and educators at the expense of learning. Although years of policy initiatives have worked to eliminate these problems, U.S. public education still falls far short of Mann’s vision.
Synthetic CT generation from CBCT images via deep learning

Purpose Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning is used daily or weekly (i.e., on-treatment CBCT) for accurate patient setup in image-guided radiotherapy. However, inaccuracy of CT numbers prevents CBCT from performing advanced tasks such as dose calculation and treatment planning. Motivated by the promising performance of deep learning in medical imaging, we propose a deep U-net-based approach that synthesizes CT-like images with accurate numbers from planning CT, while keeping the same anatomical structure as on-treatment CBCT. Methods We formulated the CT synthesis problem under a deep learning framework, where a deep U-net architecture was used to take advantage of the anatomical structure of on-treatment CBCT and image intensity information of planning CT. U-net was chosen because it exploits both global and local features in the image spatial domain, matching our task to suppress global scattering artifacts and local artifacts such as noise in CBCT. To train the synthetic CT generation U-net (sCTU-net), we include on-treatment CBCT and initial planning CT of 37 patients (30 for training, seven for validation) as the input. Additional replanning CT images acquired on the same day as CBCT after deformable registration are utilized as the corresponding reference. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed sCTU-net, we use another seven independent patient cases (560 slices) for testing. Results We quantitatively compared the resulting synthetic CT (sCT) with the original CBCT image using deformed same-day pCT images as reference. The averaged accuracy measured by mean absolute error (MAE) between sCT and reference CT (rCT) on testing data is 18.98 HU, while MAE between CBCT and rCT is 44.38 HU. Conclusions The proposed sCTU-net can synthesize CT-quality images with accurate CT numbers from on-treatment CBCT and planning CT. This potentially enables advanced CBCT applications for adaptive treatment planning.
Effects of Network Structure on Subjective Preference Diversity

Different social media environments enable different levels of community connectedness, which in turn affects the information that a user is exposed to. In this study, we create an agent-based model to investigate how the different levels of connectedness as well as network structure affects a group’s diversity of opinions. In the model, agents are tasked with “liking” or “disliking” a set of objects. At each turn, each agent sees the most popular object amongst the agents that they are connected to. There are two main findings: 1) low network connectivity leads to more diversity amongst agents, 2) a complete network leads information popularity distribution to be more skewed, 3) the more random a network is, the more skewed information popularity distribution is. These findings suggest that online platforms that either create well-connected communities or present aggregated information of users (such as Billboard rankings) may lead to homogeneity in the subjective preference of the users over time.
Third-party online organizational reviews: Explaining review-and-rating patterns of the United States military and large corporate organizations

Abstract Virtual spaces are a new and influential means by which present and past organizational members share reviews of their organizational experiences and socialize potential newcomers; however, online reviews can be negative and jeopardize an organization’s image. This investigation employed social identity theory and uncertainty management theory as a means of explaining patterned user ratings of organizational reviews online. In a first study, we content analyzed socialization storytelling about Basic Training on americangrit.com. Statistical analysis revealed that viewers rated stories more highly when the story portrayed the military favorably. In a second study, a content analysis of organizational reviews posted to indeed.com replicated and extended this pattern: Website visitors rewarded positive reviews of U.S. Military branches with higher ratings, while reviews of large corporate organizations (i.e., Apple, Bank of America, Michelin) varied. Implications for theory and practice conclude the paper.
WUHAN COVID-19 SYNTHETIC ORIGINS AND EVOLUTION

The main result of this updated release is the formal proof that 2019-nCoV coronavirus is partially a SYNTHETIC genome. We proof the CONCENTRATION in a small region of wuhan New genome (300bp) of 3 different regions from HIV1 ENVELOPPE gene and 3 others from HIV2 and SIV (ENV and POL RT). All this is remarkable and bears the mark of a desire for organization of a human nature: LOGIC, SYMETRIES. In this article, we demonstrate also that there is a kind of global human hosts adaptation strategy of SARS viruses as well as a strategy of global evolution of the genomes of the different strains of SARS which have emerged, mainly in China, between years 2003 first SARS genomes and the last 2019 COVID-19 Wuhan seafood market pneumonia virus isolate Wuhan-Hu-1, complete genome. This global strategy, this temporal link, is materialized in our demonstration by highlighting stationary numerical waves controlling the entire sequence of their genomes. Curiously, these digital waves characterizing the 9 SARS genomes studied here are characteristic whole numbers: the "Fibonacci numbers", omnipresent in the forms of Nature, and which our research for several decades has shown strong links with the proportions of nucleotides in DNA. Here we demonstrate that the complexity and fractal multiplicity of these Fibonacci numerical waves increases over the years of the emergence of new SARS strains. We suggest that this increase in the overall organization of the SARS genomes over the years reflects a better adaptation of SARS genomes to the human host. The question of a link with pathogenicity remains open. However, we believe that this overall strategy for the evolution of the SARS genomes ensures greater unity, consistency and integrity of the genome. Finally, we ask ourselves the question of a possible artificial origin of this genome, in particular because of the presence of fragments of HIV1, HIV2 and SIV retroviruses.
The importance of development standards for anchoring vignettes: an illustrative example from pediatric localized scleroderma quality of life

