cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhanced v-Src-induced oncogenic transformation in the absence of focal adhesion kinase is mediated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase

Abstract We showed previously [K. Moissoglu, I.H. Gelman, J. Biol. Chem. 278 (2003) 47946–47959] that oncogenic v-Src could induce 7- to 10-fold greater anchorage-independent growth (AIG) in FAK-null mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEF) compared to those expressing FAK. Here, we demonstrate that the enhanced AIG (eAIG) correlates with increased activation levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and not with changes in the protein levels of the p85 regulatory subunit of PI3K, PDK1 or PTEN- modulators, and/or mediators of PI3K activity. eAIG could be blunted selectively by treatment with the PI3K inhibitor, LY294002, or by overexpression of either the PI3K antagonist, PTEN, dominant-interfering alleles of PI3K or a downstream PI3K mediator, AKT, but not by the MEK inhibitor, PD98059, dominant-interfering alleles of MEK or the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3. In contrast, RNAi-mediated knockdown of FAK resulted in increased v-Src-induced AIG. Expression of a constitutively active PI3K allele was sufficient to induce higher levels of AIG, whereas overexpression of v-Src produced only larger-sized colonies in soft agar. Interestingly, FAK was required for full activation of PI3K by PDGF whereas the activation of PI3K by insulin was significantly increased in FAK−/− cells. Thus, although FAK is dispensable for v-Src-induced oncogenic transformation in vitro, it may exert either positive or negative effects on signaling or motility depending on which pathways are activated in cancer cells.
Antiproliferative actions of ovine uterine serpin.

PROBLEM: Ovine uterine serpin (OvUS) is a member of the serine proteinase inhibitor superfamily and is the major protein produced by luminal and glandular epithelium of the sheep endometrium during mid to late pregnancy. The protein does not have prototypical proteinase inhibitory activity but can inhibit a wide variety of lymphocyte functions such as mitogen-induced proliferation and natural killer cell cytotoxicity. METHOD OF STUDY: The antiproliferative actions of OvUS were studied. RESULTS: It was demonstrated that, in addition to inhibiting lymphocyte proliferation, OvUS inhibits growth of two tumor cell lines (D17 and PC-3). The protein also interrupts development of pre-implantation embryos. Inhibition of cell proliferation is not universal, however, as OvUS did not inhibit growth of two non-tumorigenic cell lines (MDBK and BEND). The mechanism of action of inhibitory effects of OvUS is not known although experiments with inhibitors of protein kinase A indicate that the protein does not inhibit lymphocyte proliferation through this pathway. Moreover, the protein does not induce apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: The finding that OvUS has antiproliferative activity is demonstrative of the wide range of functions exerted by members of the serpin superfamily. The antiproliferative property of OvUS may reflect the role of the protein during pregnancy and may be exploitable for design of new antiproliferative drugs.
Adaptation of aversive brain stimulation II. Effects of current level and pulse frequency

Behavioral adaptation to aversive stimulation applied through electrodes implanted in or near the midbrain medial lemniscus was studied in rats. Using operant behavior as the dependent variable, adaptation was found to be a direct function of input pulse frequency, but an inverse function of current level. The occurrence of adaptation renders the rat insensitive to transient increases in pulse frequency, although sensitivity to transient increases in current is maintained. The results suggest that there are at least two aversive axonal systems in the region, only one of which possesses the capability for mediating adaptation. Two simple neural mechanisms for the behavioral adaptation effect are presented.
Hiking Guides to the American Southwest and West Coast

In recent years, guides to hiking trails and wilderness areas have enjoyed an increase in popularity. Here, Douglas J. Ernest and Lewis B. Herman evaluate more than 100 such books.
Structure and function of T lymphocyte differentiation antigens

Abstract In addition to the T cell reception for antigen, T lymphocytes express a variety of additional T cell-specific surface molecules which are involved in recognition, activation and function. The structure, evolutionary relationship and functions of four of these T cell differentiation antigens are discussed.
Case report 654

A case of disseminated tuberculosis with a psoas abscess and associated destruction of bone in a 28-year-old man has been presented. Multiple skeletal lesions and hilar adenopathy were observed. The initial diagnosis from pathological specimens was equivocal, since acid-fast bacilli were not demonstrated. However, special stains of biopsy specimens subsequently confirmed the diagnosis. The initial radiographs suggested disseminated malignancy. Good therapeutic results were obtained, utilizing surgical and chemotherapeutic methods. This case demonstrates the ability of disseminated tuberculosis to mimic other disease processes and shows the difficulty that may exist in establishing a diagnosis of tuberculosis, even with biopsy specimens.
Mutations within a conserved protein kinase A recognition sequence confer temperature-sensitive and partially defective activities onto mouse c-Rel.

Abstract We have created two mutants of mouse transcription factor c-Rel (c-G29E and c-R266H) that are analogous to mutants previously shown to have temperature-sensitive (ts) functions for the homologous Drosophila protein Dorsal and the retroviral oncoprotein v-Rel. In vitro, c-R266H shows both a ts and a concentration-dependent ability to bind DNA, suggesting that the lesion affects the ability of c-Rel to form homodimers. In contrast, the ability of mouse c-G29E to bind DNA in vitro is not ts. c-Rel mutant c-R266H also shows a ts ability to activate transcription from a κB-site reporter plasmid, whereas c-G29E activates transcription well above control levels at both 33 and 39 °C. Insertion of two amino acids (Pro–Trp) between amino acids 266 and 267 in mouse c-Rel (mutant c-SPW) also creates a c-Rel protein with distinct properties: mutant c-SPW is partially defective in that it cannot form DNA-binding homodimers but can form DNA-binding heterodimers with p50. Interestingly, the mutations in c-Rel that affect homodimer formation (c-R266H and c-SPW) fall within a consensus protein kinase A recognition sequence but are not predicted to lie in the dimer interface. Conditional and partially defective mutants such as those described herein may be useful for identifying physiological responses and genes regulated by specific Rel/NF-κB family members.
Learning Bayesian Belief Networks with Neural Network Estimators

In this paper we propose a method for learning Bayesian belief networks from data. The method uses artificial neural networks as probability estimators, thus avoiding the need for making prior assumptions on the nature of the probability distributions governing the relationships among the participating variables. This new method has the potential for being applied to domains containing both discrete and continuous variables arbitrarily distributed. We compare the learning performance of this new method with the performance of the method proposed by Cooper and Herskovits in [7]. The experimental results show that, although the learning scheme based on the use of ANN estimators is slower, the learning accuracy of the two methods is comparable.
Heritable variation in learning performance affects foraging preferences in the honey bee ( Apis mellifera )

There has now been an abundance of research conducted to explore genetic bases that underlie learning performance in the honey bee (Apis mellifera). This work has progressed to the point where studies now seek to relate genetic traits that underlie learning ability to learning in field-based foraging problems faced by workers. Accordingly, the focus of our research is to explore the correlation between laboratory-based performance using an established learning paradigm and field-based foraging behavior. To evaluate learning ability, selected lines were established by evaluating queens and drones in a proboscis extension reflex (PER) conditioning procedure to measure learning in a laboratory paradigm—latent inhibition (LI). Hybrid queens were then produced from our lines selected for high and low levels of LI and inseminated with semen from many drones chosen at random. The genetically diverse worker progeny were then evaluated for expression of LI and for preference of pollen and/or nectar during foraging. Foragers from several different queens, and which had resulted from fertilization by any of several different drone fathers, were collected as they returned from foraging flights and analyzed for pollen and nectar contents. They were subsequently evaluated for expression of LI. Our research revealed that pollen foragers exhibited stronger learning, both in the presence (excitatory conditioning) and absence (LI) of reinforcement. The heightened overall learning ability demonstrated by pollen foragers suggests that pollen foragers are in general more sensitive to a large number of environmental stimuli. This mechanism could contribute toward explanations of colony-level regulation of foraging patterns among workers.
Profile in Action: Linking Admission and Retention

This chapter provides illustrations of a profile-oriented approach to retention through a discussion of test-optional policies and use of non-cognitive variables in the admission process.
The role of thrombospondin-1 in human disease1

Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is a large matricellular glycoprotein secreted by many cell types. It is a component of the extracellular matrix during active and subacute processes. Due to TSP-1's ability to interact with a variety of matrix proteins and cell-surface receptors, controversy exists about its conflicting functions. In this review, we will discuss the role of TSP-1 in human disease.
Performance of sandwich plates with truss cores

Abstract Sandwich plates with truss cores fashioned from straight struts have distinct advantages relative to other constructions, including those with honeycomb cores. In addition to opportunities afforded by their open architecture, the truss core sandwich plates meet or exceed the load carrying capacity of other competitive constructions. The weight of truss core sandwich plates subject to a crushing stress and arbitrary combinations of bending and transverse shear are optimized subject to buckling and plastic yielding constraints and then compared with the weight performance of other types of optimized plates. Several issues central to the optimization process are addressed by a fundamental model study. These include the relation of designs based on a pure moment loading to those based on combined moment and transverse shear and the accuracy needed to model the various modes of buckling that must be taken into account in the design process.
Exome analysis in clinical practice: expanding the phenotype of Bartsocas-Papas syndrome.