Anchoring vignettes (AVs) are a promising measurement technique to reduce bias in patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures by helping researchers understand differences in how individuals and groups interpret response options. However, little attention has been paid to ensure quality development of AVs, and their performance has not been well assessed in pediatric populations. In this study, we explore the application of a rigorous development process for AVs based upon current standards for PROs, as well as feasibility of AVs when administered to children and adolescents. We developed AVs using a rigorous, patient-centered mixed methods process including three phases: (1) development, (2) a pilot study, and (3) a field test. Our proposed process included the generation of a conceptual framework based on the PRO, the Localized Scleroderma Quality of Life Instrument, and numerous vignette-specific considerations. We qualitatively explored readability and comprehension of the AVs (pilot study) and then analyzed ranking patterns within vignette sets (field test). Four sets of four vignettes were developed. Revisions were suggested at each phase of development. The pilot study demonstrated that children ≥ 10 years had no trouble indicating understanding of the AVs. In the field test, although appropriate rankings of vignettes were generally demonstrated by participants, the percentage of tied rankings was higher than expected in this pediatric group. This work supports the need for rigorous developmental standards for AVs, as each stage of development suggested revisions. Additionally, AVs showed initial promise for use with pediatric populations; general feasibility and understanding were supported.
Comparison of the prothrombin time-derived and Clauss assays for the measurement of plasma fibrinogen in hospitalized dogs.

Background Accurate measurement of fibrinogen is necessary for detecting bleeding tendencies and inflammation. The Clauss assay determines fibrinogen concentration from its inverse relationship with thrombin-induced clot times. PT-derived assays determine fibrinogen concentrations from changes in the optical density during a routine prothrombin assay and allow determination of fibrinogen without additional reagents. This method has not been assessed in clinically ill dogs. Objectives We aimed to determine the agreement between the Clauss and PT-derived fibrinogen assays and compare the ability of the assays to predict surgery-associated transfusions and discriminate between dogs with and without bleeding. Methods Retrospective medical record review identified 200 dogs with a variety of underlying diseases with results from both assays. The two assays were compared using Passing-Bablok regression, and the ability of the assays to identify bleeding and predict the need for transfusions was assessed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. Results The PT-derived assay displayed constant (y-intercept, 32 mg/dL; 95% CI 18-41) and proportional (slope, 0.79; 95% CI 0.75-0.82) bias compared with the Clauss assay. The Clauss assay reported lower values than the PT-derived assay at lower fibrinogen concentrations and higher values at higher concentrations. Comparing the area under the ROC curve did not detect significant differences in the ability of the two assays to discriminate between dogs with and without bleeding or predict the need for surgery-associated transfusions. Conclusions The PT-derived and Clauss assays are not interchangeable, and the Clauss assay could be more sensitive to hypofibrinogenemia in dogs.
Nutrition and gastrointestinal disorders

Summary In this chapter, we discuss disorders of the gastrointestinal track from 2 aspects, firstly from the perspective of the impact diseases and disorders on digestion and absorption, and secondly from the influence of diet and nutrition on diseases and disorders themselves. Nutritional considerations and risks for specific deficiencies are discussed in detail in the setting of bariatric surgery, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and for functional gastrointestinal disorders. This effects of the diet and nutrition on disease processes as well as from therapeutic aspects for conditions including gastroesophageal reflux, eosinophilic esophagitis, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease and for functional gastrointestinal disorders are also discussed.
Breaking New Ground with Incretin Therapy in Diabetes.

The number of persons with diabetes is projected to grow from 463 million to 700 million worldwide between 2019 and 2045, with the greatest effect occurring in low- and middle-income countries.1 Gi...
Competitive Behavior-Based Price Discrimination for Software Upgrades