Exome analysis has had a dramatic impact on genetic research. We present the application of such newly generated information to patient care. The patient was a female, born with normal growth parameters to nonconsanguineous parents after an uneventful pregnancy. She had bilateral cleft lip/palate and ankyloblepharon. Sparse hair, dysplastic nails and hypohidrosis were subsequently noted. With exception of speech related issues, her development was normal. A clinical diagnosis of ankyloblepharon–ectodermal defects-cleft lip/palate or Hay–Wells syndrome resulted in TP63 sequence analysis. TP63 sequence and deletion/duplication analysis of all coding exons had a normal result, as did chromosome and SNP array analysis. Diagnostic exome analysis revealed a heterozygous nonsense mutation in KRT83 categorized as deleterious and associated with monilethrix. In addition, a homozygous missense variant of unknown clinical significance was reported in RIPK4. Using research based exome analysis, RIPK4 had just a few months prior been identified as pathogenic for Bartsocas–Papas syndrome. While the clinical diagnostic report implied the KRT83 mutation as a more likely cause for the patient's phenotype, clinical correlation, literature review and use of computerized mutation analysis programs allowed us to identify the homozygous RIPK4 (c.488G > A; p.Gly163Asp) mutation as the underlying pathogenic change. Consequently, we expand the phenotype of Bartsocas–Papas syndrome to an attenuated presentation resembling Hay–Wells syndrome, lacking lethality and pterygia. In contrast to the autosomal dominant Hay–Wells syndrome, Bartsocas–Papas syndrome is autosomal recessive, implying a 25% recurrence risk. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An extraoral parapharyngeal space approach via vertical ramus osteotomy.

Background: Numerous approaches to access the parapharyngeal space have been described, each with associated morbidities. Surgical technique: We describe the use of vertical ramus osteotomy to increase exposure of the parapharyngeal space. Results: We have been using this approach over the past 5 years and have found it to be the preferred approach to the parapharyngeal space. Conclusion: This approach provides excellent exposure with low risk to the facial nerve while allowing for adequate tumor resection. It also avoids facial scarring and oral contamination of the cervical wound.
Pragmatism as a Paradigm for Social Research

Although advocates of mixed-methods research have proposed pragmatism as a paradigm for social research, nearly all of that work has emphasized the practical rather than the philosophical aspects of pragmatism. This article addresses that gap by connecting John Dewey's work on experience and inquiry to current issues in the study of social research. In doing so, it also addresses the political concerns that link pragmatism and social justice. As a new paradigm, pragmatism disrupts the assumptions of older approaches based on the philosophy of knowledge, while providing promising new directions for understanding the nature of social research.
Group versus individual liability : long term evidence from Philippines microcredit lending groups

This brief summarizes the group versus individual liability: long term evidence from Philippines microcredit lending groups for the period 2004-2008. Group liability in microcredit purports to improve repayment rates through peer screening, monitoring, and enforcement. However, it may create excessive pressure, and discourage reliable clients from borrowing. Two randomized trials tested the overall effect, as well as specific mechanisms. The first removed group liability from pre-existing groups and the second randomly assigned villages to either group or individual liability loans. In both, groups still held weekly meetings. We find no increase in default and larger groups after three years in pre-existing areas, and no change in default but fewer groups created after two years in the expansion areas.
NADPH Oxidase in Vascular Injury A New Insight About Its Regulation and Role in T Cells

See related articles, pages 189–200, 219–227 Vascular proliferative disorders and their subsequent vascular stenosis resulting from neointimal formation and vascular remodeling have a very relevant clinical effect, especially following percutaneous coronary interventions. In this editorial, we would like to briefly summarize the regulatory mechanism of NADPH oxidase and its role in T cells during the process of neointimal formation. Many reports support the critical role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vascular injury. The signaling properties of ROS are largely attributable to the reversible oxidation of redox-sensitive target proteins, especially protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). The PTP activity is dependent on the reactive cysteine residues (Cys-SH) that are readily susceptible to oxidation.1 Oxidative inhibition of PTPs by molecules including PTP1B and SHP2 can increase phosphorylation and activation of many receptor tyrosine kinase.2 Therefore, ROS production can be a very important mediator of signal transduction, because activation of receptor tyrosine kinase can initiate many signal transduction pathways. The balance between oxidases and antioxidant enzymes regulates ROS production. One of the prominent sources of vascular reactive oxygen species is NADPH oxidase and its cell-specific expression and localization may have a critical role in regulation of specific and unique ROS-mediated signal transduction pathways by “compartmentalization” of ROS production.2 Therefore, the regulatory mechanism of NADPH oxidase “activation” is of great interest. NADPH oxidases consist of membrane-associated cytochrome b558 comprising of the catalytic gp91phox and regulatory p22phox subunits and cytosolic components including p47phox, p67phox, p40phox, and the small GTPase Rac in phagocytic cells. In nonphagocytic cells, several homologs of gp91phox(Nox2) including Nox1 and Nox3–5, as well as the Dual oxidase (Duox), have been identified.2,3 Two major mechanisms have been reported to regulate NADPH oxidase activity …
Facing the Plague: Economic and Political Inequality

Hopes for the future of democracy must now confront a basic power shift that has emerged since the early 1970s and is now reaching its advanced stages. This shift in control over key decisions and policies is clearly visible in my own country, the U.S.A., but is evident in many other nations as well. At stake is a seemingly ineluctable transfer of power from national governments to the transnational firms; from elected officials to directors of large banks, hedge funds, and global firms; from citizens to plutocrats; from democracy to corporatocracy.
Molecular analysis in glycogen storage disease 1 non-A: DHPLC detection of the highly prevalent exon 8 mutations of the G6PT1 gene in German patients.