The introduction of product upgrades in a competitive environment is commonly observed in the software industry. When introducing a new product, a software vendor may employ behavior-based price discrimination (BBPD) by offering a discount over its market price to entice existing customers of the competitor. This type of pricing is referred to as competitive upgrade discount pricing and is possible because the vendor can use proof of purchase of a competitor’s product as credible evidence to offer the discount. At the same time, the competitor may offer a discount to its own previous customers in order to induce them to buy its upgrade. We formulate a game-theoretic model involving an incumbent and entrant where both firms can offer discounts to existing customers of the incumbent. Although several equilibrium possibilities exist, we establish that an equilibrium with competitive upgrade discount pricing is observed only for a unique market structure and a corresponding unique set of prices. In this equilibrium, instead of leveraging its first mover advantage, the incumbent cedes market share to the entrant. Furthermore, the profits of both the incumbent and the entrant reduce with switching costs. This implies that the use of BBPD has product design implications because firms may influence the switching costs between their products by making appropriate compatibility decisions. In addition, lower switching costs result in reduced consumer surplus. Hence, a social planner may want to increase switching costs. The resulting policy implications are different from those prevalent in other industries such as mobile telecommunications where the regulators reduced switching costs by enforcing number portability.
Support Matrix Regression for Learning Power Flow in Distribution Grid with Unobservability

Increasing renewable penetration in distribution grids calls for improved monitoring and control, where power flow (PF) model is the basis for many advanced functionalities. However, unobservability makes the traditional way infeasible to construct PF analysis via admittance matrix for many distribution grids. While data-driven approaches can approximate PF mapping, direct machine learning (ML) applications may suffer from several drawbacks. First, complex ML models like deep neural networks lack the degradability and explainability to the true system model, leading to overfitting. There are also asynchronization issues among different meters without GPS chips. Last but not least, bad data is quite common in the distribution grids. To resolve these problems all at once, we propose a variational support matrix regression (SMR). It provides structural learning to (1) embed kernels to regularize physical form in observable area while achieving good approximation at unobservable area, (2) integrate temporal information into matrix regression for asynchronized data imputation, and (3) define support matrix for margins to be robust against bad data. We test the performance for mapping rule learning via IEEE test systems and a utility distribution grid. Simulation results show high accuracy, degradability from data-driven model to physical model, and robustness to data quality issues.
c-Kit mediates cutaneous sensory axon innervation and multi-kinase inhibitor-induced neurotoxicity

Peripheral somatosensory neurons innervate the skin and sense the environment. Loss of skin innervation, often caused by the "dying back" of distal somatosensory axons, is a common side effect of drug-induced peripheral neuropathies (DIPNs) and results in pain and sensory dysfunction. Targeted cancer therapies frequently employ multi-kinase inhibitor (MKI) drugs that each block multiple receptor tyrosine kinases. Many MKIs produce DIPNs but the molecular targets and cellular mechanisms underlying these are unknown. We performed live-imaging of cutaneous somatosensory axons in larval zebrafish during treatment with several MKIs known to induce DIPNs, and observed axonal retraction consistent with a dying back pathology. These results were replicated in mouse somatosensory neurons. Genetic knockout of potential MKI targets identified c-Kit receptor as a regulator of sensory axon innervation and a major target of these MKIs mediating loss of axonal density. In both fish and mammals, Kit receptor is expressed in cutaneous somatosensory neurons and its ligand, Kitlg, is expressed in the skin. Mosaic misexpression of Kitlg in the skin induced dramatic increases in local sensory axon density, suggesting an important role for Kit signaling in cutaneous axon growth and maintenance. Immunostaining and structure-function analysis revealed Src, a downstream Kit target, mediates Kits role in cutaneous axon innervation and MKI neurotoxicity. Our data shows that the Kit-Src signaling pathway has a major role in cutaneous sensory axon innervation and is a potential therapeutic target to address DIPNs caused by MKIs and other compounds.
Fundamental Field Equations in a Temporally Dispersive Medium

In this chapter the fundamental medium and plane-wave propagation properties that are necessary for the general analysis of electromagnetic radiation and wave propagation in a homogeneous, isotropic, locally linear, temporally dispersive medium that occupies all space is presented. The general frequency dependence of both the dielectric permittivity and the electric conductivity is included in the analysis so that the resultant field equations apply to both perfect and imperfect dielectrics, conductors and semiconductors over the entire frequency domain. The analysis here focuses on the source-free field euatios and plane-wave solutions in such simple, temporally dispersive media. Both Gaussian (cgs) and MKS units are employed throughout this book; this is accomplished through the use of a conversion factor that appears in double brackets 〚·〛 in each equation.
A Tale of Two Chromophores: Investigating Two Distinct Isoforms of Cysteine Dioxygenase

Cysteine dioxygenase (CDO) is a mononuclear iron-containing enzyme that converts L-cysteine to L-cysteine sulfinic acid. The active site iron of CDO is coordinated by 3-His residues, and within 3.3A of the iron center exists a unique thioether Cys-Tyr crosslink [1]. Wild-type CDO exists in a heterogeneous mixture of crosslinked and noncrosslinked species. Recent studies suggest the Cys-Tyr crosslink enhances catalytic activity, and plays a role in stabilizing the iron center through second-sphere interactions [2]. Two isoforms of CDO with distinct colors were identified in purifications of wild-type CDO. The appearance of the two CDO isoforms was observed in eluted fractions from an anion exchange column. Separate elution patterns for the two chromophoric isoforms suggest the species exist in different ionization states. The two isoforms had a similar amount of iron bound, and there was no significant difference in the steady-state kinetic parameters between the isoforms when monitoring oxygen consumption...
The Economics of Mutual Funds

This review surveys the literature on the economics of mutual funds in general, and open-end mutual funds in particular. This mutual fund design has been very successful, though it carries risks that have recently been realized at large scales. It also frustrates the analysis of performance in ways only recently appreciated. Among the topics reviewed are tax efficiency, transactions costs, risk shifting, window dressing, governance, marketing, price setting, and concerns that arise at the family level.
Sources, Nature and Levels of Air Pollutants

A broad spectrum of potentially toxic chemicals spanning many inorganic and organic structural categories, is released into local, regional and global atmospheres from both natural as well as anthropogenic sources and from both industrialised and developing countries [1–9]. In one data base compilation, more than 2,800 atmospheric compounds were identified of which slightly more than 300 (about 11%) have been bioassayed [1]. The introduction of toxicants into the atmosphere may be direct via the inadvertent or deliberate release from a particular mobile or stationary source, or indirectly as a consequence of initial discharge or disposal of chemicals to other environmental media, such as water or soil. Hazardous pollutants may be accidentally released into ambient air or via escape of raw materials or finished products at their manufacturing site (e.g., release of methyl isocyanate in Bohpal, India), or by a chemical spill resulting from a transportation mishap such as a truck, cargo train derailment and/or barge spillage or collision.
Fusion bonding: hetero-interfacial materials analysis and device application

A large number of novel devices have been recently demonstrated using wafer fusion to integrate materials with different lattice constants. In many cases, devices created using this technique have shown dramatic improvements over those which maintain a single lattice constant. We present device results and characterizations of the fused interface between several groups of materials.
An Electron Microscopic Study of Human γG1 Immunoglobulin Crystals: PRELIMINARY RESULTS

Abstract Crystals of a human γG1 immunoglobulin molecule have been examined in the electron microscope. The molecule appears in projection to have a shape varying between a Y and a T, in agreement with previous electron microscope studies and with the accompanying x-ray diffraction investigation.
A Newsvendor with Priority Classes and Shortage Cost

We consider an extension of the standard newsvendor problem by allowing for multiple classes of customers. The product is first sold to customers with the highest priority, and the remaining units (if any) are sold at a discounted price to customers in decreasing order of priority until all classes of customers have been served, limited only by the available stock. Unsold items, if any, have a salvage value. The demands of different priority customers are independent random variables with known probability distributions. The problem is to find the purchase quantity that maximizes the expected profit. We show that this problem actually reduces to the standard newsvendor problem with the demand distribution being a mixture of the input demand distributions. Since this mixture of distributions is typically hard to handle analytically, we propose a simple general heuristic which can be implemented using different types of distributions. Some of these implementations produce near optimal solutions. We tested these implementations for the case of two demand classes of customers and found that they outperform previously published heuristics in almost all instances. We suggest applications for this model in the Chinese pharmaceutical industry, apparel industry, and perishable goods among others. We also propose an extension involving shortage cost.
Understanding Transitions to Promote Student Success: A Concept Analysis.

HartSwentyAim The purpose of this analysis is to provide an extensive exploration of the concept of transitions, specifically within the context of nursing students. Background Transitions are a universal part of life. The concept of transitions is rooted in disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, psychology, and business. Transitions are also a central theme in nursing. While various definitions of the concept exist, most agree that transitions involve a process, which over time results in transformation of self. Design Walker and Avant's eight-step method of concept analysis served as the framework for exploration of the concept. Review Methods The databases Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, MEDLINE, Education Resources Information Center, ProQuest, and Academic Search Premiere were searched using the search terms transition, transitions, transformation, nursing students, anxiety, and clinical education. Quantitative and qualitative studies, published concept analysis, and transition theory articles were included. Conclusions During a transition, people experience stress and anxiety. This applies to nursing students as well, who often report much stress and anxiety upon entering the initial clinical experience. However, consequences of a successful transition include increased knowledge, attainment of new skills, and identify reformation. By understanding the concept, nurse educators can develop effective teaching strategies to facilitate successful transitions, which will improve the educational experience, support student retention, and promote graduation of competent practitioners. HartSwenty
Quasi-optical frequency conversion arrays

A preliminary investigation of quasi-optical frequency conversion arrays is described. Using a diode loaded dipole placed between two parallel conducting plates to simulate an array, we were able to demonstrate enhanced conversion efficiency into the second harmonic and obtain spontaneous parametric oscillation for certain array geometries. Sub-harmonic parametric oscillation was achieved by strongly driving the nonlinear antenna at a single pump frequency while the cavity length was adjusted for resonance at a subharmonic, and a well-defined threshold for this parametric down-conversion was observed. >
“Diversifying” masculinity: super girls, happy boys, cross-dressers, and real men on Chinese media