We investigated the molecular basis of glycogen storage disease type 1 non-A (GSD1 non-A) in 21patients. In addition to 8 novel mutations within the G6PT1 gene (c.250T>A, c.580G>A, c.627C>T, c.653-4delAG, c. 844C>A, c.1071A>C, c.1268G>A, c.1348G>A), we found a remarkably high prevalence of exon 8 mutations in German patients. The c.1211-2delCT mutation and the c.1184G>T mutation accounted for 32% and 29% of mutant chromosomes, respectively, supporting the hypothesis of a Middle European origin of these two mutations. Together with less common mutations, 79% of German GSD1 non-A patients were either homozygous or heterozygous for an exon 8 mutation. In addition to direct sequencing, these exon8 mutations could be detected by mutation-specific methods such as the detection of heteroduplex formation on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis or by the amplification of DNA segments by allele-specific oligonucleotides. Furthermore, the use of denaturating high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) allowed a 100% detection and discrimination of all exon 8 mutations. In conclusion from these results, we recommend the use of either conventional or DHPLC screening as the initial non-invasive and efficient diagnostic procedure in patients with GSD1 non-A from populations with a similar distribution of mutations. Hum Mutat 16:177, 2000.
Maintenance, Housing Quality, and Vacancies under Imperfect Information

A model of a rental housing market is presented in which landlords economize on the maintenance of housing quality to profit from tenants imperfect information. In a partial equilibrium model that describes tenants by their distribution of minimum acceptable (reservation) quality for units priced at an identical rent, these profits induce entry of new units, resulting in rental vacancies. The equilibrium number of landlords and the market vacancy rate are derived in a free entry, imperfect information equilibrium in which the distribution of rental unit qualities range from the competitive quality to that which would be offered by a monopoly landlord.
Hepatotoxicity and pulmonary toxicity of pennyroyal oil and its constituent terpenes in the mouse.

Abstract Pennyroyal oil, an aromatic mint-like oil used as a flavoring and fragrance agent and as a herbal medicine, caused acute hepatic and lung damage at doses of 400 mg/kg, ip, and higher in male Swiss-Webster mice. Cellular necrosis was localized to the centrilobular regions of the liver and bronchiolar epithelial cells of the lung. Capillary gas chromatographic analysis of samples of pennyroyal oil that were obtained from health food stores showed the presence of several monoterpene constituents. R -(+)-Pulegone was the major terpene and constituted greater than 80% of the constituent terpenes in the oils that were examined. Pulegone and two other constituent terpenes, isopulegone and menthofuran, were found to be both hepatotoxic and lung toxic. Based on results of histologic scoring of necrosis, plasma GPT elevations, and hepatic glutathione depletion, R -(+)-pulegone is the terpene primarily responsible for the tissue necrosis. Furthermore, results of toxicity tests with several congeners of R -(+)-pulegone, including the enantiomeric S -(−)-pulegone, strongly implicated the α-isopropylidene ketone group as the structural unit required for eliciting hepatotoxicity, although the configurational orientation of the methyl group can modulate the hepatotoxic response.
Using a Clinical Practice Guideline to Measure Physician Practice: Translating a Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure

Background: Effective clinical practice guidelines should improve clinical outcomes, and measures of physician use of clinical practice guidelines should correlate with improved outcomes. This study translates a clinical practice guideline on heart failure into review criteria to measure physician performance and the effectiveness of the clinical practice guideline. Methods: A panel of 11 family physicians and 1 cardiologist systematically reviewed the clinical practice guideline for its clinical importance, educational relevance, and evaluative appropriateness. Then a subset of 4 family physicians rigorously applied each recommendation to established criteria for measurability and developed an evaluation tool useful in medical record review. Results: The heart failure clinical practice guideline was found to be an excellent educational tool. Using it to measure physician performance, however, was limited to diagnostic tests and drug prescribing. Of 45 recommendations, 5 fulfilled criteria for measurability; 1 recommendation had A-level evidence, whereas 2 recommendations had B-level and 2 had C-level evidence. Conclusion: This study illustrates the logistic issues and challenges in developing a measure of physician adherence to clinical practice guidelines. Medical record review is inadequate to measure many recommendations. Physician use of this clinical practice guideline must be evaluated as an intermediate step to measuring the effectiveness of clinical practice guidelines based on patient outcomes. (J Am Board Fam Pract 1997;10:206-12.) Left-ventricular systolic dysfunction, or conges­ tive heart failure (CHF), is a health problem that affects more than 2 million Americans at a cost of more than $10 billion annually. The 5-year mor­ tality rate is about 50 percent for the almost 400,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The mor­ tality rate for CHF patients on angiotensin-con­ verting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors! and for those with angina who undergo coronary artery bypass graft surgery2 has decreased considerably in the last 10 years. Family physicians care for a great percentage of CHF patients and are increasingly under scrutiny for the quality of care rendered to these patients. A survey of practice styles among family physi
An objective performance measure in multiresolution signal decomposition