This article examines a concrete issue and recent case in the Chinese media, mainly on Chinese TV: the diversity of masculinity. The article examines how the commercialization of media has created an opportunity to expose the marginalized gender images while conforming to the hegemony shaped by various authorities, particularly the needs of provincial satellite TV to compete with CCTV, and the conflict between commercialization and protecting conventional gender norms.
RNA metabolism in HeLa cells at reduced temperature. II. Steps in the processing of transfer RNA.

Incubation of HeLa cells at 24°C results in the modification of the processing of pre-tRNA to tRNA. Both methylation and size reduction were shown to take place in vitro when purified pre-tRNA was subjected to processing in a cytoplasmic extract of HeLa cells The migration of pre-tRNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm was not significantly altered at 24°C
Synthesis of Comb Tri‐ and Tetrablock Copolymers Catalyzed by the Grubbs First Generation Catalyst

High molecular weight tri- and tetrablock copolymers were synthesized from the commercially available Grubbs first generation catalyst for the first time. These polymers had degrees of polymerization from 430 to 1 100, molecular weights up to 419 000 g · mol(-1) , and narrow polydispersities. Oxanorbornene monomers were chosen due to their fast rates of polymerization and slow rates of cross metathesis. Polystyrene arms were grown from selected blocks by atom transfer radical polymerization to yield architecturally complex comb tri- and tetrablock copolymers. These polymers self-assembled in the solid state into ordered morphologies that were characterized by scanning electron microscopy.
Greedy solutions of selection and ordering problems

Abstract The greedy method is a well-known technique for approaching problems involving the selection and/or ordering of a set of elements from a given set so as to optimize a specific objective function. Theoretical frameworks dealing with the optimality of greedy methods, including greedoids and matroids, consider a greedy rule known as the best-in greedy algorithm. Considering selection and ordering problems, the primary goals of this study are: (1) To present a generalization of the best-in greedy algorithm. (2) To present a necessary and sufficient condition for the optimality of the generalized best-in greedy algorithm. (3) To investigate the potential of the theoretical results in the characterization of heuristic design for NP-hard problems. In this pursuit, we apply the two aforementioned methods to solve the single-machine scheduling problem with sequence dependent set-ups where the objective is to minimize the total tardiness. An in-depth computational study indicates that the generalized best-in greedy algorithm can significantly outperform the best-in algorithm. (4) In addition, we present an efficient dynamic programming approach for a special class of greedoid structures that, under a sufficient (and realistic) condition, yields optimal solutions.
Streptococcus pneumoniae isoprenoid biosynthesis is downregulated by diphosphomevalonate: an antimicrobial target.

The toll that Streptococcus pneumoniae exacts on the welfare of humanity is enormous. This organism claims the lives of ∼3700 people daily, the majority of whom are children below the age of 5, and...
Lack of anorexia following prolonged intragastric feeding in rats

Abstract Adult rats starved for 5 days ate less than normal when food was reintroduced, whereas rats fed a non-nutritive diet by gastric intubation for 6 days and rats fed a complete diet by gastric intubation for fourteen days showed no such anorexia. The lack of eating experience did not interfere with normal eating upon reintroduction of food, indicating that poststarvation anorexia may be a result of gastrointestinal changes caused by a lack of dietary bulk.
Improved Detection Limits using a Hand-held Optical Imager with Coregistration Capabilities

A hand-held optical imager has been developed with coregistration facilities. Summation of multiple scans (fluorescence intensity images) enabled deeper target detection under perfect and imperfect (100:1) uptake conditions in tissue phantoms and in vitro .
Stability of imperfect slender columns with non-linear connections

Abstract An analytical method that evaluates the stability and induced bending moments and second-order deflections in slender prismatic columns with initial geometric imperfections (i.e., initial curvature, out-of-plumb, and axial load eccentricities) and non-linear semirigid connections subjected to axial load at both ends and lateral load at the top end is presented. The proposed method is based on the classical Euler–Bernoulli theory for slender columns with sidesway uninhibited, partially inhibited, and totally inhibited. The effects of shear and axial deformations along the member are not included. The proposed model is limited to prismatic columns subjected to eccentric axial loads at both ends and a lateral load at the top end, causing bending about one of the principal axes with inelastic behavior taking place at the end rotational connections only. The three-parameter power model developed by Richard and Abbot is adopted to represent the non-linear moment-rotation behavior of the end connections. The effects of initial imperfections and non-linear semirigid connections are condensed into the proposed equations. These effects must be taken into account in the analysis and design of slender columns subjected to high axial loads, particularly when sidesway between their ends is uninhibited or partially inhibited because of possible excessive lateral sway and failure by lateral collapse. The proposed method can be used by researchers and structural engineers to investigate the effects of initial imperfections and non-linear semirigid connections on the inelastic stability and non-linear behavior of columns under heavy eccentric axial loads, including cases with relatively large lateral deflections. Five classical column cases and sensitivity studies are presented and discussed to show the effects of initial imperfections, lateral bracing and semirigid inelastic connections and the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed iterative method on the non-linear second-order behavior and inelastic stability of prismatic columns.
The Role of Slotting Fees and Introductory Allowances in Retail Buyers’ New-Product Acceptance Decisions