Presents an analysis of band energies and evaluates the effects of aliasing in perfect reconstruction (PR) multirate systems. An objective performance measure called nonaliasing energy ratio (NER) is defined. The merit of the new measure is emphasized with performance comparisons of popular block transforms and 2-band PR-QMF based hierarchical filter banks. It is shown that the new measure complements the widely used energy compaction measure. >
The engineering of artificial cellular nanosystems using synthetic biology approaches.

Artificial cellular systems are minimal systems that mimic certain properties of natural cells, including signaling pathways, membranes, and metabolic pathways. These artificial cells (or protocells) can be constructed following a synthetic biology approach by assembling biomembranes, synthetic gene circuits, and cell-free expression systems. As artificial cells are built from bottom-up using minimal and a defined number of components, they are more amenable to predictive mathematical modeling and engineered controls when compared with natural cells. Indeed, artificial cells have been implemented as drug delivery machineries and in situ protein expression systems. Furthermore, artificial cells have been used as biomimetic systems to unveil new insights into functions of natural cells, which are otherwise difficult to investigate owing to their inherent complexity. It is our vision that the development of artificial cells would bring forth parallel advancements in synthetic biology, cell-free systems, and in vitro systems biology.
Systematic Reviewers in Clinical Neurology Do Not Routinely Search Clinical Trials Registries

We examined the use of clinical trials registries in published systematic reviews and meta-analyses from clinical neurology. A review of publications between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2014 from five neuroscience journals (Annals of Neurology, Brain, Lancet Neurology, Neurology, and The Neuroscientist) was performed to identify eligible systematic reviews. The systematic reviews comprising the final sample were independently appraised to determine if clinical trials registries had been included as part of the search process. Studies acknowledging the use of a trials registry were further examined to determine whether trial data had been incorporated into the analysis. The initial search yielded 194 studies, of which 78 systematic reviews met the selection criteria. Of those, five acknowledged the use of a specific clinical trials registry: four reviewed unpublished trial data and two incorporated unpublished trial data into their results. Based on our sample of systematic reviews, there was no increase in the use of trials registries in systematic review searches over time. Few systematic reviews published in clinical neurology journals included data from relevant clinical trials registries.
Marked for Marriage: 19th Century Gender-Based Political Transformations in the Eastern Upper Nile

For over a century various writers have described a dramatic 19th-century ‘Nuer conquest’ of territory occupied by Dinka and Anywaa-speaking groups in the eastern Upper Nile, but none of their interpretations adequately explain why initially tiny Nuer bands assimilated tens of thousands of Anywaa and Dinka-speakers. This paper utilizes new field research to argue that 19th- century Nuer communities imported an age-set system that equated manhood with scarification and barred unmarked males from marrying their daughters. As a result, many Dinka and Anywaa males of relatively marginal standing in their own communities chose to undergo Nuer scarification to gain legal access to these daughters and to pool their resources with fellow age-mates rendering bride-wealth affordable. Dinka and Anywaa elders, who did not wish to see their communities disappear into Nuer initiation classes, reacted by inventing traditions which shaped the modern ethnic contrasts enshrined in the classic ethnographies of the eastern Upper Nile including creating their own scarification systems, developing ideologies of ethnic purity, and switching from exogamy to endogamy. Thus the major 19th-century political transformations were not inspired by military action nor environmentally predetermined but driven by parents and their daughters who created new standards for marking males as marriageable.
An Endangered Living System

The high flow rates of the connecting channel between Lake Huron and Lake Erie allow the channel to absorb massive quantities of chemicals and waste materials without an apparent immediate impact. A study carried out in the late 1980s by the USEPA/Environment Canada pointed to the potentially profound impacts on downstream living systems of continuing the uses that then prevailed. The paper reviews the major changes which have taken place since the earlier study was completed and outlines pieces of the scientific case to be made for needed changes in the ways in which the Great Lakes are being managed.
Binaries in early Chinese texts: locating entities on continuums