Although slotting fees and introductory allowances have become well established in the grocery and other industries, they remain a source of controversy among channel members. Retailers claim that these fees and allowances help mitigate the risks associated with new-product acceptance. Manufacturers counter that retailers are abusing slotting fees and allowances by using them as a source of profit. The authors investigate this controversy by empirically examining the role of slotting fees and allowances in the retail buyers’ product acceptance decision process. Results provide evidence to suggest that introductory allowances are indeed being used by retailers in the sample to offset perceived risks and costs of carrying new products. However, findings regarding slotting fees are much less supportive of retailers’ claims.
Outer membrane protein P6 of Haemophilus influenzae binds to its own gene

Summary Outer membrane protein P6 is an important antigen expressed on the surface of all strains of Haemophilus influenzae. The predicted amino acid sequence of P6 contains a region of alpha helices that shares sequence identity with a family of helix-turn-helix DNA-binding proteins. A search for sequence-specific binding sites that resemble an operator region within the gene revealed a sequence with striking homology to the consensus operator sequence for lambda Cro and repressor. To test the hypothesis that P6 binds its own gene, purified P6 on nitrocellulose was probed with plasmid DNA containing the P6 gene. P6 bound the P6 gene in this Southwestern blot assay. To further test the observation, gel shift analysis was performed. Gel shift assays using a P6-specific monoclonal antibody demonstrated that P6 in crude cell extracts binds to the region of the gene containing the putative binding site. Competition with a synthetic oligonucleo-tide corresponding to the putative binding site inhibited binding of P6 to the P6 gene on nitrocellulose and in the gel shift assay. In addition, this oligonucleotide bound directly to P6 on nitrocellulose. Finally, DNase footprinting confirmed that P6 bound specifically to the same region of the P6 gene. These results indicate that P6 binds to a sequence-specific site within its own gene, suggesting that P6 regulates its own expression. This represents the first example of a Gram-negative outer membrane protein binding to its own gene and has potentially important implications as a mechanism for regulation of expression of outer membrane antigens.
Unity-order index change in transparent conducting oxides at visible frequencies.

We report a method for obtaining unity-order refractive index changes in the accumulation layer of a metal-oxide-semiconductor heterostructure with conducting oxide as the active material. Under applied field, carrier concentrations at the dielectric/conducting oxide interface increase from 1 × 10^(21)/cm^3 to 2.8 × 10^(22)/cm^3, resulting in a local refractive index change of 1.39 at 800 nm. When this structure is modeled as a plasmonic waveguide, the change corresponds to a modal index change of 0.08 for the plasmonic mode.
COPII–Golgi protein interactions regulate COPII coat assembly and Golgi size

Under experimental conditions, the Golgi apparatus can undergo de novo biogenesis from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), involving a rapid phase of growth followed by a return to steady state, but the mechanisms that control growth are unknown. Quantification of coat protein complex (COP) II assembly revealed a dramatic up-regulation at exit sites driven by increased levels of Golgi proteins in the ER. Analysis in a permeabilized cell assay indicated that up-regulation of COPII assembly occurred in the absence GTP hydrolysis and any cytosolic factors other than the COPII prebudding complex Sar1p-Sec23p-Sec24p. Remarkably, acting via a direct interaction with Sar1p, increased expression of the Golgi enzyme N-acetylgalactosaminyl transferase-2 induced increased COPII assembly on the ER and an overall increase in the size of the Golgi apparatus. These results suggest that direct interactions between Golgi proteins exiting the ER and COPII components regulate ER exit, providing a variable exit rate mechanism that ensures homeostasis of the Golgi apparatus.
The healthy afterschool activity and nutrition documentation instrument.