This article presents a new interpretation of the role of binary oppositions in sense perception in early Chinese texts. It proposes an explanation for the ubiquitous appearance of oppositions like short-long, light-heavy, and black-white in the way early Chinese texts describe the process of sensing entities. Rather than explaining these binaries as “segments” or “clusters” that the human sense faculties carve out of masses, I argue that these are polarities (not structural either/or options) that reflect aspects of a world of transforming entities existing at relative levels of condensation or containment. My claim is that visually discriminated shapes and patterns can be cut with precision, resulting in standard measurements. By contrast, sounds and smells locate things more vaguely in place on binary continuums. The contained-uncontained continuum of entities implied in this contrast of visible and audible is what accounts for the prevalence of sensory binaries. A break in a range constitutes the identity of the thing in question.
The Agronomic and Environmental of Biosolids-P (Phase II)

Concerns about water quality degradation resulting from land application of manures and biosolids have elicited a wide array of national and state regulations. The regulations focus on P as the limiting nutrient to eutrophication of most freshwater supplies and threaten to severely impact biosolids recycling. Critical data about biosolids-P phytoavailability and runoff potential, especially field data, needed to validate the regulations are scarce. The goal of this research was to supply such data. Conventionally treated biosolids exhibit both less agronomic and environmental P lability than manures and fertilizers. Biosolids processed for biological P removal (BPR), however, mimic fertilizer-P and require special management to reduce environmental impact, such as co-application with water treatment residuals (WTR). This title belongs to WERF Research Report Series ISBN: 9781843397823 (Print) ISBN: 9781780403908 (eBook)
Inhibition of human placental progesterone synthesis and aromatase activity by synthetic steroidogenic inhibitors in vitro.

The inhibitory effect in vitro of four synthetic steroids on enzyme systems of placental progesterone synthesis at term was analyzed. Cholesterol side chain cleavage enzyme (CSCC) was not influenced by azastene, trilostane, and WIN 32,729. A 50% inhibition of CSCC was found by 100 μ M cyanoketone. The 3 β -hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was dose-dependently inhibited by azastene (I 50 =1 μ M), trilostane (I 50 =4 nM), cyanoketone (I 50 =3 nM), and WIN 32,729 (I 50 =5 nM). A competitive inhibition of the 20 α -hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20 α -HSDH) by azastene (I 50 =0.6 μ M), trilostane (I 50 =4.1 μ M), cyanoketone (I 50 =0.6 μ M), and WIN 32,729 (I 50 =1.5 μ M) was observed. No difference in the effect of steroids on the 20 α -HSDH of early gestational and term placenta was found. The four steroidogenic inhibitors did not affect the activity of placental aromatase in vitro. Our results allow a comparison of inhibitory potencies of four steroidogenic inhibitors on different steroidogenic enzymes in vitro.
Prevalence of the vanishing testis in boys with a unilateral impalpable testis: is the side of presentation significant?

AbstractA total of 208 boys with a unilateral impalpable testis and a contralateral descended testis was studied to correlate the probability of finding blind-ending vas and vessels (vanishing testis) with the side of presentation of the impalpable testis. Of 142 boys with a left impalpable testis 93 (65%) had a vanishing testis and of 66 boys with a right impalpable testis 38 (58%) had a vanishing testis (p < 0.28). These data indicate that impalpable and vanishing testes are more likely to occur on the left side in boys with a unilateral impalpable testis but the likelihood of having a vanishing testis is similar regardless of the side of presentation.
Editorial: Infection and immunity research at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

This special issue of Pathogens and Disease focuses on the research in understanding, treating and preventing a variety of infectious diseases that is being conducted at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). This university features three internationally renowned research institutes founded by three of the most highly cited investigators in the area of microbiology and the immunology of infectious diseases: The Center for Vaccine Development (CVD) (Myron M. Levine, Founder), The Institute of Human Virology (Robert C. Gallo, Founder) and the Institute for Genome Sciences (Claire M. Fraser, Founder). Two academic departments (Microbiology and Immunology in the UM School of Medicine and Microbial Pathogenesis in the UM School of Dentistry) house additional researchers in this area. UMB is located in the Baltimore–Washington corridor, which is intellectually rich with numerous other institutions conducting infectious disease research including the National Institutes of Health, the Johns Hopkins University, Uniformed Services University, the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases and the … [↵][1]* Corresponding author: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore St. HSF I-Rm 380, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. Tel: +410-706-2344; Fax: +410-706-6970; E-mail: jkaper{at}medicine.umaryland.edu [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Differential games, continuous Lyapunov functions, and stabilisation of non-linear dynamical systems

In this study, the authors address the two-player zero-sum differential game problem for non-linear dynamical systems with non-linear-non-quadratic cost functions over the infinite time horizon. The pursuer's goal is to minimise the cost function and guarantee asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system, whereas the evader's goal is to maximise the cost function. Closed-loop asymptotic stability is certified by continuous Lyapunov functions that are viscosity solutions of the steady-state Hamilton-Jacobi-Isaacs equation for the controlled system. Since it is difficult to find viscosity solutions of partial differential equations for numerous problems of practical interest, they extend an inverse optimality framework to provide explicit closed-form solutions of differential game problems, which involve affine in the controls dynamical systems with quadratic cost functions and linear dynamical systems with Lagrangians in polynomial form. The authors' framework allows also to solve optimal robust control problems involving non-linear dynamical systems with non-linear-non-quadratic cost functionals and provides a generalisation of the mixed-norm ℋ 2 /ℋ ∞ optimal robust control framework. Two numerical examples illustrate the applicability of theoretical results provided.
Determination of the Maximum Acceptable Weights of Lifting and Lowering Using the Direct Estimation Method

The maximum acceptable weights of lifting and lowering were determined using the direct estimation method. Five task frequencies (1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 handlings per minute) were studied. Both lifting and lowering were fixed at knuckle-shoulder height. A base load for each individual subject was first established using the psychophysical approach. The direct estimation method was then applied. The results revealed that task frequency exerted a significant role in the variation of the data. The type of tasks (lifting and lowering) also significantly affected the maximum acceptable capacity performing the tasks. The study shows that the direct estimation method is a faster and feasible way to determine the maximum acceptable weight that an individual can handle.
New Method for Standard-Cell Routing Subject to Electrical Constraints

A method is proposed for standard-cell routing subject to electrical constraints. It enables one to perform wire planning and detailed routing simultaneously.
Model-Based Clustering of Time Series Based on State Space Generative Models

Recently refined Markov Chain Monte Carlo techniques for Bayesian inference are combined with the elegant and computationally advantageous specification of state space models to develop and evaluate an approach for the clustering of time series of fixed-income financial instruments. This approach is based upon the specification and estimation of a finite mixture model where each mixture component is represented by a time series generative model that is specified in linear state-space form.
Sequencing Research and the Industrial Scheduling Problem

Types of industrial scheduling problems were investigated by personal visits to plants and by questionnaires mailed to scheduling departments. Information on problem sizes, job flow, optimization criteria and job similarity was obtained. Results indicate that most of the present procedures in theoretical research cannot handle average industrial problems. Also most commonly used objective criteria differ from industrial goals. There is a definite need for better communication between sequencing researchers and scheduling practioners.
Interactions of Climate Change, Air Pollution, and Human Health

I review literature on the impacts of climate change on air quality and human health, with a focus on articles published from 2013 on ozone and airborne particles. Selected previous literature is discussed where relevant in tracing the origins of our current knowledge. Climate and weather have strong influences on the spatial and temporal distribution of air pollution concentrations. Emissions of ozone and PM2.5 precursors increase at higher ambient temperatures. The reactions that form ozone occur faster with greater sunlight and higher temperatures. Weather systems influence the movement and dispersion of air pollutants in the atmosphere through the action of winds, vertical mixing, and precipitation, all of which are likely to alter in a changing climate. Recent studies indicate that, holding anthropogenic air pollution emissions constant, ozone concentrations in populated regions will tend to increase in future climate scenarios. For the USA, the climate impact on ozone is most consistently seen in north-central and north-eastern states, with the potential for many thousands of additional ozone-related deaths. The sensitivity of anthropogenic PM2.5 to climate is more variable across studies and regions, owing to the varied nature of PM constituents, as well as to less complete characterization of PM reaction chemistry in available atmospheric models. However, PM emitted by wildland fires is likely to become an increasing health risk in many parts of the world as climate continues to change. The complex interactions between climate change and air quality imply that future policies to mitigate these twin challenges will benefit from greater coordination. Assessing the health implications of alternative policy approaches towards climate and pollution mitigation will be a critical area of future work.
Corrigendum to “Ample filters of invertible sheaves” [J. Algebra 259 (1) (2003) 243–283]

Abstract In this corrigendum, we correct the statement and proof of [6, Lemma 3.3] . We also verify the theorems reliant on the incorrect lemma.
Designing Blended Learning Environments

The term “blended learning” is being used with increased frequency in academic publications and conferences, as well as in industry trade magazines around the world. In 2003 the American Society for Training and Development identified blended learning as one of the top 10 emergent trends in the knowledge-delivery industry (Rooney, 2003). In higher education, some predict a dramatic increase in the number of hybrid (i.e., blended) courses will include as many as 80%90% of the range of higher-education courses (Young, 2002). Additionally, in a recent Chronicle of Higher Education article, the president of Pennsylvania State University, Graham Spanier, was quoted as saying that the convergence between online and residential instruction was “the single-greatest unrecognized trend in higher education today” (Young, 2002). This article provides an overview of blended learning environments (BLEs) with examples from both corporate training and higher-education contexts. It also identifies the most common benefits and challenges related to the use of blended learning environments from the research literature.
“Unleaded” Perovskites: Status Quo and Future Prospects of Tin-Based Perovskite Solar Cells