Background Policies call on afterschool programs to improve the physical activity and nutrition habits of youth attending. No tool exists to assess the extent to which the afterschool program environment meets physical activity and nutrition policies. Purpose To describe the development of the Healthy Afterschool Activity and Nutrition Documentation (HAAND) instrument, which consists of two subscales: Healthy Afterschool Program Index for Physical Activity (HAPI-PA) and the HAPI-Nutrition (HAPI-N). Methods Thirty-nine afterschool programs took part in the HAAND evaluation during fall/spring 2010–2011. Inter-rater reliability data were collected at 20 afterschool programs during a single site visit via direct observation, personal interview, and written document review. Validity of the HAPI-PA was established by comparing HAPI-PA scores to pedometer steps collected in a subsample of 934 children attending 25 of the afterschool programs. Validity of the HAPI-N scores was compared against the mean number of times/week that fruits and vegetables (FV) and whole grains were served in the program. Results Data were analyzed in June/July 2011. Inter-rater percent agreement was 85%–100% across all items. Increased pedometer steps were associated with the presence of a written policy related to physical activity, amount/quality of staff training, use of a physical activity curriculum, and offering activities that appeal to both genders. Higher servings of FV and whole grains per week were associated with the presence of a written policy regarding the nutritional quality of snacks. Conclusions The HAAND instrument is a reliable and valid measurement tool that can be used to assess the physical activity and nutritional environment of afterschool programs.
H. influenzae pneumonia in infants and children

Five patients were seen in a 15 month period in whom H. influenzae pneumonia was diagnosed. A review of the clinical characteristics of H. influenzae pneumonia is presented. This diagnosis should be suspected in any patient, regardless of age, in whom the pneumonitis appears refractory to antibiotics. The etiologic diagnosis of H. influenzae pneumonia may be proved more frequently with intensive investigational diligence, including bronchoscopy.
Social support and perceived understanding in the brother relationship

Social support is an important factor in peoples' physical and psychological well‐being. Pierce, Sarason, & Sarason (1991) identified three social support styles: relationship support, relationship conflict, and interpersonal depth. This study was interested in the relationship between these three styles with perceived understanding in the brother‐brother relationship. Ninety‐six sets of brothers completed a questionnaire reporting on the styles they use with their brothers and their feelings of being understood. Results showed overall positive relationships between the styles of relationship support and interpersonal depth with perceived understanding. The style of relationship conflict was negatively related to perceived understanding. Additionally, brothers reported using similar support styles with one another.
Tumor-specific expression and alternative splicing of the COL6A3 gene in pancreatic cancer.

Background Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is a highly lethal disease; a prominent desmoplastic reaction is a defining characteristic. Fibrillar collagens, such as collagen I and to a lesser extent, collagens III and V, comprise the majority of this stromal fibrosis. Type VI collagen (COL6) forms a microfibrillar network associated with type I collagen fibrils. The expression of COL6 has been linked with inflammation and survival. Importantly, tumor-specific alternative splicing in COL6A3 has been identified in several cancers by genome exon arrays. We evaluated the expression and localization of COL6A3 in PDA and premalignant lesions and explored the presence of alternative splicing events. Methods We analyzed paired PDA–normal (n = 18), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN; n = 5), pancreatic cystadenoma (n = 5), and 8 PDA cell lines with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, using unique primers that identify total COL6A3 gene and alternative splicing sites in several of its exons. Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze the expression levels and localization of COL6A3 protein in the different lesions, and in 2 animal models of PDA. Results COL6A3 protein levels were significantly upregulated in 77% of the paired PDA-adjacent tissue examined. COL6A3 was mainly present in the desmoplastic stroma of PDA, with high deposition around the malignant ducts and in between the sites of stromal fatty infiltration. Analysis of the COL6A3 splice variants showed tumor-specific consistent inclusion of exons 3 and 6 in 17 of the 18 (94%) paired PDA–adjacent tissues. Inclusion of exon 4 was exclusively tumor specific, with barely detectable expression in the adjacent tissues. IPMN and pancreatic cystadenomas showed no expression of any of the examined exons. Total COL6A3 mRNA and exon 6 were identified in 6 PDA cell lines, but only 2 cell lines (MIA PACA-2 and ASPC-1) expressed exons 3 and 4. In both the xenograft and transgenic models of PDA, COL6A3 immunoreactivity was present in the stroma and some PDA cells. Conclusion We have described, for the first time, a dynamic process of tumor-specific alternative splicing in several exons of stromal COL6A3. Alternatively spliced proteins may contribute to the etiology or progression of cancer and may serve as markers for cancer diagnosis. Identification of COL6A3 isoforms as PDA-specific provides the basis for future studies to explore the oncogenic and diagnostic potential of these alternative splicing events.
On the correlation of natural convection heat transfer in divided enclosures

Revue de differentes correlations proposees pour le transfert de chaleur par convection naturelle par les ouvertures reliant les pieces dans des bâtiments
A randomized phase II study of two doses of vorinostat in combination with 5-FU/LV in patients with refractory colorectal cancer.