The tremendous interest focused on organic-inorganic halide perovskites since 2012 derives from their unique optical and electrical properties, which make them excellent photovoltaic materials. Pb-based halide perovskite solar cells, in particular, currently stand at a record efficiency of ≈23%, fulfilling their potential toward commercialization. However, because of the toxicity concerns of Pb-based perovskite solar cells, their market prospects are hindered. In principle, Pb can be replaced with other less-toxic, environmentally benign metals. Sn-based perovskites are thus the far most promising alternative due to their very similar and perhaps even superior semiconductor characteristics. After years of effort invested in Sn-based halide perovskites, sufficient breakthroughs have finally been achieved that make them the next runners up to the Pb halide perovskites. To help the reader better understand the nature of Sn-based halide perovskites, their optical and electrical properties are systematically discussed. Recent progress in Sn-based perovskite solar cells, focusing mainly on film fabrication methods and different device architectures, and highlighting roadblocks to progress and opportunities for future work are reviewed. Finally, a brief overview of mixed Sn/Pb-based systems with their anomalous yet beneficial optical trends are discussed. The current challenges and a future outlook for Sn-based perovskites are discussed.
Incidence patterns of neuroendocrine neoplasms in California.

242Background: Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a heterogeneous group of tumors that typically account for < 5% of tumors arising in any organ site. Both the low incidence and heterogeneity cont...
Fair imposition

We introduce a new notion, related to auctions and mechanism design, called fair imposition. In this setting a center wishes to fairly and efficiently allocate tasks among a set of agents, not knowing their cost structure. As in the study of auctions, the main abstacle to overcome is the self-interest of the agents, which will in general cause them to hide their true costs. Unlike the auction setting, however, here the center has the power to impose arbitrary behavior on the agents, and furthermore wishes to distribute the cost as fairly as possible among them. We define the problem precisely, present solution criteria for these problems (the central of which is called k-efficiency), and present both positive results (in the form of concrete protocols) and negative results (in the form of impossibility theorems) concerning these criteria.
Student Achievement Goals in the Signals and Systems Course

This Research-to-Practice Work-in-Progress paper focuses on exploring student achievement goals. Achievement goals play an important role in student learning, as they affect multiple learning outcomes, including achievement, effort, and persistence. These effects, however, tend to differ depending on how goals are conceptualized and in which context they are applied. In this study, we used a person-centered approach to analyze how students can be categorized in terms of their goals in the context of an Introduction to Signals and Systems course. To conceptualize student goals, we expanded existing frameworks to include approach/avoidance, mastery/performance, and task/self/other dimensions. Through cluster analysis, we identified two types of students: (1) students all of whose goals are strong and (2) students whose task- and self-related, but not other-related, goals are strong. Further, we conducted a follow-up analysis to examine potential differences between the two clusters in achievement, effort, and persistence. Results showed that students in Cluster 2 scored higher on some achievement measures than students in Cluster 1. However, no differences were found on other achievement measures, as well as in effort or persistence. Future research may consider exploring potential reasons for these results and replicating our study to confirm the cluster structure.
Involuntary patient length-of-stay at a suburban emergency department.

Abstract Background Patients who may be a danger to themselves or others often are placed on involuntary hold status in the Emergency Department (ED). Our primary objective was to determine if there are demographic and/or clinical variables of involuntary hold patients which were associated with an increased ED LOS. Methods Records of ED patients evaluated while on involuntary hold from January 1, 2014 through November 30, 2015 at a suburban acute-care hospital ED were reviewed. Data collected included demographics information, LOS, suicidal or homicidal ideation, suicide attempt, blood alcohol concentration (BAC), urine drug test (UDT), psychiatric disorder, substance use, medical illness, violence in the ED, and hospital admission. Linear regression based on the log of LOS was used to identify factors associated with increased LOS. Results Two-hundred and fifty-one patients were included in the study. ED LOS (median) was 6 h (1, 49). Linear regression analysis showed increased LOS was associated with BAC (p = 0.05), urine drug test (UDT) (p = 0.05) and UDT positive for barbiturates (p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in ED LOS with respect to age, gender, housing, psychiatric diagnosis, suicidal or homicidal ideation, suicide attempt, violence, medical diagnosis, or admission status. Conclusions Involuntary hold patients had an increased ED LOS associated with alcohol use, urine drug test screening, and barbiturate use. Protocol development to help stream-line ED evaluation of alcohol and drug use may improve ED LOS in this patient population.