Background Vorinostat is synergistic with 5-FU in vitro and in vivo models. A combination of these two agents was associated with clinical activity in 5-FU refractory colorectal cancer patients in a phase I clinical trial, therefore warranting the conduct of this prospective phase II study.
On the mechanism of transfer of heavy metals across cell membranes

In rat jejunal mucosa cells, Cd bound to the outside of the brush border can be distinguished from internalized Cd by its reaction with extracellular chelators; internalized Cd is only released after destruction of the cell. Similar results have been obtained with rabbit erythrocytes and resealed ghost cells. A temperature-dependent process carries Cd from the EDTA-sensitive into the EDTA-insensitive compartment. In enteric cells, only 1/3 of the external binding sites permit subsequent internalization. EDTA does not remove Hg from cell ligands, but internalized Hg can be distinguished from externally bound Hg with the help of dimercaptopropanol; internalization of Hg bound to active membrane sites must be relatively rapid. Internalization of Cd and Hg by ghost cells and by isolated membrane vesicles, as described elsewhere, suggests that the process is independent of pinocytosis. The results therefore support a previously suggested model describing the movements of non-essential and poisonous metals across cell membranes in terms of a non-specific binding step, followed by what may represent the activity of mobile carriers.
Hydrophilic Aliphatic Polyesters: Design, Synthesis, and Ring-Opening Polymerization of Functional Cyclic Esters

The synthesis and homo- and copolymerization of new cyclic esters containing protected functional groups (hydroxyl, bishydroxyl, amino, and carboxyl) are described. Each of the e-caprolactone derivatives was generated by the Baeyer−Villiger oxidation of the corresponding cyclohexanone derivative. Monoprotection of 1,4-cyclohexanediol by benzylation or esterification was accomplished in moderate yields by reaction of benzyl bromide or 2,2‘-bis(phenyldioxymethyl)propionyl chloride. Each could be oxidized with pyridinium chlorochromate to yield the respective protected hydroxyl and bis(hydroxyl) functional cyclohexanones. The benzyl ether and benzyl ester protecting groups are readily removed by catalytic hydrogenolysis using Pd/C. Alternatively, ethyl-4-ketocyclohexylcarboxylate was hydrolyzed, and the free carboxylic acid was reesterified to the benzyl or tert-butyl 4-ketocyclohexylcarboxylate by esterification with either benzyl bromide or tert-butyl alcohol. These protecting groups were chosen because th...
Design of vacuum arc-based sources

Vacuum arc sources can produce copious quantities of ions which can be used to engineer surfaces for tribological applications. The energetic and ionic character of arc-produced coating species can lead to unusually hard, dense, slippery and/or adherent coatings which can be applied successfully to both flat surfaces and complex shapes. Arc coating technology can take many forms with each having their own advantages and limitations. The purpose of the current review is to give the reader an overview of the wide range of options which are possible with vacuum arc technology while providing specific detailed examples to show how several of these option sets translate into actual source designs. Emphasis is given to more recent findings.
Radiation therapy vault shielding calculational methods when IMRT and TBI procedures contribute.

The additional intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and total body irradiation (TBI) to conventional treatment clinical treatment procedures can significantly increase the contribution of accelerator head leakage radiation. Previously recommended procedures by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) for vault design, specifically calculations of primary and secondary barrier thicknesses, are not valid when leakage radiation significantly exceeds direct radiation. Use factor distributions are also influenced by IMRT and TBI procedures. Methods are proposed to extend the NCRP barrier design formulas to resolve these problems. The medical accelerator (weekly) workload is separately determined for the direct, leakage, and scatter radiation components. Applications of the formulas to the calculation of primary and secondary barriers are discussed. The addition of IMRT to the shielding design is explored as a function of the fraction patients receiving IMRT and the MU to dose ratio. Secondary barrier thicknesses could be increased by as much as 1 TVL. 2001 American College of Medical Physics.
Mask for Selecting Orders for Use with the Jarrell-Ash Order Sorter

An inherent disadvantage in working at relatively high grating angles in optical emission spectroscopy in order to obtain increased dispersion and higher line-to-background ratios is the presence of multiple orders. If a stigmatic spectrograph (e.g., Jarrell-Ash 3.4-m Ebert) is used, the various orders can be offset or “sorted” by a device such as the Jarrell-Ash “order sorter.”1 The “order sorter” is essentially a low-dispersion spectroscope which projects a vertical spectrum of the source on the slit of the spectrograph. Light of wavelength λ falls on a specific portion of the slit while light of another wavelength, for example 2λ, falls on a different portion. If the spectrograph is stigmatic, the two wavelengths produce images at different levels on the photographic plate corresponding to their different positions on the slit; the length of each image being determined by the width of the “order sorter” slit. In this manner, the spectrum is “sorted” and overlapping orders avoided. However, the multiple orders are still in the focal plane to be recorded by the detector.